Wednesday’s Trackside Report from Keeneland

Despite another wet and windy morning, fans packed the house at Keeneland–umbrellas in hand–to get a glimpse of the Breeders’ Cup horses in action.

Even with the disappointing news breaking around 9 a.m. that Triple Crown hero American Pharoah (Pioneerof the Nile) would only be walking the shedrow, there was still plenty to take in.

Trainer Jerry Hollendorfer watched from the stands as the rain continued to come down while temperatures reached the high 50s. The Hall of Famer will be well-represented on Saturday’s program with the unbeaten Songbird (Medaglia d’Oro) (Juvenile Fillies), the promising sophomore Super Majesty (Super Saver) (F/M Sprint) and the hard-knocking Wild Dude (Wildcat Heir) (Sprint).

The handsome chestnut Lea (First Samurai) seemed to be enjoying himself while galloping in the slop in preparation of the Dirt Mile. Keeneland’s trackside commentators Tom Leach and Ellis Starr kept the mood light while attempting to pronounce Sprint longshot Ivan Fallunovalot (Valid Expectation)’s name as that one was out for some easy light exercise.

Frosted (Tapit) took in his surroundings on the backstretch for a bit before turning in an easy gallop. The gray faces older horses for the first time in the Classic after posting a smart decision in the GII Pennsylvania Derby.

California invader Big Macher (Beau Genius), sporting a red shadow roll, displayed good energy during his trip to the track. The 20-1 morning-line quote in the Sprint seems awfully generous off his visually impressive win in Del Mar’s Pirate’s Bounty S.

Red Vine (Candy Ride {Arg}), a smart second in a sloppy renewal of the GII Kelso H. at Belmont Park, left a lasting impression during his trackwork as he heads to the Dirt Mile for a showdown with the imposing Liam’s Map (Unbridled’s Song).

Trainer Wesley Ward made his rounds through the grandstand as his troops continue to gear up for the two-day Championships. Led by defending F/M Sprint champion Judy the Beauty (Ghostzapper), he will also saddle Green Mask (Mizzen Mast) (Turf Sprint), The Great War (War Front) (Turf Sprint), Undrafted (Purim) (Turf Sprint); Ruby Notion (Great Notion) (Juvenile Fillies Turf); and Sheikh of Sheikhs (Discreetly Mine) (Juvenile Turf AE).

With the action uninterrupted for the second straight morning due to the wet conditions, there were still plenty of big names out on the track as training hours began to wind down, including the wildly popular sprinter Runhappy (Super Saver), Classic contender Keen Ice (Curlin) and the long-striding 2-year-old Isotherm (Lonhro {Aus}). It was also business as usual for Chad Brown’s late set of Stephanie’s Kitten (Kitten’s Joy), Last Waltz (Ire) (Danehill Dancer {Ire}) and Watsdachances (Ire) (Diamond Green {Fr}), respectively.

With the rain finally starting to clear out by Wednesday afternoon, better weather may be arriving at exactly the perfect time.