Keeneland Barn Notes: Gin Gin Works for Breeders’ Cup

(Gin Gin / Photos by Coady Media)

From the Keeneland Media Team / Amy Owens:

• JUDDMONTE SPINSTER WINNER GIN GIN WORKS FOR BREEDERS’ CUP DISTAFF
• SHISOSPICY CONTINUES PREPARATIONS FOR PREVAGEN BREEDERS’ CUP TURF SPRINT
• CLOSING-WEEK SPECIAL EVENTS
• FALL MEET LEADERS

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JUDDMONTE SPINSTER WINNER GIN GIN WORKS
FOR BREEDERS’ CUP DISTAFF

In her first work since taking the Oct. 5 Juddmonte Spinster (G1) at Keeneland, Calumet Farm homebred Gin Gin and jockey Luis Saez breezed a half-mile in :49.40 over a fast track here Thursday morning. The 4-year-old daughter of Hightail is scheduled to make her next start in the Nov. 1, $2 million Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1) at Del Mar.

Click here for a video of the work.

“That was good,” trainer Brendan Walsh said about the move. “We just wanted her to go a nice easy half with a nice gallop out and she did it. Nothing fancy.”

This year, Gin Gin has won two races from five starts with both victories coming at Keeneland at long odds. During the Spring Meet, she won the Baird Doubledogdare (G3) at 38-1. She captured the Juddmonte Spinster at odds of 18-1.

Horses pre-entered in the Distaff include two runners Gin Gin defeated in the Juddmonte Spinster: runner-up Nitrogen and third-place finisher Scylla.

On Monday, Gin Gin will fly to California on a direct flight from Cincinnati.

SHISOSPICY CONTINUES PREPARATIONS
FOR PREVAGEN BREEDERS’ CUP TURF SPRINT

On Thursday morning, Morplay Racing and Qatar Racing’s $1.5 million earner Shisospicy turned in her third work at Keeneland in October when she breezed 3 furlongs in :37 with Irad Ortiz Jr. aboard over a fast track. The 3-year-old filly by Mitole is to race in the $1 million Prevagen Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (G1) Nov. 1 at Del Mar.

Click here for a video of the work.

“Excellent,” trainer Jose D’Angelo said about the work. “That is what we were looking for. Three furlongs with a gallop out. Easy, very good. We are happy.”

Shisospicy, who won the Sept. 6 AGS Music City (G2) at Kentucky Downs in her most recent start, on Monday will fly to California on a direct flight from Cincinnati.

CLOSING-WEEK SPECIAL EVENTS

Throughout the Fall Meet, special events and activities will continue Keeneland’s historic mission to support the Central Kentucky community and the Thoroughbred industry. They include:

Year-round

Official Keeneland Tours: Click here for description, availability and to purchase tickets.

Friday and Saturday (weather permitting)

The Hill. No ticket or reservation is required for tailgating on The Hill, located adjacent to the Keene Barn & Entertainment Center and accessible via Gate 1 (at Man o’ War Blvd.) or Gate 4 (off Van Meter Road on the east side of Keeneland). Fans can watch the racing action via a jumbo TV and place their bets in a wagering tent while they enjoy live music presented by The Burl, food trucks and handicapping assistance from BETologists. Complimentary shuttles to the track are offered for people with admission tickets.

The Hill is open from 8 a.m. to 60 minutes after the final race. Amenities are available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For fans who want to elevate their experience, Keeneland again is partnering with RevelXP to tailgate packages for groups of any size. RevelXP will organize tailgates by furnishing a designated tent, catering, amenities and more. Click here for more details.

Saturday

Halloween Edition of Sunrise Trackside. No ticket is required to attend this free morning program from 8-10 a.m., which is geared toward families and offers a unique view of Thoroughbreds during training hours. Fans can enjoy a light breakfast for purchase at the Starting Gate concession stand while watching racehorses train. Children’s activities on the first floor Grandstand will include a visit with Keeneland mascot Buckles, face painting and games. Mini tours will be available at the Tours podium near the Saddling Paddock. From 8:30 to 9 a.m., fans can pet a horse in the Stakes Winner’s Circle (formerly the Walking Ring), and the John Deere Tractor Break will take place during the renovation period on the main track with a drawing for prizes from John Deere/Meade Tractor.

The Halloween edition of Sunrise Trackside will include an appearance by the Headless Horseman at 8:30 a.m. in the Saddling Paddock and on the main track after the horses in Race 4 have left the track (post time for Race 4 is 2:36 p.m.).

Teacher Appreciation Day. Teachers, educators and staff along with one guest each will receive free general admission and access to reserved Grandstand seating. Upon having their tickets scanned, this group will be automatically entered to win a giveaway to be drawn at 4 p.m. Through a partnership with Coca-Cola and UPS, educators are invited to visit a tent near the Paddock to sign up for giveaways and receive a complimentary voucher for a Coca-Cola beverage. The Keeneland Shop will offer a 15% discount to any active educator with a valid ID. Click here for more

FALL MEET LEADERS

Through Oct. 22 (14 days of 17-day season)