Race Preview: Doubledogdare Stakes - Keeneland, April 19, 2013
Mystical Star is making her fourth start over the polytrack surface at Keeneland and she has had some success over the track. She won back-to-back allowance races over two separate meets then was second in the Grade 1 Spinster last October during the Fall Stars meet. She is the class of the field, but is winless in her last four starts.
Looking to upset the favorite are a pair of 3-1 shots and a long shot looking to steal it on the front end.
Artemus Kitten and Inglorious are a pair of high class mares with races on their resume that would be good enough to win this race. Artemus Kitten has not done as well over the Keeneland polytrack and is winless in three starts over synthetic surfaces. Gary Stevens is aboard the daughter of Kitten's Joy for the first time and will break from the rail. Inglorious has not won since June 2011, a streak that has now reached seven races. It's likely the five-year-old mare just enjoys going through the motions as she is always right there, but doesn't get the job done.
Looking at the pace of the race a handicapper can conclude that there is not much of it. Lotta Lovin may be the lone speed and has six wins in 13 starts over synthetics. The best win of her career has been in $50,000 stake races, but was bet well in the Grade 1 Ashland at Keeneland in April 2012. Win or lose, Lotta Lovin should be in front when they cross the wire for the first time.
Whether or not she's there at the end is a whole other question.
First post on Friday at Keeneland is 1:05 ET with the Doubledogdare scheduled to break from the gate at 5:13.