Bar of Gold can flatter Cavorting in Raven Run

After finishing a clear second to Cavorting in the Test (G1) and Prioress Stakes (G2) at Saratoga, Bar of Gold will not have to deal with her Breeders’ Cup-bound rival in Saturday’s $250,000 Raven Run (G2) at Keeneland. The John Kimmel-trained daughter of Medaglia d’Oro heads a field of 11 sophomore fillies in the 7-furlong test.

A winner of her first three starts versus New York-bred rivals, Bar of Gold checked in a troubled sixth when trying open company in the Acorn (G1). She followed with a fourth in the Delaware Oaks (G3) before cutting back to a more favorable one-turn distance in the aforementioned Test and Prioress.

Cavorting is one of the favorites for the Filly & Mare Sprint (G1) and Bar of Gold figures to appreciate Saturday’s class relief. Lose Lezcano retains the mount.

Miss Ella captured the Beaumont (G2) during the spring and returns to Keeneland in good form for Graham Motion, capturing the off-the-turf Christiecat at Belmont Park last out. The Exchange Rate filly ranks first in BRIS Prime Power (137.9) and adds the services of Trevor McCarthy.

Third when making her stakes bow in the Black-Eyed Susan (G2) last May, Ahh Chocolate also finished fourth in the Indiana Oaks (G2) before dropping to allowance company for a confidence-booster on September 19, rolling to a four-length decision at Churchill Downs. The Neil Howard trainee could continue to show more here with Brian Hernandez Jr.

Multiple Grade 3 winners Irish Jasper and Sarah Sis can’t be dismissed as win candidates, and Chide brings a strong late kick to the festivities, rallying boldly past eight rivals to finish second behind Filly & Mare Sprint contender Super Majesty in the Dogwood (G3) effort last time.

Forever Unbridled, third to Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1) contender I’m a Chatterbox in the Fair Grounds Oaks (G2) and Rachel Alexandra (G3) earlier this season, will return off the shelf for Dallas Stewart, making her first start since an unplaced showing in the Kentucky Oaks (G1).

Rounding out the field are Prioress fourth-placer Paid Up Subscriber; Grade 3-placed I’m a Looker and Kathballu; and multiple Louisiana-bred stakes winner Wind Chill Factor.

Photo of Miss Ella winning the Beaumont courtesy of Keeneland/Coady Photography