Zulu expected in Blue Grass

Edited press release from Keeneland

The list of probable entrants into Saturday’s 92nd running of the $1 million Blue Grass (G1) rose to 13, according to Keeneland Racing Secretary Ben Huffman on Sunday morning.

New faces expected to pass the entry box Tuesday morning include Fountain of Youth (G2) runner-up Zulu. Trained by three-time Blue Grass winner Todd Pletcher, Zulu has won two of three starts and is owned by Michael Tabor, Mrs. John Magnier, Derrick Smith and Stonestreet Stables.

Lloyd Madison Farms IV LLC’s Zapperini, fifth in the Risen Star (G2) at Fair Grounds, is expected to join the field. Trained by Greg Foley, Zapperini has won one of three starts.

Paul Van Doren’s Crescent Drive, who did not draw in to the Spiral (G3) on Saturday from the also-eligible list, never has been out of the money in four career starts racing on grass and synthetic surfaces. Tom Amoss trains the Kentucky-bred son of Flower Alley.

Also expected to be entered are Sheep Pond Partners, Newport Stables and Jay Bligh’s My Man Sam, a maiden winner in New York for trainer Chad Brown, and Calumet Farm’s Goats Town, a maiden trained by two-time Blue Grass winner D. Wayne Lukas.

Other runners expected to contest the Blue Grass, which carries 170 points on the Road to the Kentucky Derby with 100 going to the winner, are American Dubai, Brody’s Cause, Donegal Moon, Hint of Roses, Laoban, Pinson, Star Hill and Twizz.

Here is the list of probable entrants for other opening weekend stakes:

$100,000 Transylvania (G3) (entries taken Monday, race Friday) – Camelot Kitten, Catapult, Converge, Inspector Lynley, J R’s Holiday, Shakhimat, Sorryaboutnothing, Urban Bourbon.

$500,000 Ashland (G1) (entries taken Tuesday, race Saturday) – Carina Mia, Cathryn Sophia, Rachel’s Valentina, Weep No More.

$300,000 Madison (G1) (entries taken Tuesday, race Saturday) – Birdatthewire, Enchanting Lady, Fioretti, Sarah Sis, Spelling Again, Sunday Rules, Super Majesty, Thirteen Arrows, Wavell Avenue.

$200,000 Shakertown (G2) (entries taken Tuesday, race Saturday) – American Sailor, Bye Bernie, Power Alert, Something Extra, Summation Time.

$250,000 Commonwealth (G3) (entries taken Tuesday, race Saturday) – Ami’s Flatter, Barbados, Departing, Holy Boss, Limousine Liberal, Ready for Rye, Viva Majorca.

Zulu photo courtesy Coglianese Photography.