Raven Run Headlines Keeneland Weekend
California import Mizdirection, a stakes winner last time and second in the San Clemente H. (G2) two back, could go off favored in the Saturday feature at Keeneland, the $250,000 Raven Run S. (G2). Trained by Mike Puype, the talented daughter of Mizzen Mast has been first or second in every lifetime try, and figures to be able to handle this surface after showing class on dirt and turf. Garrett Gomez will come along to ride the sophomore.
Grade 2-placed Strike the Moon, heroine of the lucrative Charles Town Oaks last time, looms a big chance in this one for trainer Michael Trombetta. The bay daughter of Malibu Moon has trained on a synthetic oval in the past and presumably should be ok with this oval. Dual stakes vixen Roman Treasure, third in the Test S. (G1) three back, could ship in from New York for conditioner Michael Hushion. Victory Ride S. (G3) winner Hot Summer, Charles Town Oaks runner-up Groupie Doll, the ultra-talented Funny Sunny and Dogwood S. (G3) second Fantasy of Flight, add to the depth of this field.
The Friday feature at Keeneland is the $150,000 Valley View S. (G3), and this grass race for sophomore fillies looks like a nice betting opportunity. Regret S. (G3) vixen Bizzy Caroline, Fair Grounds Oaks (G2) star Daisy Devine, Diva Ash, who took the Edgewood S. on this course two back, Grade 3 queen Dynamic Holiday, recent stakes queen In Step, recent allowance third Niji’s Grand Girl, and the well-bred Smart Sting, winner of the Selene S. (Can-G3) in her latest showing, are among the top draws for this 1 1/16 miles affair.