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Graded stakes over the Keeneland lawn lead a quieter weekend of racing, now that the major prep races for the Breeders’ Cup are in the books. The sole Grade 1 this weekend is Saturday’s Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup over 1 ⅛ miles on grass for sophomore fillies at Keeneland.
On Friday in Lexington, turf marathoners go 12 panels in the G2 Sycamore. The graded stakes conclude on Sunday in the G3 Franklin for female turf sprinters going 5 ½ furlongs at Keeneland.
The states of Maryland and West Virginia highlight the best of their state breeding programs on Saturday. The Jim McKay Maryland Million at Laurel Park, the first of its kind program inaugurated by the legendary sportscaster in 1986, offers eight stakes worth $1 million for progeny of Maryland stallions. At Charles Town, their 10-race card consists only of West Virginia-bred stakes, led by the $300,000 Sam Huff West Virginia Breeders’ Classic.
The statebred action continues on the West Coast, with the California Flag Handicap going 6 ½ furlongs on Santa Anita’s hillside turf course. The field includes last out G1 Bing Crosby winner Lovesick Blues, who is making his final start before the Breeders’ Cup Sprint.
Friday
5:16 pm – G2 Sycamore at Keeneland
The 11-horse Sycamore features a competitive group of veteran turf marathoners. The field lacks a standout, although Grand Sonata has been unlucky in his last few runs.
William Cowan-trained Safe Trip Home makes his graded stakes debut off two victories, including the Colonial Cup Stakes last out at this distance.
If Ohana Honor improves in his second start of the year, he could be dangerous. The Shug McGaughey trainee was second in the Tapit Stakes at Kentucky Downs last out.
Saturday
5:16 pm – G1 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup at Keeneland
Laurelin puts her undefeated record on the line in the G1 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup. The Irish-bred from the Graham Motion barn won the G2 Saratoga Oaks Invitational last out.
A notable absence from the Saratoga Oaks was Fionn. The winner of the G1 Belmont Oaks Invitational opted instead for the G3 Dueling Grounds Oaks at Kentucky Downs, which she won by a half length.
Britain’s 1000 Guineas third Simmering adds international flair to the field; however, she is winless this year.
Sunday
4:12 pm – G2 Franklin at Keeneland
Winstreaking Luna Louska makes her graded stakes debut in the Franklin. The Gustavo Delgado trainee has won back-to-back turf sprint stakes after breaking her maiden over the synthetic at Gulfstream in May.
Standing in the way is last year’s Franklin winner, Future is Now. A Maryland-bred from the Michael Trombetta barn, Future is Now is a half-length away from an undefeated season. She dominated the filly and mare turf sprint scene at Saratoga, capturing both the G3 Caress and Smart and Fancy Stakes.
This story was originally reported by Paulick Report on Oct 9, 2025, where it first appeared in the Features section. Add Paulick Report as a Preferred Source by clicking here.