Every racing fan should make a pilgrimage to Keeneland in Lexington, Kentucky. I can speak from experience when I say it is truly one of the most beautiful places in the United States. Whether it’s the gorgeous dogwood trees or the “up close and personal” paddock, Keeneland cannot be surpassed. The spring meet begins on April 2 and promises to bring plenty of excitement. Keeneland has been running since 1936 and has some of the best stakes action in the nation. Let’s take a look at the best stakes races for the Keeneland Spring Meet.

Bluegrass Stakes (Gr. I)- Historically speaking, this is one of the most important preps for the Kentucky Derby. The $750k purse guarantees the winner enough earnings to make an attempt at the Run for the Roses. Notable winners since 1970 include Dust Commander, Riva Ridge, Spectacular Bid, Alydar, Chief’s Crown, Holy Bull, Summer Squall, and Skip Away. The most recent horse to compete in the Bluegrass Stakes and then win the Kentucky Derby was Street Sense. He narrowly lost to Dominican in the Bluegrass Stakes.

Ashland Stakes (Gr. I)- There are many important races at Keeneland, but this one ranks near the top. It is a key prep for the Kentucky Oaks. It is raced at 8.5 furlongs on the Polytrack. The purse is quite hefty at $400k. Several highly successful fillies have won this race including Princess Rooney, Go For Wand, and Silverbulletday.

Madison Stakes (Gr. I)- This race has only been conducted since 2002, but has quickly become a Grade I event. It is for fillies and mares four-year-olds and up. The distance is seven furlongs on the Polytrack. The last two winners were Informed Decision and Ventura. Both mares later won the Breeders Cup Filly & Mare Sprint.

Mile Stakes (Gr. IT)- Sponsored by Maker’s Mark, this race takes place over one mile on the turf for four-year-olds and upwards. The race was first run in 1989. It has produced Breeders Cup Mile winners Opening Verse, Artie Schiller, Miesque’s Approval, and Kip Deville. Perfect Soul owns the speed record. He covered the mile distance in 1:33.54.

Lexington Stakes (Gr. II)- Contested at 8.5 furlongs on the Polytrack, this race takes place two weeks before the Kentucky Derby for which it is the final prep. Notable winners include Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner Charismatic, and Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes winner Risen Star. Many trainers use it as a last ditch effort to get the earnings needed to compete in the Kentucky Derby.

Commonwealth Stakes (Gr. II)- This race is contested at seven furlongs over the Polytrack for three-year-olds and upwards. Notable winners include Black Tie Affair, Distorted Humor, Richter Scale, Orientate, and Sun King.

Jenny Wiley Stakes (Gr. IIT)- The distance for this race is 8.5 furlongs over turf. It is for four-year-old fillies and upwards. The race has produced Breeders Cup Filly & Mare Turf winners Intercontinental and Forever Together.

Transylvania Stakes (Gr. IIIT)- This race is contested on opening day at 8.5 furlongs on the turf. It is for three-year-olds. It has been contested every year since 1989. The most notable winner was Izvestia who went on to sweep the Canadian Triple Crown.

Other notable stakes races include:

• Shakertown Stakes
• Beumont Stakes
• Appalachian
• Elkhorn
• Bewitch

The aforementioned stakes races are exciting to watch and highly consequential. The Lexington and Bluegrass Stakes send horses to the Kentucky Derby. The Ashland almost always produces at least one entry for the Kentucky Oaks. The Mile Stakes has produced several Breeders Cup Mile winners. Racing at Keeneland is always of the highest quality. Even the allowance races are top notch. Racing will begin on April 2 and run until April 23. We should relish and enjoy every race.