Keeneland Race 9 - Ben Ali S. Stakes
BATTEN DOWN (6) was a dominant winner last time over 2414m in Listed grade at Oaklawn Park (Dirt), getting home by 8 lengths. Should be poised just off the lead. Among the leading chances. BRITISH ISLES (4) went forward and proved too strong last time out, scoring by 4.5 lengths over 2012m in the G1 Santa Anita Handicap (Dirt). It doesn't get any easier but on his best form he is capable of testing his rivals. STARS AND STRIPES (1) was quickly into stride and went on to score by 0.8 lengths last time out over 1811m at Oaklawn Park (Dirt). Facing a tougher assignment but he is good enough to take this out. AWESOME AARON (2) was never really a threat when resuming last start over 1609m in the G3 Oaklawn Mile Stakes at Oaklawn Park (Dirt), finishing 8 lengths from the winner in seventh. Has good early toe so he should be handy in the run. Don't underestimate.

Jockey: Luis Saez
Weight: 53.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Third-up today and won third-up previously. Resumes off a 41 day letup. First-up 2nd in a small field at Gulfstream Park on January 16 over 1710m, 2.25 len behind Solo Venturi carrying 55kg at $2.80. Second run from a spell won by 0.8 len at Oaklawn Park March 8 over 1811m defeating Gun Runner Charlie carrying 53.5kg at $1.80. Should be right in the finish.
Last Starts 42 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/8 | 08/03/2026 | 51 | ALLOW OCLM 4U | $176,966.00 | Oaklawn Park | 1811m | Good | Luis Saez | 53.5kg | 1:49.36 | 1-1-1 | 8 |
| 0.8L | $1.80 |
| 2/5 | 16/01/2026 | 69 | ALLOW OCLM 4U | $124,108.00 | Gulfstream Park | 1710m | Fast | I Ortiz Jr | 55kg | 1:41.82 | 1-3-2 | 2 |
| 2.3L | $2.80 |
| 4/4 | 08/11/2025 | 114 | LR OPEN 3 | $305,344.00 | Belmont At The Big A | 1609m | Fast | Jose Lezcano | 53.5kg | 1:33.86 | 2-4-4 | 3 |
| 14.8L | $2.93 |
| 1/6 | 17/07/2025 | 32 | ALLOW 3U | $168,196.00 | Saratoga | 1811m | Fast | Jose Lezcano | 54.5kg | 1:51.22 | 5-1-1 | 3 |
| 7.3L | $1.95 |
| 1/5 | 15/06/2025 | 29 | MDN 3U | $132,193.00 | Belmont At The Big A | 1811m | SP | Jose Lezcano | 53.5kg | 1:49.19 | 2-1-1 | 5 |
| 10.5L | $1.85 |
| 3/8 | 17/05/2025 | - | MDN 3U | $132,812.00 | Belmont At The Big A | 1609m | Fast | Jose Lezcano | 53.5kg | 1:34.49 | 3-4-3 | 4 |
| 2.6L | $32.00 |

Jockey: Joel Rosario
Weight: 53.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Second run back. First-up after six months ran last of 7 at Oaklawn Park in the G3 Oaklawn Mile Stakes on March 28 over 1609m, 8 len behind Nu What's New with 53kg at $17.10. Previously second-up settled back and ran on when 7th of 9 at this track on April 18 2024 over 1308m, 16 len behind The Distractor carrying 53.5kg at $32.29. Should progress from that first-up run.
Last Starts 22 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7/7 | 28/03/2026 | 181 | G3 OPEN 4U | $702,247.00 | Oaklawn Park | 1609m | Fast | Ramon A Vazquez | 53kg | 1:37.34 | 3-5-7 | 7 |
| 8.5L | $17.10 |
| 2/5 | 28/09/2025 | 37 | LR OPEN 3U | $305,810.00 | Delaware Park | 1811m | M | Micah J Husbands | 56kg | 1:50.91 | 1-2-2 | 2 |
| 3.0L | $2.30 |
| 4/8 | 22/08/2025 | 49 | G2 OPEN 3U | $1,550,388.00 | Charles Town | 1811m | Fast | Javier Castellano | 55kg | 1:53.26 | 1-3-4 | 2 |
| 5.8L | $10.70 |
| 6/7 | 04/07/2025 | 49 | G2 OPEN 4U | $611,621.00 | Saratoga | 2012m | Fast | I Ortiz Jr | 56kg | 2:02.97 | 4-5-6 | 7 |
| 31.4L | $6.90 |
| 1/9 | 16/05/2025 | 34 | G3 OPEN 3U | $390,625.00 | Pimlico | 1911m | Fast | John R Velazquez | 55.5kg | 1:56.67 | 2-2-1 | 4 |
| 0.8L | $8.00 |
| 1/8 | 12/04/2025 | 27 | ALLOW OCLM 4U | $209,265.00 | Oaklawn Park | 1710m | Fast | Cristian Mauricio Torres | 53kg | 1:43.19 | 1-1-1 | 4 |
| 5.8L | $4.30 |

Jockey: Axel Concepcion
Weight: 53.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Second-up. Comes off a 48-day let-up. First-up after nine months 3rd of 8 at Gulfstream Park on March 1 over 1308m, 2.75 len behind Rookie Card carrying 56kg at $9. Previously second-up won by 5 len at Gulfstream Park March 14 2025 over 1609m defeating The Thor with 54.5kg at $8.20. Others offer greater appeal.
Last Starts 49 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/8 | 01/03/2026 | 274 | ALLOW OCLM 4U | $122,191.00 | Gulfstream Park | 1308m | Good | Luis Saez | 56kg | 1:16.76 | 5-4-3 | 4 |
| 2.8L | $9.00 |
| 6/7 | 31/05/2025 | 42 | G3 OPEN 4U | $429,688.00 | Churchill Downs | 1811m | Fast | Luis Saez | 54.5kg | 1:48.45 | 5-7-6 | 7 |
| 55.9L | $26.02 |
| 1/7 | 19/04/2025 | 36 | G3 OPEN 4U | $559,105.00 | Keeneland | 1911m | Fast | Jose Ortiz | 53.5kg | 1:59.00 | 4-2-1 | 3 |
| 1.5L | $4.87 |
| 1/7 | 14/03/2025 | 41 | ALLOW OCLM 4U | $154,093.00 | Gulfstream Park | 1609m | Fast | John R Velazquez | 54.5kg | 1:36.80 | 2-1-1 | 6 |
| 5.3L | $8.20 |
| 12/12 | 01/02/2025 | 79 | ALLOW OCLM 4U | $154,839.00 | Gulfstream Park | 2213m | FM | Luis Saez | 54.5kg | 2:13.89 | 3-4-12 | 5 |
| 9.9L | $13.10 |
| 1/6 | 14/11/2024 | 28 | MDN 3U | $182,648.00 | Churchill Downs | 1911m | SP | Luis Saez | 55kg | 1:58.57 | 2-1-1 | 5 |
| 4.3L | $1.38 |

Jockey: John R. Velazquez
Weight: 56kgs
Stats
Comments
Third-up today and won third-up previously. Resumes off a 42 day letup. Resuming 5th of 12 at Gulfstream Park in the G1 Pegasus World Cup on January 24 over 1811m, 9 len behind Skippylongstocking with 56kg at $84.80. Second run from a spell ran on from midfield and scored a big 4.5 len win at Santa Anita G1 Santa Anita Handicap March 7 over 2012m defeating Vodka Vodka with 54kg at $8.20. Well placed. Should prove hard to beat.
Last Starts 43 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/5 | 07/03/2026 | 42 | G1 OPEN 4U | $421,348.00 | Santa Anita Park | 2012m | Fast | Diego A Herrera | 54kg | 2:05.17 | 3-1-1 | 5 |
| 4.5L | $8.20 |
| 5/12 | 24/01/2026 | 63 | G1 OPEN 4U | $4,484,305.00 | Gulfstream Park | 1811m | Fast | Diego A Herrera | 56kg | 1:48.49 | 1-6-5 | 2 |
| 9.5L | $84.80 |
| 2/4 | 22/11/2025 | 42 | G3 OPEN 3U | $152,672.00 | Del Mar | 1811m | Fast | Diego A Herrera | 55kg | 1:48.35 | 1-1-2 | 4 |
| 0.5L | $17.50 |
| 1/10 | 11/10/2025 | 37 | ALLOW OCLM 3U | $95,890.00 | Santa Anita Park | 1811m | FM | Diego A Herrera | 56kg | 1:46.43 | 1-1-1 | 8 |
| 0.1L | $17.00 |
| 8/12 | 04/09/2025 | 33 | ALLOW OCLM 3U | $305,810.00 | Kentucky | 2414m | FM | Flavien Prat | 55.5kg | 2:26.63 | 8-7-8 | 10 |
| 7.4L | $4.70 |
| 2/8 | 02/08/2025 | 55 | ALLOW OCLM 3U | $127,132.00 | Del Mar | 2213m | FM | Drayden Van Dyke | 55kg | 2:17.70 | 2-1-2 | 6 |
| 0.3L | $11.60 |

Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione
Weight: 53.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Most recently 3rd of 7 at Oaklawn Park in the G3 Essex Handicap on March 21 over 1811m, 5.5 len behind Skippylongstocking carrying 53kg at $12.80. The race before that settled well back; won by a 0.3 len at Oaklawn Park February 7 over 1710m defeating Winnemac Avenue with 53kg at $8.70. Hard to have.
Last Starts 29 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/7 | 21/03/2026 | 42 | G3 OPEN 4U | $702,247.00 | Oaklawn Park | 1811m | Fast | Ramon A Vazquez | 53kg | 1:48.82 | 6-6-3 | 7 |
| 5.5L | $12.80 |
| 1/6 | 07/02/2026 | 49 | ALLOW OCLM 4U | $179,743.00 | Oaklawn Park | 1710m | Fast | Cristian Mauricio Torres | 53kg | 1:44.04 | 5-5-1 | 2 |
| 0.3L | $8.70 |
| 4/6 | 20/12/2025 | 71 | LR OPEN 3U | $153,139.00 | Fairgrounds | 1710m | Fast | Ben Curtis | 53.5kg | 1:42.69 | 6-6-4 | 4 |
| 4.9L | $10.00 |
| 8/10 | 10/10/2025 | 41 | G2 OPEN 3U | $608,828.00 | Keeneland | 2414m | Good | Lanfranco Dettori | 55.5kg | 2:29.16 | 8-8-8 | 7 |
| 9.8L | $29.12 |
| 5/6 | 30/08/2025 | 57 | LR OPEN 3U | $1,550,388.00 | Kentucky | 3319m | FM | Tyler Gaffalione | 54.5kg | 3:29.58 | 3-3-5 | 2 |
| 13.5L | $23.79 |
| 5/7 | 04/07/2025 | 49 | G2 OPEN 4U | $611,621.00 | Saratoga | 2012m | Fast | Luis Saez | 53.5kg | 2:02.97 | 6-6-5 | 2 |
| 25.6L | $50.75 |

Jockey: Flavien Prat
Weight: 53.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Third-up today and placed third-up previously. Resumes off a 48 day letup. First-up 3rd in a small field at Gulfstream Park on January 16 over 1710m, 5.5 len behind Solo Venturi carrying 56kg at $2.70. Second run from a spell scored a big 8 len win at Oaklawn Park LR March 1 over 2414m defeating Catching Freedom carrying 53kg at $2.40. Strong winning hope.
Last Starts 49 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/6 | 01/03/2026 | 44 | LR OPEN 4U | $189,607.00 | Oaklawn Park | 2414m | Fast | John R Velazquez | 53kg | 2:31.03 | 1-1-1 | 6 |
| 8.3L | $2.40 |
| 3/5 | 16/01/2026 | 286 | ALLOW OCLM 4U | $124,108.00 | Gulfstream Park | 1710m | Fast | Junior Alvarado | 56kg | 1:41.82 | 3-2-3 | 1 |
| 5.5L | $2.70 |
| 5/7 | 05/04/2025 | 49 | LR OPEN 4U | $239,617.00 | Belmont At The Big A | 2012m | Fast | Joel Rosario | 53.5kg | 2:01.69 | 3-4-5 | 2 |
| 13.3L | $3.55 |
| 4/8 | 15/02/2025 | 104 | G3 OPEN 4U | $402,576.00 | Fairgrounds | 1710m | Fast | Tyler Gaffalione | 55.5kg | 1:42.89 | 6-4-4 | 7 |
| 4.1L | $6.30 |
| 4/8 | 03/11/2024 | 43 | LR OPEN 3 | $228,311.00 | Belmont At The Big A | 1811m | Fast | Junior Alvarado | 56kg | 1:50.05 | 6-3-4 | 8 |
| 5.5L | $1.90 |
| 1/6 | 21/09/2024 | 28 | LR OPEN 3 | $441,176.00 | Churchill Downs | 1911m | Fast | Junior Alvarado | 54.5kg | 1:54.66 | 2-1-1 | 3 |
| 5.8L | $1.53 |

Jockey: Danny Sheehy
Weight: 53.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Second-up. First-up after a year 8th of 10 at Turfway Park on March 28 over 2414m, 8 len behind The Hidden Chamber with 56.5kg at $5.88. Previously second-up second last in a small field at Meydan Dirt on December 13 2024 over 1900m, 4.5 len behind Mendelssohn Bay with 57kg at $14. Fitter but must improve sharply.
Last Starts 22 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8/10 | 28/03/2026 | 350 | ALLOW OCLM 3U | $143,258.00 | Turfway Park | 2414m | Fast | Gerardo Corrales | 56.5kg | 2:31.32 | 6-8-8 | 2 |
| 8.8L | $5.88 |
| 6/14 | 12/04/2025 | 42 | LR OPEN 4U | $165,217.00 | Abu Dhabi | 2200m | Good | Sandro Paiva | 57kg | 2:14.27 | - | 1 |
| 10.4L | $10.00 |
| 9/15 | 01/03/2025 | 29 | G2 OPEN 4U | $742,358.00 | Meydan | 2000m | Fast | Richard Mullen | 57kg | 2:03.76 | - | 5 |
| 22.4L | $19.00 |
| 1/10 | 31/01/2025 | 21 | HCP 4U | $76,754.00 | Meydan | 2200m | Fast | Tadhg O'shea | 59.5kg | 2:17.11 | 1-1-1 | 4 |
| 10.4L | $2.50 |
| 4/8 | 10/01/2025 | 28 | HCP85-105 4U | $131,579.00 | Meydan | 2000m | Fast | Tadhg O'shea | 55kg | 2:04.84 | 2-6-4 | 4 |
| 3.5L | $7.00 |
| 3/4 | 13/12/2024 | 21 | COND 3 | $88,235.00 | Meydan | 1900m | Fast | Andrew Slattery | 57kg | 1:59.21 | 3-3-3 | 3 |
| 4.7L | $14.00 |

Jockey: Brian Joseph Hernandez, Jr.
Weight: 53.5kgs
Stats
Comments
Is first-up after a break of nine weeks and has been in the money when fresh before. Finished off last preparation ninth of 13 at Riyadh Dirt in the SAUG1 SAUG1 SAUDI CUP February 14 over 1800m, 13 len behind Forever Young with 57kg at $101. First up last campaign second last of 7 at Churchill Downs in the G2 Lukas Classic Stakes September 27 over 1811m, 11 len behind Mystik Dan with 56kg at $11.20. Has solid claims.
Last Starts 64 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9/13 | 14/02/2026 | 56 | SAUG1 CUP 4U | $7,490,637.00 | Riyadh Dirt | 1800m | Fast | Joel Rosario | 57kg | 1:51.03 | - | 11 |
| 13.8L | $101.00 |
| 1/5 | 20/12/2025 | 22 | LR OPEN 3U | $229,709.00 | Oaklawn Park | 1811m | Fast | Joel Rosario | 56.5kg | 1:49.76 | 5-2-1 | 5 |
| 2.0L | $1.70 |
| 5/8 | 28/11/2025 | 34 | G2 OPEN 3U | $916,031.00 | Churchill Downs | 1811m | Fast | Brian Joseph Hernandez Jr | 55kg | 1:48.69 | 8-6-5 | 6 |
| 5.4L | $8.34 |
| 2/11 | 25/10/2025 | 28 | G3 OPEN 3U | $532,725.00 | Keeneland | 1811m | Fast | Emmanuel Esquivel | 55.5kg | 1:50.39 | 11-5-2 | 6 |
| 1.0L | $14.30 |
| 6/7 | 27/09/2025 | 175 | G2 OPEN 3U | $764,526.00 | Churchill Downs | 1811m | Fast | J R Leparoux | 56kg | 1:49.25 | 7-7-6 | 3 |
| 11.8L | $11.20 |
| 8/11 | 05/04/2025 | 42 | G1 OPEN 4U | $5,217,391.00 | Meydan | 2000m | Fast | William Buick | 57kg | 2:03.50 | 9-11-8 | 2 |
| 8.1L | $26.00 |