Keeneland Race 9 - Queen Elizabeth Ii Challenge Cup S. Presented By Dixiana Stakes
LUSTER (2) is in sparkling form, scoring at her last three starts, the latest win coming over 2012m in stakes class at Woodbine All Weather. Comfortable winner last time and expected to be in the finish again. TAM TAM (3) has really found winning form, making it two in a row when scoring over 1811m in the G1 Del Mar Oaks at Del Mar Turf (Turf). Rates well on recent form and looks a leading player again. FAITHFUL DEPARTED (4) finished last campaign with a couple of minor placings, the latest over 1911m at Saratoga Turf nine weeks ago. Jose Ortiz who has scored on her two times retains the mount. Capable of running a bold race. STORM'S WAKE (7) did a good job to salute by a nose first-up in a weaker race last start over 1811m in Listed grade at Colonial Downs Turf (Turf). Open to plenty of improvement and is worth including.

Jockey: John R. Velazquez
Weight: 55kgs
Stats
Comments
On a three run winning streak. Comes off a 56 day let-up. Most recently scored a big 7 len win in stakes class at Woodbine All Weather at Woodbine All Weather on August 15 over 2012m defeating Military Time with 55kg at $1.25. The start before that came from midfield and scored a big 5.5 len win in stakes class at Woodbine All Weather at Woodbine All Weather on July 19 over 1811m defeating Dixie Law with 55kg at $1.70. Has the ability to be in the finish.
Last Starts 56 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/12 | 15/08/2026 | 27 | LR OPEN 3 | $1,426,534.00 | Woodbine Aw | 2012m | Fast | Jesus Velazquez | 55kg | 2:02.01 | 3-1-1 | 1 |
| 7.3L | $1.25 |
| 1/7 | 19/07/2026 | 22 | LR OPEN F 3 | $725,689.00 | Woodbine Aw | 1811m | Fast | Jesus Velazquez | 55kg | 1:50.99 | 4-1-1 | 7 |
| 5.5L | $1.70 |
| 1/7 | 27/06/2026 | 42 | G3 OPEN F 3 | $209,205.00 | Woodbine Aw | 1710m | Fast | Fraser Aebly | 54.5kg | 1:44.06 | 1-1-1 | 2 |
| 1.8L | $2.45 |
| 3/6 | 16/05/2026 | 37 | LR OPEN F 3 | $139,665.00 | Woodbine Aw | 1408m | Fast | Fraser Aebly | 54.5kg | 1:22.58 | 3-3-3 | 2 |
| 1.3L | $1.40 |
| 1/9 | 09/04/2026 | 235 | ALLOW F 3 | $174,672.00 | Keeneland | 1710m | FM | John R Velazquez | 53.5kg | 1:43.33 | 4-1-1 | 9 |
| 5.0L | $5.85 |
| 1/6 | 17/08/2025 | - | MDN F 2 | $178,450.00 | Woodbine Mohawk | 1408m | Y | Fraser Aebly | 53.5kg | 1:26.23 | 4-1-1 | 1 |
| 6.3L | $5.40 |

Jockey: Junior Alvarado
Weight: 55kgs
Stats
Comments
Recent form sound. Returns from a 49-day let-up. Last start won by 1.3 len in the G1 Del Mar Oaks at Del Mar Turf on August 22 over 1811m defeating Lookin At Diamond with 55.5kg at $3.70. The race before that ran on from midfield and scored a big 6 len win in Listed grade at Churchill Downs Turf at Churchill Downs Turf on June 27 over 1609m defeating East Jabip carrying 53.5kg at $3.02. Well placed. Should prove hard to beat.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/10 | 22/08/2026 | 56 | G1 OPEN F 3 | $427,960.00 | Del Mar | 1811m | FM | Junior Alvarado | 55.5kg | 1:48.06 | 1-2-1 | 3 |
| 1.3L | $3.70 |
| 1/10 | 27/06/2026 | 28 | LR OPEN F 3 | $383,543.00 | Churchill Downs | 1609m | Good | Junior Alvarado | 53.5kg | 1:35.36 | 4-1-1 | 8 |
| 5.8L | $3.02 |
| 3/7 | 30/05/2026 | 29 | G3 OPEN F 3 | $384,078.00 | Churchill Downs | 1811m | FM | Junior Alvarado | 53.5kg | 1:46.23 | 3-2-3 | 7 |
| 3.3L | $3.29 |
| 2/13 | 01/05/2026 | 34 | G2 OPEN F 3 | $837,989.00 | Churchill Downs | 1710m | FM | Junior Alvarado | 53.5kg | 1:40.92 | 3-2-2 | 6 |
| 0.1L | $21.36 |
| 1/10 | 28/03/2026 | 49 | LR OPEN F 3 | $245,787.00 | Gulfstream Park | 1509m | FM | Junior Alvarado | 54.5kg | 1:27.42 | 4-2-1 | 5 |
| 0.3L | $3.90 |
| 1/12 | 07/02/2026 | 93 | MDN F 3 | $119,829.00 | Gulfstream Park | 1609m | FM | Mario Gutierrez | 55.5kg | 1:35.11 | 1-1-1 | 6 |
| 0.8L | $3.30 |

Jockey: Jose L. Ortiz
Weight: 55kgs
Stats
Comments
Resuming after a nine weeks break. Finished off last preparation second of 8 at Saratoga Turf in the G2 Saratoga Oaks Invitational Stakes August 7 over 1911m, a nose behind Kentucky Belle carrying 56kg at $2.51. On debut seventh of 9 at Churchill Downs November 19 over 1207m, 21 len behind Glazin' Fury carrying 54kg at $17.77. Expecting a bright start to the campaign.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/8 | 07/08/2026 | 34 | G2 OPEN F 3 | $713,267.00 | Saratoga | 1911m | FM | Jose Ortiz | 56kg | 1:53.80 | 7-1-2 | 6 |
| 0.1L | $2.51 |
| 2/10 | 04/07/2026 | 35 | G1 OPEN F 3 | $870,827.00 | Saratoga | 1811m | FM | Jose Ortiz | 55kg | 1:47.77 | 8-2-2 | 4 |
| 1.8L | $4.77 |
| 1/7 | 30/05/2026 | 34 | G3 OPEN F 3 | $384,078.00 | Churchill Downs | 1811m | FM | Jose Ortiz | 53.5kg | 1:46.23 | 6-1-1 | 4 |
| 2.3L | $5.47 |
| 1/9 | 26/04/2026 | 22 | ALLOW FM 3U | $184,862.00 | Churchill Downs | 1710m | FM | Jose Ortiz | 53.5kg | 1:39.97 | 9-4-1 | 9 |
| 0.8L | $2.53 |
| 6/10 | 04/04/2026 | 28 | G2 OPEN F 3 | $727,802.00 | Keeneland | 1609m | FM | Jareth Loveberry | 53.5kg | 1:35.51 | 10-8-6 | 3 |
| 2.9L | $48.21 |
| 2/8 | 07/03/2026 | 48 | LR OPEN F 3 | $140,449.00 | Fairgrounds | 1710m | FM | E Nieves | 53.5kg | 1:43.80 | 5-5-2 | 2 |
| 0.5L | $36.60 |

Jockey: Ben Curtis
Weight: 55kgs
Stats
Comments
Comes off a 31 day let-up. Most recently 3rd of 9 in the G3 Oaks Invitational Stakes at Kentucky on September 9 over 2112m, 7 len behind Kentucky Belle with 54.5kg at $7.96. The run before that 2nd of 8 in stakes class at Ellis Park Turf at Ellis Park Turf on August 2 over 1811m, nose behind Bohemian carrying 53.5kg at $3.68. Prefer to watch at this stage.
Last Starts 31 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/9 | 09/09/2026 | 38 | G3 OPEN F 3 | $2,777,778.00 | Kentucky | 2112m | FM | Ben Curtis | 54.5kg | 2:07.45 | 8-3-3 | 3 |
| 7.5L | $7.96 |
| 2/8 | 02/08/2026 | 36 | LR OPEN F 3 | $356,633.00 | Ellis Park | 1811m | Good | Ben Curtis | 53.5kg | 1:49.04 | 3-5-2 | 2 |
| 0.1L | $3.68 |
| 8/10 | 27/06/2026 | 51 | LR OPEN F 3 | $383,543.00 | Churchill Downs | 1609m | Good | Ben Curtis | 53.5kg | 1:35.36 | 7-6-8 | 10 |
| 9.6L | $5.81 |
| 1/10 | 07/05/2026 | 216 | ALLOW OCLM F 3 | $177,374.00 | Churchill Downs | 1710m | FM | Ben Curtis | 53.5kg | 1:41.40 | 9-3-1 | 10 |
| 0.1L | $9.19 |
| 1/12 | 03/10/2025 | 33 | MDN F 2 | $168,196.00 | Keeneland | 1710m | FM | Lanfranco Dettori | 54kg | 1:42.96 | 6-2-1 | 1 |
| 0.8L | $2.49 |
| 2/11 | 31/08/2025 | - | MDN F 2 | $263,566.00 | Kentucky | 1408m | FM | Tyler Gaffalione | 54kg | 1:22.82 | 6-4-2 | 6 |
| 0.8L | $5.76 |

Jockey: Vincent Cheminaud
Weight: 55kgs
Stats
Comments
Returns from a 37-day let-up. Last start favourite; won by 1.3 len in the LR PRIX DE LA COCHERE at Longchamp on September 3 over 1600m in soft going defeating Ceramic with 55.5kg at $4.50. The run before that 6th of 12 in the G3 Prix De Lieurey at Deauville on August 15 over 1600m, 4 len behind Hassaleh with 57kg at $9.40. Needs to improve.
Last Starts 37 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/13 | 03/09/2026 | 19 | LR OPEN M 3U | $78,030.00 | Longchamp | 1600m | Soft | Pierre-Charles Boudot | 55.5kg | 1:39.12 | - | 12 |
| 1.3L | $4.50 |
| 6/12 | 15/08/2026 | 36 | G3 OPEN F 3 | $120,000.00 | Deauville | 1600m | Good Soft | Pierre-Charles Boudot | 57kg | 1:42.11 | - | 4 |
| 4.2L | $9.40 |
| 1/9 | 10/07/2026 | 29 | CL2 3 | $42,380.00 | Compiegne | 1400m | Good | Mickael Barzalona | 56kg | 1:23.44 | - | 6 |
| 0.5L | $1.80 |
| 1/8 | 11/06/2026 | 197 | MDN 3 | $31,170.00 | La Teste De Buch | 1600m | Good Soft | Mickael Barzalona | 56.5kg | 1:46.60 | - | 3 |
| 2.5L | $1.40 |
| 2/16 | 26/11/2025 | - | UNR F 2 | $48,410.00 | Deauville | 1500m | Neutral | Clement Lecoeuvre | 58kg | 1:30.10 | - | 7 |
| 0.1L | $5.90 |

Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione
Weight: 55kgs
Stats
Comments
Second run back. First-up after two months won by a nose in Listed grade at Colonial Downs Turf at Colonial Downs Turf on September 7 over 1811m defeating Soloist carrying 55.5kg at $1.70. Previously second-up 4th of 10 in stakes class at Gulfstream Park Turf at Gulfstream Park Turf on January 31 over 1710m, 7 len behind Sister Troienne carrying 54.5kg at $8.70. Solid top-three hope.
Last Starts 33 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 | 07/09/2026 | 65 | LR OPEN F 3 | $347,222.00 | Colonial Downs | 1811m | FM | Samuel Marin | 55.5kg | 1:48.60 | 6-1-1 | 6 |
| 0.1L | $1.70 |
| 4/10 | 04/07/2026 | 35 | G1 OPEN F 3 | $870,827.00 | Saratoga | 1811m | FM | Dylan Davis | 55kg | 1:47.77 | 2-4-4 | 5 |
| 4.0L | $15.24 |
| 2/7 | 30/05/2026 | 29 | G3 OPEN F 3 | $384,078.00 | Churchill Downs | 1811m | FM | Luis Saez | 54.5kg | 1:46.23 | 2-3-2 | 6 |
| 2.3L | $4.13 |
| 5/13 | 01/05/2026 | 27 | G2 OPEN F 3 | $837,989.00 | Churchill Downs | 1710m | FM | Joel Rosario | 54.5kg | 1:40.92 | 11-5-5 | 1 |
| 1.6L | $10.03 |
| 1/10 | 04/04/2026 | 35 | G2 OPEN F 3 | $727,802.00 | Keeneland | 1609m | FM | Joel Rosario | 53.5kg | 1:35.51 | 7-7-1 | 5 |
| 0.3L | $22.68 |
| 3/8 | 28/02/2026 | 28 | G3 OPEN F 3 | $280,899.00 | Gulfstream Park | 1609m | FM | Joel Rosario | 55.5kg | 1:32.80 | 3-4-3 | 1 |
| 0.9L | $25.90 |

Jockey: Julien R. Leparoux
Weight: 55kgs
Stats
Comments
Second run back. Comes off a 49-day let-up. First-up after three months 2nd of 10 in the G1 Del Mar Oaks at Del Mar Turf on August 22 over 1811m, 1.3 len behind Tam Tam with 55.5kg at $41.10. Previously second-up came from midfield and won by 3 len at Santa Anita Turf on May 2 over 1609m defeating Soul Sister carrying 55.5kg at $3. Needs more time.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/10 | 22/08/2026 | 77 | G1 OPEN F 3 | $427,960.00 | Del Mar | 1811m | FM | J R Leparoux | 55.5kg | 1:48.06 | 9-6-2 | 2 |
| 1.3L | $41.10 |
| 3/9 | 06/06/2026 | 35 | LR OPEN F 3 | $139,470.00 | Santa Anita Park | 1609m | FM | Victor Espinoza | 54.5kg | 1:35.64 | 7-7-3 | 8 |
| 1.6L | $4.20 |
| 1/10 | 02/05/2026 | 28 | MDN F 3 | $90,782.00 | Santa Anita Park | 1609m | FM | Victor Espinoza | 55.5kg | 1:35.45 | 4-3-1 | 3 |
| 3.0L | $3.00 |
| 4/11 | 04/04/2026 | - | MDN F 3 | $101,892.00 | Santa Anita Park | 1308m | FM | Victor Espinoza | 55.5kg | 1:14.97 | 10-11-4 | 3 |
| 3.3L | $49.60 |

Jockey: Joel Rosario
Weight: 55kgs
Stats
Comments
Form hard to fault. Returns from a 49-day let-up. At the latest run came from midfield; 3rd of 10 in the G1 Del Mar Oaks at Del Mar Turf on August 22 over 1811m, 2.5 len behind Tam Tam carrying 55.5kg at $2.70. The run before that came from midfield and won by 1.75 len in the G1 Belmont Oaks Invitational at Saratoga Inner Turf on July 4 over 1811m defeating Faithful Departed carrying 55kg at $24.33. Genuine hope on best form.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/10 | 22/08/2026 | 49 | G1 OPEN F 3 | $427,960.00 | Del Mar | 1811m | FM | Joel Rosario | 55.5kg | 1:48.06 | 5-1-3 | 9 |
| 2.5L | $2.70 |
| 1/10 | 04/07/2026 | 41 | G1 OPEN F 3 | $870,827.00 | Saratoga | 1811m | FM | Joel Rosario | 55kg | 1:47.77 | 5-1-1 | 3 |
| 1.8L | $24.33 |
| 5/11 | 24/05/2026 | 20 | G1 F 3 | $869,570.00 | Curragh | 1609m | Good | Chris Hayes | 58kg | 1:36.98 | - | 3 |
| 5.8L | $29.00 |
| 1/12 | 04/05/2026 | 22 | G3 F 3 | $123,590.00 | Curragh | 1609m | Good | Chris Hayes | 58kg | 1:38.24 | - | 9 |
| 0.8L | $15.00 |
| 7/13 | 12/04/2026 | 196 | G3 F 3 | $125,730.00 | Leopardstown | 1408m | GY | Chris Hayes | 58kg | 1:33.02 | - | 6 |
| 8.3L | $19.00 |
| 9/9 | 28/09/2025 | 26 | G3 OPEN F 2 | $116,530.00 | Curragh | 1408m | Soft | Gavin Ryan | 58kg | 1:29.38 | - | 5 |
| 17.3L | $5.00 |

Jockey: Flavien Prat
Weight: 55kgs
Stats
Comments
Third-up today and placed third-up previously. Comes off a 42 day let-up. Resuming 2nd of 8 in the G3 Lake George Stakes at Saratoga Inner Turf on August 1 over 1710m, 1.3 len behind Amberglen carrying 54.5kg at $6.34. Last start raced on the pace when 3rd of 8 in the G2 Lake Placid Stakes at Saratoga Inner Turf on August 29 over 1609m, 1.3 len behind Naomis carrying 54.5kg at $5.09. Likely to play a big role.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3/8 | 29/08/2026 | 28 | G2 OPEN F 3 | $570,613.00 | Saratoga | 1609m | FM | Manuel Franco | 54.5kg | 1:35.72 | 3-3-3 | 4 |
| 1.3L | $5.09 |
| 2/8 | 01/08/2026 | 268 | G3 OPEN F 3 | $320,970.00 | Saratoga | 1710m | FM | Flavien Prat | 54.5kg | 1:42.33 | 7-4-2 | 7 |
| 1.3L | $6.34 |
| 1/6 | 06/11/2025 | 33 | LR OPEN F 2 | $229,008.00 | Belmont At The Big A | 1710m | FM | Flavien Prat | 54.5kg | 1:42.64 | 1-1-1 | 2 |
| 2.0L | $1.78 |
| 2/11 | 04/10/2025 | 21 | G2 OPEN F 2 | $304,414.00 | Belmont At The Big A | 1710m | FM | Ricardo Santana Jr | 54.5kg | 1:43.32 | 6-4-2 | 7 |
| 2.0L | $3.40 |
| 5/9 | 13/09/2025 | 36 | G1 OPEN F 2 | $764,526.00 | Woodbine Inner | 1609m | FM | Flavien Prat | 55kg | 1:37.42 | 8-8-5 | 9 |
| 1.8L | $2.40 |
| 1/9 | 08/08/2025 | - | MDN F 2 | $155,039.00 | Saratoga | 1710m | FM | Flavien Prat | 54kg | 1:42.50 | 5-3-1 | 4 |
| 3.3L | $3.35 |

Jockey: Irad Ortiz, Jr.
Weight: 55kgs
Stats
Comments
Returns from a 33-day let-up. Most recently sat on the pace when 2nd of 8 in stakes class at Colonial Downs Turf at Colonial Downs Turf on September 7 over 1811m, nose behind Storm's Wake carrying 53.5kg at $5.50. The start before that raced on speed throughout when 2nd of 12 at Saratoga Turf on July 25 over 1710m, 0.1 len behind Crossover Capital with 56kg at $5.75. Close-up last start but this looks a stretch.
Last Starts 33 days since last start
| Place | Date | Days | Class | Prize | Track | Dist. | Cnd. | Jockey | Weight | Race Time | In Run | Gate | Result | Margin | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2/8 | 07/09/2026 | 44 | LR OPEN F 3 | $347,222.00 | Colonial Downs | 1811m | FM | Emmanuel Esquivel | 53.5kg | 1:48.60 | 3-2-2 | 2 |
| 0.1L | $5.50 |
| 2/12 | 25/07/2026 | 28 | ALLOW OCLM F 3 | $174,165.00 | Saratoga | 1710m | FM | Jose Ortiz | 56kg | 1:41.38 | 3-4-2 | 4 |
| 0.1L | $5.75 |
| 2/5 | 27/06/2026 | 45 | LR OPEN F 3 | $209,205.00 | Delaware Park | 1811m | SP | Christopher Elliott | 53.5kg | 1:54.10 | 2-1-2 | 1 |
| 2.3L | $1.70 |
| 3/10 | 13/05/2026 | 34 | LR OPEN F 3 | $209,497.00 | Indiana Downs | 1609m | FM | Emmanuel Esquivel | 54kg | 1:37.12 | 6-6-3 | 8 |
| 1.8L | $9.90 |
| 7/9 | 09/04/2026 | 188 | ALLOW F 3 | $174,672.00 | Keeneland | 1710m | FM | Brian Joseph Hernandez Jr | 53.5kg | 1:42.22 | 8-6-7 | 9 |
| 14.0L | $3.88 |
| 4/11 | 03/10/2025 | 33 | G2 OPEN F 2 | $611,621.00 | Keeneland | 1710m | FM | John R Velazquez | 53.5kg | 1:42.61 | 9-3-4 | 11 |
| 1.3L | $16.02 |