Keeneland Race Course
Lexington, Kentucky (4201 Versailles Rd, Lexington, KY 40510) Date: Friday, April 3, 2026
Race: 8 – Grade III UK HealthCare Transylvania Stakes
Scheduled Post Time: 4:44 PM ET (first post for the card is 1:00 PM ET)
Distance/Surface: 1 1/16 miles (8½ furlongs), Turf (rail at 20 feet)
Purse: $600,000 (includes $100,000 from KTDF – Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund)
Eligibility: For 3-year-olds (weight 118 lbs)
Expected Weather Conditions: Warm and humid early-April spring afternoon in the Bluegrass. Game-time temperatures expected in the mid-70s to low-80s°F (24–28°C) with partly to mostly cloudy skies and a 40–60% chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms, especially in the early afternoon, tapering toward post time. Light south winds 5–12 mph. Humidity moderate. The turf course is currently listed as firm; any late rain could soften it slightly, but no major disruptions are expected—monitor for any sealing or course maintenance. Fans should prepare for possible brief rain and variable spring conditions typical for Keeneland’s opening weekend.
Track Conditions (latest available): Main dirt – Fast (harrowed and sealed). Turf – Firm (rail at 20 feet; grass height 5.25”; recent mowing and watering applied). Keeneland’s turf typically favors tactical speed and inside-to-mid posts early in the meet, though stalkers and closers can excel in a hot pace over 1 1/16 miles. This $600,000 Grade III stakes is a premier early-season turf route for 3-year-olds on opening day of Keeneland’s 2026 Spring Meet and serves as a key prep toward the Kentucky Derby or turf classics. An 11-horse field heads to the gate, headlined by Proton (sharp recent form for Graham Motion) and Remember Mamba (high-figure closer from Cherie DeVaux). The race figures to be a tactical turf battle with several live shippers and local contenders off strong preps.
Full Field with Post Positions, Morning Line Odds, Jockeys, Trainers & Analysis
Post 1 – Proton (gelding by Astern AUS out of a mare; 111 HRN rating)
ML Odds: 4/1 • Jockey: John R. Velazquez • Trainer: H. Graham Motion • Weight: 118 lbs
Owner: Stone Farm, LLC, Clyde Linwood Miles Jr., et al.
Recent finishes include a strong placing in a turf stakes prep (high speed figure). Motion is a two-time winner of this race and excels with turf routers; Velazquez is a Keeneland turf master. Rail post is a huge plus on firm going. Tactical speed and class edge make him a major contender who could sit just off the pace and pounce. Live on pedigree for the distance.
Post 2 – Vasy (IRE) (colt by Space Blues IRE)
ML Odds: 9/2 • Jockey: Flavien Prat • Trainer: Brendan P. Walsh • Weight: 118 lbs
Owner: JDT Racing LLC
Recent form shows consistent turf placings with a 102 HRN figure. Walsh knows the Keeneland turf well, and Prat is one of the top riders in the country. Forwardly placed style suits the setup; expect him to press or stalk early. Strong exotics player and possible upsetter with European pedigree upside.
Post 3 – Noble Dynasty (colt by Kingman GB)
ML Odds: 8/1 • Jockey: Junior Alvarado • Trainer: William I. Mott • Weight: 118 lbs
Owner: Besilu Stables
Recent speed figure around 86 with allowance placings. Mott is a Hall of Famer with a strong Keeneland record; Alvarado fits the colt’s tactical style. Mid-pack runner who can close into a hot pace. Solid underneath value in a wide-open turf stakes.
Post 4 – Attfield (colt by Vekoma)
ML Odds: 12/1 • Jockey: Ricardo Santana, Jr. • Trainer: Thomas Morley • Weight: 118 lbs
Owners: West Paces Racing LLC, Rainbow’s End Racing Stable LLC and Anthony Prisco
Recent figure 97; coming off a turf prep. Morley ships in sharp, and Santana is aggressive. Outside post requires a wide trip but he has stamina for the route. Live longshot who could improve with a clean trip.
Post 5 – Street Beast (colt by Street Sense)
ML Odds: 6/1 • Jockey: Luan Machado • Trainer: Ben Colebrook • Weight: 118 lbs
Owner: Midway Racing LLC (Davant Latham)
Recent form shows turf improvement with a 53–87 figure range. Colebrook is a sharp local conditioner; Machado knows the Keeneland turf. Stalker/closer who could benefit from a hot early pace. Respect as an exotics filler at square odds.
Post 6 – Time for America (colt by American Freedom)
ML Odds: 30/1 • Jockey: Joseph Rocco, Jr. • Trainer: Michelle Nihei • Weight: 118 lbs
Owner: Tropical Racing
Lower recent figures; longshot with limited stakes experience. Nihei barn is live early in the meet. Needs a career-best and pace meltdown to contend—use only in deep exotics.
Post 7 – Remember Mamba (colt by Kitten’s Joy)
ML Odds: 7/2 • Jockey: Jose L. Ortiz • Trainer: Cherie DeVaux • Weight: 118 lbs
Owner: C R K Stable, LLC
Recent 107 HRN figure with strong turf placings. DeVaux is in excellent form; Ortiz is a leading rider. Versatile closer who can sit mid-pack and deliver a powerful late kick. One of the top contenders on class and current form—major threat throughout.
Post 8 – Zeppelin (colt by Munnings)
ML Odds: 15/1 • Jockey: Irad Ortiz, Jr. (projected from connections) • Trainer: George R. Arnold II • Weight: 118 lbs
Owner: LNJ Foxwoods
Recent figure 98–84; consistent in preps. Arnold knows the local circuit. Tactical speed from outside post; could drop in or press. Live at a square price if he gets a clean trip.
Post 9 – Aces Honor (colt by Code of Honor)
ML Odds: 20/1 • Jockey: Marcelino Pedroza, Jr. • Trainer: Ethan W. West • Weight: 118 lbs
Owner: Pocket Aces Racing LLC
Recent 95 figure. West is a solid conditioner; Pedroza fits the style. Longshot who could improve on turf but will need pace to collapse. Exotics coverage only.
Post 10 – Honey Dutch (colt by Knicks Go)
ML Odds: 6/1 • Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione • Trainer: D. Whitworth Beckman • Weight: 118 lbs
Owners: Legion Racing and Awestrike Racing
Recent 101 figure with turf promise. Beckman ships sharp; Gaffalione is a Keeneland turf ace. Stalker who can close; live contender at square odds with pedigree for the distance.
Post 11 – Ganaas (colt by War Front)
ML Odds: 15/1 • Jockey: Edgar Morales • Trainer: Andrew McKeever • Weight: 118 lbs
Owner: Shadwell Stable
Recent 96–87 figures. McKeever knows the circuit; Morales is reliable. Far outside post is manageable in a smallish field; has closing kick for the turf route. Respect as a live longshot exotics play.
