Keeneland Race Course
Lexington, Kentucky (4201 Versailles Rd, Lexington, KY 40510) Date: Friday, April 3, 2026
Race: 9 – Grade I Central Bank Ashland Stakes
Scheduled Post Time: 5:16 PM ET (first post for the card is 1:00 PM ET)
Distance/Surface: 1 1/16 miles (8½ furlongs), Dirt
Purse: $750,000 (includes $150,000 from KTDF – Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund)
Eligibility: For 3-year-old fillies (weight 121 lbs)
Expected Weather Conditions: Warm 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 main track is currently listed as fast; any late rain could leave it good or sealed, but no major disruptions are expected—monitor for any course maintenance. Fans should prepare for possible brief rain—typical variable spring weather at Keeneland’s opening weekend.
Track Conditions (latest available): Dirt – Fast (harrowed and sealed after training; standard opening-week bias favors speed and inside-to-mid posts in routes, though stalkers and closers can excel in a hot pace over 1 1/16 miles). This $750,000 Grade I stakes is the year’s first major test for 3-year-old fillies on opening day of Keeneland’s 2026 Spring Meet and awards 200 Road to the Kentucky Oaks points (100-50-25-15-10). A compact field of seven heads to the gate, headlined by the undefeated Zany (Todd Pletcher/Irad Ortiz Jr.) as the heavy morning-line favorite. The race figures to be a tactical two-turn battle with several live contenders off sharp preps, including the track-loving Percy’s Bar and the speed threat French Friction.
Full Field with Post Positions, Morning Line Odds, Jockeys, Trainers & Analysis
Post 1 – Nycon (Nyquist filly)
ML Odds: 20/1 • Jockey: Jaime A. Torres • Trainer: D. Whitworth Beckman • Weight: 121 lbs
Owner: Icon Racing Stable
Recent finishes/speed figures: Second in the Busher Stakes at Aqueduct (strong figure); consistent placer with tactical speed. Beckman is a solid conditioner, and Torres knows the local circuit. Rail post is a huge plus on fast dirt. Live longshot who could steal it at a price with a soft trip; needs to step up in class but has upside for the Oaks trail.
Post 2 – Percy’s Bar (Upstart filly)
ML Odds: 7/2 • Jockey: Luan Machado • Trainer: Ben Colebrook • Weight: 121 lbs
Owner: Hat Creek Racing
Recent finishes/speed figures: Disqualified and placed second in the Grade I Alcibiades here last year; won her Keeneland debut. Colebrook knows the track well, and Machado is aggressive. Loves Keeneland and should be forwardly placed. Major contender who could wire or sit just off the pace—pedigree and local affinity give her a big shot.
Post 3 – Zany (American Pharoah filly)
ML Odds: 4/5 (favorite) • Jockey: Irad Ortiz, Jr. • Trainer: Todd A. Pletcher • Weight: 121 lbs
Owner: Repole Stable
Top selection. Undefeated in three starts with towering recent speed figures (including a 99+ at the distance). Pletcher has won this race multiple times (including with Malathaat and Leslie’s Rose); Irad Ortiz Jr. is riding in top form. Versatile filly who can press or stalk; class and current form edge make her the one to beat. Strong candidate to dominate.
Post 4 – French Friction (City of Light filly)
ML Odds: 9/2 • Jockey: Cristian A. Torres • Trainer: Mark E. Casse • Weight: 121 lbs
Owner: D. J. Stable, LLC
Recent finishes/speed figures: Sharp recent allowance/allowance-optional victories with elite early speed. Casse is a Keeneland regular, and Torres fits her forward style. Speed threat who could control the front end or sit a stalking trip. Dangerous if she gets an easy lead—live at square odds.
Post 5 – Omaha Bay
ML Odds: 8/1 (approximate) • Jockey: Javier Castellano • Trainer: Ian Wilkes • Weight: 121 lbs
Owner: Gladden, J (or associated)
Recent form shows consistent placings in stakes preps. Wilkes is a sharp local trainer, and Castellano is a Hall of Famer. Tactical mid-pack style suits the two-turn route; she should sit a perfect trip. Solid exotics player and potential upsetter with local connections.
Post 6 – Hollybygolly (Yaupon filly)
ML Odds: 12/1 (approximate) • Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione • Trainer: Rodolphe Brisset • Weight: 121 lbs
Owners: Storyteller Racing et al.
Recent finishes include two wins at Turfway; stepping up in class. Brisset knows the circuit, and Gaffalione is a leading rider. Outside post requires a wide trip, but she has stamina and could close into a hot pace. Live longshot exotics filler if the race sets up for a closer.
Post 7 – Star Actress
ML Odds: 15/1 (approximate) • Jockey: Junior Alvarado • Trainer: Bill Mott • Weight: 121 lbs
Owner: George Krikorian
Recent figures in allowance company. Mott is a Hall of Famer with a strong Keeneland record; Alvarado fits the style. Far outside post is manageable in a small field; has shown tactical speed and could drop in or press. Respect as a live longshot exotics play.
