Tennessee Lamb with Jose Ortiz up wins the Ben Ali(G3) for trainer G.Rusty Arnold, II and owner Calumet Farm, Brad Kelley, 2025 Keeneland Spring Meet
We are only two weeks away from the 2026 Breeders’ Cup at Keeneland on Friday and Saturday, October 29th and 30th. This is where the best horses in the world come together to put it all on the line. Let ‘em Run will cover these races with special shows and expert guests lined up over the next two weeks.
So stay tuned!
Below is our full handicapping breakdown and recommended ticket construction for this weekend’s Late Pick 5 sequence at Keeneland.
Breeders’ Cup Warm-Up: Keeneland Late Pick 5 Overview
Race 6: 3:40 PM EST – 6 Furlongs (Dirt) – Maiden Special Weight ($110K)
This is a tough race to start the sequence which may require going deep initially, featuring ten first-time starters in the body of the field.
#5 Start the Party (8-1): Has been working out steadily for his unveiling for strong 2-year-old trainer Wesley Ward (30%). The workouts at Keeneland indicate this son of Constitution may come out running with jockey Flavien Prat in the saddle.
#3 Decimation (4-1): A runner with experience who has shown early speed in his first three starts. The switch to jockey Luis Saez may finish the job this time.
#11 Capitola (7-2): The likely post-time favorite is another first-time starter for trainer Brad Cox who looks ready to fire at first asking.
P5 Ticket Coverage (Race 6): 3, 5, 9, 10, 11
Race 7: 4:12 PM EST – 7 Furlongs (Dirt) – The Perryville Stakes (Grade 3, $350K)
#4 Roscoe’s Brother (15-1): Invades from the West Coast and brings along excellent speed jockey Emisael Jaramillo at the controls. If the other jockeys let this runner get a lonely lead, it may be over—a step up in class is not out of the question under those conditions.
#3 Chief Wallabee (8-1): Hoping to see a speed duel break out to give “Chief” the setup he needs to get his second victory—and first since his maiden win at this distance. Trainer Bill Mott and jockey Junior Alvarado look to get him back to the winner’s circle.
#12 Deep Flame (7-5): The outside runner has put up back-to-back triple-digit Beyers (BSF). If jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. can overcome the tough post position, you may be looking at the winner. This runner came in second to talented sprinter Englishman last time out at Saratoga in the Grade 1 H. Allen Jerkens Stakes.
P5 Ticket Coverage (Race 7): 1, 3, 4, 12
Race 8: 4:44 PM EST – 1 1/16 Miles (Turf) – Allowance ($140K / N3X)
This looks to be a formful race in the sequence, and we will narrow our choices down to three core contenders.
#3 Hear the Queen (7-2): Boasts four wins on her resume and gets jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. back to ride. After running at quirky Kentucky Downs last time out, a more conventional turf route race will be heavily to her advantage.
#10 Bojaca Blessing (7-2): Jockey Luis Saez gets aboard for the first time. The highest last-race speed rating per Brisnet.com alongside back-to-back 88 BSFs in her last two outings add to her strong appeal.
#2 Ontario (6-1): Will look to close into the pace with jockey Jose Ortiz riding back aboard. Repeating her performance from two starts back would do the job nicely here.
P5 Ticket Coverage (Race 8): 2, 3, 10
Race 9: 5:16 PM EST – 7 Furlongs (Dirt) – The Raven Run Stakes (Grade 2, $400K)
A great edition of The Raven Run lines up this year with several familiar names in the field.
#11 Movie Night (9-2): We are looking at a less familiar name on top. This daughter of Speightstown has the right running style for this distance and gets jockey Flavien Prat back in the saddle.
#6 Percy’s Bar (6-1): A more familiar name moving from turf to dirt. Working out strongly for her return with jockey Jose Ortiz climbing aboard for the first time are all the checkmarks we need.
#8 Conceit (4-1): Another talented contender we must use on our ticket for trainer Brad Cox.
P5 Ticket Coverage (Race 9): 6, 7, 8, 11
Race 10: 5:48 PM EST – 5 ½ Furlongs (Turf) – Allowance ($120K / N1X)
We close out the sequence with a strong single opinion on the #5 Epic Lady Luck (7-2).
#5 Epic Lady Luck (7-2): This filly has been tested in classy races for trainer George Weaver, and the form cycle for her third start off an extended layoff is exceptionally strong. She is working out well for her return, and jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. rides the #1 Prime Power runner for the first time.
P5 Ticket Coverage (Race 10): 5 (SINGLE)
Suggested Keeneland Late Pick 5 Ticket Construction & Broadcast Info
Use our picks alongside your own handicapping opinions to put together some winning tickets!
📺 Where to Watch & Listen Live
Tune in on Saturday at 12:30 PM EST when John Kostin and I break down late scratches, track conditions, and final ticket adjustments live on Sports Talk Media Network and Capital Sports Network.
In the end, bet smart, cheer hard, fast horses can lead to real fun, and remember… just Let ‘em Run!
