Silent Heart seeks to follow dad as Maker’s Mark winner

Keeneland’s media notes by the track’s publicity department (Keeneland photo of Heart to Heart winning the 2018 Maker’s Mark Mile)

THURSDAY, APRIL 10

First post during the Spring Meet is 1 p.m. ET except for the April 25 closing day, 
when the first race is at 12:30 p.m. to accommodate 
the Keeneland April Selected Horses of Racing Age Sale after the races.

Click here for Keeneland’s 2025 Media Guide.

Click here for the Spring Meet stakes schedule, which includes links to the lists 
of horses nominated to stakes and their past performances.

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• SILENT HEART LOOKING TO FOLLOW SIRE INTO MAKER’S MARK MILE WINNER’S CIRCLE
• JABAARA (IRE) COULD BE KEENELAND RECORD SETTER FOR GODOLPHIN
• CENTRAL BANK ASHLAND RUNNER-UP, KENTUCKY OAKS HOPEFUL TAKE CHARGE MILADY RESEMBLES FAMOUS RELATIVE
• GALLOPING OUT
• PROSPECTIVE FIELDS FOR UPCOMING STAKES
• SPRING MEET LEADERS
• SECOND WEEK SPECIAL EVENTS

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SILENT HEART LOOKING TO FOLLOW SIRE
INTO MAKER’S MARK MILE WINNER’S CIRCLE

Terry Hamilton’s Heart to Heart was a fan favorite during his 41-race career that included nine starts at Keeneland. His biggest victory here came in the 2018 Maker’s Mark Mile (G1).

On Friday, Silent Heart will attempt to join his sire as he goes postward in this year’s Maker’s Mark Mile.

“It would be great to win the same race his daddy did,” Heart to Heart’s trainer, Brian Lynch, said of Silent Heart, who is from the stallion’s first crop. “He has the same running style as Heart to Heart. He likes to be forwardly placed and has the same grit and determination.”

Hamilton bred Silent Heart and co-owns the 4-year-old colt with Koocanusa Ventures.

The Maker’s Mark Mile will mark the Grade 1 debut for Silent Heart, who comes into the race off a third-place finish in the Canadian Turf (G3) at Gulfstream Park on March 1.

“He has been very competitive in his stakes in Florida and with a little more luck, he would have won one,” Lynch said. “He is doing very well.”

Early morning rain soaked the Keeneland grass course Thursday and with more rain in the forecast overnight, chances are the Maker’s Mark Mile will be contested over less than firm ground.

“That’s the question. He’s never had the opportunity (to run on soft ground),” Lynch said. “He’s not a big horse, so he might be able to skip over the top of it.”

JABAARA (IRE) COULD BE KEENELAND RECORD SETTER FOR GODOLPHIN

With 26 graded stakes victories to its credit, Godolphin is tied with Claiborne Farm at the top of that statistic in Keeneland history.

On Saturday afternoon, Jabarra (IRE) could provide the tiebreaker when she goes to the starting gate for the 37th running of the $650,000 Jenny Wiley (G1) for trainer Roger Varian.

“She’s been doing very well; she’s a very laid-back filly,” said Erin Shannon, who has been Jabarra’s morning partner.

Group stakes-placed last year in England, the 4-year-old Jabaara comes into the Jenny Wiley off a fourth-place finish at Wolverhampton in England. The Jenny Wiley marks her North American debut.

“The Jenny Wiley was the plan all along,” Shannon said of the comeback race.

Last year, Jabaara finished second to four-time Group 1 winner Porta Fortuna (IRE) in the Tattersalls Falmouth (G1) at Newmarket in England.

Success Saturday would give Godolphin a second Jenny Wiley victory to go with Dickinson’s triumph in 2017.

Godolphin has won 22 separate stakes at Keeneland with multiple victories in the Claiborne Breeders’ Futurity (three times), Beaumont and Lexington. This meet, Godolphin has captured the MiddleGround Capital Beaumont (G2) with Verity and the Valvoline Global Shakertown (G2) with Think Big.

GALLOPING OUT

Now officially off the Kentucky Derby (G2) trail, Flying Dutchmen’s Owen Almighty is on to the $600,000 Pat Day Mile (G2) Presented by SAP on May 3 at Churchill Downs.

“He did everything he was supposed to do,” trainer Brian Lynch said of Owen Almighty’s sixth-place effort in the 1⅛-mile Toyota Blue Grass (G1) on Tuesday. “He got up with the leader (East Avenue) at the top of the stretch, but he just doesn’t want to go that far.” …

Wathnan Racing’s Rogue Lightning (IRE), runner-up in Tuesday’s Valvoline Global Shakertown (G2), will remain in Kentucky for the time being with the $600,000 Twin Spires Turf Sprint (G2) Presented by Accenture on May 3 at Churchill as his the target.

“He’s staying,” said Carrie Browning, assistant to trainer Tom Clover. “He  will be going over to Churchill Downs in a few days.” …

Two first-time Keeneland winners bookended Wednesday’s eight-race program. Trainer Jena Antonucci, who won the 2023 Belmont (G1) Presented by NYRA Bets and Travers (G1) with Arcangelo, earned her win in the opener. The triumph came with Mark Cherry’s Feasible in a 7-furlong event for $100,000 maiden claimers.

Juan Hernandez, the leading jockey at the recently concluded Santa Anita Classic meet, scored aboard Paradise Farms Corp. and Case Chambers’ Summer in Adriane in the finale, an allowance race worth $120,000.

CENTRAL BANK ASHLAND RUNNER-UP, KENTUCKY OAKS HOPEFUL
TAKE CHARGE MILADY RESEMBLES FAMOUS RELATIVE

When trainer Kenny McPeek saw Central Bank Ashland (G1) runner-up Take Charge Milady for the first time at the 2023 Keeneland September Yearling Sale, he thought he had seen her before. So he purchased the filly as agent from the Bluegrass Thoroughbred Services consignment for $60,000.

“She reminded me of her grandmother,” McPeek said, referring to Take Charge Lady. “The overall picture was an eerie resemblance: same conformation, same head, same angles. She has definitely taken that bloodline from her grandmother.”

From 2001-2003, McPeek trained Take Charge Lady to win 11 races from 22 career starts and earn $2,480,377. She captured four Keeneland stakes – including the 2002 Ashland – to rank among the most successful runners in the track’s history. Becoming a foundation broodmare whose name appears in pedigrees worldwide, Take Charge Lady was honored as Kentucky Broodmare of the Year for 2013. Her offspring include millionaire and Grade 1 winner Take Charge Indy, sire of Take Charge Milady.

“Being sired by a son of Take Charge Lady, I think the genetics pushed straight through from mother to son and son to daughter,” McPeek said. “In Take Charge Milady’s early training, she was very reminiscent of Take Charge Lady. Although, unlike Take Charge Lady, she did not win until she turned 3, she is quickly catching up to her grandmother.”

McPeek conditions Take Charge Milady for James Ball, Magdalena Racing and Kenneth Rhodes. 

The filly, who finished 1¼ lengths behind La Cara in the Central Bank Ashland, returned to his division at Churchill Downs Tuesday morning to continue preparing for the $1.5 million Kentucky Oaks (G1) on May 2.

PROSPECTIVE FIELDS FOR UPCOMING STAKES

Entries Friday; race Friday, April 18

$350,000 BAIRD DOUBLEDOGDARE (G3) – Dreaming of Mo (trainer Dale Romans), Neon Icon (Rusty Arnold), Occult (Chad Brown). Possible: Candied (Todd Pletcher), Miss Justify (Pletcher), Tarifa (Brad Cox).

Entries Saturday; races Saturday, April 19

$400,000 VISITLEX ELKHORN (G2) – Anglophile (Brian Lynch), Limited Liability (Shug McGaughey), Missed the Cut (Cherie DeVaux),Native Shaman (Arnold), Rebel Red (GB) (DeVaux), Utah Beach (Ignacio Correas IV). Possible: Balnikhov (IRE) (Phil D’Amato).

$350,000 BEN ALI (G3) – San Siro (Brendan Walsh). Possible: Duke of Love (Josie Carroll), Uno Mas Bourbon (Ian Wilkes).

SPRING MEET LEADERS

Through April 9 (4 days of 15-day season)

SECOND WEEK SPECIAL EVENTS

Keeneland has been investing in the horse industry and the Central Kentucky community since it began racing in October 1936. Throughout the 2025 Spring Meet, special events at the track will benefit worthwhile organizations, while other activities are designed to educate and entertain racing fans.

Year-round

Official Keeneland Tours. Click here for availability and to purchase.

Through Aug.15

Keeneland Library. Located on Keeneland’s campus, Keeneland Library is presenting the free exhibit Of Turf and Stone: Keeneland Through the Ages to commemorate the 90^th anniversary of the founding of the Keeneland Association. Enjoy photographs and memorabilia in the exhibit, which coincides with 250LEX celebrations of Lexington’s 250^th anniversary this year. The Library is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. To reach the Library, enter Keeneland at Gate 1 on Keeneland Blvd. and take the first right on Entertainment Court. The Library is to the left of the Keene Barn and Entertainment Center.

Friday, April 11

$400 Spring Challenge. Available only at the track, this handicapping contest offers one berth to the Breeders’ Cup Betting Challenge (BCBC) on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 at Del Mar and as many as four spots to the 2026 National Horseplayers Championship (NHC) in Las Vegas. Players will wager a live bankroll of $250 on Keeneland races. Click here to register and for more information. 

Saturday, April 12

Grade 1 Gamble. Keeneland hosts this signature handicapping contest of the Spring Meet with the cooperation of XpressBet, NYRABets, 4NJ Bets, HPI and TVG on the day of the Jenny Wiley (G1) and the Stonestreet Lexington (G3). Entry fee is $3,500 with $2,500 going to a live bankroll and $1,000 to the prize fund. Contestants may play at Keeneland or on one of the aforementioned ADW platforms. Prizes include an estimated $70,000 for first place (based on 300 entries), as many as six berths in the BCBC and 10 spots in the NHC. Click here to register and for more information.

Friday, Saturday and Sunday, April 11-13

The Hill. No ticket or reservation is required for tailgating on The Hill, located adjacent to the Keene Barn & Entertainment Center and accessible via Gate 1 (at Man o’ War Blvd.) or Gate 4 (off Van Meter Road on the east side of Keeneland). Fans can watch the racing action via a jumbo TV and place their bets in a wagering tent while they enjoy live music presented by The Burl, food trucks and handicapping assistance from BETologists. Complimentary shuttles to the track are offered.

The Hill is open from 8 a.m. to 60 minutes after the final race. Amenities are available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

For fans who want to elevate their experience, Keeneland again is partnering with RevelXP to offer tailgate packages for groups of any size. RevelXP will organize tailgates by furnishing a designated tent, catering, amenities and more.

New this meet is the Race Day Social at The Hill located in the RevelXP Village. This exclusive space offers guests a perfect blend of comfort and excitement to enjoy the race day in style. Relax under a covered tent with plush lounge seating, enjoy classic yard games and watch live race coverage while having a catered lunch featuring local cuisine. A full bar with signature cocktails and other alcoholic beverages is available for purchase. BETologists will be on hand to provide wagering insights throughout the day. Exclusive amenities include access to private restroom trailers, comfortable seating and a premium atmosphere. The space has a capacity of 250 guests per day. Visit Keeneland.com/tailgating for full details. 

Friday, April 11

College Scholarship Day Presented by Lane’s End. Keeneland invites college students to enjoy a day of racing, prizes, scholarship giveaways, behind-the-scenes racing experience, reserved seating and more. By pre-registering, students will receive a free general admission ticket good for April 11 and the opportunity to win one of 10 $2,000 scholarships provided by the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association and Keeneland. Students who attend the race day and have their tickets scanned day-of also will be eligible to win one of two additional $10,000 scholarships provided by Lane’s End Farm, as well as prize packages from local Kentucky businesses. Activities will take place at the North Terrace from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Pre-register at www.Keenland.com/csd.

Sunday, April 13

Heroes Day. Event honors members of the military (active duty and veterans), first responders, health care workers and their families. Heroes and their families will receive free general admission, reserved Grandstand seating, access to the Family Zone on the North Terrace and a complimentary meal provided by Marriot Griffin Gate. The day will have special programming on the track, including a flag rollout.

A POW-MIA Chair of Honor will be displayed near the Paddock to bring awareness to past and current POW-MIA military members through a partnership with The Rolling Thunder Kentucky Chapter 5.

Each hero is eligible to receive up to four complimentary tickets. Click here to reserve.