By Jarrod Horak
I’m breaking down the Grade 2 Doubledogdare Stakes at Keeneland, a $400,000 event for fillies and mares going 1 1/16 miles on the main track. This is Race 9 on Friday, April 17 with a scheduled post time of 5:16 p.m. ET.
This race sets up as a tactical dirt route with several runners bringing early pressing speed, which should make trip dynamics especially important.
Pace & Race Shape
There’s no shortage of forward placement in this field. Horses like Alpine Princess, Gin Gin, and Running Away all prefer to be involved early, while others like Chilled should sit just off the pace.
That suggests a controlled but honest tempo—favoring runners who can secure position early without expending too much energy.
Bettor’s Edge
When multiple tactical-speed runners line up in a two-turn dirt race at Keeneland, ground-saving trips often decide the outcome. Inside posts become a major advantage.
Top Contenders Breakdown
#1 Alpine Princess (5-2)
Alpine Princess is the definition of consistency. She exits a productive Grade 3 Royal Delta where she finished second behind a next-out Grade 1 winner, with another next-out stakes winner behind her.
She’s hit the board in 15 of 18 starts and thrives at this distance (10-for-12 in the top three).
From a numbers standpoint:
- Final Time Ratings: 152 (win), 147 (G2 runner-up), 129 (last out)
- Fire Numbers: Multiple triple-digit efforts (104, 100, 102)
She draws the rail, has tactical speed, and gets a rider who excels at securing position.
My Betting Takeaway: The most reliable horse in the field. Strong win candidate and a must-use in all exotics.
#3 Eunomia (9-2)
Eunomia comes off a stakes win at Colonial Downs and was just a neck behind Alpine Princess two starts back.
She’s trending in the right direction and benefits from a strong rider-trainer combo.
My Betting Takeaway: Usable underneath and possibly in multi-race wagers, but needs another step forward to win.
#4 Gin Gin (2-1)
Gin Gin is the defending race winner and a perfect 2-for-2 at Keeneland, including a Grade 1 Spinster victory.
Her last race in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff is a toss—she eased and never fired. Prior form shows:
- 149 Final Time Rating (Doubledogdare win)
- Proven ability at this level
She should sit just off the leaders and get first run turning for home.
My Betting Takeaway: Major threat if she returns to prior form. Logical exacta partner with the top choice.
#6 Running Away (4-1)
Running Away is 4-for-5 on dirt and should improve off her last turf effort.
She has the speed to be forwardly placed and could get brave if left alone early.
My Betting Takeaway: Dangerous if loose on the lead, but pace pressure makes that scenario unlikely.
#8 Chilled (15-1)
Chilled is a classic underneath play. She:
- Handles Keeneland well (7 starts: 1-3-1)
- Likes the distance (9 starts: 4 wins)
- Has competitive figures (128–140 range)
From the outside, she should get a clean stalking trip.
My Betting Takeaway: Not a top win threat, but a strong candidate to hit the board at a price.
Horses to Fade
#2 Aye Candy (20-1)
Steps up from Sunland Park with numbers that may not translate to this level.
My Betting Takeaway: Needs a significant jump in performance.
#5 Ourdaydreaminggirl (20-1)
Winless in dirt routes and dependent on off tracks.
My Betting Takeaway: Tough to support against this field.
#7 Peignoir (10-1)
Comes off a restricted stakes win with a solid figure, but class test here is steep.
My Betting Takeaway: Fringe contender at best.