Expert prediction
Keeneland Picks for All Graded Stakes Races This Weekend (Oct 17-18)
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
All eyes will be on Keeneland in a matter of weeks, as the world’s best descend on Lexington, Kentucky for the 2026 Breeders’ Cup. However, there is high-quality graded stakes racing at the track to look ahead to before the season-ending two-day meeting, with three graded races spread across Saturday and Sunday this weekend. You can find our Keeneland picks for the graded stakes action this weekend here.
How to Watch Horse Racing From Keeneland
- When: Saturday, October 17, 2026 – Sunday, October 18, 2026
- Where: Keeneland, Lexington, Kentucky
- How to Watch: FanDuel TV
Keeneland Graded Horse Racing Schedule This Weekend
Saturday, October 17, 2026 Races & Times
| Race | Start Time |
|---|---|
| G3 Perryville Stakes | 4:12 PM ET |
| G2 Lexus Raven Run Stakes | 5:16 PM ET |
Sunday, October 18, 2026 Races & Times
| Race | Start Time |
|---|---|
| G3 Rood & Riddle Dowager Stakes | 4:12 PM ET |
ALSO SEE: Breeders’ Cup Classic Picks, Odds, Leading Contenders, Betting Insights & Analysis
Best Keeneland Picks for Graded Stakes Horse Racing This Weekend
Solitude Dude (G3 Perryville Stakes- Saturday – 4:12 PM ET)
An interesting renewal of the G3 Perryville Stakes kicks off the graded action at Keeneland this weekend. Chief Wallabee will be back in action after flattering to merit support in both the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes. Obliteration and Deep Flame are both exciting colts, but wide draws could be detrimental to their chances. Therefore, the narrow preference is for Solitude Dude.
The Joe Sharp-trained runner will have Jose Ortiz aboard this weekend. His recent run in the Robert Hilton Memorial Stakes should be overlooked, as he looked unsuited by the challenges posed by Charles Town.
Prior to that, he held his own in high-quality races, including finishing second in the G2 Amsterdam Stakes. This step back up to seven furlongs should suit, having previously won the Bay Shore Stakes impressively. Low draws typically thrive at Keeneland, meaning that he will be in the perfect spot to make his move before the market-supported contenders who are drawn high.
Percy’s Bar (G2 Raven Run Stakes- Saturday – 5:16 PM ET)
The feature at Keeneland on Saturday is the G2 Raven Run Stakes, which covers a distance of seven furlongs. A talented bunch of fillies will line-up, including Movie Night and Mashallah.
However, I’ve always had a soft spot for Percy’s Bar, and connections could have found the perfect spot for her to bounce back. The Ben Colebrook runner was unsuited by Kentucky Downs last time, finishing last in the G2 Music City.
However, she has form mixing in with the very best fillies this season, including when second behind Explora in the G1 Test and landing the G1 Ashland (over slightly further). She may not be an out-and-out Grade One horse, but she is certainly capable in Grade Two company.
Solitude Dude (G3 Rood & Riddle Dowager Stakes- Sunday – 4:12 PM ET)
Sunday’s Graded Stakes action from Keeneland comes in the form of the G3 Rood & Riddle Dowager Stakes, which will cover a distance of 1 ½ miles on the turf.
Snipsnippitysnip looks like a horse capable of taking this step up in grade in her stride for the Brendan Walsh yard, with Brian Hernandez booked to take the ride. She set an eye-catching speed figure of 131 when winning an allowance optional claimer at Churchill Downs at the end of last month, putting a disappointing effort in the G3 Waya Stakes behind her.
Has already got Keeneland form in the book after finishing third at the track in April 2025. This distance should suit her most based on pedigree, as she is by Girvin out of a Tizona mare.
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