BY BROCK SHERIDAN
Florida-bred Steel Racer returns from a four-month break in a second condition, $80,000 optional claiming at Keeneland Friday while making her second start for trainer Jesus Esquivel. The $120,000 contest has attracted six fillies and mares, 3-years-old and older going a mile-and-a-sixteenth.
The 4-year-old Steel Racer did not fair well last out, improving from last to finish eighth in a second condition, $80,000 optional claiming won by Joke Sisi going seven furlongs at Churchill Downs on June 9. That was her first start since winning a first condition, $25,000 optional claiming going a mile at Gulfstream Park.
Her previous win came in December of 2023 against first condition, $20,000 optional claiming fillies going a mile at Gulfstream Park. She had a second and a third in three races between the two victories.
Steel Racer is by Girvin out of Silver to Gold, by Zensational and was bred in Florida by Brad and Misty Grady. She is a two-time graduate of Ocala Breeders’ Sales, having last sold for $45,000 to Mauk Equine Brokerage as agent at the 2022 June Sale where she was consigned by JVC Training & Sales. She did not meet her reserve when consigned by Small Batch Sales at the 2021 OBS October Yearling Sale.
She has earned $176,756 for owner Elliott S. Logan and his TEC Racing, winning four with a second and a third in 13 starts.
Irad Ortiz Jr. will ride Steel Racer from the outside post six and they are 8-1 on the morning line.
Fancy is the even-money program favorite after finishing second to Piggalle in the $175,000 Groupie Doll going a mile at Ellis Park on Aug. 11.
Trained by Brendan Walsh for Heider Family Stables LLC, Fancy had a seven-length romp against first condition allowance horses going a mile in the slop in June. The 4-year-old daughter of Justify has won two of her last four races going back to a two-length victory against special weight maidens in May, also going a mile in the slop at Churchill.
Tyler Gaffalione takes the call on Fancy and they have post two.
Rounding out the field are Enclosure with jockey Jose Ortiz, Inventing and rider Luis Saez, Gerardo Corrales rides Lexa and Axel Conception will be in the saddle on Cat’s Cave.