The $100,000 Doubledogdare Stakes isn't a graded event, but a number of its entrants have earned that status, giving the race a strong dose of class. Of the 11 entrants, three of them are grade II winners, and five others have won added-money races.
Topping the field is Cat Fighter, whose 2004 appearances in the auction ring and at the racetrack have both been notable. John Sikura recently purchased the daughter of
Storm Cat for $1.3 million at the Barretts March sale, where she was part of a Thoroughbred Corporation dispersal. In her last start, which was still in the green and white Thoroughbred Corp. silks, Cat Fighter won the grade II La Canada Stakes at Santa Anita. Although the filly has changed owners, she is still based with trainer Bob Baffert. This will be her first start outside of California.
Another graded stakes winning entrant is Roar Emotion, winner of the Feb. 15 Sabin Handicap (gr. III). Roar Emotion has won two of her last three starts with both of those victories coming at the Doubledogdare's distance of 8 1/2 furlongs. Kiaran McLaughlin trains the daughter of
Roar for Joseph Allen.
The third graded stakes runner in the field is Chamrousse, who won the 2002 Black-Eyed Susan Stakes. Chamrousse has only competed in allowance competition so far this year for breeder and co-owner Arthur Hancock, plus James Stone.
The Doubledogdare is Keeneland's ninth race on Friday. All entrants will carry 116 pounds. The field from the rail out with jockey and trainer:
1--Cat Fighter, Cornelio Velasquez, Bob Baffert
2--Zawzooth, Jorge Chavez, Todd Pletcher
3A--Clear Destiny, Craig Perret, Rusty Arnold
4A--Jaramar Rain, Craig Perret, Rusty Arnold
5--My Trusty Cat, James Shepard, David Vance
6--Mayo On the Side, Pat Day, Carl Nafzger
7--There Runs Hattie, John McKee, William G. Huffman
8--Roar Emotion, John Velazquez, Kiaran McLaughlin
9--Chamrousse, Robby Albarado, Niall O'Callaghan
10--Salty Farma, Mark Guidry, David Kassen
11--Saintly Action, Jerry Bailey, Bill Mott