Ben Ali Presents an Opportunity for San Siro
San Siro has never raced at Keeneland in his 10-race career, but if he takes after his sire, Classic Empire , who won his only Keeneland start, the Brendan Walsh-trained gelding could be successful there April 19 in the $350,000 Ben Ali Stakes (G3). He faces six rivals, only two of which are stakes winners: Duke of Love and Uno Mas Bourbon .
Classic Empire captured the 2016 Breeders’ Futurity (G1) at Keeneland before winning the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) at Santa Anita Park during a championship 2-year-old campaign that year. Classic Empire now stands in Korea after beginning his stud career in Kentucky.
San Siro, a winner of three of 10 starts and recently fourth in the March 22 New Orleans Classic Stakes (G2) at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, romped in an allowance optional claimer Feb. 1 at Fair Grounds in the first of his two outings this year. He then made his stakes debut in the New Orleans Classic, finishing 13 lengths behind victorious Touchuponastar .
Edgar Morales rides the rail-drawn San Siro in the 1 3/16-mile Ben Ali for owners Andrew Farm, Mountmellick Farm, Ocean Reef Racing, White Mountain Stables, and Stonecrest Farm.
Duke of Love, a close fifth in an allowance optional claimer March 1 at Gulfstream Park in his first start in 18 months, and Uno Mas Bourbon, third in his 2025 return at Gulfstream, may improve in their second races of 2025.
Entries: Ben Ali S. (G3)
Keeneland, Saturday, April 19, 2025, Race 10
- Grade III
- 1 3/16m
- Dirt
- $350,000
- 4 yo’s & up
- 5:48 PM (local)
