Keeneland has announced that the Toyota Blue Grass stakes race will run on the opening Saturday of its spring meet with the purse for the Kentucky Derby qualifier increasing $250,000 to $1 million.
The 1 1/8 mile Grade 1 race for 3-year-olds, which awards 100 points toward the Derby, had run on the second Saturday of the spring meet since 1989. One of four graded stakes races moved to April 4, the Blue Grass highlights a slate including the $500,000 Grade 1 Central Bank Ashland for fillies with 100 qualifying points for the Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs.
In a release Keeneland vice president of racing W.B. Rogers Beasley said moving the Blue Grass will ''further enhance its stature as a nationally prominent classic prep'' race.
Also on the card is the $350,000 Grade 1 Madison for older fillies and mares; the $300,000 Grade 3 Commonwealth for older horses; and the $125,000 Grade 3 Shakertown.
The 1 1/16 mile Grade 3 Coolmore Lexington Derby prep was moved up a week to April 11 with its purse increased $50,000 to $250,000.
