Godolphin Horses Target Keeneland Races as Kentucky Derby Countdown Continues

Godolphin, one of horse racing's biggest stables, is making a major push at Keeneland racetrack this weekend with multiple horses entered in key races. The move comes as the racing world counts down to the Kentucky Derby, scheduled for early May.

Keeneland is currently running its Spring Meet from April 3-24, with no racing on Mondays, Tuesdays or Easter Sunday. The Kentucky track often serves as a proving ground for horses hoping to earn spots in major races like the Derby.

Meanwhile, trainer Charlie Appleby said there are no current plans to bring Godolphin runners back to the U.S. for stakes races at Churchill Downs on Kentucky Derby weekend. Notable Speech, who won the FanDuel Breeders' Cup Mile last year, would likely follow the usual route through other races.

The Apple Blossom Stakes at Oaklawn Park adds another layer of excitement to the weekend's racing action. These spring races help trainers and owners decide which horses are ready for the biggest stages in horse racing.