By Brenna Angel
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wuky/local-wuky-963131.mp3
LEXINGTON, Ky. – The field is set for this weekend's $750,000 Toyota Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland.
At the post position draw Wednesday, oddsmaker Mike Battaglia picked Santiva as the 3-1 favorite.
"It wasn't easy. I kept looking and I went through this; this took a long time," says Battaglia.
Santiva will break from the number three position with jockey Julien Leparoux. Trainer Eddie Kenneally thinks Santiva has a good chance in the 1 1/8 mile race
"He's only had one race so far this year and it was a good race at the Fair Grounds. He was second, as you know, in the Risen Star (G2). So I think that sets him up pretty well. He's a fresh horse and he's doing well."
At 5-1, King Congie (pronounced CON'-jee) is the second favorite to win. The horse is named for Congie DeVito, the longtime communications director for West Point Thoroughbreds.
"Sadly Congie passed away this year due to complications from brittle bones disease," says West Point executive Jeff Lifson. "He passed away February 16 and we hope he is with us today and certainly with us on Saturday."
Lifson says King Congie was originally supposed to run in the Spiral Stakes at Turfway but suffered a strained muscle. He says the horse has recovered and will be ready on Saturday.
The Blue Grass Stakes is one of the final prep races leading up to the Kentucky Derby. Post time is Saturday at 5:45 p.m.