Kentucky Trip Notes and Horses to Watch for October 23-26

The following are trip notes for horses who had sharp efforts or tough trips at Keeneland during closing week, and who figure to improve or run big in their next starts. Add these runners to your horses to watch list, and bet them back next time if they land in a reasonable spot at Churchill Downs, or elsewhere.

Keeneland Trip Notes (October 23-26)

ARABIAN STORY: Closing move fizzled in the late stages after chasing a slow pace that favored the front runners and being bothered repeatedly by an errant rival in the stretch. Set to graduate with some better pace to chase.

BOTERO: Tried to go wire-to-wire but needed the race off of an eight-month layoff and faded to third in the stretch. Fits vs. the local competition and should be ready next time.

FRONT DOOR: Tried to go all the way setting a blazing mile pace in first race back from a four-month layoff and actually held on well for second. Looms a wire-to-wire threat in second off the layoff.

GLASS CEILING: Overcame a rough start behind a 10-horse field to graduate with ease over maiden claimers, and got claimed by the red-hot Danny Gargan barn. Likely to repeat up at the next level.

HE'S NO BULL: Got hooked in a 4 1/2-length-gap speed duel and lost to a runaway winner who sat off the duel, but managed to run on for second in a solid effort after the early challenger tired badly to last.

KIMBERLY FRANCES: Attempted a last-to-first move in a 12-horse field in first start back from a three-month layoff and actually did well just to close for fourth in a race where a slow pace favored the leaders.

MACHO JACK: Defended the lead among separate challengers and was softened up enough to get caught by the fast-closing winner. Held on best of the speeds for a clear second and can go all the way vs. similar.

MARK MY WAY: Tried to make the same move as the 6-5 favorite and eventual winner, but while that horse got through cleanly, this horse got stuck in traffic and got bumped around squeezing between rivals. Finished second and was six lengths clear of third.

SUBSTANTIAL: Took to the turf and finished a clear second behind a wire-to-wire winning favorite who was unchallenged up front. His turn next time.

TUXEDO LEMON: Returned from an eight-month layoff looking better than when last seen, closing behind a slow pace to get up for third. Stick with her in return from the sidelines.

UBER KIRK: Hit the board twice at Keeneland, most recently on closing day when losing by a half-length when clearly second after steadying in trouble and losing valuable position on the turn.