Just a Touch, owned by Qatar Racing and trained by Brad Cox, is the standout contender among a competitive group of 12 entries for the 32nd running of the $400,000 Sycamore Stakes (G2) at Keeneland on Friday, October 9. The 5-year-old son of Justify, boasting two turf stakes victories and three wins in four grass races this year, comes off a strong performance in the 1½-mile Colonial Cup at Colonial Downs in Virginia on September 7.
The Sycamore Stakes will be the highlight of Keeneland’s 10-race card on Friday, serving as the ninth race on the program at 5:16 p.m. Below is the full list of entrants, along with their trainers, jockeys, and assigned weights:
Friday, Oct. 9 — Race 9, 5:16 p.m. — $400,000 Sycamore (G2), 3-year-olds and up, 1½ miles (turf):
- Goldeneye, Trainer: Peter Eurton, Jockey: Edwin Maldonado
- Just a Touch, Trainer: Brad Cox, Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.
- Mercante, Trainer: Brian Knippenberg, Jockey: Joe Ramos
- Navy Seal, Trainer: Wesley Ward, Jockey: Jose Ortiz
- Echo Lane, Trainer: Rohan Crichton, Jockey: Brian Hernandez Jr.
- English Actor, Trainer: Rachel Halden, Jockey: Junior Alvarado
- Limited Liability, Trainer: Shug McGaughey, Jockey: Luis Saez
- Tiz Dashing, Trainer: Barclay Tagg, Jockey: Javier Castellano
- Layabout, Trainer: Patrick Biancone, Jockey: Keith Asmussen
- Vote No, Trainer: Kelsey Danner, Jockey: Umberto Rispoli
- Desvio, Trainer: Madison Meyers, Jockey: Luan Machado
- Rothschild, Trainer: Norm Casse, Jockey: Axel Concepcion
- Also-Elected (AEs):
- Lambeth, Trainer: Joe Sharp, Jockey: Jose Ortiz
- Sumood, Trainer: Brendan Walsh, Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione
- Carcano, Trainer: Vicki Oliver, Jockey: John Velazquez
- Ur Benja, Trainer: Jose Aranha, Jockey: James Graham
This article was first published by Paulick Report on October 2, 2026.
Fan Take:
This race is a thrilling showcase of top turf talent, featuring recent stakes winners and strong jockey-trainer combinations that reflect the depth and quality of modern horse racing. For fans, the Sycamore Stakes offers a compelling glimpse into the sport’s future stars while honoring its rich tradition in turf racing.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
