Ben Ali Presents an Opportunity for San Siro

San Siro has never raced at Keeneland in his 10-race career, but if he takes after his sire, Classic Empire, who won his only Keeneland start, the Brendan Walsh-trained gelding could be successful there April 19 in the $350,000 Ben Ali Stakes (G3). He faces six rivals, only two of which are stakes winners: Duke of Love and Uno Mas Bourbon. Classic Empire captured the 2016 Breeders' Futurity (G1) at Keeneland before winning the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1) at Santa Anita Park during a championship 2-year-old campaign that year. Classic Empire now stands in Korea after beginning his stud career in Kentucky. San Siro, a winner of three of 10 starts and recently fourth in the March 22 New Orleans Classic Stakes (G2) at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots, romped in an allowance optional claimer Feb. 1 at Fair Grounds in the first of his two outings this year. He then made his stakes debut in the New Orleans Classic, finishing 13 lengths behind victorious Touchuponastar. Edgar Morales rides the rail-drawn San Siro in the 1 3/16-mile Ben Ali for owners Andrew Farm, Mountmellick Farm, Ocean Reef Racing, White Mountain Stables, and Stonecrest Farm. Duke of Love, a close fifth in an allowance optional claimer March 1 at Gulfstream Park in his first start in 18 months, and Uno Mas Bourbon, third in his 2025 return at Gulfstream, may improve in their second races of 2025.