Kingsbarns dominates Keeneland’s Ben Ali S. (G3)

Kingsbarns and jockey Luis Saez cruise to victory in the 2024 Ben Ali S. (G3) | Casey Laughter photo

Spendthrift Farm LLC’s 4-year-old colt Kingsbarns earned his second career graded stakes win in style Saturday at Keeneland with a commanding score in the $300,000 Ben Ali S. (G3).

The 8-5 post time favorite did not disappoint as he turned in his best performance since winning the Louisiana Derby some 13 months ago. After a sharp break from the gate, Kingsbarn settled back in fourth rounding the first turn. Longshot Laughing Boy opened up a sizeable lead on the backstretch before slowing noticeably entering the final bend.

Kingsbarns, in the three path, set his sights on War Campaign, who had taken over the lead. Kingsbarns reeled him in at the top of the stretch, then powered clear in the final furlong to win by 3 ¼-lengths in 1:57.74 for the 1 3/16-miles on a fast track.

“This (win) is a credit to (trainer) Todd (Pletcher’s) management and the fact that Eric Gustavson (owner and President of Spendthrift Farm) made the decision to give him the time (off) that he needed,” said Spendthrift General Manager Ned Toffey. “He needed some time after his 3-year-old campaign, he got it, and he’s just done so well from 3 to 4 (years old). Hopefully he’s going to reward us with a big year.”

Toffey was referring to Kingsbarns being away from the track from last June through March, when he won a Gulfstream Park allowance race in his 2024 debut. Kingsbarns is now 5-1-0 in seven starts and has earned $907,800.