15-day Keeneland meet set for April 6 opener

15-day Keeneland meet set for April 6 opener. The April 14, $750,000 Toyota Blue Grass is a springboard to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands. On opening day, Keeneleland will introduce a budget-conscious wager for handicappers.

15-day Keeneland meet starts on April 6. The Toyota Blue Grass for 3-year-olds and the Central Bank Ashland for fillies will be televised live on the NBC Sports Group. On April 14, the Toyota Red Grass will also be shown on CNBC from 6-7 p.m. Central bank Ashlands is a $500,000 race for three- and four-time winners. Keeneland will become the first track to allow on-track patrons to make fractional wagers. The first half of the spring meeting includes three Grade 1 stakes: $300,00 Vinery Madison for 4- to 4.5-years-old filly and $200, 000 Jenny Wiley for mares and mare-up.

This spring, fans 12 and under are invited to join the free Keeneland Kids Club. Members of the 2012 Club receive a personalized membership pass, birthday card from Buckles the official mascot, discounts and invitations to exclusive Kids club events.

Keeneland.com offers information about special events during the spring season. The first 1,000 students to register for College Scholarship Day on opening day receive a free student-designed t-shirt. There will be a Maker's Mark bottle signing on Friday, April 13. To raise breast cancer awareness, Keeneland will host Horses and Hope Pink Day, on April 15. Military Appreciation Day is on Sunday, 22nd. The website also offers trunk shows with noted designers and book signings with authors of new books about Thoroughbred racing.