An Atlantic Ocean Sighting

Two Breeders’ Cup preps headline the opening day program at Keeneland.

Atlantic Ocean, a $1.9 million purchase by the Thoroughbred Corporation earlier this year at Barretts, will try for her third victory in a row in the $400,000 Alcibiades, a Grade II for 2-year-olds at 1 1/16 miles.

Two races later, Ramona Handicap winner Affluent will go for her sixth graded stakes victory against Surya and five others in the $500,000 Winstar Galaxy at 1 3/16 miles on the grass.

Trained by Bob Baffert, Atlantic Ocean, a daughter of Stormy Atlantic, was beaten as the favorite in her first two starts, but has won two in a row since stretching out to two turns.

Jerry Bailey will ride Atlantic Ocean for the first time today as she prepares for the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies on Oct. 26 at Arlington Park.

With Eddie Delahoussaye not riding after being involved in a spill at Del Mar, Pat Day takes over on Affluent.

The Affirmed filly is proven over the Keeneland turf.

She won the Queen Elizabeth II Cup about a year ago, beating, among others, Golden Apples.

Meanwhile, at Belmont Park, there is a two-day carry over of $111,447 in the pick six.

The biggest upsets Thursday were provided by first-time starter Doubtful Diva ($100.50) in the fourth and Meadow Belle ($127) in the sixth.

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Race of the day: Crackup, an impressive maiden winner, will take on nine other 2-year-olds in the seven-furlong $75,000 Cavonnier Stakes at Santa Anita.

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Who’s hot: John Velasquez, who comfortably leads the Belmont Park jockey standings.

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Who’s not: Heberto Castillo Jr., who began the season at Belmont Park with only one win from his first 40 mounts.

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Exotically speaking: A pick three singling Conned Again in the first, using Glitteringmischief, Castlebright and Prime Step in the second and Marine, Duke Of Green and All The Gears in the third.

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Winners: Previous day/meet total: 2/6. Money: Previous day/meet total: $8.40/$25.80. Total money bet: $34.