In a course that was plotted last October, Dale Ladner’s Alva Starr has returned to Keeneland for Saturday’s 23^rd running of the $600,000 Resolute Racing Madison (G1).

The morning after Alva Starr was caught late in finishing second to Vahva in the Lexus Raven Run (G2), trainer and co-breeder Brett Brinkman had the Madison in mind and began planning for the return to Keeneland.

“The winter went fine,” Brinkman said of the time spent at Fair Grounds. “We had plotted for two races (before the Madison), but when Oaklawn moved the American Beauty (L) back a week because of weather, we opted to train up to the race.”

The American Beauty, originally scheduled for Jan. 27, was run Feb. 3, and Alva Starr cruised to a 3½-length victory over a sealed muddy track.

“I was very pleased with the effort that day,” Brinkman said. “She handled it well even though the conditions were not ideal. They had moved the race back because a lot of horses there had missed training because of the weather.”

Following the American Beauty, Brinkman brought Alva Starr back to Fair Grounds.

“She was training so well at Fair Grounds, she had her final major work (for the Madison) there (on March 14),” Brinkman said. “She’s had time to acclimate here and had two good works over the track.”

Tyler Gaffalione, who was aboard for the Lexus Raven Run, has the mount Saturday on Alva Starr.