I've been to a lot of racetracks in North America and some in Europe. Lone Star Park is the only North American track I've seen where the starter stands flat-footed on the ground and does not use an elevated stand. It looks like he's at a disadvantage. Allen Petray Lone Star starter, Ross Von Hemel, doesn't occupy an elevated stand at the start of many races, specifically those on the turf and those on the main track at distances of seven furlongs and one mile. But he uses a portable stand for other races on the main track.
Most racetracks have permanent starter's stands.
Perched above the starting gate, the starter has a good view of the horses and can determine when they're looking forward in preparation for the race. Out of regard for the safety of the horses and jockeys, most racetracks built in recent years use the portable stands. But you didn't explain how you came up with Keats, and I still can't figure it out. Basically, it came down to speed. Distilled, the 2-1 favorite, had won his previous two races by leading from start to finish.