The Road To The Breeders Cup Goes Through Kentucky

by Ed Meyer

posted on September 3, 2008 in Breeders Cup, Educational Articles, General Discussion | No Comments >>

We are starting to get pumped up about racing that will take place at Santa Anita on October 24th and 25th. This is the place where champions get crowned, and many others decide their next step as to where they will go in racing.

In Kentucky, there are two tracks that offer racing on synthetic surfaces. They are Turfway Park and Keeneland. Designed by Martin Collins from England, they were the first to open the gates to the future.

The Poly Track at these locations are made up of a granulated mix of carpet fibers, silicone, and a fine mix of sand. The tracks are always fast, and they play very kindly to closers. Both tracks historically were speed favoring, but in the past years this angle has changed dramatically. With the track being as flat as pavement, there is no crown. Water runs off of the material, and according to trainers, the surface has a cushion compared to running on the turf.

You may want to watch which trainers come this way, and keep a keen eye on turf runners making a final prep over the surfaces. Oh, don’t fret. The big stables are well aware of the surface and point here for a reason. They are looking for runners who will show a glimpse of happiness over this kinder footing.

Overall, the meets are super. They offer value, and give you an insight into who will be heading this way before shipping to California. Santa Anita has a synthetic surface, and after a year of working out the kinks, they are happy with the results.

Turfway is an evening track, and post time is 7:00 p.m. EST. Keeneland begins on October 3, with a first post of 1:10 p.m. Both tracks are worth the watch, and can give you hints on what will be the next move for some runners. Be sure to check in with WinningPonies.com, to track runners who are making this layover. They follow the game, and will help you with your elimination process in Kentucky and on the Breeders’ Cup. So be sure to check in, and arm yourself to prepare for the Bluegrass.