Kentucky’s Finest / Free Kentucky Downs Selections September 2012

by Ed Meyer

posted on September 7, 2012 in Free Picks and Tips, Handicapping, Horse Racing, WinningPonies.com | No Comments >>

The summer sun is getting cooler each day, and the usher of autumn is next up for the bluegrass state. Oh, don’t think the action is over just yet. Turfway Park kicked open the doors on Thursday, and you can watch and wager on the undulating turf at Kentucky Downs. A beautiful 1 5/8ths European oval, with all of the charm of a county fair. The only exception is that the Instant Racing machines that were installed last year, and they have bumped up the purses 254% over last year. You can rest assured that this will draw out the big names for this short but lucrative all-turf meet.

Race #6 – The $75,000 Kentucky Cup Turf Dash – 6f on the turf – 5:05 p.m. ET

#7 – Delauney (4-1) = Bridgmohan is in town for Thom Amoss, and this gelding is 4/5 ITM on the sod. They are winning 38% on the year as a team, and his profile fits well as a horse that can stalk just off, or take the lead if needed. The long stretch at KyD is worth the price of admission, and you can bet that Amoss will have plenty of gas in the tank.

#8 – Noble’s Promise (5-2) = David Cohen in town for Ken McPeek.  Been on the shelf since 7/21 at Ellis, and scored some impressive numbers in the Don Bernhardt as a beaten favorite. Cuts back in distance, and Cohen has had good mojo after the DH in the Travers.

#5 – Sal the Barber (8-1) = B.J. Hernandez in the irons for Thom Drury. This son of Alphabet Soup looks to be a two-turn runner, but the long stretch can level out the playing field for long closers cutting back to 6f. Good price, and I like his chances.

Race #7 – The $75,000 Franklin-Simpson Mile – 1 mile on the turf – 5:35 p.m. ET

#4 – Seruni (9-5) = Corey Lanerie has the call today, and has faced some tougher company on the weeds. He is 5/7 ITM on the green, and goes from the dirt at MTN back to the sod. I am looking for an up close run from a rider who knows the course well.

#10 – Global Power (9-2) = Leandro Goncalves in the saddle for Thomas Amoss. Amoss said in an interview with Winning Ponies: ” He really likes the way this young man sits on a horse.  Leandro will be one of the next names that take it to the next level.” 2/3 ITM on the turf, and Amoss exits a win in the $100,000 Sussex and gave him a short break. The works support a big effort coming right back.

Race #8 – The $75,000 Kentucky Cup Ladies Turf – 1 mile on the turf – 6:05 p.m. ET

#7 – Ridgester (7-2) = Gabriel Saez gets the nod for Rick Hiles. 2/2 ITM on the green, and exits a very nice run in the G-3 Gardenia at Ellis Park on the dirt. This daughter of Cactus Ridge looks to have the right stalking style, and the price may be better than 7-2.

#9 – Affair Dabbler (4-1) = Innocencio Diego in the saddle today. This filly came roaring down the lane at Arlington to notch two wins in-a-row. Chicago runners love the course, Saratoga shippers, and Ellis Park runners that are good form cycle. You always have to pay attention to any repeaters, as once they love love it, they always seem to enjoy the course.

#11 – Miz Ida (6-1) = Shawn Bridgmohan gets the ride for Steve Margolis. Comes a off a nice win at Indy Downs in the Indy Distaff, and she looks to enjoy the green. The outside post can be tricky, but there is a savvy rider on her back. The odds will be worth the reach, and she has 4 wins from six starts on the turf.

Race #9 – Mdn Sp Wt – 6f on the turf – 6:35 p.m. ET

#11 – Sunset Time (2-1) = Kent Desormeaux hanging around for the last race for Mr. Wesley Ward. Second off the layoff, and when the rider is on, he is tough to stop.

#9 – Funfortheholidays (12-1) = Greta Kuntzweiler aboard for the “Mad Genius” Thomas Proctor. He knows how to get a runner ready for the green, and gets first lasix for this trip. Greta hasn’t been riding to her best these days, but that all can change here at a solid price.

#5 – I Think So (8-1) = David Cohen foe Larry Jones. Beaten favorite last out at Ellis Park, and the Jones’ barn wins with 27% of his second time out runners.

Ticket Cost = 3 X 2 X 3 X 3 = $54 for a $1 ticket, and $27 for a 50-cent version.