Free Selections – Kentucky Downs – 8/31/19

 

 

The one-of-a-kind undulating European turf course is back in action with Kentucky Downs. At just five days each year, Kentucky Downs hosts one of the shortest thoroughbred horse racing meets in North America. Though short, the five-day meet features more than $10 million in purses, with a nation-leading average of over $2 million in purses per day.

Kentucky Downs is home to America’s only European-style (all turf) racecourse, and at one mile and five-sixteenths in length, it is one of the longest tracks in the nation as well. Unlike other racetracks, which are typically oval, the course at Kentucky Downs is kidney-shaped, featuring undulation and a unique right-hand bend. With subtle elevation changes throughout, a sweeping turn into what becomes a dog-legged stretch run of more than a quarter-mile to the finish line, racing at Kentucky Downs is an exciting experience for those competing and cheering.

 

Race #2 – Mdn Sp Wt – 1 1/2 – 1:51 pm EDT

#9 – Chewing Gum = Son of Candy Ride who is shipping in from Del Mar for Bill Mott. He was previously trained by Dick Mandella and is a stone-cold closer. He stretches out from a mile and should benefit from Adam Beschizza in the irons who wins 14% on the turf.

 

Race #3 – O.C. $62,500 – 6 1/2 f – 2:24 pm EDT

#11 – Mick’s Star = Florent Geroux in the irons and is the 5th all-time leading rider over the course. – He comes from AP and drops in class from the G3 American Derby. – A versatile sort who can be a major player in the hands of a top-shelf jock.

 

Race #4 – Alw – 1m 70 yards – 2:57 pm EDT

#12 – He’s Cheeky = Shipping in from Chicago for Larry Rivelli and has the services of the all-time leading rider on the course B.J. Hernandez with 44 wins. – This son of Pioneer of the Nile is a strong closer and will be tough down the lane.

 

Race #5 – Alw – 1m 70 yards – 3:33 pm EDT

#11 – Kettle Valley = Jamie Spencer traveled over for a shot at the huge purses. – Ships in from Ellis Park and owns a bullet work coming in. – Spencer has won his share of major races including the Arlington Million in the states. – Look for a well-timed late kick down the lane.

 

Race #6 – Mdn Sp Wt – 6 1/2f – 4:05 pm EDT

#9 – Dixieland Traffic = First timer by Cross Traffic and is bred to relish the green. – B.J. Hernandez in the irons and may light up the board at a very square price.

 

Race #7 – The $250,000 One Dreamer – 1m and 70 yards – 4:38 pm EDT

#9 – Limari = Florent Geroux in the driver’s seat and been off for 49 days. – She should be close to the pace and trainer Brad Cox is winning 38% on the year. “Flo” wins 21% on the turf, and he’s seen undulating courses back in France. Look for a big meet from this top-shelf rider.

 

Race #9 – The $500,000 Juvenile Fillies – 1 mile – 5:47 pm EDT

#12 – Fly So Pretty = A daughter of Sky Mesa for trainer Mark Casse who is the 22nd leading trainer in the track history. – First out she closed quick at CD and then shipped up to Saratoga and graduated impressively after checking repeatedly. Tyler Gafflione has the call and is 41% ITM on the turf. Look for her to be closer today in the stretch out and Tyler G will make a strong bid around the far turn. – He will save plenty for the long run for the wire.