Weather Update:
The KY Downs turf course condition has been downgraded to good for today's races.
— Kentucky Downs (@KYDownsRacing) September 6, 2025
Key Takeaways:
The $2 million Kentucky Downs Turf Cup (G2) returns to Franklin, Kentucky, on Saturday, September 6th. Known for its challenging, undulating course and long stretch, the Turf Cup is run at 1 ½ miles on turf and regularly serves as a springboard to the Breeders’ Cup Turf.
This year’s edition is one of the deepest in recent memory, featuring defending champion Grand Sonata, Arlington Million victor Fort Washington, and a resurgent Mercante looking to break through at the highest level. Bettors will have plenty of options, but these three stand out as the best plays for 2025.
It’s never easy to defend a Turf Cup crown, but Grand Sonata looks ready to do just that. The Todd Pletcher trainee loves this course, having won the Turf Cup last year and placed second in the Dueling Grounds Derby two years ago. Horses with experience at Kentucky Downs are always dangerous, and Grand Sonata has proven he thrives on its unique layout.
His most recent prep was a half-length second in the G1 Arlington Million at Colonial Downs, where he finished ahead of several graded stakes winners. That race showed he’s still in peak form at age six. With Tyler Gaffalione back aboard and Pletcher tightening the screws, Grand Sonata brings consistency, course knowledge, and tactical versatility into the race.
The key here is reliability. In a big, chaotic field where many horses are trying the tricky Kentucky Downs course for the first time, Grand Sonata has been there, done that, and won. He doesn’t need to improve to be the one to beat; he just needs to repeat what he already does so well.
Verdict: Strong win candidate and a must-use in all wagers.
The biggest threat to the defending champ is Fort Washington, who already proved he can beat him when winning the Arlington Million (G1) last month. Trained by Hall of Famer Shug McGaughey, Fort Washington enters in career-best form with three wins from his last four starts, including victories at four different racetracks.
He’s versatile and battle-tested, with a sharp closing kick and the ability to adapt his running style depending on pace. That adaptability will be crucial at Kentucky Downs, where race flow can be unpredictable. With Junior Alvarado retaining the mount, expect Fort Washington to settle midpack before unleashing his late speed down the long stretch.
If Grand Sonata is the safe, proven choice, Fort Washington is the upside horse. He’s peaking at the right time and already has the résumé to suggest he belongs with the best turf marathoners in training.
Verdict: Dangerous win option and a key player in exacta/trifecta tickets.
Every Turf Cup produces a “value” horse who can spoil the favorites, and this year that horse is Mercante. Once considered a plucky underdog, he’s now proven himself as a graded-stakes force. The Brian Knippenberg trainee was a close second in the G1 Turf Classic at Churchill Downs earlier this year, then followed it up with a win in the G3 Arlington Stakes.
Mercante may be a bit quirky in temperament, but on his day, he has the raw talent to beat anyone in this field. He’s been knocking on the door of a breakthrough victory and brings excellent current form. At 5/1, he offers much better value than the top two choices, especially for bettors looking to spice up exactas and trifectas.
The fact that he’s been competitive at the highest levels all year suggests he’s ready to take another step forward. If the pace collapses or the favorites falter, Mercante is the one most likely to pick up the pieces at a fair price.
Verdict: The value play. A live win chance and must-use in vertical bets.
The 2025 Kentucky Downs Turf Cup shapes up as a fascinating betting race. Grand Sonata is the proven, course-loving champion; Fort Washington is the in-form rival who just beat him; and Mercante is the improving underdog ready to make his mark. Together, they make up the three best bets for this year’s Turf Cup, and all roads from Franklin may lead to the Breeders’ Cup Turf.
With isolated thunderstorms and rain expected Friday night and into Saturday afternoon, Kentucky Downs management issued a statement that said it is "monitoring conditions" and any updates regarding racing on Saturday and Sunday will be posted on @KyDownsRacing on X.
Statement from Kentucky Downs management on potential inclement weather. #KyDowns pic.twitter.com/SrIaqXYEAs
— Kentucky Downs (@KYDownsRacing) September 5, 2025
The writing team at US Racing is comprised of both full-time and part-time contributors with expertise in various aspects of the Sport of Kings.
