The $2 million Kentucky Downs Turf Cup (G2) on Saturday, September 6th, is shaping up as one of the most competitive long-distance turf races of the year. Defending champion Grand Sonata is the morning-line favorite, and his proven course record makes him the horse to beat. But for bettors, the real opportunities may lie in the exotic pools, exactas, trifectas, and superfectas that can deliver serious payouts on Kentucky Downs’ tricky 1 ½-mile course.
Here’s a look at the best exotic betting strategies for the 2025 Turf Cup.
When constructing exotic wagers, the key question is whether to key the favorite or try to beat him altogether. In this race, Grand Sonata is too reliable to leave out. He won last year’s Turf Cup and prepped with a runner-up finish in the Arlington Million (G1).
He doesn’t win by open lengths, but he consistently runs his race, which makes him the perfect anchor for vertical wagers. You can use him in the first or second slot in exactas and trifectas while looking for value horses to juice up the returns.
This is the “chalky but smart” play. Fort Washington beat Grand Sonata in the Arlington Million and brings tactical versatility, while Mercante has been improving all year and offers slightly better value. A 4-1 over 5-1 or 6-1 exacta can still return well in a full field.
Both Utah Beach and Corruption are grinders who excel at this 1 ½-mile trip. Utah Beach already has four career wins at the distance, while Corruption has been consistently picking up checks in graded company. Sliding either into the third slot could turn a small trifecta into a solid score.
Kentucky Downs is famous for chaos, and Ole Crazy Bone fits the bill as a Michael Maker trainee who’s already shown improvement. He finished second in the Turf Cup Preview Stakes and now gets Flavien Prat in the saddle. Pairing a longshot underneath the favorite is often one of the best ways to maximize value without tossing the horse most likely to win.
If you’re worried Grand Sonata doesn’t fire, a 3-horse box with Fort Washington and Mercante is the way to go. It covers all combinations of those three finishing 1-2-3 and allows you to cash even if the favorite slips to second or third.
For those chasing a big payday, the bottom of the superfecta is where longshots live. Vote No is the longest shot in the field but enters off a stakes win in the Cape Henlopen. He’s unlikely to win but has the kind of closing kick to sneak into 4th if the race falls apart. Using him underneath could turn a solid ticket into a massive one.
Exotics are all about structure, and in the 2025 Kentucky Downs Turf Cup, Grand Sonata is the reliable key horse to build around. Pair him with proven rivals like Fort Washington and Mercante for exactas and trifectas, while sprinkling in value plays like Utah Beach, Corruption, or even a longshot like Ole Crazy Bone.
The Turf Cup has produced its share of surprises over the years, and this year’s deep field ensures plenty of betting opportunities. Whether you’re aiming for a smart exacta or swinging for the fences with a superfecta, there’s no shortage of value to be found.
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.
