The Kentucky Downs festival is one of the most anticipated stops on the American racing calendar. Famous for being the only all-turf track in the United States, it consistently posts some of the richest purses of the year. Those high stakes, combined with the course’s unique setup, attract deep fields and many of the sport’s top trainers and jockeys.
Spotlight Race: The Kentucky Turf Cup
At the heart of the meet is the Kentucky Turf Cup (G2), run on Saturday, September 6. The race covers 1 ½ miles on turf and offers a $2 million purse. Even more, the winner earns an automatic, fees-paid berth in the 2025 Breeders’ Cup Turf on November 1 at Del Mar.
This year’s headliner is Fort Washington, fresh off a career-defining victory in the Arlington Million (G1) on August 9. Returning rival Grand Sonata, who narrowly missed in that same contest, looms as a serious threat once again. Other notable contenders include seasoned distance runner Utah Beach, the consistent Corruption, and emerging star El Rezeen.
Race Information
- Date: Saturday, September 6
- Track: Kentucky Downs, Franklin, KY
- Post Time: 6:20 p.m. ET
- Distance: 1 ½ miles (turf)
- Age/Sex: Three-year-olds and older
- Watch: BUSR, Fox Sports
2025 Kentucky Turf Cup Draw and Odds
Below is the official field, with post positions, trainers, jockeys, and morning-line odds.
Prep Race Form
The field converges from a variety of key races:
- Arlington Million (G1): Fort Washington edged Grand Sonata by just half a length on August 9. Both return here with strong credentials.
- Sword Dancer (G1): Utah Beach (4th), El Rezeen (5th), and Vote No (7th) all tested Saratoga’s top-tier turf on the same day.
- San Juan Capistrano (G3): Divin Propos weakened late at Santa Anita over 1 ¾ miles.
- Kentucky Downs Previews (Ellis Park): Ole Crazy Bone and Anglophile ran second and third, respectively, in the Turf Cup prep on August 3. Mercante exits a fourth-place effort in the Preview Turf Mile.
- Gold Cup Invitational (Kentucky Downs): Tawny Port finished runner-up just a week before this race.
- Allowance at Saratoga: Corruption returned from a layoff to score by two lengths on July 30.
Contender Breakdown
- Divin Propos (20-1): Needs to step up but switches barns to Saffie Joseph. With Dettori aboard, worth a longshot look for exotics.
- El Rezeen (8-1): Still improving and gets blinkers off. Has shown he handles softer turf, which could be key if rain hits.
- Tawny Port (10-1): Consistent at Kentucky Downs, including a third-place finish in this race last year. Dangerous for trifectas.
- Vote No (30-1): Best as a closer, not on the lead. Needs career-best effort but could surprise at a big price.
- Mercante (5-1): Speedy runner trying 1 ½ miles for the first time. Pedigree suggests stamina, but track can be tough on front-runners.
- Grand Sonata (4-1): Last year’s Turf Cup winner, sharp in both the United Nations and Arlington Million. Loves the course and looms large.
- Utah Beach (6-1): Strong spring campaign with G2 wins, though form has dipped. Returns to a track that suits his late kick.
- Ole Crazy Bone (15-1): Claimed by Mike Maker, a master with older turf horses. Nearly won the Ellis prep; offers solid value.
- Anglophile (12-1): Proven over the course, though distance remains a question. A grinder who could get involved late.
- Corruption (15-1): Rapid rise through the ranks. Reliable but must deliver a career-best against this group.
- Fort Washington (9-2): Comes in as the class off Arlington Million win. Yet to try this distance, making him both a threat and a question mark.
Best Bets
- Grand Sonata (4-1): Defending champion, proven at Kentucky Downs, and gets Tyler Gaffalione again. Strong value versus Fort Washington.
- Fort Washington (6-1): 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.
- Mercante (5-1): 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.
Kentucky Turf Cup FAQ
When is the race?
Saturday, September 6 at 6:20 p.m. ET.
Where is it held?
Kentucky Downs in Franklin, Kentucky.
Who trains the defending champion?
Todd Pletcher, who sends both Grand Sonata and El Rezeen this year.
Who holds the trainer record?
Mike Maker leads with five victories, aiming for a sixth with Ole Crazy Bone.
Who won in 2024?
Grand Sonata, ridden by Tyler Gaffalione.
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.
