The $2 million Kentucky Downs Turf Sprint, a "Win and You're In" qualifier for the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint, returns to Kentucky Downs on Saturday, August 30. As one of the most lucrative turf sprints of the year, this 6-furlong Grade 2 contest on the one-of-a-kind Franklin, Kentucky, course consistently draws a field of the nation's best sprinters. The winner of this race earns an automatic entry to the Breeders' Cup, making it a crucial stop on the road to the championships.
This year's edition features a mix of established stars and rising contenders. We have the dominant favorite in Howard Wolowitz, a proven international competitor in Khaadem, and a dangerous American Grade 1 winner in Arrest Me Red. All three bring different strengths to the race—course affinity, international class, and American speed—making for a fascinating betting race on Kentucky Downs's undulating, European-style turf course.
When it comes to raw talent and an affinity for the Kentucky Downs turf course, there's no horse in the race that can match Howard Wolowitz. The former Grade 1 winner returns to the site of his most impressive victory, a win in the Franklin-Simpson Stakes, where he missed the track record by just one-hundredth of a second. This horse simply loves this course.
Following a disappointing run in Saudi Arabia earlier this year, his recent workouts indicate that he is returning to peak form. Trainer Jose D'Angelo, the all-time leading trainer at Kentucky Downs, has been prepping him specifically for this race. A crucial factor in his favor is the booking of jockey Irad Ortiz Jr., one of the world's best, who will be in the saddle.
The only real question mark is his inside post position, which can be a disadvantage in turf sprints here. However, a horse with his immense talent and love for the course could overcome this. He is coming into the race fresh off a layoff, and his connections have been aiming for a big performance.
After a strong runner-up finish in last year's edition, Khaadem returns for another try. This veteran horse is a multiple Group 1 winner in Europe and has proven he can handle the unique challenge of the Kentucky Downs course. In last year's race, he rallied from off the pace for a strong effort, a running style that can be very effective on this course.
While his recent form in England has been somewhat inconsistent, he was on a similar streak before his last trip to Kentucky. Trainer Charlie Hills has prepared him for this race, and he's a horse who often brings his A-game when it matters most. With jockey Jamie Spencer retaining the mount, the horse-jockey combination is a familiar one.
He may not have the best American speed figures, but his international form is undeniable. He's a horse who loves to get into a rhythm, and if the pace is hot, he could be flying in the stretch. The main question is whether he can turn the tables on a horse like Howard Wolowitz, who has proven he can go faster on this particular track.
While Arrest Me Red has not raced at Kentucky Downs before, he brings a very appealing resume as a Grade 1-winning turf sprinter. This horse has demonstrated his ability to beat top-level competition, and his tactical speed enables him to sit just off the pace, a style that often leads to success on European-style courses.
He has been very consistent in his recent starts, and trainer Wesley Ward is a master at preparing turf sprinters for big races. This will be his first start for Ward at Kentucky Downs, but his pedigree and running style suggest he will take to the course well.
The main question for Arrest Me Red is whether he can handle the unique undulations and long stretch of the Kentucky Downs course. This is his first trip here, and it's a course that can sometimes trip up horses who are new to it. However, if he takes the course, he will be a significant threat in the class. With Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez in the irons, he will have a major advantage.
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.
