A kidney-shaped, undulating course, overflow fields and seven-figure purses make Kentucky Downs like no other track. The all-grass layout in the middle of nowhere lures horses from all over.
Saturday’s card, the second of a seven-date meeting, features megabucks Grade 3 stakes – the $3.1 million Nashville Derby Invitational, $1.5 million Ladies Turf Sprint and $1.5 million Ladies Turf Mile. They drew 44 entries, including three from Ireland and two from England, because when you’re giving away that much money, no destination is too far.
Kentucky Downs Photo.
Nashville Derby headlines Saturday’s lucrative race card
Shipper Sea The Thunder (12-1) will make his stakes debut in the Nashville Derby for trainer Cherie DeVaux, who’s having a breakout year. Sea The Thunder broke his maiden in June at Carlisle, an obscure outpost in northern England, in his sixth start, so he couldn’t be making a bigger class jump. A win would be a minor miracle, but the money for also-rans is so good it’s worth taking a shot. Even with a horse who’s earned only $12,295.
“If you hit the board there, that’s a win most places,” DeVaux told Kentucky Downs track publicity. “But so much of this depends on if the horse can handle the track. I think the European horses that have run on courses with a configuration like this probably have a little bit of an advantage.”
For those who like to bet on horse racing, here are analyses of the three stakes.
NASHVILLE DERBY INVITATIONAL, 1 5/16 miles, race 8, 5:16 p.m. ET
The favorite: Bellum Justum (7-2) has run well lately in England, finishing third at 1¼ miles and second going 1½ in Group 3s. Distance should be no problem if he handles the course for new rider Frankie Dettori.
Contenders: Carson’s Run (9-2) looks like a serious threat after closing powerfully to win the Grade 1 Saratoga Derby. Speedy White Palomino (8-1) and Cameo Performance (12-1) are also in the mix.
Horse for course: Lagynos (12-1) is the only one who’s run at Kentucky Downs, winning at 6½ furlongs in his debut last year. Close second last out in a Grade 2 but lost seven in a row and 1-for-6 on turf.
The picks: 1 Bellum Justum 2 Carson’s Run 3 White Palomino
LADIES TURF SPRINT, 6½ furlongs, race 9, 5:50 p.m.
It’s a terrific betting race with plenty of early speed and many legitimate contenders, and the exacta should be generous no matter who runs 1-2.
The favorite: Ruby Nell (7-2) turns back from routes but has speed and won at the distance going down the hill at Santa Anita.
Contenders: There are many. Secret Money (8-1) and Danse Macabre (6-1) ran 1-2 over course and distance last year. Only these two (along with also-eligible Oeuvre) have won there, and Danse Macabre is 10-for-10 in the money on grass. Dontlookbackatall (4-1) edged Danse Macabre last month at Saratoga for her third straight stakes win.
Others deserving respect are Californians Ag Bullet (12-1), 3-for-3 at 6½ on turf, and Elm Drive (9-2), 3-for-3 in the money at the distance but 1-for-7 on grass.
Expect Wesley Ward’s Kaufymaker (12-1) to fade after setting a contested early pace that will help closers who can work out trouble-free trips.
The picks: 1 Danse Macabre 2 Dontlookbackatall 3 Secret Money
LADIES TURF MILE, race 10, 6:24 p.m.
The favorite: Mission of Joy (4-1) gets serious class relief after two decent Grade 1 efforts. But she’s 0-for-7 since June 2023, so will the drop be enough to get her back to the winner’s circle?
Contenders: Mission of Joy’s stablemate Sparkle Blue (15-1), a strong finisher, is 4-for-5 in the money in 2024. The runner-up in this race last year could be a live longshot. Chad Brown’s Fluffy Socks (9-2) and defending champ Regal Realm (20-1) are 1-for-1 on the course. Fluffy Socks, 3-for-5 at a mile, may have lost a step at 6 but fits at this level. Regal Realm has lost four straight.
Give improving Special Wan (6-1) a long look if she draws in from the also-eligible list. She ran well in two Group 3s in Ireland.
The picks: 1 Special Wan (AE) 2 Sparkle Blue 3 Fluffy Socks
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.
