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.
![](https://www.usracing.com/news/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/10632867_659433580840215_4665862424212441987_n_11b0bfa4-fd78-1beb-24a8d1c744bf497f-400x266.jpg)
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
![US Racing Team](https://news.usracing.com/wp-content/authors/Team-28.jpg)
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.