The 2025 Kentucky Downs Turf Cup (G2) is set for Saturday, September 6, 2025, at the unique European-style turf course in Franklin, Kentucky. This year’s edition will be contested at 1½ miles on turf with a $2 million purse, and the winner earns an automatic, fees-paid berth into the 2025 Breeders’ Cup Turf at Del Mar.
As one of the most lucrative turf races in the U.S., the Turf Cup always attracts a top-class field, and the 2025 renewal is no exception. Fans and bettors alike can look forward to a compelling clash of proven Grade 1 runners, rising stars, and longshot grinders who could shake up the exotics.
The headliners this year are Fort Washington, who comes off a big win in the Arlington Million, and Grand Sonata, the defending Turf Cup champion. Alongside them are sharp contenders like Mercante, Utah Beach, Corruption, and El Rezeen, all of whom bring intriguing credentials into Saturday’s showdown.
Fort Washington has finally matured into a top-class turf router. After chasing good company for most of 2025, he delivered a breakthrough win in the Arlington Million, turning back none other than Grand Sonata in a stirring stretch duel.
What makes Fort Washington compelling here is his tactical versatility. He can stalk mid-pack before uncorking a strong late kick, a style well-suited to Kentucky Downs’ long, sweeping stretch. His connections know how to prepare a horse for big races, and his form suggests he’s peaking at just the right time.
Why bet on Fort Washington?
If he reproduces his Arlington Million effort, he could easily add the Turf Cup to his résumé and head into the Breeders’ Cup Turf as one of America’s best hopes.
The defending Turf Cup champion needs no introduction. Grand Sonata thrives over the undulating Kentucky Downs course, where his grinding style has produced consistent results. In last year’s Turf Cup, he out-stayed the competition, and his close second in the Arlington Million proves he’s as sharp as ever.
Grand Sonata’s appeal lies in its reliability. He rarely runs a bad race, makes his own trip, and always seems to be in the trifecta picture. Bettors who want a “trusty key” horse in exotics will likely anchor him on their tickets.
Mercante might not have the established résumé of Grand Sonata, but he’s improving with every start. His closing style suggests he’ll relish the 1½-mile distance, and his recent efforts in stakes company show he belongs with this group.
At 5-1, Mercante offers value for bettors who believe the favorites might regress. He has the look of a horse that could jump forward at just the right time.
The 2025 Kentucky Downs Turf Cup offers everything horseplayers could want: a big purse, proven graded-stakes talent, and a challenging turf course that tests stamina and strategy. With Fort Washington and Grand Sonata renewing their rivalry, and Mercante, Utah Beach, and El Rezeen looking to spoil the party, the stage is set for one of the summer’s most exciting turf races.
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.
