Kentucky Downs Stake Race Selections for September 11, 2021
Kentucky Downs about an hour outside of Nashville in Kentucky just along the Tennessee border was originally called the dueling grounds because actual duels took place there. The race course has changed ownership a few times and did not have a season one year because of financial mismanagement changed its name to Kentucky Downs to escape the stigma of the duels.
I believe Kentucky Downs is North America's closest proximity to a European race course. The all grass track, so only turf racing, has a slight right turn then a left into a sweeping far turn that leads to a slight uphill roughly 3 furlong stretch run. The far turn and stretch run mirror Belmont's dirt track for perspective.
Like Santa Anita's downhill turf course, horses and jockeys with experience over the Kentucky Downs turf course should be given extra attention.
I have grown to appreciate races over the KD Turf course. It will be on my list of tracks to visit next September.
Race 6: The Grade 3 Mint Lady Sprint Stakes
Play 6, 10, 7, 12 in rolling action
Spread in this race but lean heavier on the California shippers Richard Mandella's 6 Superstition and Richard Baltas' 10 Venetian Harbor should be vying for the lead as they help uphill on the way to the wire. Watchout for the closers especially, Joe "Say Hi to Rosie for us" Sharp's 7 Catch a Bid with Saez in the saddle as well as John Sadler's 12 Constantia. Both of these horse will have to find their way through a full field of horses. A longshot play is Peter Miller's 3 She's so Special - must respect Rosario and Miller in a turf sprint.
Race 7: The Kentucky Downs Ladies Turf Stakes
Single - 2
Spread - 2,5,6,8,9
Michael Stidham's 2 Princess Grace is winner of 3 consecutive races at just over a mile. 5 She'sonawarpath comes in off two straight victories. 6 Shifty She finished behind next out winner Hendy Woods who won at KD on Thursday, and Trainer Saffie Joseph teams up with Irad. 8 Summer in Saratoga shows a win over the track and two wins at the distance and Sharp and Saez are a good combination. Finally, 9 Dalika (GER) gets Rosario and is an include on thst alone.
Race 8: The Fan Duel Turf Sprint
Play - 2,4,7,9
Sharp and Saez on the 2 Fast Boat while Lezcano and Arnold send the 4 Gear Jockey to close at a price. Mott's 7 Casa Creed has a new found life as a sprinter and must be respected closing late. Finally, 9 Got Stormy who won her last race at Saratoga on Travers' Day.
Race 9: Calumet Turf Cup
Looking for horses with wins over the KD Course:
Single 5
Spread: 3,4, 7,9,
3 Channel Cat for trainer Jack Sisterson is 1 for 1 while Brad Cox's 5 Arklow shows 2 wins out of 3 tries. Mike Maker has Tide of the Sea, Glynn County.
I have been chasing 7 Fantasio and would hate not to have her on my ticket here.
Race 10: Franklin-Simpson Stakes
Spread 4,6,10,13
Single 4 and spread her under in vertical exotics Price will be Nice!
4 Miss Amulet (IRE) gets class relief and will be a price. 10 Point Me By will be favored while 13 Fauci will be closing late with 6 Next having first run at the leaders down the lane.
That covers the KD Stakes for the day!
Again expect selections for Belmont to be posted on Thursday morning 9/16 for opening day!
