KD WAYI races

Join us as we delve into the highly anticipated 2024 Ainsworth Turf Sprint and Kentucky Turf Cup Stakes at Kentucky Downs! This preview offers insights into two of the most competitive turf races in the country, showcasing top turf sprinters and long-distance runners. With major stakes on the line, including a “Win and You’re In” berth to the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint and Breeders’ Cup Turf, this is a must-watch for racing enthusiasts and bettors looking to gain an edge.
Ainsworth Turf Sprint (G2) Preview: The Grade 2 Ainsworth Turf Sprint Stakes features top turf sprinters in North America and an international contender from England. Leading the field is Cogburn, a 5-year-old trained by Steve Asmussen, who has won five of six turf starts. Cogburn made headlines earlier this year with a record-setting performance in the Grade 1 Jaipur Stakes at Saratoga, finishing 5 ½ furlongs in a blazing :59.80, the fastest time ever in North American turf racing for that distance. Despite finishing fifth in this race last year, Cogburn returns stronger and is the 6-5 morning line favorite, aiming for victory and a spot in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint.
Joining Cogburn is Nobals, last year's Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint winner, trained by Larry Rivelli. Although Nobals finished fourth in a recent Saratoga allowance race, he has shown strong performance over six furlongs, making him a strong contender. Rivelli also has One Timer, who narrowly missed victory in this event last year, finishing just a head behind the winner. Both horses pose solid threats with their speed and strong performances in previous turf sprints.
Another notable entry is Khaadem, a multiple Group 1 winner from England. Trained by Charlie Hills, Khaadem has excelled over straight courses and comes into this race having won the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot for the second consecutive year. While Khaadem hasn’t raced around a turn in over three years, his speed and affinity for firm ground make him a wildcard in this field.
Kentucky Turf Cup (G2) Preview: The Grade 2 Kentucky Turf Cup Stakes at Kentucky Downs is another thrilling race to watch, featuring a $2 million purse and a “Win and You’re In” spot for the Breeders’ Cup Turf. This year’s race is highlighted by veteran Mike Maker-trained entries Red Knight and Therapist, who lead a competitive field. Red Knight, a 9-year-old gelding, won this race last year and has continued to perform well, including a victory in the Grade 1 Man o’ War Stakes earlier this season. Trainer Mike Maker, known for his success with seasoned turf runners, has Red Knight in top form, ready to defend his title.
Other notable entries include Integration, the morning line favorite at 8-5, trained by Claude McGaughey III, who recently finished second in the Arlington Million. Chief Little Rock, trained by Aidan O’Brien and ridden by Frankie Dettori, adds an international element to the field, looking to build on his European success.
Full Field for Ainsworth Turf Sprint (G2): Gear Jockey (KY) - Jockey: Jose Lezcano; Trainer: George R. Arnold, II
Axthelm (KY) - Jockey: Jose L. Ortiz; Trainer: Saffie A. Joseph, Jr.
One Timer (KY) - Jockey: Jareth Loveberry; Trainer: Larry Rivelli
Cogburn (KY) - Jockey: Irad Ortiz, Jr.; Trainer: Steven M. Asmussen
Charcoal (KY) - Jockey: Axel Concepcion; Trainer: Tracey J. Wisner
Coppola (KY) - Jockey: Corey J. Lanerie; Trainer: Dale L. Romans
Grooms All Bizness (KY) - Jockey: Dylan Davis; Trainer: Jorge Duarte, Jr.
Khaadem (IRE) - Jockey: Jamie P. Spencer; Trainer: Charles Hills
Noble Reflection (KY) - Jockey: Lanfranco Dettori; Trainer: George Papaprodromou
Nobals (KY) - Jockey: Gerardo Corrales; Trainer: Larry Rivelli
Witty (PA) - Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione; Trainer: Elizabeth M. Merryman
Mo Stash (KY) - Jockey: Luis Saez; Trainer: Victoria H. Oliver
Five o' Somewhere (KY) - Jockey: Samuel E. Bermudez; Trainer: Kenneth R. Spraggins
Full Field for Kentucky Turf Cup (G2): Highway Robber (KY) - Jockey: Jareth Loveberry; Trainer: Brian A. Lynch
Integration (KY) - Jockey: Kendrick Carmouche; Trainer: Claude R. McGaughey III
Cathkin Peak (IRE) - Jockey: Jose L. Ortiz; Trainer: Michael J. Maker
Get Smokin (KY) - Jockey: Fernando De La Cruz; Trainer: Mark E. Casse
Sugoi (KY) - Jockey: Irad Ortiz, Jr.; Trainer: Michael J. Maker
King Curlin (KY) - Jockey: Christopher A. Emigh; Trainer: Brittany A. Vanden Berg
Tawny Port (KY) - Jockey: Flavien Prat; Trainer: Christophe Clement
Balladeer (KY) - Jockey: Florent Geroux; Trainer: George Papaprodromou
Anglophile (KY) - Jockey: Declan Cannon; Trainer: Brian A. Lynch
Grand Sonata (KY) - Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione; Trainer: Todd A. Pletcher
Chief Little Rock (IRE) - Jockey: Lanfranco Dettori; Trainer: Aidan P. O'Brien

[@scottjarriel6761]

Having spent last weekend at KD, all I can say is good luck. Little of what was shown on PP's was helpful in handicapping those races. The one thing I observed was that prior experience (especially wins) did seem to matter. And which 'Lane' the horses are running in will be important. Last Saturday they ran in Lane 3 (rail dogs out really wide) and the rail was dead (which the good jockeys spotted quickly). On Sunday, they took down the outer-most dogs, so the horses were running in Lane 2. A completely different course that day, with no apparent rail bias at all. I assume they will maintain Lane 2 today, but no idea about Saturday and Sunday.

[@BryantBrothers-gm1qx]

Just bet numbers at that meet...the pp's virtually mean nothing

[@austinthomas9068]

I’m using the 2 and 11 exclusively in my p4 and p5 ,,, connections and class. I’m using the 4 horse Coburn as a single in my multi race wagers.

[@johnmoeller2480]

Horse for course don't forget Gear Jockey

[@mowanswaby9124]

Where is CHAD BROWN runners? Isn't this big money turf meet.