The Kentucky Downs pageant is likely one of the most anticipated stops on the American racing calendar. Well-known for being the one all-turf monitor in america, it constantly posts a few of the richest purses of the yr. These excessive stakes, mixed with the course’s distinctive setup, entice deep fields and lots of the sport’s prime trainers and jockeys.
Highlight Race: The Kentucky Turf Cup
On the coronary heart of the meet is the Kentucky Turf Cup (G2), run on Saturday, September 6. The race covers 1 ½ miles on turf and affords a $2 million purse. Much more, the winner earns an automated, fees-paid berth within the 2025 Breeders’ Cup Turf on November 1 at Del Mar.
This yr’s headliner is Fort Washington, contemporary off a career-defining victory within the Arlington Million (G1) on August 9. Returning rival Grand Sonata, who narrowly missed in that very same contest, looms as a critical menace as soon as once more. Different notable contenders embrace seasoned distance runner Utah Seashore, the constant Corruption, and rising star El Rezeen.
Race Data
- Date: Saturday, September 6
- Observe: Kentucky Downs, Franklin, KY
- Put up Time: 6:20 p.m. ET
- Distance: 1 ½ miles (turf)
- Age/Intercourse: Three-year-olds and older
- Watch: BUSR, Fox Sports activities
2025 Kentucky Turf Cup Draw and Odds
Under is the official subject, with put up positions, trainers, jockeys, and morning-line odds.
Prep Race Type
The sphere converges from quite a lot of key races:
- Arlington Million (G1): Fort Washington edged Grand Sonata by simply half a size on August 9. Each return right here with sturdy credentials.
- Sword Dancer (G1): Utah Seashore (4th), El Rezeen (fifth), and Vote No (seventh) all examined Saratoga’s top-tier turf on the identical day.
- San Juan Capistrano (G3): Divin Propos weakened late at Santa Anita over 1 ¾ miles.
- Kentucky Downs Previews (Ellis Park): Ole Loopy Bone and Anglophile ran second and third, respectively, within the Turf Cup prep on August 3. Mercante exits a fourth-place effort within the Preview Turf Mile.
- Gold Cup Invitational (Kentucky Downs): Tawny Port completed runner-up only a week earlier than this race.
- Allowance at Saratoga: Corruption returned from a layoff to attain by two lengths on July 30.
Contender Breakdown
- Divin Propos (20-1): Must step up however switches barns to Saffie Joseph. With Dettori aboard, price a longshot search for exotics.
- El Rezeen (8-1): Nonetheless bettering and will get blinkers off. Has proven he handles softer turf, which could possibly be key if rain hits.
- Tawny Port (10-1): Constant at Kentucky Downs, together with a third-place end on this race final yr. Harmful for trifectas.
- Vote No (30-1): Finest as a better, not on the lead. Wants career-best effort however might shock at an enormous worth.
- Mercante (5-1): Speedy runner making an attempt 1 ½ miles for the primary time. Pedigree suggests stamina, however monitor could be robust on front-runners.
- Grand Sonata (4-1): Final yr’s Turf Cup winner, sharp in each the United Nations and Arlington Million. Loves the course and looms giant.
- Utah Seashore (6-1): Sturdy spring marketing campaign with G2 wins, although type has dipped. Returns to a monitor that fits his late kick.
- Ole Loopy Bone (15-1): Claimed by Mike Maker, a grasp with older turf horses. Almost received the Ellis prep; affords stable worth.
- Anglophile (12-1): Confirmed over the course, although distance stays a query. A grinder who might get entangled late.
- Corruption (15-1): Speedy rise via the ranks. Dependable however should ship a career-best in opposition to this group.
- Fort Washington (9-2): Is available in as the category off Arlington Million win. But to do this distance, making him each a menace and a query mark.
Finest Bets
- Grand Sonata (4-1): Defending champion, confirmed at Kentucky Downs, and will get Tyler Gaffalione once more. Sturdy worth versus Fort Washington.
- Fort Washington (6-1): The most important menace to the defending champ is Fort Washington, who already proved he can beat him when successful the Arlington Million (G1) final month.
- Mercante (5-1): Shut second within the G1 Turf Basic at Churchill Downs earlier this yr, then adopted it up with a win within the G3 Arlington Stakes.
Kentucky Turf Cup FAQ
When is the race?
Saturday, September 6 at 6:20 p.m. ET.
The place is it held?
Kentucky Downs in Franklin, Kentucky.
Who trains the defending champion?
Todd Pletcher, who sends each Grand Sonata and El Rezeen this yr.
Who holds the coach report?
Mike Maker leads with 5 victories, aiming for a sixth with Ole Loopy Bone.
Who received in 2024?
Grand Sonata, ridden by Tyler Gaffalione.
The writing staff at US Racing is comprised of each full-time and part-time contributors with experience in numerous points of the Sport of Kings.
