Kentucky Downs Picks: Rain reschedules card to Monday on September 5

Kentucky Downs ... the pear-shaped turf track in the southern part of Kentucky near the Tennessee border ... is back in action for a limited Meet. With Breeders' Cup "Win and You're In" races, plus a robust purse account for each and every contest, it is sure to be some of the best betting around! 

At Horseracing.net/us we have you covered, including all of the action! It is a good time for some of the best that North American racing has to offer. Stay tuned! If you're looking for picks elsewhere around the country this Monday be sure to check out our free Horse Racing Picks via the gold button below. Don't forget to follow us on Twitter ... Horseracing_USA !!!

The Late Pick 4 … Races 8-11

Race 8: Turf, 1 Mile, OC62.5kn2x, 3+

The low takeout Late Pick 4 at Kentucky Downs includes a pair of high-end stakes races that are always interesting romps at a major distance. In this leg though we are going 1-mile over that famed undulating carpet. There might be significant “give” to the surface, so plan accordingly … I am. My top selection is not a complicated choice, and sometimes in handicapping, simple is best. Trainer Brad Cox always has fabulous numbers, and when he gets together with Shortleaf Stable, you know there is a major opportunity to visit the winner’s circle. Vivar #8 campaigned during the early stages of the Arkansas Series on the dirt, but the son of Cairo Prince started his career on the turf. He has had a win over this pear-shaped course last year, and the conditions were “yielding.” The best news is that Joel Rosario once again takes over the mount, and comes back to KD with his typical talent and swagger. Let’s use this one, but I also like the look of Rudy Brisset’s Hozier #4. A gelding by Pioneerof the Nile, he had a couple of quality starts at Ellis Park. I think he is in form making the trip down the interstate to Franklin. Jockey James Graham will be aboard once again, and I like the odds on this one … double-digits, yes, indeed … Nothing like going 2 deep to start … on to the Dueling Grounds Double!

LP4 Leg 1: 4/8 (2-Deep)

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Bankroll, Graduated Wager, WPS #8 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)

Race 9: Turf, 1 5/16ths, Exacta Systems Dueling Grounds Oaks, $500k, 3F

The ladies will be out of the gate first, and this distance race is going to be a true test. I am thinking that trainer Brendan Walsh has the race time favorite in New Year’s Eve #7. A filly by Kitten’s Joy, her conditioner is going with the “Blinkers Off,” which is always a good sign. This one is clearly the class of this field having run in the 1st pair of legs of the NYRA Turf Triple. Tyler Gaffalione once again gets aboard, and his mount has the ability to go long. There is no way she is going to be 3/1 when this race goes off, so I also want to price shop elsewhere. Jonathan Thomas is the kind of trainer that you can always count on. His numbers are strong, but more importantly, he understands what his barn is capable of doing. Catiche #8 is making the switch from the AW at Woodbine to the turf at Kentucky Downs. A filly by Arrogate, her dam side is really where the grass bloodlines reside. Vincent Cheminaud made a strong statement at the Keeneland April Meet, and it is just a matter of time before he gets his 1st win @KD. Augustin Stable has owned some good ones over the years, and they bought this one for $375k … here is her shot to make a splash. When it comes to a top selection, Brad Cox’s Turnerloose #10 is my kind of turf router. A versatile runner, she surprised most everyone by winning the Rachel Alexandra (G2) at the Fair Grounds last spring. Backed by a pedigree that includes both Uncle Mo and A.P. Indy, I think she can get this distance. Florent Geroux comes to ride, and he was aboard during that LA Series … and in the KYOaks (G1). It looks like this trio should give me a shot as we move on to the other half of the Duel Grounds Double.

LP4 Leg 2: 7/8/10 (3-Deep)

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Trifecta Wheel, 10 w 7/8 w 7/8

Race 10: Turf, 1 5/16ths, Big Ass Fans Dueling Grounds Derby (G3), $750k, 3

Here is the other half of the stakes action on Sunday, and this one is a Grade 3 affair. Once again, Brad Cox enters a strong turfer, that just won the Grade 2 Hall of Fame S. at Saratoga. Ready to Purform #12, a colt by Kitten’s Joy, held off Wit by wiring the field. In my estimation, Joel Rosario got away with one, so it will be interesting to see how this 3-yr-old responds in a spot like this one. I am going to take a chance and leave him out of the mix. My top selection is Todd Pletcher’s Grand Sonata #1. Well-bred by Medaglia d’Oro, this Whisper Hill Farm homebred was incredibly consistent … that is, until she came to Saratoga for the Grade 1 Derby last month. Tyler Gaffalione just could not get her in gear, and she ended up at the back of the pack for the whole race. She is much better than that, and you can draw the old proverbial “line” through that one. She is going to be a square price (I am hoping for 6/1), but Gaffalione gets bet down because of his turf riding prowess. Just to be safe, I am also going to add Kitodan #4, Double Clutch #6, Running Bee #7, Dripping Gold #9, and Speaking Scout #10, to my ticket. There are a number of outcomes in a race like this one, especially when it comes to how the track will setup. On to the finale …

LP4 Leg 3: 1/4/6/7/9/10 (6-Deep)

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Exacta Wheel, 1 w 4/6/7/9/10

Race 11: Turf, 7F, MSW150k, 2F

It is time to sprint on the grass, and golly-wally, this is going to be a tough puzzle—2-yr-olds. Go figure … With so many 1st time starters, it is going to be very difficult to offer up a “single.” Of course, money is going to flow towards Chad Brown’s Beat the Estimates #11. The Klaravich-owned filly by The Factor was bred for situations like these, and Tyler Gaffalione gets to wear those distinctive red and white silks. I would not be surprised if she won, so including her is a must. I want to keep this LP4 fairly inexpensive, so rolling the dice, I will only be only adding one other entry. That nod goes to Joe Sharp’s Smooth Like Ice #7. A firster who happens to also be by The Factor, she will be a great price on Sunday … probably double-digits. I always like Adam Beschizza’s talent in the irons, and he and this conditioner work well together. What a tough way to end this sequence, but we know … this is Kentucky Downs.

LP4 Leg 4: 7/11 (2-Deep)

Wagering Recommendation: $25/$50 WP #7

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Ticket: 4-8 / 7-8-10 / 1-4-6-7-9-10 / 7-11

Total Ticket Cost LP4/.50: $36.00

The Kentucky Downs Meet is here! Enjoy some fabulous turf racing while it lasts … Be sure to follow us on Twitter … Horseracing_USA !!!