I'm Already Sexy owns class edge in Ladies Turf
The embarrassment of riches that has become Kentucky Downs racing will be on full display Saturday when a 10-race card culminates with four straight stakes.
The $600,000 Kentucky Turf Cup, the day’s highlight as race 9, will be supported by three $200,000 races, led by the program finale, the Kentucky Downs Ladies Turf, an outstanding one-mile race that drew an oversubscribed field. The preceding stakes are the More Than Ready Mile (race 7) and Kentucky Downs Ladies Sprint (race 8). The four races comprise an all-stakes pick four wager (50-cent minimum).
Half of all of Saturday’s stakes purses are bonuses restricted to horses eligible to the Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund.
Kentucky Downs Ladies Turf (race 10)
I’m Already Sexy found the Grade 1 level a bit too demanding when performing creditably in the Beverly D., but she’s the class in this ungraded race. Quite a few of her opponents have proven stakes-worthy this year, notably Sister Ginger, Kiss Moon, and Honey Hues.
Any 12-horse field is going to have its share of longshots, and that partly explains how La Malaguena is pegged at 30-1. But it may be worth noting that Rafael Bejarano, the leading jockey at the recent Del Mar meet, is named on her.
KEY CONTENDERS
I’m Already Sexy (Last 3 Beyers: 90-86-85)
◗ Prior triumphs in the Grade 3 Pucker Up and Grade 3 Modesty on the Arlington turf would seem enough to beat these, although that’s obviously easier said than done. Her handiness should allow Florent Geroux to secure a decent position behind Honey Hues and the other speed, and it will be up to her to wear them down with her best.
Kiss Moon (Last 3 Beyers: 88-33-82)
◗As the only 3-year-old in the main body of the field, it’s hard to say how this homebred daughter of Malibu Moon will match up with her elders. But there’s no doubt that she has really come to hand since Dave Vance put her on turf, as evidenced by that smart win in the Arlington Million aftermath.
Kentucky Downs Ladies Sprint (race 8)
This mad dash typifies the melting-pot spirit of Kentucky Downs, considering the mishmash of shippers and the hard-to-compare matchups in form. Saying there is no standout favorite is a major understatement.
Kiama, Sky Treasure, Eden Prairie, Liz Pendens, Corporate Culture, Richies Party Girl, Quay, and Vuitton (cross-entered at Churchill Downs) all are listed at 10-1 or less. Good luck, and have fun.
KEY CONTENDERS
Sky Treasure (Last 3 Beyers: 94-93-75)
◗It’s difficult to ignore the superior Beyers this improving filly has registered in her last two on the Woodbine turf, but perhaps more importantly, a closer such as her might have a tactical edge in a six-furlong race that attracted quite a few five-furlong speed types. It could be a big day for Alan Garcia, who also has the mount on Turf Cup favorite War Dancer.
Quay (Last 3 Beyers: 89-87-86)
◗She, too, figures to be rolling late, and after coming to peak form at Saratoga this summer, it looks like she’s ready to settle into these specialized stakes ranks. Clearly, there are many angles from which to approach this wide-open race; she’s just one of them.
More Than Ready Mile (race 7)
Even with Rosie Napravnik to ride, Regally Ready is not listed as the morning-line choice; he’s a close second at 5-2 behind Guys Reward (2-1). But don’t be surprised if that switches around and Regally Ready is the actual favorite.
This is the inaugural running of a race named for a 1997 foal who has become a preeminent sire of grass runners. More Than Ready, who stands at WinStar Farm, has sired almost 140 stakes winners.
KEY CONTENDERS
Regally Ready (Last 3 Beyers: 108-84-93)
◗Trainer Steve Asmussen likes to call this 7-year-old gelding “really cool,” and why not? It’s difficult not to admire not only the accomplishments he has amassed in 35 starts (2011 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint winner, earner of almost $1.5 million), but also his transformation from sprinter to miler. That 108 Beyer in his latest at Mountaineer speaks to his recency.
Guys Reward (Last 3 Beyers: 90-97-94)
◗ A grizzled earner of more than $780,000, this 7-year-old surely would appreciate a swift pace ahead of him, with longshots Tattenham and Stormy Going escorting his chief threat, Regally Ready, through honest fractions. The long lane should allow him to surface late.