Kentucky Cup Sprint preview

Turfway Park - Race 7
6 Furlongs (Polytrack)
Kentucky Cup Sprint Stakes (Grade 3)
3-year-olds and upward
Purse $100,000.

It took eight tries, but REIGNING COURT finally won his entry-level allowance condition, and he did so in style under an aggressive hand ride. The son of Glitterman doesn't need the lead to be successful, and he may stalk the quick CHIEF WHAT IT IS in the early portion of the race. Reigning Court will get a stern class test, but he seems to be improving, and may be set for a big move forward after pairing up 88 Beyers. At 12-1 on the track's morning line, he's worth a play.
ISLAND WARRIOR stumbled at the start, then was rushed up to contest the pace against odds-on Grade 2-placed Latent Heat at Saratoga. The lightly-raced colt has done little wrong in his career, and draws a good outside post position. He should sit a stalking trip just off the expected hot pace.
FOUR SEVENS has some angles in his corner as he goes turf to dirt in the second start of the form cycle. He draws the rail, however, and may be forced to run-and-gun against several other speed types. A duel would greatly hamper his chances.
LIKELY parlayed a good trip into a 110 Beyer Speed Figure at Keeneland earlier this year, but he hasn't reached the winner's circle in three subsequent well-bet outings, and his failure at 3-10 against allowance rivals on September 10 is notable. He should work out a nice trip just off the leaders, but may not be worth a short price.
CHANGING WEATHER might be another underlay. The gray colt was completely overmatched against Henny Hughes at Monmouth last time out, and should get a good pace setup here, but he has been plagued by layoff lines throughout his career, and there may be some questions about his fitness level.

Selections:
1. Reigning Court
2. Island Warrior
3. Four Sevens