Nun the Less outruns solid field in Kentucky Cup Classic

FLORENCE, Ky. – In a well-matched field of eight older horses, featuring seven winners at the stakes level or higher, a local affinity proved the difference-maker for Nun the Less, who drove by familiar foe Lanier to win the $100,000 Kentucky Cup Classic on Saturday at Turfway Park.

This was the third victory in his last five starts for Nun the Less, two of those being stakes wins at Turfway. The 7-year-old Candy Ride gelding, who had Walter De La Cruz in the irons for trainer Cipriano Contreras, also led home Lanier in the Prairie Bayou Stakes here in December.

Nun the Less ($6.60), who was sent away favored, was sixth with three furlongs remaining as Lanier led Royal Son, who had been third in the Prairie Bayou, by a half-length through six furlongs in 1:12.38. Nun the Less began making up ground around the far turn and, shifted out for running room, launched a well-timed rally in the lane, driving by Lanier in the final stages to win by a length. He finished the nine furlongs on the all-weather track in 1:50.79.

“It’s a mile and an eighth, so it’s good to sit back, especially when they’re up close together [in the front],” Cipriano said. “He got a good trip today. He’s a nice older horse. He looked like he was on a mission when he got there.”

After the top two, it was eight lengths back to Midnight Pleasure in third. Sniper Kitten, Sir Dudley Digges, Surgical Strike, Royal Son, and Cooptado rounded out the order of finish.

Royal Son, eased in the final stages by Luan Machado, was pulled up past the wire and was vanned off after walking into the equine ambulance. Turfway representatives said the gelding, who was being examined by a private veterinarian in the receiving barn, did not appear to be seriously injured.