Stakes action at Ellis heats up over next two weekends

HENDERSON, Ky. – The two biggest weekends of the summer at Ellis Park are just ahead.

Seven previews toward the rich Kentucky Downs meet will be run over the Ellis turf this coming weekend, while the richest program of the 31-day meet is set for Aug. 15.

Lineups are already set for Saturday, when three $100,000 previews and the $60,000 Tri-State will be run. Sunday will bring four more previews – the $125,000 preview toward the Kentucky Turf Cup and three for $100,000 apiece.

The meet’s signature event, the $200,000 Ellis Park Derby for 3-year-olds, is the Aug. 15 highlight, along with the $125,000 Groupie Doll and three other stakes.

The Saturday stakes are all part of a late pick five that ends an eight-race card. They are the Tri-State (race 4), Dueling Grounds Derby preview (race 5), Dueling Grounds Oaks preview (race 7), and Turf Sprint preview (race 8).

The most accomplished horse nominated to any of the previews is Zulu Alpha, an earner of more than $2.26 million, but owner Michael Hui said the 8-year-old gelding will go instead in the $600,000 Mister D. on Aug. 14 at Arlington Park with the intent of running back in the $1 million Calumet Turf Cup on Sept. 11 at Kentucky Downs.

The Ellis meet runs through Sept. 4, with Kentucky Downs running its six-day meet Sept. 5-12.

The coming weekend is expected to be rain-free, according to the long-range weather forecast.