Race Overview
Race Name: KY Downs Preview Turf Cup Stakes
Track: Ellis Park, Henderson, KY
Surface: Turf
Distance: 1 1/4 miles (10 furlongs)
Purse: $300,000
Eligibility: 3-Year-Olds and Up
Post Time: 8:42 PM ET
Field Size: 10 runners
This race serves as a key prep for the Grade 2 Kentucky Turf Cup at Kentucky Downs. With a deep field of turf specialists, including stakes winners and proven routers, bettors can expect a tactical and stamina-driven contest.
Horse-by-Horse Analysis
1. Highway Robber
Pedigree: Hard Spun × Yabba (by Lemon Drop Kid)
Trainer: Brian Lynch
Jockey: Cristian Torres
Form: 121-732
Rating: 120
Notes: Consistent turf performer with tactical speed. Lynch excels in turf routes. Torres knows how to time a late move.
2. Verstappen
Pedigree: War Front × Andromeda Galaxy (by Peintre Celebre)
Trainer: Brendan Walsh
Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione
Form: 1-20523
Rating: 114
Notes: Classy gelding with graded stakes experience. Gaffalione is elite on turf. Will be closing late.
3. Multitask
Pedigree: Candy Ride × Divided Attention (by A.P. Indy)
Trainer: Eoin Harty
Jockey: Rafael Bejarano
Form: 2-26211
Rating: 105
Notes: Improving 4-year-old with back-to-back wins. Pedigree suggests stamina. Could be peaking at the right time.
4. Sugoi
Pedigree: Karakontie × Timeless Spirit (by Devil His Due)
Trainer: Michael Maker
Jockey: Luan Machado
Form: 52-1848
Rating: 110
Notes: Veteran turf router. Maker is dangerous in these spots, but recent form is inconsistent.
5. Clyde’s Got A Gun
Pedigree: Gun Runner × Gone Theatrical (by Theatrical)
Trainer: Helen Pitts
Jockey: Edgar Morales
Form: 6829-62
Rating: 112
Notes: Has faced tough company. Gun Runner progeny are versatile. Could be a pace factor.
6. Tapit Shoes
Pedigree: Tapit × Awesome Flower (by Flower Alley)
Trainer: Ed Moger
Jockey: Mario Gutierrez
Form: 484991
Rating: 112
Notes: Recent winner with improving form. Tapit bloodlines excel at longer distances. Live longshot.
7. Anglophile
Pedigree: English Channel × Trustmore Lovemore (by Kitten’s Joy)
Trainer: Brian Lynch
Jockey: Declan Cannon
Form: 5-05326
Rating: 117
Notes: Turf pedigree royalty. Hasn’t broken through yet but has upside. Lynch’s second entry.
8. Quatrocento
Pedigree: War Front × Huasca (by Tiz Wonderful)
Trainer: Fausto Gutierrez
Jockey: Julien Leparoux
Form: 01-D681
Rating: 110
Notes: Lightly raced colt with explosive speed. Leparoux is a turf specialist. Dangerous if loose on the lead.
9. Dashman
Pedigree: Oscar Performance × Fly By (by Johar)
Trainer: Brian Lynch
Jockey: Brian Hernandez Jr.
Form: 2/1147-1
Rating: 106
Notes: Talented 4-year-old with a win off the layoff. Oscar Performance progeny love turf. Could surprise.
10. Ole Crazy Bone
Pedigree: Ghostzapper × Southern Gem (by Smart Strike)
Trainer: Michael Maker
Jockey: Jaime Torres
Form: 8-13172
Rating: 109
Notes: Consistent gelding with solid turf form. Maker’s second entry. Will be grinding late.
| Position | Horse | Reasoning |
| 1st | Verstappen | Class edge, top connections, strong closer |
| 2nd | Multitask | Improving form, stamina pedigree |
| 3rd | Quatrocento | Tactical speed, turf pedigree, Leparoux factor |
Win Bet: Verstappen
Exacta Box: Verstappen / Multitask / Quatrocento
Trifecta Play: Verstappen over Multitask and Quatrocento
Longshot to Watch: Tapit Shoes – improving form and distance pedigree
