The KY Downs Preview Mint Millions Turf Mile Stakes, a $250,000 turf feature for three-year-olds and up, headlines Race 10 at Ellis Park on Saturday, August 2, 2025. This one-mile turf stakes serves as a key prep for the Grade 3 Mint Millions Stakes at Kentucky Downs, drawing a deep and talented field of graded stakes winners, turf specialists, and international pedigrees.
Race Details
Race: KY Downs Preview Mint Millions Turf Mile Stakes
Track: Ellis Park, Henderson, KY
Date: Saturday, August 2, 2025
Post Time: 4:12 PM CT
Distance: 1 mile (Turf)
Purse: $250,000
Conditions: 3-Year-Olds & Up
Full Field Analysis
| PP | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Sire | Dam (Dam Sire) | ML Odds |
| 1 | Taking Candy | Brian Hernandez Jr. | Cherie DeVaux | Twirling Candy | Taking Aim (Trappe Shot) | 4/1 |
| 2 | Mercante | Joseph Ramos | Brian Knippenberg | Gun Runner | Caressing (Honour and Glory) | 2/1 |
| 3 | Ocelot | David Cabrera | Tristan Ashford | Big Blue Kitten | More Miss Crissy (More Than Ready) | 20/1 |
| 4 | Aspenite | Erik Asmussen | Steve Asmussen | Constitution | Aspening (Candy Ride) | 30/1 |
| 5 | Best Actor | Mario Gutierrez | Ed Moger Jr. | Flatter | Abraqat (Smart Strike) | 30/1 |
| 6 | Encino | Luan Machado | Brad Cox | Nyquist | Glittering Jewel (Bernardini) | 8/1 |
| 7 | Green Light | Tyler Gaffalione | Rodolphe Brisset | Hard Spun | Electric (Smart Strike) | 10/1 |
| 8 | Beach Gold | Keith Asmussen | Patrick Biancone | Omaha Beach | Orrery (Smart Strike) | 12/1 |
| 9 | Komorebino Omoide (JPN) | Ramon Vazquez | Robertino Diodoro | California Chrome | Decennial (Trippi) | 10/1 |
| 10 | Epic Ride | Edgar Morales | John Ennis | Blame | Pick a Time (Gio Ponti) | 10/1 |
| 11 | Quatrocento | Julien Leparoux | Fausto Gutierrez | War Front | Huasca (Tiz Wonderful) | 10/1 |
| 12 | Steal Sunshine | Rafael Bejarano | Bobby Dibona | Constitution | Warm Sunshine (Unbridled’s Song) | 12/1 |
Top Contenders Breakdown
Mercante (ML: 2/1)
Trainer: Brian Knippenberg
Jockey: Joseph Ramos
Pedigree: By Gun Runner, out of Caressing
Form: Winner of the G3 Arlington Stakes and G3 Kentucky Cup Classic; runner-up in G1 Turf Classic
Edge: Tactical speed, elite class, versatile surface record
Taking Candy (ML: 4/1)
Trainer: Cherie DeVaux
Jockey: Brian Hernandez Jr.
Pedigree: By Twirling Candy, out of Taking Aim
Form: Stakes-placed; narrowly beaten by Brilliant Berti in G2 Wise Dan
Edge: Proven turf miler, consistent form, strong connections
Encino (ML: 8/1)
Trainer: Brad Cox
Jockey: Luan Machado
Pedigree: By Nyquist, out of Glittering Jewel
Form: Stakes winner at Horseshoe Indianapolis; improving
Edge: Upside potential, top barn, turf pedigree
Pedigree Insights
Gun Runner: Mercante’s sire; known for producing elite turf and dirt runners with stamina.
Twirling Candy: Taking Candy’s sire; turf specialist with speed and versatility.
Nyquist & Constitution: Represent stamina and class; ideal for turf routes.
California Chrome: Komorebino Omoide’s sire; adds international flair and durability.
War Front: Quatrocento’s sire; elite turf influence with European success.
Final Thoughts
The Mint Millions Turf Mile Stakes sets up as a tactical turf war between Mercante, the class standout, and Taking Candy, the consistent closer. Encino, Green Light, and Komorebino Omoide bring depth and upset potential, while Quatrocento and Steal Sunshine could surprise with late rallies. Expect a fast pace and a thrilling finish in this Kentucky Downs prep.
