October 4, 2024

Rich Nashville Derby tops three-stakes card at Kentucky Downs

Carson's Run ran down favored Legend of Time in the Saratoga Derby
Carson's Run ran down favored Legend of Time in the Saratoga Derby (Photo by Susie Raisher/Coglianese Photos)

The most lucrative race at the all-turf Kentucky Downs meet overflowing with riches is the $3.1 million Nashville Derby (G3), one of three graded stakes that will be contested on Saturday, the second of seven cards scheduled through Sept. 11.

Although the listed purse is enhanced by $1.2 million for Kentucky-breds, the $1.9 million on offer for horses foaled outside the Bluegrass is considerable enough to have attracted several European shippers for the 1 5/16-mile event.

The classiest of this trio is Bellum Justum, who captured the Blue Riband Trial at Epsom in April before finishing a distant seventh in the Derby (G1) itself over the same course. The Sea the Stars colt’s form has been better since, as he finished third in the Hampton Court (G3) at Royal Ascot and second by a neck in the Gordon (G3) at Goodwood, the latter a traditional St Leger (G1) trial.

The American-based runners appear to have more depth. They are led by Carson’s Run, winner last out of the Saratoga Derby (G1) and now a two-time Grade 1 winner. White Palomino, beaten a head in both the Pennine Ridge (G2) and Belmont Derby (G1), is likely to show early foot over the undulating terrain, while Cugino, Cameo Performance, and Abrumar are others who have shown consistently good form throughout the season.

Danse Macabre, who has a win and a second-place finish in two prior starts at Kentucky Downs, looks the horse to fear in the $1.5 million Ladies Turf Sprint (G2) over 6 1/2 furlongs. Worse than second only once in her 11-race career, Danse Macabre was most recently second by a neck to Dontlookbackatall in the shorter Caress (G3) at Saratoga.

Secret Money, a close fourth in the Caress, is also a previous winner over the Kentucky Downs course. Kaufymaker is seemingly capable of more than she showed in that Saratoga fixture, Ruby Nell and Elm Drive invade from Southern California with good form, and three-time graded winner Red Carpet Ready fared well in her turf debut at Ellis Park last out.

Regal Realm led throughout to win the $1.5 million Kentucky Downs Ladies Turf (G3 last year, but is listed as a 20-1 morning line chance to repeat in the one-mile test. Most of the field has graded stakes winning form, including Nadette, Fluffy Socks, Implicated, Walkathon, Sparkle Blue, Mission of Joy, and Evvie Jets.