Kentucky Cup fields begin to develop

A number of runners have been confirmed for Turfway Park's Kentucky Cup Day

of Champions. The $350,000 Kentucky Cup Classic (G2) is the highlight of the

day, and trainer Cole Norman said Essex H. (G3) hero ABSENT FRIEND (Runaway

Groom) would run in the 1 1/8-mile event.

"I think we've got a shot," Norman said. "He's a come from behind horse who

needs a good pace to run at. He had a good work on Saturday (five furlongs in

1:01 4/5) and he's coming into the race good. He'll arrive on Wednesday morning

and Patrick Valenzuela will ride on Saturday."

Also definite for the Kentucky Cup Classic is the Todd Pletcher-conditioned SHANIKO (A.P. Indy), scratched from last Saturday's Woodward S. (G1), and

2004 Super Derby (G2) winner FANTASTICAT (Storm Cat), who is trained by Bobby Barnett.

Patrick Biancone is considering either BALL FOUR (Grand Slam) or Group 3 hero SALFORD CITY (Ire) (Desert Sun [GB]).

PREACHINMANDAN (Pulpit) will fly from California to the Florence, Kentucky,

oval on Thursday for the 1 1/16-mile Kentucky Cup Juvenile S. (G3), according to

Jim Barnes, assistant to Bob Baffert. The chestnut finished first but was

disqualified and placed second most recently in a maiden special weight event at

Del Mar on August 25.

Bashford Manor S. (G3) winner DEPUTY G (Matty G) is also slated for the

Juvenile. "I think he's an outstanding horse," trainer David Pate said. "We've

had this race on the agenda from the start."

John McKee has the call aboard the dark bay.

In the Kentucky Cup Sprint (G3), the Gary Contessa-trained CARIBBEAN CRUISER

(Silver Ghost) is expected to arrive at Turfway Wednesday or early Thursday.

VICARAGE (Vicar) may also make the trip to Kentucky for the Sprint for

Pletcher.