3 minute read

This was mostly at Kentucky Downs which is the only all turf racing track in the U.S.

From the TV it looks like a provincial Aussie track but with a large grandstand that may be the result of the casino more than the racetrack.

It has a short season and the highlight is the Gr 1 Franklin-Simpson for 2yos over 1300m.  Mansa Muse was the favourite this time but could only finish third with the win going to the second favourite Howard Wolowitz and the second Yellow Card at 6/1.

The Music City Gr 2 also over 1300m for the 3yo fillies went to Simply in Front from Pipsy with Vive Veuve third.  Unfortunately Twirling Queen failed to get into the field.

The Kentucky Turf Cup saw a sensation at the start when Irish raider Chief Little Rock was scratched by the vets right at the gate.  We saw Dettori call over an outrider and it looks as if he had detected something he wasn't happy with and the Vets did the rest.  Grand Sonata was the winner on 15/1 for Pletcher-Gaffalione in course record time.  Highway Robber was second and Tawny Port third with favourite Integration fourth.

At Del Mar on Saturday the Gr 2 Debutante Stakes saw Tenma win on 3/1 and Vodka with a Twist took second in a field of 7.  On Sunday the boy's version the Futurity saw a Baffert winner but not the expected one instead Gaming 4/1 with Prat riding got the job done ahead of his fancied stablemate Getaway Car.  Second went to Mckinzee Street 10/1 and third Citizen Bull Baffert-Smith.