The 10th Running of the G2 KD Turf Cup
Saturday, September 10, 2022
KD Race #4 $1,000.000
3+ 119/122 Lbs 11/2 Turf
G1 BC TURF AUTO-QUALIFIER
Course/Stakes Record-2:24.51 (Raj Action Packed-2019)
The lucrative KD stakes schedule tends to bring some of the best turfers in all of HRP to the quaint Kentucky track and Saturday’s card is “Exhibit A”. The headliner on the card is the 10th running of the G2 KD Turf Cup. Run at 12-furlongs and offering a $1,000.000 purse, the feature drew a field of 11, but Gendarmerie du Comte was withdrawn after drawing the outside post. The ten remaining offer the betting public numerous options and each has their own set of credentials to help build their case. Immoral, Last Way To The Beac, and Xmas Snow have shown themselves capable of beating anyone when they bring their best; however, there are several in here who appear to be on the improve. Here’s your field for the G2 KD Turf Cup:
#1 Ags Cherokee (RNP Stables/J.C. Ferrer 122): 4yo failed to menace in G1 at the Spa, but did make a winning barn-debut in a $135.000 stake. His poor efforts have all been with outside draws, but he’s done good work when drawn closer to the rail. The company will be just as tough in here as what he faced last time, but the draw does add to the appeal.
#2 The Bachelor (Night Rider Stables/A. Cedillo 119): 3yo has three wins from just eight starts, but he’s never bested non-claiming types. Takes an enormous leap in class for this but this barn has shown they can spot talent and make the most of it. Figures to be close early but he’ll have to answer for class and trip in this one.
#3 Immoral (Mb Stables/Mario Gutierrez 122): 5yo is the leading earner in the field and he’s looking to get off of a two-race kid. While everyone is allowed to lose, this guy wasn’t on his “A” game for either effort. A repeat of his April effort at SA the last time he went this trip is definitely good enough but can’t fault anyone for feeling he may be vulnerable in this spot….we’re not inclined to toss him just yet.
#4 Doctor Dawning (Mo Mentum Farm/P. Lopez 122): $35.000 purchase made his pay race debut with a good effort when third in a non-graded tilt. He showed good early foot in the last two efforts prior to being purchased, but he showed a new dimension when he appeared at DMR. Huge step up in class here, but he did win by daylight going 11-panels. Different ballgame here, but nice to see the confidence to throw him in this pool.
#5 Last Way To The Beac (Maxmillion Farm/J.R. Velazquez 122): Speed ball has been very productive in ’22. With two G1s and a G2 under his belt this season, he’s all but assured of being in the BC Turf gate in November. He doesn’t figure to change tactics here and he’s shown that he can string together big-time efforts in quick succession. Given his off track record, can’t fault the barn for trying to get the tarp over the course.
#6 Aerialist (Mb Stables/L. Saez 122): Dominant winner of the Johns Call at SAR returns at the same 12-furlong trip here. One of the most versatile horses in the field, he brings his race with him regardless of course and trip. Stablemate in gate four has the more impressive resume, but this guy did outwork him at MTH the other day on a course less than firm. One of the more intriguing runners in the field.
#7 Xmas Snow (Rock Creek/E. Jaramillo 122): 7yo warrior has 13 wins to his credit, but he has been unsuccessful in both attempts going this trip. Two of his three scores this season have come over less than firm turf, so the forecasted rain could improve his chances. He’s shown that he’s still capable of producing these types of efforts, but the lack of form at this trip could give pause if the rain holds off.
#8 Burning (Lanfranco Stable/V. Espinoza 122): Didn’t see him for four months after being purchased for $2.000 in February, but he returned a resounding winner when stepping up in company at GP. Couldn’t duplicate that success at CD in the recent G1 try, but he did make up good ground in the stretch. That style appears to be his M.O., but he’ll have to pass a lot of talented runners to get the top prize here.
#9 Six Pillars (TwinTowersRacing/M. Franco 122): 4yo has only taken one crack at these types and he did not appreciate the give in the ground in that G2. On firm ground, he has shown to be able to sit just off the pace and produce a rally. This feels like a big ask, but veteran conditioner isn’t afraid to take his shots when his runners show him they deserve the chance.
#10 Letters By The Bay (Wood Duck Stables/K. Frey 119): 3yo was perfect on the lawn before throwing a clunker from a similar draw in last month’s G1 try. Conditioner is having a monster year and have to think he’s a bit better prepared for the scenario that faces him here. Colt seems versatile enough to adapt to different tactics and it’s always good to have options from out here. He does own a couple of victories over courses with give in the ground and that may help him in here.
#11 Gendarmerie du Comte (Mb Stables/SCRATCHED)
Final Analysis: Optimism reigns here, so we’ll predict a firm course and box the 3-5-6 in the G2 KD Turf Cup. Good luck everyone!
Categories: STAKES ARTICLES
