Free Selections: Kentucky Downs Saturday

If you haven't made the trip to Franklin, Kentucky, your days are clicking by quick, as they run a seven day meet. The all-turf European course is undulating and has uphill and downhill bends built into the track itself. If you are a turf racing fan, you will love this beautiful track: as they make their way around the far turn, it actually crosses into Tennessee and back into Kentucky. Nothing like it! If you love big fields and solid payoffs, this is your track to watch and wager, with your Kentucky Downs E-Z Win Form in hand.

Race 6: The G2 Turf Sprint (6f turf, 4:21pm ET)

#11 John the Beer Man. Son of More Than Ready for the Rob Atras barn with Kendrick Carmouche in the saddle. A speedster who can wire the field if left alone from the break. His dam, Trophy Wife, has 7 starters, 5 winners, and 2 turf winners to her credit. Second start off the layoff, and he won the G2 Troy going wire-to-wire. Carmouche is an excellent speed rider and turned a 43.2 half last out. Sealing the deal, the barn wins 27% off a last-race win. Catch him if you can.

Race 7: The G2 Kentucky Turf Cup Invitational (1 1/2 turf, 4:56pm ET)

#7 Burnham Square. Son of Liam's Map from the Ian Wilkes barn. Winner of his last four straight, and B.J. Hernandez stays aboard after winning the G1 Arlington Million last out. Looks tough? You bet! He is 6 for 6 in the money on the turf and 2 for 2 going the distance. He was a head shy of winning the G3 Nashville Derby last year and has found his best stride since. Looking to make it five straight is a tall order, but look for his strong late kick in the long stretch.

Race 8: The G2 Nashville Derby (1 5/16 turf, 5:36pm ET)

#3 Glacius. Son of Too Darn Hot for Hugo Palmer and Luis Saez. His dam, Predawn (IRE), has 5 starters, 3 winners, and all three were on the turf. A speedy runner in the hands of one of the best speed riders in the country, who wins 19% with early foot. Winner of the G1 Saratoga Derby last out. His European pedigree should suit this course like a glove.

Race 9: The G2 Ladies Turf (1 mile turf, 6:11pm ET)

#2 Classic Q. Speedy daughter of Classic Empire for the Mark Casse barn with John Velazquez in the irons. Looking for three straight wins, and her dam, Lovely Em, has 3 starters, 3 wins, and all three were on the turf. She is 7 for 9 in the money going the distance and was closing going 6 1/2f at Kentucky Downs last out in the G2 Music City. Going a mile may be more to her liking.

Plenty to enjoy, and the course is one of a kind. The purses bring the best trainers and riders, which should lead to an exciting day. The next best thing to making the trip is watching and wagering at your favorite OTB, track, or ADW. But I'd still make the trek to see this one-of-a-kind place on your racing bucket list.

Best of luck, Ed.