Kentucky stands out as the Bluegrass State however there’s loads of inexperienced within the state – as in money. Particularly at Kentucky Downs. A king’s ransom will probably be up for grabs Saturday when the DK Horse Nashville Derby Invitational will provide a complete of purse of $3.1 million to the highest finishers. Not surprisingly a full subject of 12 3-year-olds turned out, plus two also-eligible entrants, making the race a supply of nice betting worth for handicappers.
1. Rothschild (30-1): Ships in from Del Mar the place he was third in a listed stakes in his lone 2024 begin. He ought to transfer ahead off that begin however will discover Kentucky Downs a unique world than the arduous, agency California programs.
JOCKEY: John Velazquez; TRAINER: Tim Yakteen
2. Abrumar (15-1): He’s constant, ending second or third in his final three begins, all in stakes firm. An fascinating longshot for the exotics however he’ll want rather a lot to interrupt his strategy to win this race.
JOCKEY: Edgard Zayas; TRAINER: Saffie Joseph Jr.
3. Navy Seal (20-1): Was off slowly in his first U.S. turf race, then obtained the entrance however was caught and settled for second. A step ahead off that attempt may make him a contender.
JOCKEY: Jamie Spencer; TRAINER: Wesley Ward
4. Stromberg (6-1): Makes his U.S. debut off some OK efforts abroad. Has but to win in 4 begins this yr, however was second in a Group 3 stakes at 1 ¼ miles. Has a license to be a giant issue.
JOCKEY: Dylan McMonagle; TRAINER: Joseph O’Brien
5. White Palomino (8-1): Looms because the pace of the sector and may very well be arduous to reel in. Simply missed in his final two begins, topped by a head loss within the Grade 1 Belmont Derby Invitational Stakes. A comfortable tempo can be an enormous increase to his probabilities.
JOCKEY: Jose Ortiz; TRAINER: Chad Brown
6. Bellum Justum (7-2): European arrives in America on an upswing. Was a recreation second in a Group 3 stakes at Goodwood whereas touring a mile and a half. The space shouldn’t pose an issue and he ought to be proper there on the end with jockey Frankie Dettori.
JOCKEY: Frankie Dettori; TRAINER: Andrew Balding
7. Sea The Thunder (12-1): One other European now within the palms of American coach Cherie DeVaux. Didn’t run in a gaggle stakes abroad so he could also be notch under these in school. Stamina ought to be his forte.
JOCKEY: Brian J. Hernandez Jr.; TRAINER: Cherie DeVaux
8. Carson’s Run (9-2): Would be the emotional favourite as he’s named for Carson Jost, who suffers from Wolf-Hirschorn Syndrome, the identical illness that claimed the lifetime of Cody Dorman, the namesake of Cody’s Want, final yr. He’s returned to his successful methods at an opportune time, successful his final two begins, together with the Saratoga Derby Invitational Stakes. Generally is a drive on this subject.
JOCKEY: Joel Rosario; TRAINER: Christophe Clement
9. Cameo Efficiency (12-1): Received the prep race for this, however that was at Ellis Park. Will discover a totally different course right here, however appears to be getting higher with every begin and will pose a late menace within the last furlong.
JOCKEY: Tyler Gaffalione; TRAINER: Brendan Walsh
10. Nomos (20-1): Was second within the Kent Stakes at 1 3/8 miles, so he’s slicing again barely in distance. His pace figures are on the gradual facet and others are extra engaging on this subject.
JOCKEY: Julien Leparoux; TRAINER: Todd Pletcher
11. Lagynos (12-1): Was bumped firstly after which led in midstretch earlier than settling for second by a neck within the Nationwide Museum of Racing Corridor of Fame Stakes at Saratoga. That race was at a mile so the space may pose an issue for him.
JOCKEY: Cristian Torres; TRAINER: Steve Asmussen
12. Cugino (4-1): Landed in a troublesome submit however exits a pointy win within the Audubon Stakes at Churchill Downs. Has not raced since June 1 and has by no means had that large of a niche between races. He is usually a large issue on his greatest attempt.
JOCKEY: Flavien Prat; TRAINER: Shug McGaughey
13. El Matador (30-1): On the also-eligible record and has but to complete within the prime three in a stakes. Go.
JOCKEY: Jaime Torres; TRAINER: Mike Maker
14. Hamilton’s Approach (20-1): Second 3-year-old on the also-eligible record picks a troublesome spot for his stakes debut with a 1-for-10 profession report as well.
JOCKEY: Gerardo Corrales; TRAINER: Ray Handal
THE PICK: White Palomino
LIVE LONGSHOT: Cameo Efficiency
SUPERFECTA: 5-6-8-9
