Khaadem Back For Second Try in KY Downs Turf Sprint

An overflow field of 12 is ready to contest six furlongs over the unique Kentucky Downs turf course in the $2 million Mint Kentucky Turf Sprint (G2T) Aug. 30. Unlike last year when Cogburn ran like the clear favorite he was, this year's edition looks wide open on paper. While Cogburn is off in the WinStar Farm breeding shed, the second and fourth through sixth-place finishers from last year's edition are all back for another try, while the third-place finisher, Axthelm, is the first also-eligible to draw in if a scratch occurs. Only two lengths separated the five horses last year, with European invader, Khaadem (IRE), getting the runner-up spot. The dual group 1 winner owned by Mrs. Fitriani Hay and trained by Charlie Hills has finished off the board twice against group company in England once returning from a 10-month layoff following his American adventure. However, that was the same streak he was on last year when he arrived at Kentucky Downs. The 9-year-old Dark Angel (IRE) gelding rallied from off the pace in last year's edition for jockey Jamie Spencer, who returns to the saddle Saturday. In fourth that day was Patricia Hope's Nobals, winner of the 2023 Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint (G1T). The 6-year-old has been off the board in two starts at the Franklin, Ky., track, but trainer Larry Rivelli will hope a change in fortune on his third attempt will send the Noble Mission (GB) gelding back to California as the winner of Saturday's race will receive an automatic, fees-paid berth to this year's $1 million Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint at Del Mar Nov. 1 through the Breeders' Cup Challenge Series. Patricia's Hope and Rivelli are also represented by One Timer, who is co-owned by Richard Ravin. The Trappe Shot gelding is 1-2-0 from 4 starts at Kentucky Downs and was sixth in the race last year. The only horse with multiple wins on the course is Ken Ramsey's Implementation, who has won an allowance race each of the last two Kentucky Downs meets. His step into grade 2 company comes on the heels of consecutive listed stakes scores sprinting on dirt at Gulfstream Park. Manny Franco will ride for Saffie Joseph Jr. from the rail. Immediately to his outside is Gold Square's Howard Wolowitz, whose lone start on the surface earned him a grade 1 victory in the 2024 Franklin-Simpson Stakes (G1T). He cuts back a half-furlong from that trip and returns from a six-month layoff since finishing 10th in the 1351 Turf Sprint (G2T) in Saudi Arabia. "He's coming off a layoff to this tough race, but I tried to prep him well and have him ready for this race," said his trainer, Jose D'Angelo. "I tried to get all the check marks for all the challenges he's going to get in this race." Sixth behind Howard Wolowitz in the Franklin-Simpson was Charles Marquis' Bear River, who last out stalked the pace and prevailed by a neck for trainer Keith Desormeaux in the preview stakes for this race held at Ellis Park Aug. 3. Nobals was third in that spot. Adding intrigue to the field is Woodford Thoroughbreds' 4-year-old filly Pipsy (IRE). Successful on the pace two back in the Intercontinental Stakes (G2T), she exits an eighth-place finish in the Caress Stakes (G3T) after being shuffled back in a trouble-filled trip. Graded Stakes winners Arzak, Arrest Me Red, Air Force Red, Durante, and grade 2-placed Charcoal round out the field.