Kentucky Downs Horse Racing Opens: Raises House Takeout

Kentucky Downs features a short meet, massive purses, and low takeout rates. However, in 2023 the track increased the “vig” by 1 point across wagers.

Higher Takeout

Although Kentucky Downs remains competitive vs. other tracks in the country the decision to take additional money out of the pools has been unpopular among players. With tracks like Canterbury Park and Horseshoe Indianapolis attempting wagers with reduced takeout, the increase has angered horseplayers.

Fueling the anger is the fact that the boutique meet already offers some of the best purses of any meet in the country. For bettors, the decision to raise takeout is seen as a way to pad the purses for owners who already stand to make millions this meet.

Kentucky Downs management has maintained that the increase was not done out of greed, but to cover the balance of HISA fees.

Unique Track

Kentucky Downs stands apart from other race tracks in the United States due to its unique topography and track configuration. Set on undulating, European-style turf, it offers a one-of-a-kind racing experience.

The course features sweeping turns and elevation changes that challenge both horses and jockeys, favoring versatile runners with tactical skills. With limited dates and a focus on turf racing, Kentucky Downs offers a specialized environment that emphasizes stamina and strategy.

Full Card Analysis

Kentucky Downs- 1

Post: 12:30 PM CT; $150k Maiden Special Weight over 6 1/2 f on turf; Entries: 16

• #1 SALTWATER TAFFY (4-1) receives the top selection. She runs evenly and appears to have a favorable pace scenario here.
• #5 BUNDCHEN (5-2) seems like a significant contender in this race. She deserves respect with the Ward and Gaffalione combination.
• #6 BAYTOWN KITTY CAT (30-1) is a longshot and might have a chance. She seems to be the class of the field.
• #10 JUST BE QUIET (20-1) is also a longshot and could contend here. She’s shown an ability to handle these conditions in past starts.

Selections: 1 – 5 – 6 – 10

Kentucky Downs- 2

Post: 1:02 PM CT; $250k Allowance spanning 6 1/2 f on turf; Entries: 14

• #8 HIDDEN CLASS (7-2) should improve from the first start and is the top pick. She has races strong enough to surpass this group.
• #1 TX WOMEN FOR ARTS (3-1) should be competitive here. She’s trained by Asmussen and ridden by Gaffalione. Her races are strong enough to surpass this group.
• #13 CRAZY CAMI (7-2) might be best considered for lower positions on most tickets. She should be respected with Maker and Geroux.
• #4 URBAN DREAMER (8-1) should improve from the first start and might be considered for lower positions on most tickets. She’s shown an ability to handle these conditions in prior starts.

Selections: 8 – 1 – 13 – 4

Kentucky Downs- 3

Post: 1:34 PM CT; $170k Allowance Optional Claiming covering 1 5/16 m on turf; Entries: 9

• #1 STRIKINGLY SPUN (7-2) appears strongest here. She shouldn’t struggle with the distance. She has solid early pace figures in a race that lacks significant front running speed.
• #4 FEDERALIST PAPERS (4-1) should be competitive here. She holds the top overall power rating in the group. She possesses a strong closing kick that could be effective here.
• #6 R CALLI KIM (10-1) is a longshot and might contend in this race. She makes sense based on speed figures and holds the top overall power rating in the group.
• #8 SHAD NATION (6-1) appears to be on the fringe of contention. She’s shown an ability to handle these conditions in previous starts.

Selections: 1 – 4 – 6 – 8

Kentucky Downs- 4

Post: 2:06 PM CT; $180k Allowance Optional Claiming over 6 1/2 f on turf; Entries: 11

• #1 HAPPY SOUL (4-1) gets the top selection. She should be part of the early pace in this spot. She’s been consistently strong in recent starts and is poised for a strong performance.
• #2 BOUT TIME (6-1) looks like a significant player in this race. She shouldn’t struggle with the distance. She could be a potent threat on the front end.
• #7 LINGUISTIC (9-2) also appears to be a significant player here. She holds the top overall power rating in the group.
• #4 STATIC FIRE (6-1) should be competitive here. She’s been solid in recent starts and is primed for a strong run. She could be a potent threat on the front end.

Selections: 1 – 2 – 7 – 4

Kentucky Downs- 5

Post: 2:41 PM CT; $150k Maiden Special Weight over 1 m on turf; Entries: 16

• #15 WICKED AGAIN (4-1) is the top pick. He could find the right setup in this race.
• #16 MISSIONAIRE (8-1) seems to be a major player in this race. He deserves respect with Diodoro and Torres. He’s likely to be part of the early pace.
• #7 NOISES OFF (9-5) should be competitive here. He’s trained by Lobo and ridden by Torres.
• #4 HOGSLAYERS R I P (12-1) is a longshot and could contend here. He’s shown an ability to handle these conditions in past starts. He could benefit from the right setup.

Selections: 15 – 16 – 7 – 4

Kentucky Downs- 6

Post: 3:14 PM CT; $250k Allowance covering 6 1/2 f on turf; Entries: 11

• #8 ALL ABOUT TONITE (20-1) is a longshot and looks best here. She shouldn’t struggle with the distance. She’s been consistently strong in recent starts and could produce a standout performance.
• #9 SPONGE BATH (6-1) should improve from the first start and be competitive here. She has races strong enough to outperform this group.
• #7 DARKROOM (4-1) should improve from the first start and could contend in this race. She’s likely to be a closer with a strong finishing kick.
• #6 IRIDESCENT (6-1) should improve from the first start and is in contention. He has races strong enough to outperform this group. He holds the top overall power rating in the group.

Selections: 8 – 9 – 7 – 6

Kentucky Downs- 7

Post: 3:48 PM CT; $180k Allowance covering 1 m on turf; Entries: 9

• #4 STREET READY (3-1) gets the top selection. He might benefit from a heated pace up front.
• #6 WOLFIE’S DYNAGHOST (5-2) appears to be a major player in this race. He deserves respect with the Thomas and Geroux combination.
• #7 OCEAN ATLANTIQUE (6-1) could contend in this race. He seems to be the class of the field and enters in good form.
• #3 BIG DREAMING (6-1) is on the fringe of contention here. He’s likely to be in the front flight and has a chance in the late stages.

Selections: 4 – 6 – 7 – 3

Kentucky Downs- 8

Post: 4:21 PM CT; $160k Allowance over 6 1/2 f on turf; Entries: 16

• #10 IVORY MOON (10-1) is the top pick. She should be part of the early pace in this spot. She’s a logical choice based on speed figures.
• #9 PROUD MARY (9-2) seems to be a significant player in this race. She’s likely to be in the front flight and has a chance in the late stages. She’s a logical choice based on speed figures.
• #15 CANDLE (6-1) also appears to be a major player here. She fits well enough in this race. She’s a logical choice based on speed figures.
• #4 ZEITLOS (7-2) seems to be a significant player in this race. She runs evenly and should find a fair pace scenario. She has tactical speed and can position herself just behind the leaders for a strategic trip.

Selections: 10 – 9 – 15 – 4

Kentucky Downs- 9

Post: 4:54 PM CT; $500k FanDuel Tapit S. over 1 m 70 y on turf; Entries: 16

• #7 STRONG QUALITY (6-1) looks strongest here. He shouldn’t struggle with the distance.
• #14 SIEGE OF BOSTON (12-1) is a longshot and seems to be a major player in this race. He might benefit from a heated pace up front. He’s expected to be positioned in the middle of the pack and make a late run.
• #4 SPEAKING SCOUT (6-1) should be competitive here. She’s been consistently strong in recent starts and should deliver a strong performance. She’s trained by Motion and ridden by Loveberry.
• #13 TIBERIUS MERCURIUS (20-1) is a longshot and could contend in this race. He fits well enough in this field and should be part of the early pace.

Selections: 7 – 14 – 4 – 13

Kentucky Downs- 10

Post: 5:28 PM CT; $150k Maiden Special Weight over 1 m on turf; Entries: 16

• #16 FRONTLINE WARRIOR (3-1) should improve from the first start and receives the top selection. He shouldn’t struggle with the distance. He’s shown races strong enough to surpass this group.
• #6 COPPER MISSILE (4-1) should improve from the first start and might be best for lower positions on most tickets. He’s a logical choice based on speed figures. He’s shown an ability to handle these conditions in past starts.
• #7 CREEK (8-1) should improve from the first start and seems likely to contend for minor placings in this race. He’s shown an ability to handle these conditions in past starts.
• #14 CRUSADING (10-1) is a longshot and appears likely to contend for minor placings in this race. He’s a logical choice based on speed figures.