The $2 million, Grade 1 Ainsworth Franklin-Simpson Stakes at Kentucky Downs, scheduled for Saturday, is contested at an atypical distance of 6 1/2 furlongs (13/16ths of a mile) over the turf course. This distance exceeds the standard for turf sprints, yet it falls short of a full mile.
The unique distance might pose a challenge for a couple of otherwise strong contenders. #4 Dream On has demonstrated excellence at the one-mile distance, securing a win in the Grade 3 Penn Mile Stakes and a third-place finish in the Grade 1 bet365 Summer Stakes last September. However, his only prior attempt at sprinting 6 1/2 furlongs resulted in a loss, raising concerns about the suitability of the shorter distance.
#7 Governor Sam encounters the opposite dilemma. This swift colt boasts victories in the Grade 3 Quick Call Stakes Presented by Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation, Indian Summer Stakes Presented by Keeneland Select, Exacta Systems Rosie’s Stakes, and Tyro Stakes, all sprints of 5 1/2 furlongs or less. Having never raced at a longer distance, there is apprehension that the 6 1/2 furlong trip may push the boundaries of his endurance.
Conversely, the Juddmonte homebred #8 Spiced Up appears ideally suited for the 6 1/2 furlong distance, making this promising colt my preferred selection.
Spiced Up debuted on the grass in a maiden special weight race over six furlongs at Aqueduct. After settling a few lengths behind rapid early fractions of :21.51 and :43.85, he surged ahead to secure a 2 3/4-length victory in 1:07.43, creating the impression that he would thrive over even more ground.
This impression was reinforced when Spiced Up was elevated in class for the Grade 3 Mahony Stakes, a 5 1/2 furlong sprint at Saratoga last month. After trailing by as much as 7 1/2 lengths behind demanding fractions of :21.15 and :43.71, Spiced Up closed ground rapidly in the stretch to edge out Governor Sam by 1 1/4 lengths in 1:01.22.
With the added ground in the Franklin-Simpson, Spiced Up is well-positioned to maintain a flawless 3-for-3 record on the turf.
Depending on your wagering preferences and budget, consider placing a win bet on Spiced Up and potentially include him atop an exacta with Dream On, Governor Sam, and #11 Out On Bail for the second spot.
Out On Bail has demonstrated versatility in terms of distance. He finished second to Governor Sam in both the Rosie’s Stakes and Indian Summer Stakes, each 5 1/2 furlong sprints, and also secured second place behind Dream On in the one-mile Penn Mile. It’s possible that the 6 1/2 furlong distance could prove to be the optimal trip for Out On Bail.
Betting Approach with a $10 Bankroll
$10 to win on #8 Spiced Up
Instructions for the betting teller: Kentucky Downs, Race 10, $10 to win on 8
Betting Approach with a $30 Bankroll
$18 to win on #8 Spiced Up
Instructions for the betting teller: Kentucky Downs, Race 10, $10 to win on 8
$4 exacta: 8 with 4,7,11 (total cost: $12)
Instructions for the betting teller: Kentucky Downs, Race 10, $4 exacta 8 with 4,7,11
Best of luck, and may you find enjoyment in the race!
