The equestrian world has been buzzing with exciting races for the past few months. However, most of the season’s prominent events, like the Triple Crown and Travers Stakes, are already done. Nonetheless, there is still a lot more left in the box for equestrian fans to enjoy. Along similar lines, a pack of 16 horses is all geared up to participate in the Grade II Kentucky Turf Cup, worth $1.7 million to end the season in style. These participants include a number of Grade I winners, and some of them have showcased their equestrian finesse at the Grade II races as well.
The race is set to take place on Saturday, but these equines have already started to sweat it out on the tracks. The thrill of this race is at the next level and will have a significant impact on the upcoming equestrian event in November at Santa Anita Park. This upcoming race is worth over $4 million, and the trainers are risking it all to bring home the victory.
A much anticipated equestrian event
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As reported by the Paulick Report, a group of 16 horses, including four Grade I winners and three Grade II winners, registered on Monday for the upcoming FanDuel Kentucky Turf Cup. This Grade II race is scheduled for Saturday, and it will also have a huge impact on the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series.
The Kentucky Turf Cup will gain the access to this upcoming series worth $4 million at the Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf in November at Santa Anita. This Turf Cup is home to a comprehensive 12-race lineup that features four Grade II stakes and three Grade III stakes.
A group of 12 horses are eligible to participate in the main start, and additionally, four horses are kept on standby as contingent on any necessary scratches for their inclusion. Mike Maker, the legendary trainer who is known for having the highest wins at the Kentucky Downs, has entered four horses to claim his record sixth victory at the upcoming cup.
His defending champion, Red Knight, who is returning as the Grade I victor after his triumph at the Man o’ War at Belmont Park in May. Apart from that, Maker has a couple of other entries and is coming with all guns blazing. This five-time winner looks in no mood to give it away that easily.
Further updates on the entries
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Apart from the Red Knight, Maker is also landing eight-year-old Therapist, who recently claimed his first Grade 1 triumph at Monmouth Park’s United Nations, where Red Knight finished third with a late surge.
Maker is also fielding Me and Mr. C, a horse that has yet to prove himself as he hasn’t won any graded stakes events. But he made his way to the top of the overflow field after winning the Kentucky Downs Preview Turf Cup at Ellis Park. Apart from Maker, trainer Brendan Walsh, there are two Grade I winning entries as well.
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The world of equestrian sports is in full swing, with the upcoming Kentucky Turf Cup promising an electrifying showdown. With top-grade horses and seasoned trainers in the mix, anticipation is soaring. Beyond this event, equestrian enthusiasts can look forward to a thrilling season culminating in the prestigious Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series.
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