A Pleasant Stakes Saturday at Kentucky Downs

 We look in on the great boutique meet in Franklin, Kentucky. A great card with large fields, we center in on a splendid Turf mile stakes race.

Kentucky Downs {Gun Runner Stakes~1 mile~TURF~3 year-old~Stakes}

A talented field of nine will hit the adulating course in pursuit of a million dollar purse.

Past Performances used: Equibase.

There is enough speed in this race to insure a solid pace. Speed numbers are fairly close with four of these lads hitting a triple digit in at least one of their last three races. This race should be highly competitive and test the strength and stamina of each. Only one of these guys have raced over the Kentucky Downs course. All have been well prepped for this race and are capable at the distance. It should be one of many exciting races on today's card.

#9 Wadsworth (Geroux / B. Cox) is the deserved favorite with the highest (tie) last out speed number at a longer route and two sound workouts. This lad loves the surface and distance. Look for him to be forwardly placed. He will be shooting for his third win in row. A son of Quality Road, he is 55% in the money from nine career starts.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#6 Talk of the Nation (J. Ortiz / McGaughey) will challenge with the second highest last out speed number and four superb workouts. He should be forwardly placed. This guy excels over the surface and at the distance. Another son of Quality Road, he is 83% in the money from six career starts.

$2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#4 Smokey Mandate (Graham / Maker) should continue to improve after winning his maiden last out at a longer route. Four stellar peaking workouts add to his luster. He should be forwardly placed battling among that pack. This gelding relishes the surface and distance. A son of Strong Mandate, he is 50% in the money from four starts.

$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#10 Major Dude {Gaffalione / Pletcher) should contend with the fourth highest last out speed number and two decent workouts.A forwardly placed type, he loves the surface and distance. This son of Bolt d'Oro, is 66% itm from twelve starts.

#1 Georgie W (Achard / Walden) could be in the mix as he has tripled up his speed figs iin the last three races. This gelding should be part of the forwardly placed pack. A son of Tapiture, he holds a 66% win rate from three career starts.

#2 Highway Robber (J. Spencer / B. Lynch) shares the highest last out speed number at a longer route and has put in two good workouts. A son of Hard Spun, he is 60% in the money from five starts.

$1 Exacta Wheel ($5.00)

#9 Wadsworth  //  #6 Talk of the Nation,  #4 Smokey Mandate,  #10 Major Dude,  #1 Georgie W.,  #2 Highway Robber.

Reverse the Wheel ($5.00)

#6,  #4,  #10,  #1,  #2  //  #9 Wadsworth.

Best of luck to you on all your Stakes Saturday wagers!!!