On the Turf for the Nashville Derby

 On this Stakes Saturday we look in on Franklin, Kentucky for the Grade three Nashville Derby.

Kentucky Downs Race 8 {Nashville Derby~G3~1 5/16 mile~TURF~3 year-old~Graded Stakes}

A full field of twelve will hit the grass in this super competitive race.

Past Performances used:  Equibase.

There is sufficient speed to keep the pace rolling over this unique adulating course. Speed numbers are very close. All will run this distance for the very first time, while three have gone longer. Only one has competed over the Kentucky Downs course. Euro-breds are well represented here, making the race all the more intriguing. It should be a standout race on a day with fantastic races across the North American continent.

#3 Navy Seal [IRE] (Spencer / Ward) will stretch out to this distance and love it. He has hit the board in his last two races upon returning from Dubai. This lad should track the pace closely and make a go of it in the stretch. Three strong workouts will help him get the job done. A son of the great stayer Dubawi [IRE], he is 50% in the money from eight starts.

$2 WIN  /  $3 PLACE  /  $5 SHOW.

#6 Bellum Justum [IRE] (Dettorri / Balding) is the deserved favorite as he makes his North American debut. He hit the board in his last two racing in Great Britain. This guy drops in distance for the race. Look for him to be forwardly placed. A son of Sea the Stars [IRE], he is 62% in the money from eight starts.

$2 PLACE  /  $3 SHOW.

#4 Stromberg [GB} (McMonagle / J.A. O'Brien) is another Euro invader that has competed in Great Britain, Ireland, and France giving strong performances. With proper speed he will track and close gallantly. He should enjoy firm going. A son of Iffraaj [GB], he is 75% in the money from eight starts.

$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#9 Cameo Performance (Gaffalione / B. Walsh) comes in with the highest last out speed number and two superb workouts. He will be seeking his third win in a row. This colt will be part of the tracking crew. A son of Oscar Performance, he is 80% in the money from five starts.

#12 Cugino (Prat / McGaughey) is on a four-race speed figure progression and should improve further in this race. He holds the fourth highest last out speed number and three stout workouts. This guy has the tactical speed to stay the pace and sprout in the stretch. A son of Twirling Candy, he is 83% in the money from six starts.

#1 Rothschild (J. Velazquez / Yakteen) comes in with a three-race speed fig progression including the third highest last out speed number and four power workouts. This guy should track the pace closely. Coming in from Ellis Park, he should perform admirably. A son of Uncle Mo, he is 87% in the money from six starts.

#8 Carsons Run (Rosario / Clement) is another with a three-race progression seeking his third win in a row. Two sound workouts should help. Another tracker expected to sit mid-pack and attack in the stretch. A son of Cupid, he is 72% in the money from seven starts.

$1 Exacta Wheel ($6.00)

#3 Navy Seal [IRE]  ///  #6 Bellum Justum [IRE],  #4 Stromberg [GB],  #9 Cameo Performance,  #12 Cugino,  #1 Rothschild,  #8 Carsons Run.

Reverse the Wheel ($6.00)

#6,  #4,  #9,  #12,  #1,  #8  ///  #3 Navy Seal [IRE].

Best of luck to you with all your Stakes Saturday tickets!!!