(Ky Downs / Photos by Holly M. Smith)

Editor’s Note:

Our good friend, Dennis Trusty, who can go by “Trusty’s Picks” on Twitter, asked if he could pen a piece on the upcoming meet at KY Downs. I was honored that he asked us to consider printing his thoughts and comments, as he looks forward to one of the richest meets in the entire world, and, at the same time, one of the most unique.

Who better to offer insights and expertise than a handicapper who is just as creative and “one of a kind” that our friend “Trusty.”

Here are some of his thoughts entering the first day, on Thursday. We hope you enjoy.

Just as much as we have enjoyed being “Twitter Friends” with Dennis, as well.

By Dennis Trusty / Trusty Picks:

Kentucky Downs Preview

This is the only track in the entire country that runs the way that Kentucky Downs runs.  It’s unique.  The track stretches 7260 ft around — aka 1 5/16th miles — with 4 turns. (Some people say 3 turns, and on paper it appears to be just 3 because the 3 turns are significant.  But, in reality, it plays more to 4.)  A hair-pin 1st turn into the backstretch going uphill making a right-handed turn to a long, long left-hander that straightens out a tiny bit then another sharper but still long turn into the straight. That last stretch starts off downhill, but, then contrary to what the camera appears to show, they are running uphill in the final strides before hitting the finish line.

I’ll be going into what to look for when handicapping and going to Kentucky Downs.

First of All, Jockeys Matter:

In my opinion, jockeys at Kentucky Downs matter more than trainers do — which is different than most tracks. When we look at Saratoga, one of the last things I worry about is who’s riding the horse because there are so many talented jockeys at Saratoga. But here? Well…

Kentucky Downs plays like a European-like track, and last year Joel Rosario had double the wins of everyone and anyone else. But before him crushing last year, the top rider in these parts were, and still are,  Tyler Gaffalione, Julien Leparoux, and Florent Geroux. They have been the kings of the Dueling Grounds.

I think since it’s a European-style track, it plays better to European-born and style jockeys, because if you don’t know how to ride the track then you will make your move too soon, or not know how to ride the hills.

But that doesn’t mean other riders cannot upset, along the way.

Some “upset jockeys” I have my eyes on are the likes of Julie Burke, Jane Elliott, Declan Cannon, James Graham, and, lastly, the most important jockey to have your eyes on — Vincent Cheminaud.

All the European riders here, but mainly Vincent Cheminaud, are now getting mounts from top notch trainers, and he is established, and after his first ride on this track he will be thinking “I am back home.”

All of these jockeys have been playing to their strengths against Cheminaud and this is the first time where he should/could have the strengths.

Secondly, Get Ready for Full Fields:

Last year, KY Downs had a field size which averaged 10.2 horses per race. This year, the 1st 2 days have 235 entries (not including also eligible) averaging over 11.1 horses in 21 races.

The maiden special weight purses are $150,000, and the allowance races are $160,000. With that kind of money? You have owners and trainers who may have ignored Kentucky Downs for a long time, but they are now starting to come around to it.

Third, If You Are Going:

Kentucky Downs has something that no other track I’ve ever been to (I know I haven’t been to as many as most people out there), but this is wild:

Lawn chairs are a priority and you must have — unless you’re going to the expensive side.

They also have tailgating right next to the track. This is the only track I’ve ever seen or have even heard of that has this feature available to watch the live races.  And, tailgating means bring your own booze! You can bring your own alcohol.

Lastly,  some may refer to the track as “Tennessee Downs.” In other words, you will be seeing many people from Tennessee, since the track is literally located on the boarder of Kentucky and Tennessee.

Fourth, How The Track Plays…Stamina:

The 6- and 6.5-furlong races play more towards outside, and, have in the past favored speedy types. It almost has a 5- or 5.5-furlong race feel, because the downhill section.

And, since there is only that long, sweeping turn and the sharp left turn, in the configuration, it may aid the speedsters, as well.

The 7-furlong or longer races, play more like 11/16- or 11/8th mile contests. That is due to the fact that the uphill and weaving turns take more of a stamina toll.

The full lap races seem to play more to the inside because of that hair-pin turn in the 1st turn.

Last year, I know Kentucky Downs played more to speed. That may have been due to the dry and dusty weather conditions leading up to the meet. I am hoping and looking more for the track to play to “closers” and, perhaps, “stalkers” this year, like in years past and prior to the 2021 meet.

In short? Look for horses that can finish and those that may be shortening up in distance, too.