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| Staff Writer |
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The US$2 million Kentucky Turf Cup at Kentucky Downs on 7 September promises to be a thrilling affair, with a field of 11 long-distance turf runners vying for an automatic berth in the US$5 million Gr.1 Breeders' Cup Turf at Del Mar on 2 November.
Trainer Brian Lynch is mounting a strong challenge with two runners, Highway Robber and Anglophile, both coming off impressive performances in the Preview Turf Cup Stakes at Ellis Park on 4 August.
Highway Robber, owned by Susan and Jim Hill, enters the race on the back of a career-best effort, having clinched victory in the Preview Turf Cup Stakes. The 4YO gelding earned a 112 Equibase Speed Figure in his first attempt at 10 furlongs, suggesting the step up to 1 1/2 miles could play to his strengths.
Lynch is bullish about his chances: "I wouldn't change spots with anybody. Both of these horses are doing as good as we can get them."
Anglophile, representing LFG Racing, brings valuable course experience to the table. The 4YO English Channel gelding is one of only three runners in the field with a victory at Kentucky Downs, having won last year's Gr.3 Dueling Grounds Derby over 1 5/16 miles.
Lynch believes the anticipated quick pace could set up perfectly for Anglophile's late charge.
Last year's winner, Get Smokin, trained by Mark Casse, returns to defend his crown. The Get Stormy gelding comes into the race fresh from a nose victory in the Gr.2 United Nations at Monmouth Park on 20 July, where he led from start to finish.
The Kentucky Turf Cup boasts an impressive list of past winners, including Arklow, who took the prize in both 2018 and 2020, going on to finish sixth in the 2018 Breeders' Cup Turf and third in the 2020 edition. Oscar Nominated, the 2016 victor, later finished ninth in that year's Breeders' Cup Turf.
Adding international flavour to the contest is Chief Little Rock, trained by Irish maestro Aidan O'Brien and to be ridden by the legendary Frankie Dettori. The 3YO Galileo colt brings Group Three-winning form from Ireland and was last seen finishing third to recent Gr.3 Nashville Derby winner Bellum Justum at Epsom Downs in April.
As the field assembles for this prestigious event, all eyes will be on whether Highway Robber can live up to his name and steal the show, or if one of his accomplished rivals will claim the coveted Breeders' Cup berth.