Arklow upsets Maker-trained fleet in Kentucky Turf Cup

Trainer Mike Maker covered every top spot but the first one in Saturday’s Grade 3, $750,000 Kentucky Turf Cup as Brad Cox-trained Arklow split horses late for a mild upset win the Kentucky Downs feature.

Much bigger things could be ahead for the victor.

"Breeders' Cup!" suggested trainer Brad Cox for the 4-year-old son of Arch, who was ridden by Florent Geroux and exited Ellis Park’s Turf Cup preview with a victory as well. He’s campaigned by Donegal Racing, Joseph Bulger and Peter Coneway.

"When I tipped him out, he gave me a good kick," said Geroux, who saved ground most of the way before angling off the rail with a winning move.

"You think going a mile and half he would put himself up into the race," Cox added. "But I talked to Florent after the race and he said the horse just didn’t really want to be involved early. He did a good job saving ground and gave him a great trip."

A half length behind Arklow began the Maker fleet of horses that made up a quarter of the 12-horse field.

All are trained by Maker, who's having a big Kentucky Downs meet.

The 1 1/2-mile distance appeared just right for Arklow, who came from off the pace to strike at 6-1 in a final time of 2:30.56. The former $160,000 yearling purchase improved his record to 5-2-1 in 15 starts, with this his second score in graded stakes company.

“I felt good until the gates opened," said Jerry Crawford, president of co-owner Donegal Racing. "We thought we’d be sitting third very easily, and we’re suddenly sitting at the back of the pack. But Florent was very patient. Closed up ground on the backside, and then he made a key move in the first third of the stretch, where he goes inside a horse instead of getting stopped and going outside.

"This horse doesn’t like to get stopped. It might not have worked, that hole could have closed but it didn’t —and here we are.”