Got Stormy aims for more Ky. Downs success in Turf Sprint

Fresh off a win at Saratoga in the Fourstardave (G1), going one mile against males, Got Stormy returns Saturday at Kentucky Downs, turning back in distance for the Kentucky Downs Turf Sprint, a win-and-you're-in qualifier for the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint.

The 6 1/2-furlong romp on the European-style turf course should be an excellent spot for the 6-year-old mare, trainer Mark Casse said.

“I feel good,” Casse told Horse Racing Nation. “She’s doing really well. She’s 1-for-1 on that race track.”

The filly last worked on Aug. 29, firing a four-furlong bullet over the turf course at Saratoga. Casse said he has been impressed with her recent training.

Got Stormy has won at Kentucky Downs before, in last year’s Kentucky Downs Ladies Sprint (G3), going the same distance she will run Saturday. Jockey Tyler Gaffalione was on her that day and will have the mount again Saturday.

Gaffalione said she went well over a track that was soft because of rain showers last year.

“That day I was surprised because we got quite a bit of rain,” the jockey said. “She handled it perfectly, so that gives me confidence going into this year.”

Casse said that although give in the ground will cut down on Got Stormy’s distance capability, he likes a softer course when she runs shorter distances. Kentucky Downs dealt with rain Saturday, but none is expected for the rest of the meet.

The course was listed as good on Monday.

“I’d actually like to have cut in the ground going three quarters,” Casse said. “There’s a lot of horses in the race that, three quarters, that’s their limit. It’s not for her, so I’d rather have a little give."

Got Stormy would become the first filly or mare to win the Kentucky Downs Turf Sprint. She has beaten males twice, in the 2021 and 2019 Fourstardave.

The mare won a fees-paid berth in the Breeders’ Cup Mile with her Fourstardave victory. Casse said that after Saturday, her next race will be inthe Breeders’ Cup.

The Kentucky Downs Turf Sprint is scheduled as the eighth race on Saturday, with a listed post time of 5:09 p.m. EDT. Got Stormy will start from the ninth post position in a field of 12 horses plus an also eligible.