In the Kentucky Turf Cup it's Da Big Hoss

It was Da Big Hoss for the big win at Kentucky Downs today as the Mike Maker trainee captured the $600,000 Grade 3 Kentucky Turf Cup, the jewel in the crown of the Franklin oval’s live racing meet.

It was the fourth consecutive victory for the 4-year-old son of Lemon Drop Kid, who last captured the John’s Call Stakes at Saratoga, his first stakes outing.

Ridden by Joe Rocco Jr, Da Big Hoss had a ground-saving trip on the inside then showed his big kick in the final furlong of the 1 ½ mile contest to overcome Power Ped and pacesetter Roman Approval, who held on for third.

Heavy rains over the weekend delayed the 24th running of the Cup, which was postponed from Saturday to today. With the turf upgraded to good, live racing continued in Franklin with a full 10-race card and a series of top-notch stakes.

The $300,000 Dueling Grounds Derby kicked off the stakes action this afternoon with an at-the-wire win for favorite Closing Bell and connections Bill Mott and jockey Jose Lezcano. The son of Tapit barely outran a tenacious Wireless Future while Mission Driven held on for third.

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In the $300,000 Kentucky Downs Ladies Sprint it was a disappointing loss for overwhelming favorite Shrinking Violet. The Wesley Ward trainee finished out of the money while Sky Treasure and Julien Leparoux captured the win just nosing out Robby Albarado aboard Seeking Treasure.

Albarado turned the tables in the Kentucky Downs Turf Dash, however, earning the photo-finish with 13-1 shot Sweet Luca over the driving Holy Lute, who was given the almost perfect trip by James Graham.

Kentucky Downs closed out the day with strong support across the nation, as their total handle reached $3,174,402.

Source: Kentucky Downs