Rahystrada wins Kentucky Cup Turf

Rahystrada strutted his class while giving Greta Kuntzweiler her second straight victory in the Kentucky Downs showcase event, the Kentucky Cup Turf, as a four-day meet opened Saturday with the 14th running of the Grade 3, $150,000 race.

Always in striking position, Rahystrada took over for front-running Harrods Creek as the field of 10 turned for home in the 1 1/2-mile race and surged clear to win by 3 3/4 lengths over Odds On. Miami Deco was another head behind, with Rules of Honor fourth by another half-length.

Rahystrada, owned by Robert Courtney and based at the Thoroughbred Training Center with trainer Scooter Hughes, returned $3.60 as the heavy favorite after finishing in 2:32.40 over firm turf.

"We're just thrilled," Hughes said. "I said before the race I thought he could get this distance and get over the ground well enough. He went out there and did it."

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