Saturday guide: Preview of Ky. Downs, Del Mar, 2 more tracks

Saturday’s graded stakes offerings run the gamut from multimillion-dollar turf stakes at Kentucky Downs to closing-weekend dirt traditions at Del Mar. Horse Racing Nation has handicapping insight for these and more stakes worth a play.

Free past performances for stakes at Kentucky Downs, Del Mar and Colonial Downs are courtesy of Brisnet. 

Kentucky Downs

Kentucky Downs presents six stakes worth at least $2 million each, including the Grade 1, 6 1/2-furlong Franklin-Simpson stakes for 3-year-olds. Weather permitting, post time at the Franklin, Ky., course is 12:30 p.m. EDT. The live stream is free on the Kentucky Downs YouTube channel. 

Who are the jockeys riding hot or cold on the Kentucky Downs turf? Find out here. 

On the Ron Flatter Racing Pod, trainer Brendan Walsh dials in with the scoop on his horses entered at Kentucky Downs this weekend including Spanish Eyes, New Century and his winner last week Special Wan. Dr. Ronald Tang, a California-based handicapper, is the reigning King of the Turf contest winner and offers tips on how to play the challenging course. HRN’s Mark Midland also offers handicapping for Kentucky Downs and Colonial. 

Del Mar

The fabled track where the turf meets the surf closes its summer season Sunday, but Saturday offers three stakes that could prove to be stepping stones to the Breeders’ Cup. The Del Mar Debutante (G1),  John C. Mabee (G2) and Del Mar Juvenile Fillies Turf showcase the females who could earn championship votes.

The Saturday post time at Del Mar is 4:30 p.m. EDT.

Super Screener creator Mike Shutty calls Del Mar his home, and he has expert insight into how the locals are training for the Del Mar Debutante. Check out his analysis and wagering suggestions. 

Colonial Downs

Colonial presents the Old Dominion Derby (G3) and Old Dominion Oaks, each 1 1/8-mile turf stakes and the final 2025 stakes races there for 3-year-olds. HRN’s Ed DeRosa takes you through both races with a single for one and a smart spread strategy for the other. See his fair odds for both races.

Louisiana Downs

The Super Derby, the 1 1/8-mile test on dirt that counts Hall of Fame horse Tiznow among its winners, is run again at Louisiana Downs. Here’s a look at the field of seven and a pace analysis that points to one clear win choice.