Kentucky Downs: How to bet the Turf Sprint Stakes (Sept. 12)

A "win and you’re in" berth to the Nov. 7 Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (G1) is on the line in Saturday’s $700,000 Turf Sprint (G3) at Kentucky Downs, a 6-furlong dash absolutely loaded with accomplished sprinters.

The hefty purse — one of the best in the U.S. for a turf sprint — has attracted quality speedsters from all corners of the country. With 12 entries in the main body of the field, plus four also-eligibles on the outside looking in, identifying the winner could rank among the most difficult challenges of the racing weekend.

Unless, of course, you believe morning line favorite #4 Totally Boss (9-2) is a deserving choice to defend the Turf Sprint title he claimed in 2019. And while I would love to offer a more creative selection, I’m afraid I’ve reserved a front-row seat on the Totally Boss bandwagon and won’t be getting off anytime soon.

Trained by Rusty Arnold, Totally Boss came to hand impressively last season. On the Kentucky circuit, he rattled off four wins and a nose defeat from five starts, culminating with his appearance at Kentucky Downs.

Facing nine rivals in the Turf Sprint, Totally Boss pressed the early tempo, took command in the straight, and edged clear to score by 1 1/4 lengths. His final time of 1:09.21 missed the course record by just 0.06 and translated to an excellent 101 Brisnet Speed rating.

Totally Boss is 0-for-2 so far in 2020, but he showed signs of returning to form when rallying boldly to finish second in the July 11 Shakertown (G2) at Keeneland, beaten only a head while earning a 100 Brisnet Speed rating.

Returning to Kentucky Downs can trigger a winning effort from Totally Boss in his third run of the season, especially while reuniting with jockey Florent Geroux, a 20% winner over this course since 2015.

#12 Bound for Nowhere (5-1), who finished a neck behind Totally Boss in the Shakertown, is another obvious threat. The speedy 6-year-old displayed an affinity for Kentucky Downs when nabbing the 2019 Tourist Mile and will be tough to catch if he works out a comfortable trip on the front end.

Let’s bet Totally Boss to win, then key him with Bound for Nowhere in the trifecta. We’ll use ALL for the remaining slot, hoping to catch a longshot for second or third place.

$10 to win on #4 Totally Boss
$0.50 trifecta: 4,12 with 4,12 with ALL ($10)
$0.50 trifecta: 4,12 with ALL with 4,12 ($10)
Total: $30

Good luck!

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