Kentucky Downs Opening Day Spot Plays for Sept. 7

Eleven races have been carded for a huge Monday of racing during opening day at Kentucky Downs. The six-day meeting kicks off on Labor Day with a fine card, led by four lucrative stakes events. I have gone through the card and tabbed a few horses that have interest to me.

Race 3 -- Maiden Special Weight

A full field of fillies will go postward in the turf affair. #5 Indian Heart (15-1) has a lot of appeal at a big price. Kentucky-bred Uncle Mo lass didn’t show a lot first time out on the dirt, but the February foal has three turf-winning siblings from three to race, and having Johnny V. ride the Motion pupil is a big plus as well.

Race 5 -- Maiden Special Weight

The boys will run in the turf endeavor, and a full cast is signed on for this test too. #11 Hoistthemainsail (9-2) was favored in a big field on debut when running an even fourth at Ellis Park, and I think the McPeek lad looms large. Gray son of solid turf influence Mizzen Mast has worked three times following his debut offering and seems poised for a step forward beneath Lanerie.

Race 8 -- Juvenile Fillies S.

$500,000 affair for 2-year-old fillies at a mile on the lawn attracted an overflow field of 14. It’s hard for me to go against Saratoga debut vixen #6 Plum Ali (5-2) for Christophe Clement. First Samurai filly drew off in her fine first offering on the lawn and seems poised for a step forward while coming in fresh for a top barn. Tyler Gaffalione rides.

Race 11 -- Tourist Mile S.

A dozen will travel one mile in the lucrative $750,000 contest. Multiple Group 1 victor #5 Ivar (6-1) responded to the addition of blinkers with an easy allowance triumph at Churchill Downs last time out, and the Paulo Lobo trainee seems poised for a big showing in his local bow. Agnes Gold colt has early speed and makes sense in a well-matched field.

Two others of interest in the ultra-competitive event are #7 Next Shares (8-1) and #9 Flavius (6-1), each of whom possesses a big late turn of foot in a race where the pace could be swift. I will use the three horses mentioned in all of my horizontal wagers.