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Live racing returns to Churchill Downs Inc.’s Turfway Park in Florence tonight; see Battaglia’s picks


NKyTribune staff

Live Racing returns to Northern Kentucky tonight at Turfway Park with the traditional Holiday Meet and there have been some big changes since horses last broke from the gate in Florence.

A rendering of the new Turfway Facility. Construction is expected to begin at the conclusion of the 2020 Winter/Spring meet (provided images, click to enlarge).

Most notably, Churchill Downs Inc. (CDI) purchased Turfway Park in October and has promised a bright future for horsemen and patrons. Kevin Flanery, president of Churchill Downs Racetrack, met with horsemen Tuesday to answer questions and assure them that CDI is committed to the success of the operation and that the changes are real.

The biggest changes will come at the conclusion of the Winter/Spring Meet when construction of a new facility on the grounds will begin, but horsemen will see some notable changes right away.

For example, purses for the 16-day holiday meet essentially double last year’s, averaging $204,812 a day (includes Kentucky Thoroughbred Development Fund monies). Maiden special weight races offer $46,000, with allowance optional claiming purses ranging from $48,000 to $52,000.

CDI will commence planning for the demolition of the existing grandstand after the 2019-2020 meet, making way for development of Turfway Park Racing & Gaming (“New Turfway Park”). The new facility represents an investment  of up to $150 million (which includes the purchase price) state-of-the art live and historical Thoroughbred racing facility.

For renderings, and details about the new facility, which will include an inner dirt track, click here.

The Holiday Meet runs Wednesday through Saturday through Dec. 31, with eight races daily. First post is 6:15 p.m. except the Tuesday of New Year’s Eve, when racing begins at 1:10 p.m.

Turfway’s live season then continues without interruption from Jan. 1 through March 28, with the Winter/Spring meet. Admission and parking are free every day.

Turfway Park’s Mike Battaglia provides daily selections and comments for the Tribune during the live racing meets.

Battaglia

BATTAGLIA PICK FOR WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 4: 

RACE 1

The holiday meet kicks off with a very good maiden race that gives every indication the higher purse structure is going to produce much better racing here at Turfway. KING OF FORTUNE gets the slight edge in here for Mike Maker with Martin Garcia picking up the mount. He is lightly raced and should move forward with the addition of blinkers. HELLO AMERICA has run well on the Poly at Arlington for Chris Block, who had a solid meet at Turfway. He was beaten as the heavy favorite last out but may not have cared for the sloppy going in that one. SANDY LANE KITTEN has been running for a tag in New York but is a definite contender.

RACE 2

LUCKY LOOKIN has been in the money in five of his six races and has the speed to be on or near the lead. He looks best in this bottom claimer. MESSIAH takes the class drop and will be tough at this level. ESPO should get a good trip from the inside post.

RACE 3

ALPHA BOY figures to be running late in a race loaded with early speed. He rates the edge in a well matched field. VERITAS ran okay over this track early in his career and could wake up at decent odds. CONFECTION FORTUNE has won four races this year and has to be respected.

A rendering of some interior features planned for the New Turfway Park facility (click to enlarge).

RACE 4

TRICKY TUNE cuts back to five furlongs after several route races. She figures to be coming from off the pace in this one and she looks best with Alan Garcia aboard for Anthony Quartarolo. LOVE TO LEARN comes off a couple of clunkers but was claimed last out by Steve Asmussen, who just wrapped up his 22nd training title at Churchill. STELLAR STILETTO is a contender.

RACE 5

BLOOD RUNNER exits a key race at Parx. Three horses came out of that one to win next out and the winner, Independence Hall, won the Gr. 3 Nashua and is one of the favorites in the future pool for the Derby. BLOOD RUNNER made a big early move after breaking slowly and will move forward tonight. INVADER is trained by Wes Ward and comes off a decent effort on the Churchill turf. He should be in good position throughout and will be tough to beat. BIGMANCAN stretches out and figures to make the lead. If speed is holding he will be dangerous.

RACE 6

HUCKLEBERRY HILL has been competing mostly against Indiana-bred runners but figures to show good speed from his outside post and can win this one with Rodney Prescott back aboard. TWO PUTT has been very consistent, finishing in the money in nine of his 12 races this year. He comes off an impressive win and is the one to beat. MAN OF BLUES fits with these.

An indoor grandstand and event center are also envisioned for the New Turfway Park (click to enlarge).

RACE 7

BOSSY BRIDE was third in her first race back after a two-month layoff. She had some traffic problems in the stretch in that one and can be expected to run better tonight. Give her the edge with Alan Garcia picking up the mount for Mike Maker. RUBY TRUST ran a huge race to finish third last out on the Keeneland lawn. A repeat of that one will make her tough to handle. LOVE MY HONEY was beaten for $30,000 last out but had a recent bullet work and is a solid threat.

RACE 8

I SAW HER FIRST drops in class after an even effort against better in her debut. Give her the edge for Pat Huffman and Albin Jimenez. DETOUR stopped badly last out but has the speed to be dangerous. MAGNA G FORCE rates a chance.

Contact the Northern Kentucky Tribune at news@nkytrib.com


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