The second week of the 2024 Kentucky Downs meeting concludes on Sunday afternoon with an eleven-race card that includes four consecutive stakes starting in Race 7. Three of those four stakes-events happen to be Xpressbet and 1/ST BET’s Money Back Special Races for the day. Here are the horses I will be using my promotion on, assuming they are at or above their morning line price.
Race 7: Juvenile Mile
The first stake is for 2YOs traveling eight-furlongs where there appears to be plenty of speed signed on. Hopefully, #5 I’m Otter Here can avoid getting caught up in a battle early on because he was visually impressive in his maiden breaking victory at Ellis Park on August 18. The son of Munnings showed ability right off the rip when he ran into a live group on debut that included last Sunday’s Juvenile Sprint Stakes winner Chasing Liberty. He came from off the pace to finish third that July afternoon setting him up for his first lifetime victory on the stretch out at the Pea Patch last month. I’m Otter Here appears to have plenty of upside heading into his first start against winners. If jockey Jaime Torres can relax the colt just off the pace, he has a big shot to spring the minor upset.
Play: #5 I’m Otter Here (9-2 ML)
Race 9: Juvenile Fillies
Another one-mile event, but this one for the young ladies is next on the Money Back Special itinerary where on paper it once again appears no one will get away with setting a moderate early tempo. I will take a swing with #12 Tigerish. The Tiz the Law filly took advantage of a favorable race shape and patient ride by Declan Cannon to win going away at Horseshoe Indianapolis back in late June. After the debut score, Tigerish was sold for $200k at the Fasig-Tipton Horses of Racing Age sale and has apparently been pointed to this spot since. Trainer Richard Baltas has sent out two live runners at this meet and the morning line offering is far too juicy to pass up.
Play: #12 Tigerish (20-1 ML)
Race 10: Gun Runner
The final Money Back race of the week is for 3YOs and again at the one-mile distance where #8 Briliant Berti looks to rebound from a disappointing loss at odds-on in the Secretariat (G2) at Colonial Downs. The Noble Mission colt is the deserving morning-line favorite, but I prefer the second choice, #12 Neat. The son of Constitution continues to improve steadily for trainer Rob Atras. His versatility is one of his biggest weapons since unlike many others, he is not raceshape dependent. Expect Junior Alvarado to have him at least a few lengths off the early pacesetters as he ships in from New York in hopes of making it three wins in a row.
Play: #12 Neat (7-2 ML)
Good luck!