High-Stakes Saturday at Ellis Park to Feature Trio of Turf Previews for Kentucky Downs
HENDERSON, KY — August 1, 2025 — Ellis Park is set to take center stage on Saturday, August 2, with a stakes-loaded card headlined by three lucrative turf events: the Nashville Derby, Mint Millions Turf Mile Preview, and Mint Ladies Turf Sprint Preview. The trio, each offering a $250,000 purse, serves as key preps for the rich Kentucky Downs meet later this summer.
The special event is part of the Kentucky Downs Preview Day program, bringing graded-level talent to the Western Kentucky oval and offering handicappers high-quality turf racing paired with wide-open wagering opportunities. Saturday’s card will also feature a large Late Pick 5 carryover, with over $40,000 in guaranteed pool money expected to drive strong betting volume throughout the day.
Three Stakes, One Goal: Turf Supremacy
Race 8 – Nashville Derby Preview
Targeted at 3-year-olds competing over 1â…› miles on turf, the Nashville Derby Preview will act as a lead-in to the Grade III Nashville Derby, currently one of the highest-pursed turf races in the nation. Among the contenders is Native Runner, who exits a strong effort in the American Derby, as well as Siesta Key, Emergence, and Yinzer, each looking to punch their ticket to Kentucky Downs in style.
Race 9 – Mint Ladies Turf Sprint Preview
This 5½-furlong dash for fillies and mares draws several stakes-tested turf sprinters, including Foxxy Cleopatra, a proven performer who has hit the exacta in all three of her turf starts, and Pondering, who arrives in sharp form after a strong showing at Churchill Downs. Eyes will also be on Irish Maxima, a stakes winner on dirt now attempting to transition her form to the grass.
Race 10 – Mint Millions Turf Mile Preview
Topping off the day is the featured Mint Millions Turf Mile Preview, which mirrors the configuration of Kentucky Downs’ $2 million Grade III Mint Millions Stakes. The field is led by Mercante, a dual-stakes winner with tactical speed and consistent figures. He’ll be challenged by deep-closing threat Taking Candy, Churchill shipper Encino, and Japanese-bred Komorebino Omoide, whose back turf figures rate among the best in the group.
Handicapping Value and Momentum in the Wagering Pools
Saturday’s card is expected to offer significant value for bettors, with deep fields, multiple stakes-caliber turf routes, and potential upsets brewing in every leg of the multi-race sequences. According to analysis published in Today’s Racing Digest, the track profile at Ellis Park continues to favor forwardly placed runners—especially in turf routes—while races such as the Mint Ladies Turf Sprint are projected to feature fast paces and stretch-running closers.
The Digest’s handicapping breakdown highlights key pace matchups, class-drop overlays, and workout patterns that suggest several longshots could factor in the trifecta and superfecta spots. A standout example is Bling, who enters the turf sprint off a string of competitive stretch runs and may get the ideal setup if frontrunners falter late.
Why Saturday’s Edition of Today’s Racing Digest is a Must-Read
With three stakes races tied directly to Kentucky Downs’ multimillion-dollar schedule, tomorrow’s Ellis Park program is not just another summer Saturday—it’s a preview of the meet that often features some of the most unique, highest-paying turf events in the country. Bettors looking to gain an edge will find actionable insights in the August 2 edition of Today’s Racing Digest, including:
- Horse-by-horse analysis of all 10 races, including betting strategies and multi-race ticket structure
- Pace projections and Final Time Ratings contextualized to Ellis Park’s turf profile
- Trainer/jockey angles, recent class drops, and prep race patterns for all major stakes entrants
Whether targeting the All-Turf Pick 3 or keying into the $40K+ Pick 5 sequence, the Digest offers a comprehensive roadmap to navigate the chaos and capitalize on opportunity. Get your Ellis Park Kentucky Downs Preview Day Digest Now!
First Post: 11:45 AM CT
Wagering will open early, and with national attention turning toward Ellis Park as the unofficial preview stage for Kentucky Downs, fans and handicappers alike are expected to turn out online and on-track.