If there is a horse ready for a breakout performance in the $2 million Franklin-Simpson Stakes (G1T) at Kentucky Downsits Mansa Musa Since arriving in the United States, this Irish-bred colt has had consistent and sometimes unfortunate competition with renowned trainer Bill Mott.
With a furlong and a pack of fast horses charging inside, Kentucky Down’s first Grade 1 contest could turn things around for the plucky Mansa Musa. That wave could carry him straight into the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (G1T) if the racing gods send a win his way.
While another horse race on September 7, the Ainsworth Turf Sprint (G2T), is a Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series event for the Turf Sprint, the 6 1/2-furlong Franklin-Simpson Stakes, open only to 3-year-olds, does not grant the winner a spot in the all-fee-paid Breeders’ Cup race on November 2. However, Kentucky Downs management has pledged to sponsor the entry fee for Saturday’s Championship if the winner of the Franklin-Simpson decides to enter the Breeders’ Cup.
If one ignores his uncharacteristic seventh place in the Mahony Stakes on August 11 at Saratoga Race TrackMansa Musa has been the picture of consistency, achieving success in four other starts in the United States. Ranked in Group 3 company in his native Ireland as a 2-year-old, the son of Ten Kings failed to claim the winner despite a creditable performance. The final sprinter was beaten by Fan Community in the Palisades Stakes at Keenelanda struggling third place in the William Walker Stakes (crossing the finish line in fourth but moving up to third after being forced to settle in the lane), and second place went to the talented Godolphin mare Mysterious Star in the Quick Call Stakes (G3T) two starts earlier. He ran a career-high Equibase Speed Figure 106 for his Quick Call feat, the highest of the 12 oversubscribed.
Junior Alvarado, the only Team Valor rider and Gary Barber carrying the US flag, will have the call from 11th place.
Mansa Musa is one of four horses to leave the Mahony Stakes. Trained by Christophe Clement Apollo Ten third at Mahony, and student of Jose D’Angelo Howard Wolowitz Wednesday, both entering Kentucky Downs from Saratoga. Cheyenne Stable’s Apollo Ten hasn’t run the numbers that Mansa Musa has, but has been a winner in the race nonetheless, winning the 5 1/2 furlong My Frenchman Stakes at Monmouth Park July 14. Fast Violence The colt, who finished first in the My Frenchman race, will face his first challenge from Howard Wolowitz up front.
Howard Wolowitz was a stunning winner in his first race on a synthetic track at Gulfstream Park before finding myself too far behind in Mahony. Hit by traffic along the way, Munnings Colt finished fourth but could be much more dangerous if he gets the lead going his way.
Kentucky Downs is famous for its surprise winners, and a host of long-timers are looking to upset the favorites on the track’s biggest day. Resolute Racing and Qatar Racing Avoid 3-place finish in France, debut in the United States for coach Mike Maker, and Ellis Park-based on Joe Shiesty Having made a splash in the racetrack during Kentucky Derby week on May 1, William Walker is back in action after two starts.
Entries: Nobleman Franklin-Simpson S. (G1T)
Kentucky DownsSaturday, September 7, 2024, Race 9
- IT Class
- 6 1/2 seconds
- Grass
- $2,000,000
- 3 years old
- 4:18 PM (local time)
