
Power Rankings: Owen Almighty Enters Derby Top 10 after Tampa Tour de Force
Another rich payday at Kentucky Downs awaits on Saturday as a big field of 11 will square off in the $2 million Mint Millions Stakes. The mile contest on turf attracted a field of 11 including last year’s winner, creating another intriguing betting affair that could result in some large payoffs.
1. Emmanuel (6-1): Had some trouble when fourth in the Grade 2 United Nations Stakes. Was sold for $500,000 since then and makes his first start for trainer Mike Maker. Is certainly capable of being a contender on his best try.
JOCKEY: Jose Ortiz; TRAINER: Mike Maker
2. Mountain Bear (10-1): Interesting longshot makes his US debut for Aidan O’Brien. He should like the course and was second last year in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf. Gets a nice break in the weights as a 3-year-old and should get an excellent ride from Frankie Dettori. Lots to like here.
JOCKEY: Frankie Dettori; TRAINER: Aidan O’Brien
3. Irish Aces (12-1): Wheels right back after winning the Tapit Stakes here Aug. 29. If he can duplicate that effort in this spot, he will be a main threat. But can he?
JOCKEY: Tyler Gaffalione; TRAINER: Brendan Walsh
4. Cash Equity (15-1): Was third in a $500,000 handicap here on Sept. 1. Has a good kick and could pose a late threat.
JOCKEY: Julien Leparoux; TRAINER: Saffie Joseph Jr.
5. Tut’s Revenge (20-1): Won the preview stakes for this race at Ellis Park on the front end but should find this course and the field a bit more challenging.
JOCKEY: Ricardo Santana Jr.; TRAINER: Mike Maker
6. Strong Quality (15-1): Has a ton of early speed but faltered in Grade 1 company in his last two starts. Gets some class relief but faces a lot of early pressure.
JOCKEY: Florent Geroux; TRAINER: Mark Casse
7. Funtastic Again (5-1): Has not raced since late May when he was second in the Grade 1 Shoemaker Mile Stakes at Santa Anita Park. Has been training steadily and will be a main contender if he’s ready to fire a top effort.
JOCKEY: Gerardo Corrales; TRAINER: Wesley Ward
8. Talk of the Nation (4-1): Tired late in the Arlington Million Stakes at 1 ¼ miles, but should be well-suited by this race’s one-mile distance. Prior to that, he was highly consistent, finishing first or second in eight of his previous nine starts.
JOCKEY: Irad Ortiz Jr.; TRAINER: Todd Pletcher
9. Reckoning Force (15-1): Comes off a nice allowance win at Saratoga, but will be facing much better company here.
JOCKEY: Luan Machado; TRAINER: Brendan Walsh
10. Ancient Rome (5-2): Won this race last year in his U.S. debut. Ran a good second in a Group 2 stakes at Ascot earlier this year, then was third in the Arlington Million. Fits much better here and cannot be overlooked in his bid for back-to-back wins.
JOCKEY: Jamie Spencer; TRAINER: Charlie Hills
11. Goliad (10-1): Won the $500,000 handicap referenced above that Cash Equity finished third in last week, and he did so in gate-to-wire fashion. Drew the far outside post and will have a much tougher time on the front end here.
JOCKEY: Flavien Prat; TRAINER: Richard Mandella
THE PICK/LIVE LONGSHOT: Mountain Bear
SUPERFECTA: 2-8-10-7