Stakes spot plays for Ellis Park on August 8

A quartet of grassy stakes races will take the spotlight on a fine Sunday of action at Ellis Park. “The “Kentucky Downs Preview Day” card features competitive races with a few strong betting opportunities, in my opinion. 

Race 6 -- Mint Million S.

The one-mile turf test for the boys attracted seven. I see the opening stakes event of the afternoon as a two-horse race, led by morning-line choice #1 Hieronymus (2-1). Trained by Brad Cox, the four-year-old colt is a three-time stakes winner who is the class of the field, and he was a maiden winner on the course, as well.

#6 Alfons Walde (8-1) is a good value contender for Conor Murphy. The upset contender came to hand during the second half of 2020, and he put in a good run in his seasonal bow at Indiana Downs last time out, too. Irish-bred will be doing his best work late behind a healthy tempo.

Race 7 -- Ladies Sprint S.

This $100,000 dash at 5 1/2 panels for fillies and mares enticed an overflow field of 13 in a tricky handicapping endeavor. I will focus on the Brendan Walsh-trained #11 Amazima (6-1) with Geroux in the silks. The Noble Mission mare tired late in the Chicago S. (G3) at Arlington Park most recently, but a repeat of her sharp allowance third in a deep allowance heat two prior at Keeneland will give her a chance at a square price on Sunday. The bay could thrive on the cut back in distance, as well.

Race 8 -- Ladies Mile S.

Fillies and mares will run eight furlongs on the sod in the penultimate race on the card. #3 She’sonthewarpath (5-2) was second in the contest last campaign, and I expect her to go one better this time around. The Steve Margolis pupil was a game winner in the local prep for this most recently, and the tactical lass has the versatility to fire a big shot from any position in the affair. Adam Beschizza will guide the top selection.

Race 9 -- Turf Cup S.

The finale is contested at 1 1/4 miles for the boys, and a nice field of nine will go postward. #6 Bluegrass Parkway (12-1) is a contender worth including in the exotics wagers at a big number. Second from the barn of Mike Maker had a useful prep run on the course in a 1 1/16-mile event last time out, and the gelded son of Quality Road will move forward with added ground on Sunday. The five-year-old would be a mild surprise to win, but I like his chances to make an impact late and spike the vertical wagers under Julien Leparoux.