A highly competitive field has assembled to contest Saturday’s $2 million, Grade 2 Mint Kentucky Turf Sprint Stakes at Kentucky Downs, a “Win and You’re In” qualifier for the Nov. 1 Grade 1 Prevagen Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint. Any bettor who constructs a winning ticket is bound to cash a respectable payoff.

Kentucky Downs boasts a unique European-style turf course that some horses relish and others struggle to handle. That’s why we’re keen to support two horses who have run well at Kentucky Downs in the past: #2 Howard Wolowitz and #6 Khaadem.

As a 3-year-old last year, Howard Wolowitz unleashed a strong charge to win the Grade 1 Aristocrat Franklin-Simpson Stakes at Kentucky Downs by one length in the quick time of 1:14.20 – missing the course record by only 0.01. He then faced older horses in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint and gained ground despite a troubled trip to finish ninth, losing by only three lengths in a crowded finish.

Howard Wolowitz has only run once this year, shipping to Saudi Arabia to record a 10^th-place finish in the Group 2 1351 Turf Sprint Presented by Boutique Group. But a series of blazing workouts this summer (including a sensational half-mile drill in :44.36) suggest Howard Wolowitz can bounce back to his best while returning to Kentucky Downs.

The same may apply to Khaadem, a 9-year-old veteran from Europe. He hasn’t factored in two starts this year, most recently finishing 10^th by 5 ¼ lengths in the Group 2 King George Qatar Stakes. But he entered last year’s Kentucky Turf Sprint off two subpar efforts in Europe, and that didn’t stop Khaadem from charging down the Kentucky Downs homestretch to finish second behind the brilliant turf sprinter Cogburn. Getting back to Kentucky Downs in 2025 could trigger a similar rebound.

So how should you bet the Kentucky Turf Sprint? We recommend placing a win bet on Howard Wolowitz, in addition to playing him in the exacta with Khaadem. Consider also betting #7 Arrest Me Red underneath Howard Wolowitz in the exacta. With a 26-10-5-3 lifetime record, Arrest Me Red is usually in the hunt for a top-three finish, and last year he led all the way to win an allowance race at Kentucky Downs.

Wagering Strategy on a $10 Budget

$6 to win on #2 Howard Wolowitz

What to say at the betting window: Kentucky Downs, 9^th race, $6 to win on 2

$2 exacta: box 2,6 (total cost: $4)

What to say at the betting window: Kentucky Downs, 9^th race, $2 exacta box 2,6

Wagering Strategy on a $30 Budget

$20 to win on #2 Howard Wolowitz

What to say at the betting window: Kentucky Downs, 9^th race, $20 to win on 2

$4 exacta: box 2,6 (total cost: $8)

What to say at the betting window: Kentucky Downs, 9^th race, $4 exacta box 2,6

$2 exacta: 2 with 7

What to say at the betting window: Kentucky Downs, 9^thrace, $2 exacta 2 with 7

Good luck, and enjoy the race!