Aug. 29 (UPI) -- Kentucky Downs' massive purses lead the way in a week filled with turf races from coast to coast -- with the major exceptions of the Grade I Jockey Club Gold Cup at Saratoga and the Grade I Pacific Classic at Del Mar.
There are seven Breeders' Cup "Win and You're In" events on the calendar, five on the turf. There are eight races with purses of $1 million or more -- right up to the $3.5 million of the Nashville Derby at Kentucky Downs.
Since they make up such a big part of the program, let it be noted up front that the full advertised purse amounts at Kentucky Downs are available only to Kentucky-breds. Still, the base purses easily are worth more than enough to bring big talent from far and wide to the old Dueling Grounds on the Kentucky-Tennessee border.
Classic
A continent apart, two Grade I events will set the stage this weekend for year-end showdowns. Each has a $1 million purse. Both offer "Win and You're In" tickets to the Breeders' Cup Classic on Nov. 1 at Del Mar.
