Showing Up Tries the Turf

Showing Up, who won his first three starts before finishing sixth in the Kentucky Derby, will make his turf debut in the $1-million Colonial Turf Cup today at Colonial Downs in New Kent, Va.

Owned by Roy and Gretchen Jackson, who also own Kentucky Derby winner Barbaro, and trained by Barclay Tagg, Showing Up drew the rail in the 1 3/16 -mile race that drew a full field of 14.

Bought for $60,000 as a 2-year-old, Showing Up, a grandson of Mr. Prospector, will be seeking his second stakes win in the Turf Cup. He won the Lexington, a Grade II, April 22 at Keeneland before finishing 10 lengths behind Barbaro in the Derby. Showing Up will be ridden for the third consecutive time by Cornelio Velasquez.

Trainer Todd Pletcher, who won the race a year ago with English Channel, will run Roman Dynasty. Other contenders include Stream Cat, who has won all three of his races on grass for trainer Patrick Biancone; Hill Prince winner Outperformance; and Go Between.

Race of the day: Argentina, the beaten favorite in her three starts in California after arriving from Europe, will try to restore her reputation in her New York debut in the $250,000 New York Breeders’ Cup Handicap today at Belmont Park. Edgar Prado will ride the 4-year-old Sadler’s Wells filly in the Grade II at 1 1/4 miles on turf.

One for the road: Grand Escape should get a good trip just off what should be a quick pace and can win the $70,000 Beau Genius Handicap today at Churchill Downs. Corey Lanerie will ride the 3-year-old Grand Slam colt, who was second in his grass debut on June 15, for trainer Ronny Werner in the five-furlong race.

Exotically speaking: A pick three using Belong To Parfait, Bandera Negra and Lollapalooza in the first; Glassy in the second; and Make Mine Vodka, Indian Weaver and Crowned Dancer in the third.

Winners (through Thursday): (previous day/meet total): 2/108. Money: (previous day/meet total): $12.20/$668.60. Total money bet: $764.