Kentucky Downs, August 30, 2025
News Summary
Howard Wolowitz, the 4-year-old colt, is preparing to return to racing at the Kentucky Downs, competing in the $2 million G2 The Mint Kentucky Turf Sprint. Despite a 190-day break, trainer Jose D’Angelo expresses confidence in the horse’s readiness, emphasizing a rigorous summer training regimen. Alongside Wolowitz, Flatten the Curve, trained by Henk Grewe, will also compete, highlighting a competitive race ahead at Kentucky Downs this Saturday.
Franklin, Kentucky – Howard Wolowitz is set to return to the Kentucky Downs racetrack for the $2 million G2 The Mint Kentucky Turf Sprint this Saturday after an extended break from competition. The 4-year-old colt will start from Post 2 and will be ridden by jockey Jose Ortiz, who showcased a strong performance with four victories on the opening day of the meet.
Howard Wolowitz last took to the track 190 days ago, following a series of performances that saw him compete in high-stakes races throughout the year. Last fall, he won the G1 Franklin-Simpson Stakes for 3-year-olds by one length and later participated in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Sprint, finishing ninth, just three lengths behind the eventual winner. His last race before the break was a challenging outing in the G2 Turf Sprint associated with the Saudi Cup program, where he finished in tenth place.
Trainer Jose D’Angelo, who has been overseeing Howard Wolowitz’s training regimen, expressed optimism leading into The Mint Kentucky Turf Sprint, noting that the colt appears to be sharper and more mature than during the previous racing season. D’Angelo emphasized the intensity of Howard Wolowitz’s training, highlighting that the horse completed some of the fastest morning workouts at Saratoga, including a remarkable half-mile drill on August 22, clocked at 46.60 seconds, which was the best of 115 horses that day.
Despite initially planning to put Howard Wolowitz in a preparatory race before the Kentucky Downs sprint, the trainer decided against it, trusting in the horse’s readiness after an intensive summer training period on both turf and dirt tracks. Looking further ahead, D’Angelo shared intentions to target the Breeders’ Cup at Del Mar, eyeing a spot in the Mile on turf rather than the Turf Sprint.
In addition to Howard Wolowitz, another horse to watch at Kentucky Downs is Flatten the Curve, a 6-year-old gelding trained by Henk Grewe. After a trip to Saratoga, where he finished fourth in a dirt race, Flatten the Curve returns to compete with confidence riding on their experience. Grewe, who holds the title of leading trainer in Germany, has shared positive expectations, particularly about Flatten the Curve’s performance on turf. The gelding has demonstrated solid traveling capability and adaptability to different ground conditions, presenting a promising profile as he prepares to run at Kentucky Downs, where he will carry the high weight of 126 pounds.
Jockey Thore Hammer Hansen has partnered with Flatten the Curve on numerous occasions, providing a familiarity that can be advantageous for the team’s chances in the upcoming race. Both horses have laid the groundwork for a competitive performance at Kentucky Downs, making this race one to watch for fans and betting enthusiasts alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Howard Wolowitz?
Howard Wolowitz is a 4-year-old racing colt who won the G1 Franklin-Simpson Stakes last year and is making his return at Kentucky Downs for the G2 The Mint Kentucky Turf Sprint.
What is the Mint Kentucky Turf Sprint?
The Mint Kentucky Turf Sprint is a prestigious race with a purse of $2 million, taking place at Kentucky Downs. It is known for attracting top-caliber horses.
Who are the jockeys competing in the race?
Jose Ortiz will be riding Howard Wolowitz, while Thore Hammer Hansen will take the reins on Flatten the Curve.
What is Flatten the Curve’s racing history?
Flatten the Curve is a 6-year-old gelding with a strong racing background. He finished fourth at Saratoga and previously secured wins while competing in Germany.
Who is the trainer of Howard Wolowitz?
Jose D’Angelo is the trainer responsible for preparing Howard Wolowitz for his return to racing.
Key Features of The Mint Kentucky Turf Sprint
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Race Name | The Mint Kentucky Turf Sprint |
| Purse | $2 million |
| Location | Kentucky Downs |
| Notable Horses | Howard Wolowitz, Flatten the Curve |
| Jockeys | Jose Ortiz, Thore Hammer Hansen |
| Trainer for Howard Wolowitz | Jose D’Angelo |
| Trainer for Flatten the Curve | Henk Grewe |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Miguel Clement Enters Six Horses for Weekend at Kentucky Downs
Kentucky Downs Preview Weekend Set to Begin at Ellis Park
Additional Resources
- BG Daily News: Kentucky Downs Sports Coverage
- BloodHorse: D’Angelo Seeking More KY Downs Success
- DRF: Howard Wolowitz Holds Edge Over Khaadem
- Brisnet: Turf Sprint & Nashville Derby Highlights
- BloodHorse: Khaadem Returns for Second Try in Turf Sprint
- Wikipedia: Kentucky Downs
- Google Search: Kentucky Downs Horse Racing
- Google Scholar: Kentucky Downs Horse Racing
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Kentucky Downs
- Google News: Kentucky Downs Racing
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