Baltas, Van Dyke could strike again in Kentucky Downs Ladies Turf

Sep 07, 2018 Vance Hanson/Brisnet.com

Trainer Richard Baltas and jockey Drayden Van Dyke plundered the Old Friends Stakes with California invader Next Shares at Kentucky Downs on Thursday. Can the trainer/jockey combo pull off a similar feat Saturday in the $500,000 Kentucky Downs Ladies Turf (G3) with #9 INSTA ERMA (6-1)?

Insta Erma's last trip to Kentucky admittedly didn't turn out well. A longshot in the Churchill Distaff Turf Mile (G2) on Kentucky Derby Day, Insta Erma was near the back all the way and was not persevered with late over a course that was becoming increasingly saturated with rain and playing slower than the reported 'Good.' It was by far the worst race she had run since joining the Baltas barn the previous summer.

While conditions were not ideal for her, she did enter the race with reasonable credentials. Though only sixth in her previous start, the Buena Vista (G2), she was beaten there by Fault, who went on to score back-to-back wins on dirt in the Santa Margarita (G1) and Adoration (G3). Her form prior was fairly solid, including a win in the $75,000 Swingtime at Santa Anita over Madame Stripes (who returned the favor in the Megahertz [G3]), and a third in the Matriarch (G1) at Del Mar (G1) behind Off Limits and Hawksmoor.

While the threat of rain could leave the Kentucky Downs turf less than firm Saturday, it's unlikely to be as deep as it was on Derby Day, and Insta Erma has handled genuine 'Good' ground before. Her recent workout pattern at Del Mar has also been encouraging, and Baltas appears to have been targeting this as a return spot as she was not apparently considered for either of Del Mar's primary divisional races.

Getting four pounds from some of the other leading contenders, Insta Erma is worth a look in the Kentucky Downs Ladies Turf, which is Race 7 on the card. The approximate post time is 5:26 p.m. (EDT) and it can be watched and wagered on at TwinSpires.com.

(Benoit Photos)