FLORENCE, Ky. - Mario Pino chuckled after being asked about the strategy he will employ when riding Hard Spun in the Kentucky Cup Classic on Saturday at Turfway Park.

“It’s no big secret,” said Pino. “We’re going to the lead.”

At least on paper, few races play out as simply as the 14th Kentucky Cup Classic seems likely to do. Hard Spun, breaking from post 1, figures to take immediate command, and then at some critical point during the 1 1/8-mile journey, Street Sense will make a run at him.

Game on. (via Hard Spun News)