Author Archives: Brian Nadeau

“PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date  11/18/2022      Featured track  Churchill Downs       Race number  4      Race overview  A seemingly competitive 20k MCL for 3up at 6 ½ Fs on the main.       Pace  There’s not a lot of true sprint speed signed on, which means if #8 CHITWOOD (9-2) breaks running this time, he can clear off early.      Trends  The main track played very fair last week, with winners coming from everywhere, and there were no apparent path biases either.       Best Play  #8 CHITWOOD (9-2): The expected speed didn’t break last time, then…

“PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date  11/17/2022      Featured track  Churchill Downs       Race number  4      Race overview  A competitive 12.5k claimer for 3up going 7Fs on the main.       Pace  There’s not any true sprint/one-turn speed, which could allow #7 POPULIST (3-1) set the pace and potentially control things early.      Trends  The main track played very fair last week, with winners coming from everywhere, and there were no apparent path biases either.       Best Play  #7 POPULIST (3-1): Class dropper was in against tougher at Kee for 16k, while going two turns as well,…

    “PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date  11/16/2022      Featured track  Churchill Downs       Race number  8      Race overview  A somewhat modest AOC for fillies & mares at 5 ½ Fs on the turf.       Pace  It’s a turf sprint and a full field, though things don’t look overly heated up front, as there’s very few true burners entered.      Trends  N/A       Best Play  #6 LADY GOLDSTART (5-2): Versatile miss can be on the lead if no one goes or settle if they fly, goes off the Maker claim (20%), and basically any of…

  “PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date  11/12/2022      Featured track  Churchill Downs       Race number  3      Race overview  A modest restricted MSW for 2yofs going 7Fs on the main.       Pace  There’s little to none on paper, so expect a bunched group early.      Trends  The main track has been forward for the majority of the meet, with speed and tactical speed playing well.       Best Play  #4 NAUGHTY MISS (5-1): Experienced filly really improved last time and now cuts back from a 1m run, should be closer early on, and just doesn’t meet anyone…

  “PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date  11/11/2022      Featured track  Churchill Downs       Race number  7      Race overview  A solid N1X sprinting 6Fs on the main, with several talented up and comers.       Pace  It should be honest, as #2 Tunisian Spring (8-5) wants to go early, and #5 EASY ACTION (2-1) is drawn perfectly to his outside.      Trends  The main track has been forward for the majority of the meet, with speed and tactical speed playing well.       Best Play  #5 EASY ACTION (2-1): Pace presser drew perfectly for his style, and can…

“PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date  11/9/2022      Featured track  Churchill Downs       Race number  3      Race overview  A modest 20k claimer for 3up going 1 1/16 miles on the main.       Pace  There’s not much here, which means tactical speed is at a premium, especially since there are several off-the-pace types entered.      Trends  The main track has been forward for the majority of the meet, with speed and tactical speed playing well.       Best Play  #5 HUGH BIGLY (2-1): Asmussen claim (17%) just walloped a field of 16ks at Keeneland, takes a modest rise,…

“PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date  11/8/2022      Featured track  Churchill Downs       Race number  4      Race overview  A competitive 30k MCL for 3upfm going 1 1/16 miles on the main.       Pace  There’s very little on paper, so the ability to lay close early should prove effective late.      Trends  The main track has been forward for the majority of the meet, with speed and tactical speed playing well.       Best Play  #8 SALSALITA VERDE (7-2): MSW dropper takes the biggest plunge in racing and she had a trip last time too, in what was…

“PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date  11/5/2022      Featured track  Churchill Downs       Race number  6      Race overview  A deep and competitive AOC for 3up going 1-mile on the turf.       Pace  There’s not a lot here, which should flatter the chances of #8 WINFROMWITHIN (7-2), who has the ability to be on, or just off things early, in a field littered with stalker/closers.      Trends  N/A       Best Play  #8 WINFROMWITHIN (7-2) (turf only): Versatile sort can make the running or sit just off if someone feels like motoring early, ran well off a seven-month…

“PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date  11/4/2022      Featured track  Santa Anita      Race number  4      Race overview  An absolutely sterling renewal of the G1 Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf at 1 ¼ miles.       Pace  It’s #1 IN ITALIAN (4-1) to catch, as there’s no one other than #8 Fev Rover (8-1) to keep her honest early, and even that one doesn’t have near the early foot to apply any serious pressure.      Trends  N/A       Best Play  #1 IN ITALIAN (4-1): Expected Lone F ran the race of her life in defeat in…