Handicapping

Play of the Day Race Date May 15, 2022 Track Churchill Downs Race 7 Overview A strong AOC for 3yos on the turf with several different ways to go, though none seem to have the upside of #8 DOUBLE CATCH (7-2). Pace There doesn’t appear to be much here, so tactical speed is at a premium, as a sprint off the far turn seems likely. Trends With so few turf races run on the new course it’s a bit tough to gauge, though the middle paths down the crown of the course did seem best over the weekend. Best Bet DOUBLE CLUTCH Number 8 Morning Line (7-2) Best…

Play of the Day Race Date May 14, 2022 Track Churchill Downs Race 7 Overview A modest AOC with several unproven on the turf, which means #1 WALKATHON (3-1) should be mighty tough off a sharp turf debut. Pace Things should be honest up front, as there a few stretch out sprinters who want to go early, along with a few routers too. Trends With so few turf races run on the new course it’s a bit tough to gauge, though the middle paths down the crown of the course did seem best over the weekend. Best Bet WALKATHON Number 1 Morning Line (3-1) Best Bet Overview #1…

Play of the Day Race Date May 13, 2022 Track Churchill Downs Race 7 Overview A big field of MSW runners on the turf, though no one has the upside of #7 MCGOLDEN (7-2), who has run just twice and is on the improve. Pace There’s not much signed on here, so expect a compact field and a sprint to the line. Trends With so few turf races run on the new course it’s a bit tough to gauge, though the middle paths down the crown of the course did seem best over the weekend. Best Bet MCGOLDEN Number 7 Morning Line (7-2) Best Bet Overview #7 MCGOLDEN…

Play of the Day Race Date May 12, 2022 Track Churchill Downs Race 6 Overview A deep 50k starter-allowance with several ways to go, which means searching for value seems imperative. Pace It seems honest enough, as there are more than a few who want to be involved early, and there’s plenty of stalkers as well. Trends It’s a bit early to gauge the main track and how it’s playing, especially since it took a lot of rain over the first week and wasn’t consistently fast at any one point. Best Bet Mobster Gun Number 1 Morning Line (5-1) Best Bet Overview #1 Mobster Gun (5-1): stalker drew…

Play of the Day Race Date May 07, 2022 Track Churchill Downs Race 8 Overview A typically strong renewal of the G1 Distaff, with a litany of G1 winners lined up. Pace It looks suicidal, as #1, #3, #4, and #7 all want to motor early and often, which should set this up for the closers. Trends There’s a chance the main track is playing fast, but that doesn’t mean it’s playing to speed, so it’s best to watch the earlier dirt races and take note for yourself, as there’s no doubt they like to tighten it up on Derby Day. Best Bet OBLIGATORY Number 5 Morning Line…

Play of the Day Race Date May 06, 2022 Track Churchill Downs Race 11 Overview A sterling renewal of the Kentucky Oaks, with several different ways to go, and several immensely talented 3yo poised to run big. Pace It doesn’t look overly hot, but with #6 Yuugiri (30-1) and #7 Echo Zulu (4-1) next to each other, and #4 Nest (5-2) looking to spy them from close range, nothing will be given away up front either. Trends It’s just too early in the meet to garner anything, though it must be noted that with rains in the offing Friday, CD notoriously dries quicker than any track in the…

Play of the Day Race Date May 05, 2022 Track Churchill Downs Race 7 Overview A relatively modest N1X that has several who seem stuck in neutral, while exciting debut winner #4 DOWNTOWN ABBY (2-1) could be any kind. Pace The speed is on the outside, and #4 DOWNTOWN ABBY (2-1) stalked and kicked clear in her debut, which seems like the trip she’ll pull here too. Trends n/a Best Bet DOWNTOWN ABBY Number 4 Morning Line (2-1) Best Bet Overview #4 DOWNTOWN ABBY (2-1): Speightstown filly looked awesome winning her debut for Calhoun, who doesn’t often crank them but knows what to do with a nice horse,…

Play of the Day Race Date April 30, 2022 Track Keeneland Race 4 Overview A deep and competitive N1X on the brand new turf course, and there are several ways to go here, though it’s #5 BRYCE CANYON (7-2) that has the most upside. Pace There’s not a lot here, so having tactical speed is a plus, as this figures to be a bunched group off the far turn. Trends It’s a guessing game as to how the new course will play, so pay close attention to the first few days of racing to see if you can gain any insight as the big races of Derby Week…

Play of the Day Race Date April 29, 2022 Track Keeneland Race 6 Overview A solid N3L routing on the turf, though no one has the upside of #3 BOCHOMBO (3-1), who stretches out off a strong turf sprint return and is bred for the added ground. Pace There’s no one here to run with #3 BOCHOMBO (3-1), as he just wired through fast fractions sprinting and will be as loose as can be here now that he gets to go two turns. Trends N/A Best Bet BOCHOMBO Number 3 Morning Line (3-1) Best Bet Overview #3 BOCHOMBO (3-1) (turf or dirt): Looked great wiring in his turf…