Handicapping

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…

Play of the Day Race Date April 28, 2022 Track Keeneland Race 5 Overview A relatively uninspiring N1X that appears destined to be formful, as there aren’t too many in here with proven turf sprint form. Pace It’s coming from the outside, as #7 Jura (5-1) should set the table, which puts #8 AMERICAN STARLET (4-1) in an ideal spot pressing to his outside, which will give her first run in a race with little other early lick. Trends N/A Best Bet AMERICAN STARLET Number 8 Morning Line (4-1) Best Bet Overview #8 AMERICAN STARLET (4-1) (turf only): The lone filly in the field is getting upwards of…

Play of the Day Race Date April 24, 2022 Track Keeneland Race 7 Overview A typically deep and competitive AOC turf sprint with a bevy of contenders and class droppers that have threatened to be stakes horses over the past few years. Pace It’s a turf sprint, so expect it to be hot and contested, as several in this deep field want to be involved early and often. Trends N/A Best Bet NATURAL POWER Number 10 Morning Line (6-1) Best Bet Overview #10 NATURAL POWER (6-1) (turf only): Stretch running dynamo was in too tough in the G2 last time but he stormed home twice over the GP…

Play of the Day Race Date April 23, 2022 Track Keeneland Race 9 Overview A typically deep and competitive renewal of the G2 Elkhorn, which drew a strong cast of turf marathon runners. Pace It actually looks extremely contested, as several in here want to motor early, which could prove troublesome late, especially since a few of the favorites have a “need the lead” type of style. Trends n/a Best Bet BEMMA’S BOY Number 1 Morning Line (5-1) Best Bet Overview #1 BEMMA’S BOY (5-1): Maker charge goes for a barn that excels in these turf marathons, drew perfectly inside, and has a tactical gear to sit off…

Play of the Day Race Date April 22, 2022 Track Keeneland Race 10 Overview A full field of MSW turf sprinters with several who have winning chances, though #7 MUSICAL DESIGN (2-1) tipped her hand with a huge debut run at GP. Pace It’s a turf sprint, so expect there to be plenty, which should play right into the hands of #7 MUSICAL DESIGN (2-1). Trends Best Bet MUSICAL DESIGN Number 7 Morning Line (2-1) Best Bet Overview #7 MUSICAL DESIGN (2-1) (turf only): Exits a troubled 2nd on debut at GP, where she ran huge with trouble, as horses just don’t come from the back turf sprinting…

Play of the Day Race Date April 21, 2022 Track Keeneland Race 8 Overview A deep and competitive N2X on the turf with several winning possibilities, though a decided lack of speed in the race could really tilt this towards #8 GLADYS (4-1). Pace There’s not a lot on paper, with the exception of #8 GLADYS (4-1), who has been in front of late and meets a group that has never taken any early initiative, and when Leparoux is able to clear early and set the pace, he’s as good as anyone. Trends N/A Best Bet GLADYS Number 8 Morning Line (4-1) Best Bet Overview #8 GLADYS (4-1)…

Play of the Day Race Date April 20, 2022 Track Keeneland Race 5 Overview A relatively competitive 50k starter-allowance on the turf, though few have the firepower on paper of #2 YOUENS (7-2), who should relish the class drop from the N1X ranks. Pace There’s not a lot on paper, so expect a tight group with a sprint finish, with a clean run being imperative. Trends n/a Best Bet YOUENS Number 2 Morning Line (7-2) Best Bet Overview #2 YOUENS (7-2) (turf only): FG invader just-missed in a pair of N1X runs, with figures that are better than these, so now on the drop, with Irad named and…