Handicapping

Play of the Day Race Date May 22, 2022 Track Churchill Downs Race 9 Overview A wide, wide open 75k MCL’er with several who come out of the MSW ranks. Pace There looks to be plenty here, as several have shown speed in the past, so expect a contested pace. Trends The main track tilted towards speed over the past week, though nothing too out of the norm. Best Bet SMARTY JOHN Number 5 Morning Line (5-1) Best Bet Overview #5 SMARTY JOHN (5-1): Foley claim actually rises in class, which is a confident sign, especially since several here are dropping from the MSW ranks, and this is…

Play of the Day Race Date May 21, 2022 Track Pimlico Race Course Race 5 Overview A solid renewal of the G3 Gallorette, as it has two potential stars in #2 CRYSTAL CLIFFS (2-1) and #4 Technical Analysis (7-5). Pace There’s not much here, which means #4 Technical Analysis (7-5) may get loose, though there are a few others who could at least keep her entertained early. Trends N/A Best Bet CRYSTAL CLIFFS Number 2 Morning Line (2-1) Best Bet Overview #2 CRYSTAL CLIFFS (2-1): Talented mare has never been able to put it together or keep a campaign going but her comeback GP win was absolutely devastating,…

Play of the Day Race Date May 21, 2022 Track Churchill Downs Race 2 Overview A meek 50k starter-allowance that sees more than a few entering off duds, while #3 FABRICATE (8-5) goes off the claim for Cox and Dubb, after a sharp 2nd at Kee. Pace There’s not much here, which suggests a compact group early. Trends The main track tilted towards speed over the past week, though nothing too out of the norm. Best Bet FABRICATE Number 3 Morning Line (8-5) Best Bet Overview #3 FABRICATE (8-5): It’s not often you see Cox claim one but he used to be aces with these types, and with…

Play of the Day Race Date May 20, 2022 Track Churchill Downs Race 7 Overview A solid 50k claimer with several ways you can go, though #6 RODERICK (7-2) should be primed second-off the long layoff. Pace There’s plenty here, so having a rating gear should come in handy, as this one will be tough to win on the front end. Trends The main track tilted towards speed over the past week, though nothing too out of the norm. Best Bet RODERICK Number 6 Morning Line (7-2) Best Bet Overview #6 RODERICK (7-2): Stalker was a good 2nd at the level last time at Kee, which came off…

Play of the Day Race Date May 19, 2022 Track Churchill Downs Race 4 Overview A relatively modest 50k MCL, as there are some easy tossouts, while #3 JEWELOFAKID (7-2) comes in off a strong 2nd. Pace There doesn’t appear to be much here, so tactical speed is at a premium, as a bunched group and a sprint off the far turn is likely. Trends The main track tilted towards speed over the past week, though nothing too out of the norm. Best Bet JEWELOFAKID Number 3 Morning Line (7-2) Best Bet Overview #3 JEWELOFAKID (7-2): Lightly raced runner was a strong 2nd last time at Kee on…

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…