Handicapping Articles

“PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date:  6/2/2023      Featured Track/Race:   Churchill Downs – Race 4      Race overview:  A vert weak 20k N2L for 3&up going a mile on the main, with very few who have winning credentials.        Pace:  There’s not much here, which really flatters #7 UNCLE BERLEY (3-1), who drew perfectly and is fast enough to lead or sit just off.      Trends:  The main track played a bit more on the fair side last week, as winners were coming from everywhere, though tactical speed (at the very least) is always preferred.        Best Play: …

“PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date:  6/01/2023      Featured Track/Race:   Churchill Downs – Race 7      Race overview:  A stakes-caliber AOC sprinting on the main, with several who start with winning credentials.       Pace:  There’s no confirmed front runners enters, so expect a bunched group, which gives those with tactical speed a big edge.      Trends:  The main track played a bit more on the fair side last week, as winners were coming from everywhere, though tactical speed (at the very least) is always preferred.        Best Play:  #2 BAGBOSS (3-1): Lightly-raced runner had a bit of a…

“PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date:  5/29/2023      Featured Track/Race:   Churchill Downs – Race 9      Race overview:  A deep and competitive MSW routing on the turf.       Pace:  It’s a full field, so things should be honest up front, though there doesn’t appear to be any burners in here either.      Trends:  The turf has been used quite sparingly, so it’s tough to see any concrete trends.       Best Play:  #9 SRI LANKA (4-1) (turf only): Munnings filly returns fresh for a Walsh barn that is white-hot, and all she needs is clear sailing after a nightmare…

“PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date:  5/28/2023      Featured Track/Race:   Churchill Downs – Race 2      Race overview:  A deep and competitive 50k N2L routing on the main track.       Pace:  It looks very honest on paper, as there are a few with route speed, along with a stretchout sprinter (#6 Dog Red).      Trends:  With the exception of Saturday’s drying out track (which typically always play to off-the-pace types), the main track was playing to speed throughout the week.       Best Play:  #5 CONSTITUTIONAL LAW (5-2): Class dropper has been facing better, has a stalking gear that…

“PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date:  5/27/2023      Featured Track/Race:   Churchill Downs – Race 3      Race overview:  A weak restricted MSW (50k or less/or RNA) going 5Fs on the main.       Pace:  There’s a slew of first-time starters here, so expect things to be quick up front.      Trends:  With the exception of Saturday’s drying out track (which typically always play to off-the-pace types), the main track was playing to speed throughout the week.       Best Play:  #3 LIAM’S MESSAGE (3-1): Experienced runner improved a lot in her second start, and had a trip, and there’s just…

“PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date:  5/21/2023      Featured Track/Race:   Churchill Downs – Race 7      Race overview:  A relatively modest MSW with several firsters and two proven runners, #2 WILD THINKER (5-2) AND #5 Briterdayzahead (3-1) who look much the best.       Pace:  It figures quick, as more than a few have shown speed, and there are several firsters as well.      Trends:  With a few exceptions, the main track was very speedy last week when fast (it was an off-track Sunday), so leaning towards horses with tactical speed, at the very least, seems the play.      …

Tuesday, May 23 RACE 5 BEST PLAY # 1- Your Awesome Boss — Showed marked improvement in his second start of the season moving back to the claiming ranks and should be at top of his game in third start of form cycle. RACE PACE #4 Professor Dave may be clear of the front end. Just a question of if he’ll come back. TRENDS Off the pace runners flourished on the Wednesday card. ANGLES #1 Your Awesome Boss comes off an much improved effort when returned to the claiming ranks and should be able to work out a trip breaking from the rail The play 5th race Exacta…