Today’s Churchill Downs lineup promises exciting action with a range of Claiming and Allowance races. Here’s a breakdown of each race and our recommended picks to watch out for in your wagers.
Race 1: Starter Allowance – 1 1/16 Miles (Dirt) – $56,000
Post Time: 1:00 PM
Top Pick: (1) River in Egypt at 5-1 leads our choices with J. Padron-Barcenas riding and a strong win record. (3) Cawkab at 4-1 and (2) Harleezy at 5-1 round out the trifecta.
- Best Bet: Exacta Box 1/3/2
- Trifecta Box: 1/3/2/5
Race 2: Maiden Claiming – 6 Furlongs (Dirt) – $50,000
Post Time: 1:29 PM
Top Pick: (8) Mackadoo at 10-1 is our pick for an upset, with (3) Pakula at 10-1 and (2) Crooked Bullet at 7-2 rounding out our top three.
- Best Bet: Exacta Box 8/3/2
- Trifecta Box: 8/3/2/4
Race 3: Allowance – 5 1/2 Furlongs (Dirt) – $141,000
Post Time: 1:58 PM
Top Pick: (1) Moonlit Lady at 10-1 could be a valuable underdog bet. (5) Youalmosthadme at 6-5 and (3) Blue Squall at 6-1 provide solid place and show options.
- Best Bet: Exacta Box 1/5/3
- Trifecta Box: 1/5/3/2
Race 4: Maiden Claiming – 1 Mile (Dirt) – $20,000
Post Time: 2:27 PM
Top Pick: (8) Scarlet Red Sky at 15-1 has upset potential in this Maiden Claiming race. (2) Lovebug at 9-2 and (3) Divineintervention at 8-1 follow closely.
- Best Bet: Exacta Box 8/2/3
- Trifecta Box: 8/2/3/7
Race 5: Claiming – 6 1/2 Furlongs (Dirt) – $16,000
Post Time: 2:57 PM
Top Pick: (8) Bye Bye Liam at 5-2 with E. Asmussen has good odds, while (4) Extra Halo at 9-2 and (7) Spurrier at 3-1 are competitive.
- Best Bet: Exacta Box 8/4/7
- Trifecta Box: 8/4/7/2
Race 6: Claiming – 1 Mile (Dirt) – $12,500
Post Time: 3:26 PM
Top Pick: (8) Hemp Heaven at 12-1 offers potential value, followed by (10) Call of Honor at 7-2 and (6) El Franco at 20-1.
- Best Bet: Exacta Box 8/10/6
- Trifecta Box: 8/10/6/2
Race 7: Maiden Special Weight – 1 Mile (Dirt) – $120,000
Post Time: 3:55 PM
Top Pick: (3) Happy Talk at 5-2 stands out with a favorable position. (7) Islander at 7-2 and (2) Sonhador at 2-1 should finish in contention.
- Best Bet: Exacta Box 3/7/2
- Trifecta Box: 3/7/2/1
Race 8: Claiming – 6 Furlongs (Dirt) – $20,000
Post Time: 4:25 PM
Top Pick: (10) I Got No Munny at 10-1 is a solid choice in this claiming race. (2) Ready Pursuit at 30-1 and (7) Kattath at 8-1 provide excellent value for show.
- Best Bet: Exacta Box 10/2/7
- Trifecta Box: 10/2/7/4
Race 9: Allowance – 6 1/2 Furlongs (Dirt) – $127,000
Post Time: 4:55 PM
Top Pick: (7) Princip at 20-1 is our pick for an underdog surprise. (1) Gold Sweep at 20-1 and (4) Goldbrick at 20-1 add value in exotic bets.
- Best Bet: Exacta Box 7/1/4
- Trifecta Box: 7/1/4/9
Race 10: Maiden Claiming – 1 Mile (Dirt) – $30,000
Post Time: 5:24 PM
Top Pick: (8) Rocket Night at 9-2 has good odds with (2) Vincita at 5-1 and (9) Macho Villa at 15-1 providing solid show value.
- Best Bet: Exacta Box 8/2/9
- Trifecta Box: 8/2/9/3
Closing Thoughts
Churchill Downs presents a variety of intriguing bets today, with plenty of value plays and exacta opportunities. Don’t overlook the underdogs—they can bring strong returns on this track.
