Author Archives: Brian Nadeau

    “PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                   Date 11/9/25 Featured track Churchill Downs Race number 5   Race overview A seemingly modest 20k starter-allowance for fm3up at 6Fs.   Pace There are a few who want to be on or just off the early lead, so at this tricky distance, a stalking gear seems a plus. Trends A fast main track was speedy on Wednesday but played very fair both Thursday and Friday, with winners coming from everywhere. Best Play #7 NGHT KISS (2-1): Indiana invader is going for five straight, drew perfectly, can sit just off the lead, and fits nicely with the locals…

    “PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                   Date 11/8/25 Featured track Churchill Downs Race number 6   Race overview A deep and competitive 20k claimer for 3up at 7 furlongs.   Pace It’s a full field with more than a few speedy runners, so things figure to be honest up front. Trends A fast main track (it was sloppy Weds/Thurs) played to speed Saturday but was fairer Sunday, even playing to off-the-pace types. Best Play #5 AIR OF DEFIANCE (7-2): Class dropper held his form in an N1X when he was OTC for Simms, and while he drops, he’s still in over the claim price…

    “PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                   Date 11/6/25 Featured track Churchill Downs Race number 8 Race overview A listed stakes caliber OC 100k/ALW for 3up at 6 furlongs. Pace There’s not much here, which means #1 HARRODSBURG (2-1) should be able to control things early. Trends A fast main track (it was sloppy Weds/Thurs) played to speed Saturday but was fairer Sunday, even playing to off-the-pace types. Best Play #1 HARRODSBURG (2-1): Veteran speedster got fried against a good group at Kee but is back at home where he’s 8-3-2-1, and should be able to clear early, which will go a long way late.…

    “PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date  11/5/25      Featured track  Churchill Downs       Race number  7       Race overview  A competitive 100k MCL for 2yo at 1 1/16 miles.       Pace  There’s very little here, even with several stretching out, so being able to lay close early seems important.      Trends  A fast main track (it was sloppy Weds/Thurs) played to speed Saturday but was fairer Sunday, even playing to off-the-pace types.      Best Play  #6 FLAMING RAINBOW (7-2): Stretchout sprinter chased and tired on debut in a 7F MSW at Keen, so he should be close early, takes the biggest drop in racing, and looks…

    “PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                   Date 11/2/25 Featured track Churchill Downs Race number 2   Race overview A very weak 30k MCL for 2yos at 1 1/16 miles.   Pace There’s none here, so things figure to be bunched early and turn into a sprint off the far turn. Trends A fast main track (it was sloppy Wednesday and Thursday) seemed to be favor speed and those who could lay close early. Best Play #7 SEAL BAY (6-5): There’s no value here, but this MSW dropper should be able to handle this meek group for Walsh, for has been going great guns in…

    “PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                   Date 11/1/25 Featured track Del Mar Breeders’ Cup Saturday Race number 6   Race overview A solid renewal of the G1 Breeders’ Cup Sprint for 3up at 6 furlongs.   Pace It’s the fastest dirt race we run in this country, so they will fly early, which means—if the track is playing fair—this could fall apart late. Trends It’s imperative to check how the main track played Friday and early Saturday, as a paved highway would not help the stalker/closers. Best Play #7 IMAGINATION (6-1): Baffert runner cut back and won the G2 SA Sprint Championship eased up…

    “PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                   Date 10/31/25 Featured track Del Mar Breeders’ Cup Friday Race number 2   Race overview The 200k Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance for 2yos at 1m on turf.   Pace It looks potentially hot and contested, as there not only is plenty of speed on paper, but several stretching out to two turns as well. Trends N/A Best Play #5 PLUTARCH (2-1) (turf only): Baffert runner had a troubled trip when 2nd on the turf in the G3 Del Mar Juvenile, was a close 3rd on dirt in the G1 American Pharoah, lays over these on class, and has the…

      “PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date  10/30/25      Featured track  Del Mar      Race number  7       Race overview  The 100k Let It Ride for California-bred 3yos at 1-mile on the turf.       Pace  It looks honest, and potentially hot, as there are more than a few who want to be close early.      Trends  N/A      Best Play  #6 FRIENDLY CONFINES (2-1) (turf only): Versatile sort looked good winning his return off a six-month layoff, has a class edge too, having run 2nd in an open stakes in March, drew well, and has…

      “PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date  10/26/25      Featured track  Churchill Downs       Race number  8       Race overview  A competitive renewal of the 200k Rags to Riches for 2yo fillies at   1 1/16 miles.       Pace  It looks honest, as there are a pair (#1 and #3) stretching out to two turns after having shown speed going shorter in their last.      Trends  N/A      Best Play  #4 LIFE OF JOY (5-2): Gun Runner filly settled then decimated the field by a widening 14+ on Debut at Indiana, and while this group is…