Author Archives: Seth Merrow

    “PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                   Date 11/7/25 Featured track Churchill Downs Race number 8   Race overview A strong MSW for 2yos at 1 1/16 miles.   Pace There’s little to none on paper, as many of these have been closing early in their career, though the stretchout could change things. 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 #2 MESQUITE (9-2): DeVaux runner broke slow then made up some ground and passed a few late on debut at 6Fs, is bred top-and-bottom to route, and should…

      “PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date  9/17/25      Featured track  Churchill Downs       Race number  4       Race overview  A deep and competitive 16k claimer for 3up at 1-mile.       Pace  Things look on the tepid side early, as there’s not a lot of burners in here, and there are several with no speed at all, so a tactical gear will surely come in handy.      Trends  A fast main track played very fair the first three days of the meet (it was sloppy Sunday), with winners coming from everywhere.      Best Play  #7…

Happy Alabama Day  We get the re-match between Good Cheer and La Cara as they co-headline the Alabama field. Good Cheer was the leader of this division culminating with a Kentucky Oaks victory. But her seven race win streak was ended in the Acorn by La Cara. They meet again today. But don’t sleep on Nitrogen who is looking for a breakthrough on the dirt.  Trivia Question: What is the oldest stakes race in America for three year old fillies?  Race 9 – The Skidmore Stakes   Five and One Half Furlongs On the Mellon Turf for Two Year Olds  Schwarzenegger: Was cross entered in a MSW on Thursday,…

    “PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date  6/21/25      Featured track  Churchill Downs       Race number  8       Race overview  A modest 50k starter-allowance for 3yo fillies at 7 ½ furlongs.       Pace  There’s very little here, aside from longshot #3, so anyone who has tactical speed should have an advantage.      Trends  A drying out main track played fair both Saturday and Sunday, after heavy rains left things sloppy and sealed Friday.       Best Play  #7 ANONIMA (5-2): Class dropper has been facing tons better while holding her own, has enough speed to lay close…

    “PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date  6/11/25      Featured track  Churchill Downs       Race number  2       Race overview  A solid 40k claimer for 4up at 1-mile on the main track.       Pace  There’s no one here who can run with #4 El Rey Dorado (7-2), which means he should be able to clear on the front, especially since several who are entered are two-turn routers with no speed at all.      Trends  The main track was fair and even seemed a tad off-the-pace early in the week then turned a lot speedier and a bit…