Handicapping

  “PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date  11/11/2022      Featured track  Churchill Downs       Race number  7      Race overview  A solid N1X sprinting 6Fs on the main, with several talented up and comers.       Pace  It should be honest, as #2 Tunisian Spring (8-5) wants to go early, and #5 EASY ACTION (2-1) is drawn perfectly to his outside.      Trends  The main track has been forward for the majority of the meet, with speed and tactical speed playing well.       Best Play  #5 EASY ACTION (2-1): Pace presser drew perfectly for his style, and can…

Hapy Red Smith Day!  Today we have two graded stakes on the turf at the Big A, both with big competitive fields. The Pebbles has some nice up and coming three year old filly turf milers, and the Red Smith is oversubscribed with a number of salty veterans.    Trivia Question:  Who was Red Smith?  Race 6 – The Pebbles – Grade III  One Mile on the Turf for Three Year Old Fillies  Implicated: Started brightly last year breaking her maiden and wining the overnight Chelsea Flower Stakes with a 74 Beyer. Came back last month off a year layoff in N2X company for Chad Brown and she tired…

“PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date  11/9/2022      Featured track  Churchill Downs       Race number  3      Race overview  A modest 20k claimer for 3up going 1 1/16 miles on the main.       Pace  There’s not much here, which means tactical speed is at a premium, especially since there are several off-the-pace types entered.      Trends  The main track has been forward for the majority of the meet, with speed and tactical speed playing well.       Best Play  #5 HUGH BIGLY (2-1): Asmussen claim (17%) just walloped a field of 16ks at Keeneland, takes a modest rise,…

“PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date  11/8/2022      Featured track  Churchill Downs       Race number  4      Race overview  A competitive 30k MCL for 3upfm going 1 1/16 miles on the main.       Pace  There’s very little on paper, so the ability to lay close early should prove effective late.      Trends  The main track has been forward for the majority of the meet, with speed and tactical speed playing well.       Best Play  #8 SALSALITA VERDE (7-2): MSW dropper takes the biggest plunge in racing and she had a trip last time too, in what was…

“PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date  11/5/2022      Featured track  Churchill Downs       Race number  6      Race overview  A deep and competitive AOC for 3up going 1-mile on the turf.       Pace  There’s not a lot here, which should flatter the chances of #8 WINFROMWITHIN (7-2), who has the ability to be on, or just off things early, in a field littered with stalker/closers.      Trends  N/A       Best Play  #8 WINFROMWITHIN (7-2) (turf only): Versatile sort can make the running or sit just off if someone feels like motoring early, ran well off a seven-month…

Happy Breeders’ Cup Day!  Christmas comes a touch early today for horse players as we have nine Breeders’ Cup races headlined by a very competitive Classic.     Race 8 – Breeders’ Cup Turf– Grade I  One Mile and One Half on the Turf for Three Year Olds and Upward  Shahryar: Has only raced twice this year with a fifth in the Dubai Sheema Classic at Meydan and a no show eleventh in Japan in the Sapporo Kinen. In the Sheema Classic he dwelled toward the rear and made sustained run for fifth – but was no threat. Passing. Onesto: Was a strong third in the Arc de Triomphe…