Race of the Day

    “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…

Happy Mother Goose Day! This is a very strong card at the Big A today with five stakes races. The Grade II Mother Goose headlines the day but there are also two Grade IIIs on the turf – the Long Island and the Hill Prince along with the Pumpkin Pie and Dwyer Stakes. Trivia Question: Why is there a stakes race at Aqueduct named for a character in a nursery rhyme (Mother Goose)?   Race 9 – The Mother Goose – Grade II One Mile and One Furlong on the Dirt for Three Year Old for Fillies Being Myself: Curlin filly broke her maiden going a mile at…

    “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 11/7/25 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 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…

Happy Breeders’ Cup Day! Nine Grade 1s today at Del Mar and many of these will determine divisional honors. History might be made this afternoon as Rebel’s Romance goes for his third Breeders’ Cup Turf win. Only Goldikova has won the same Breeders’ Cup race three times (the Mile in her case). Trivia Question: European based horses have won nine of the last ten renewals of the Breeders’ Cup Turf. Who is the only North American based horse to win the BC Turf since 2015? Race 8 – Breeders’ Cup Turf– Grade I One Mile and One Half on the Turf for Three Year Olds and Upward Rebel’s…

Happy Future Stars Friday! Five Grade I races today on Future Stars Friday at the Breeders’ Cup as we celebrate the top two year old fillies and colts. Trivia Question: Which jockey has won the most Breeders’ Cup races? Race 9 – Breeders’ Cup Juvenile – Grade I One Mile and a Sixteenth on the Dirt for Two Year Olds Intrepido: Had an impressive turn of foot in the American Pharoah over the final sixteenth to run down Desert Gate (87 Beyer). He’s won twice going two turns and has won over this track including breaking his maiden (84 Beyer). Improving speed figs. Gets a piece. Blackout Time:…

    “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…