Handicapping Articles

“PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date  9/29/2022      Featured track  Churchill Downs        Race number  5      Race overview  A solid 40k claimer for 3up going 6Fs on the main track.        Pace  It looks hot and contested between #6 Tee Burns (8-1) and #9 Tape to Tape (5-2), which should set it up for presser/stalker #2 UPSTRIKER (2-1).      Trends  The main track really seemed to tilt towards stalker/closers over the weekend, which is worth keeping an eye on as they come back for another five-day race week.        Best Play  #2 UPSTRIKER (2-1): Rice claim…

“PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadea u Date: 9/28/2023 Featured Track/Race: Churchill Downs – Race 3   Race overview: A non-descript 32k claimer for f/ms going 1 1/16 miles on the main.   Pace: There’s none here, which means #2 VITAEMI (3-1) should be able to control things on the stretchout after a paid of Saratoga sprints. Trends: The main track has predominantly fair for the meet, though over the weekend it did tilt slightly towards off-the-pace runners.   Best Play: #2 VITAEMI (3-1): Expected Lone F dueled and tired sprinting twice at Saratoga against solid groups, confidently rises in class here, and shouldn’t have to work…

“PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadea u                        Date:  9/27/2023      Featured Track/Race:   Churchill Downs – Race 5      Race overview:  A predictably deep and competitive 10k starter-allowance for 3up going 1 1/16 miles on the main.       Pace:  It looks hot and contested, as there are several here who want to be involved early and often, which says this could fall apart late.      Trends:  The main track has predominantly fair for the meet, though over the weekend it did tilt slightly towards off-the-pace runners.       Best Play:  #4 Tiger Moon (3-1): Del Park invader stalked and aired for…

“PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date:  9/24/2023      Featured Track/Race:   Churchill Downs – Race 7      Race overview:  An extremely weak 20k N3L for f/ms going 6 ½ Fs on the main.       Pace:  There’s not much here at all, so you better be close early.      Trends:  There’s been just four racing days, but overall, the main track has been on the fair side, with winners able to come from everywhere.       Best Play:  #1 Sister Kisses (2-1): Hawthorne invader looks spotted to score in this realistic spot off the Rosin claim (20%) after going 2-for-2 to…

“PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date:  9/23/2023      Featured Track/Race:   Churchill Downs – Race 8      Race overview:  A solid renewal of the 300k Harrods Creek for 3yos going 7Fs on the main.       Pace:  There’s plenty of it to the outside, so things should be honest early.      Trends:  There’s been just four racing days, but overall, the main track has been on the fair side, with winners able to come from everywhere.       Best Play:  #3 Loyal Company (3-1): Godolphin homebred stepped up and ran well in the Ellis Park Derby over the funky 1-mile trip,…

“PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date:  9/22/2023      Featured Track/Race:   Churchill Downs – Race 8      Race overview:  A competitive N1X for 3up going 6Fs on the main.       Pace:  The pace seems hot and competitive, as several want to motor early, especially because several of them drew wide too.       Trends:  There’s been just four racing days, but overall, the main track has been on the fair side, with winners able to come from everywhere.       Best Play:  #3 Mullikan (5-2): Expected stalker had a rough trip last time when he blew the break then rushed up…

  “PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date:  9/21/2023      Featured Track/Race:   Churchill Downs – Race 6      Race overview:  A full and seemingly competitive field of N1X f/m’s going 6Fs on the main.       Pace:  It looks hot and contested, as several entered want to be involved early and often, which means a meltdown late could be in the offing.      Trends:  There’s been just four racing days, but overall, the main track has been on the fair side, with winners able to come from everywhere.       Best Play:  #11 The Great Maybe (9-2): DeVaux comebacker hasn’t been…

  “PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                        Date:  9/20/2023      Featured Track/Race:   Churchill Downs – Race 6      Race overview:  A very weak 30k N2L for f/ms going 7Fs on the main track.       Pace:  The pace seems on the modest side, so having tactical speed and the ability to lay close seems imperative.       Trends:  There’s been just four racing days, but overall, the main track has been on the fair side, with winners able to come from everywhere.       Best Play:  #6 Mean Sue (9-2): Stiff class dropper was facing much better when last seen in the…