PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                   
   
Date:  5/18/2023 
   
Featured Track/Race:   Churchill Downs – Race 5 
   
Race overview:  A deep 30k MCL sprinting on the main going 6 ½ Fs, in a race that serves as a swing race in all the horizontal exotics. 
   
Pace:  It looks hot and contested, as there are a trio on that want to motor early, which should put #8 KUPP (4-1) in a good spot from close range towards their outside. 
   
Trends:  With a few exceptions, the main track was very speedy last week when fast (it was an off-track Sunday), so leaning towards horses with tactical speed, at the very least, seems the play. 
   
Best Play:  #8 KUPP (4-1): Class dropper was a bit uncontrollable on the lead at OP last time but has been freshened and returns as a first-time gelding, did well to draw outside the other speed, and looks poised off that recent bullet drill to finally break through. 
   
Bet Types:    Aggressive WP bet and single to end the early Pk5/Pk4, in the late Pk5, and to kick off the late Pk4 as well. 
   
Meet/POD Stats:  CD Meet: 105-15-13-11 ($1.23/$4.27 ROI through 5/14) 

CD POD: 10-2-1-0 ($2.12/$4.21 ROI through 5/14)