“PLAY of the DAY” by Brian Nadeau                   
   
Date  11/1/26 
   
Featured track  Churchill Downs  
   
Race number  7 
    
Race overview  A modest 12.5k claimer for 3up at 6 furlongs. 
    
Pace  It figures honest, as there are more than a few who want to be involved early, including the heavy favorite #6 GARDINER (6-5). 
   
Trends  The main track was extremely fair Wednesday and Thursday, with winners coming from everywhere, including several off-the-pace. 
   
Best Play  #6 GARDINER (6-5): Massive favorite drops steeply in class after a fast figure 4th against tons better for Sharp, and while that may not look ideal, this is a barn that likes winning races, and isn’t afraid to drop to get it done. 
   
Bet Types    Aggressive win bet, while getting some added value by singling in the late Pk5/Pk4, which will allow for more coverage in the tricker races around this one. 
   
Play of the Day Winners  CD Meet: 11-4-4-3 ($2.17/$8.43 ROI through 10/25) 

CD POD: 1-1-0-0 ($4.22/$10.00 ROI through 10//25).