Churchill Downs Picks: Cyberknife returns for the G3 Matt Winn on June 12

Churchill Downs has the Kentucky Derby in the past, and they are already shifting gears towards the future. The rest of the Meet continues on ... Prepared to run through the July 4th holiday, there will be a regular set of races Thursday through Sunday.

With an 9-race card coming your way, it will make for some excellent betting opportunities. One of the features this summer is the new Matt Winn Turf Course, which opens with a brand new grass surface. News broke Saturday morning that they would be canceling races in order to allow the sod to take root. Time will assist ...

At Horseracing.net/us we have you covered, including all of the action! It is a good time for some of the best that North American racing has to offer. Stay tuned! If you're looking for picks elsewhere around the country this Sunday be sure to check out our free Horse Racing Picks via the gold button below. Don't forget to follow us on Twitter ... Horseracing_USA !!!

Most Likely Winner: (Race 2: Sweet as Pie #4, 7/2):

The effort by this Tapit filly last time out at Keeneland against high-level ALLW Co. was just splendid. Jockey Luis Saez cut his mount towards the outside, and she responded down the lane. Todd Pletcher scratched her last month, and now she returns to the track with Ricardo Santana aboard. I think she is super talented, and should be able to take a step forward, if she is ready to fire like she did before. Her price tag does equate to her talent … that’s for sure.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #4

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 7: Therideofalifetime #9, 8/1):

A former member of Ignacio Correas’ outfit, owner Steve Fidel made the barn switch last month over to Bret Calhoun. We will see how that goes … I think the short answer is, well … especially considering this colt by Candy Ride (ARG) was 2nd last time out at Churchill in a similar condition. His new conditioner knows how to spot talent, and I like it when Rey Gutierrez has the opportunity to pilot in a sprint. There is money to be made, when it comes to backing this one.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Bankroll, Graduated Wager WPS #9 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 8: Dirt, 1 1/16th, Matt Winn S. (G3), $225k, 3):

The “feature” on this Sunday at Churchill is a 3-yr-old colt contest that brings together a solid field of runners. Of course, Brad Cox has the marquee player … the Arkansas Derby (G1) winner … Cyberknife #6. The last time we saw this son of Gun Runner, he was shuffled back in the Kentucky Derby. The fast pace just took him off his game in the end, and he clearly did not have the kind of response that most (including this ‘capper) thought he would. Even Cox was mystified … What we know coming into this race, is that Gold Square’s $400k purchase is not going to be that “square” a price with Florent Geroux in the irons. As a bettor, I want to try and play against him. The logical choice to turn to … Kenny McPeek’s Rattle N Roll #7. Here is a “seasoned” Derby Trail runner that tried on several occasions to make a splash. It didn’t happen … The FOY (G2), the LA Derby (G2), and finally, the BGS (G1) were all misses. Really, how much can we truly trust this one, even with Brian Hernandez aboard once again? Instead of going with McPeek, I am much more interested in Al Stall’s Trafalgar #1 because this son of Lord Nelson has some class “cred” of his own. Columbine Stable purchased him for $310k at the Spring OBS Sale last year, and even though he ended up 5th in the Pat Day Mile (G2) on the Derby undercard, it wasn’t a totally lackluster performance. At odds of 27/1, and having to race against Jack Christopher, what would you expect? I think the stretch out in distance in this race could help him, and Colby Hernandez has the opportunity to turn his Meet around. His percentages certainly do not reflect his overall ability. Let’s not forget that he had a great run going down in New Orleans. The price on the tote will be right! Here is the bet I will be making …

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Trifecta Cold, 1/6/7

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Enjoy some racing under the Twin Spires! Best of luck on another run at Churchill Downs!