Churchill Downs Picks: Thanozapper a sleeping titan on July 1

Prepared to run through the July 4th holiday, Churchill Downs is set to complete their Meet. With an 11-race card on Friday, it will make for some excellent betting opportunities. 

One of the features this summer is the new Matt Winn Turf Course, which opened with a brand new grass surface in April. Recently, news broke that they would be canceling races in order to allow the sod to take root. The goal is to have it ready for August when "Million Day" moves to the Twin Spires.

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 Friday 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 9: Colorful Mischief #9, 5/2):

There is much to like when it comes to this “Mischief.” We know his Spendthrift sire has eclipsed all expectations. Can he keep going? Sure … Here is a filly, owned by St. Elias Stable that was incredibly sharp breaking her maiden last time out at Churchill Downs. She handled the 1-turn, 7-furlong contest with ease on 4 June, and now she is looking for more. I like her chances because she comes from an excellent outfit, and Tyler Gaffalione gets the call. If she is 5/2, then that appears to be a sound price to me.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #9

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 8: Thanozapper #6, 12/1):

Eddie Kenneally is a Kentucky-based conditioner with a mid-size stable that can get hot when you least expect it. This homebred from Green Lantern possesses some power in her ring. She needs some pace to run into, but if she gets that in this race, then she could be visiting the winner’s circle. Rafael Bejarano continues to go strong, and he can conjure a victory at any point. This daughter of Ghostzapper is on the make, and her 2nd start of ’22 looks promising.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Bankroll, Graduated Wager WPS #6 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 10: Dirt, 1 1/16th, OC62.5kn2x, 3+):

If you are looking for one of the best races to wager on this Friday, then look no further than this 2-turn contest. With no “consensus” favorite, you can point in a number of directions … making a case for all sorts. I particularly like Rey Gutierrez’s mount, a gelding by Not This Time. Doug O’Neill does some shipping this time of year, and Soy Tapatio #7 has much to like. He has a couple of Churchill attempts under his saddle already, after coming east from SoCal. Out there he was up against Express Train in the Big ‘Cap (G1), before coming to take on Olympiad in the Alysheba S. (G2). That was never going to be an easy chore, so it makes sense to try this level again. Most will not like the look of that last performance on 5 June. I beg to differ. After breaking slowly, he just had too much ground to make up, with little pace to run into. If the rhythm is hot in this contest, then look for Gutierrez to take advantage. As for those that might fill out a Trifecta ticket … I also like the look of Phil Bauer’s Roderick #10, who could end up controlling the pace, and stealing the show; plus, I would not count out the speed of Joe Sharp’s Scarlet Fusion #1. The last runner was with Mark Casse, but his new barn is putting him straight to work on the engine. Both of these “early” types could be tough … I am hoping for a speed duel, which should give my top pick a free hand … or … hoof … well, you know what I mean.

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Trifecta Wheel, 7 w 1/10 w 1/10

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