Churchill Downs Picks: Improving Red Ghost the grass play on May 27

Churchill Downs has the Kentucky Derby eclipsed, but rest of the Meet continues on. Prepped to run through the July 4th holiday, there will be a regular set of races Thursday through Sunday ... with Memorial Day serving as a 5th ...

Today, an 9-race card is coming your way! One of the features this summer is the new Matt Winn Turf Course, which opens with a brand new sodded surface. Should be fun, and make for some excellent wagering opportunities.

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 5: Fieldstone #10, 3/1):

Looking for a winner on this Friday card, I landed on Joe Sharp’s class dropper … a gelding by Dialed In. This turfer has deep experience on this surface, and was steeped in Starter Co. dating back to Keeneland in the Spring of ’21. His best effort came at Ellis Park in late July. Sharp is pairing with Tyler Gaffalione, and we all know what that means … possible win. I am not sure where this one will be on the tote come race time, but I am hoping that Barry and Joni Butzow’s 4-yr-old will be above 2/1. Should be interesting to stare into the light of the tote.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #10

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 9: Higher Authority #10, 10/1):

Looking at the finale, here is a dirt event that is loaded with opportunity. Get a winner here … and you could be collecting a major payday. I like the claim that Brittany Vanden Berg made earlier this month. She is a former jockey, turned trainer, that was stellar at Arlington before that track was shuddered last year. Her new charge, a gelding by Bernardini, has on-the-engine ability, and maybe the barn switch is just what he needs. Regular Vanden Berg rider, Chris Emigh, gets the call. If he can get his mount to the lead, exiting from that outside gate, control the fractions up front, then the day could be won. Double-digit odds are definitely a possibility …

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

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 8: Turf, 5½, OC80kb, F&M 3+):

Taking to the new Matt Winn TC, it is time to separate the lead sprinters from the “Also-rans.” This high-level OC contest has a good group, and of course, the discussion begins with trainer Wesley Ward. He maintains such a cruising altitude when it comes to races like this one, that you must consider a runner like Red Ghost #3. By Ghostzapper, this filly was bred and is owned by Doug Scharbauer. If you are not familiar with that last name, then you need to dip into your Derby History texts. His folks owned Alysheba, the winner of the Derby and the Preakness from back in the 80s. They founded Valor Farm outside of Dallas, and Doug continues the tradition to this day. Under Ward, his filly was last seen at Turfway on the Tapeta. She hit-the-board in both of those OC50k races that she competed in, and now Gerardo Corrales gets aboard for another try. She could be tough to tangle with, and I am wondering if Ward will give instructions to “go.” This one is not necessarily an “early riser,” so it will be interesting to see how it plays out. One other entry that looks inviting is the mare by Violence called Violenza #1. At odds of 7/2, this Ian Wilkes-trainee is dropping out of a “Non-G” race at Keeneland. She was clearly overmatched that afternoon, so we will see if she can return to some winning ways … it has been since last summer. I think using both of these turf sprinters in an ice-cold Exacta is the way to go! To the lawn …

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Exacta Cold, 3/1

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