Churchill Downs Picks: Chicago S. shifts to Louisville on June 25

Arlington Park is no more ... sadly, it will not return. Churchill Downs Inc. has shifted most of its major stakes races to the Twin Spires track in Louisville. With the Kentucky Derby in the past, 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 10-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. Recently, news broke 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 Saturday 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: Fulsome #4, 8/5):

Trainer Brad Cox worked hard with this Juddmonte homebred last year, and he did not disappoint. As stablemate of Essential Quality, this 4-yr-old was sharp on a number of occasions in races like the Oaklawn $300k, the Matt Winn (G3), and the Smarty Jones (G3). His ’22 campaign started well when he won the Oaklawn Mile (G3) by a neck. Going up against Olympiad and Happy Saver was no easy task in the Alysheba (G2), but you can expect that a return to the track in this spot should yield a favorable result. This is a much easier spot …

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #4

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 8: Perfectly Speighty #2, 8/1):

It must be homebred day because here is another one. From Charles Fipke’s midst, this horse by Speightstown is making a move back to the dirt for Dallas Stewart. A former turfer, he has some class lines that look pretty inviting, and I think his price will be right, if he remains around 8/1. The able-bodied Luis Saez gets the call, and I always admire his aggressive style down the lane. He can make a difference, proving that the pilot is not just a passenger. Look for the wily Stewart to have this one ready to fire.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Bankroll, Graduated Wager WPS #2 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 9: Dirt, 7F, Chicago Stakes (G3), $200k, F&M 4+):

The “feature” is one of several transplant races from Arlington Park. For the 1st time in some 20 odd years, we will not have horse racing at that palace. Never to return … This stakes contest will bring together some older female sprinters. I am pretty convinced that Brad Cox has the inside track with his mare by Tale of the Cat. Lady Rocket #3 had a strong ’21 for Frank Fletcher. She won gamely on the NYRA Circuit, and at the turn of the new year, Cox got more aggressive. A score in the Go For Wand (G3) by 9-lengths was a highlight. She wasn’t quite good enough to best Just One Time in the Madison (G1), or Search Results in the Ruffian (G2), but that doesn’t mean she cannot easily win a race like this one. Standing in her way is Greg Foley’s Sconsin #7, a 5-yr-old mare by Include that has a number of strong efforts to her credit. Mitch Murrill is getting the assignment for the 1st time, and she is a fit after a debut score at Churchill in the Winning Colors (G3) last month. This homebred for Lloyd Madison Farms knows her business, and her Twin Spires record is impressive (8/5-2-0). If she is able to earn a stalking trip, then look for her to be there in the end. One other interesting pick that could be worth a gander is not Neil Pessin’s millionaire Bell’s the One #4, but rather her rival from the Derby City Distaff (G1), Ian Wilkes’ Four Graces #6. A strong sprint/route specialist by Majesticperfection, I like the fact that she has faced some strong competition over the past year. Julien Leparoux is her regular rider, and you always have to consider his ability to be dangerous. I am skeptical that she will end up being 8/1 on the tote just before this race goes off, but one can hope. Her tactical ability makes her a threat, especially if she gets some pace to run into. Look for her to play spoiler … here is the wager that I will be playing …

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Trifecta Box, 3/6/7

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