Churchill Downs Picks: Matt Winn distance test on grass on May 26

Churchill Downs has the Kentucky Derby behind them, but rest of the Meet continues on in earnest. Poised 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 8-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 Thursday 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 1: Fenwick Station #4, 3/1):

There is much to like about this gelding by Magician (IRE), and it is not all about the turf bloodlines. Trained by Eddie Kenneally, who was on fire during the Keeneland April Meet, this experienced turfer looks poised to strike again. His last race which was a “win,” going 1½ was rather uncharacteristic … since all of his work was out on the frontend. Adam Beschizza takes over for the NYRA departed Luis Saez, but he has a prior start aboard him. The team is fit and ready, and I would expect them to score on this cutback in distance.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #4

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 6: Summer Storm #4, 6/1):

We know that Dan Leitch’s Frills #6 is a sprinter that is going to take a significant amount of money. For that reason alone, I want to find a worthy supplicant to beat her. Lest we forget, trainer Chris Hartman put together a strong Oaklawn showing, which is no easy task. He regularly paired with top rider, Francisco Arrieta, and does so again, in this spot. I like this mare by Majesticperfection because she was competitive in Hot Springs when she made the jump from the Claiming ranks into a Starter group. That is not easy to do … running against the likes of Chakra and Invaluable. Those are worthy foes, and I think if this mare hovers on the tote … say 6/1 … that qualifies as an overlay.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Bankroll, Graduated Wager WPS #4 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 7: Turf, 1 3/8ths, ALLW127kn1x, F&M 3+):

The “feature” on this Thursday is a distance test for older females over the newly-renovated Matt Winn Turf Course. With 10 runners drawn-in (plus a pair of AEs), it should make for a strong betting race. When it comes to candidates that could serve as the “chalk,” look no further than Jack Sisterson’s Scarabea #5. This filly by American Pharoah is pretty classy when it comes to a turf bloodline. Not only does she have Pioneerof the Nile in her background, but the Calumet homebred is out of Starstruck (IRE) by Galileo (IRE) … nuff said. Sisterson scratched his charge out of the Gallorette S. (G3), clearly thinking that a spot like this one would be much more judicious. No Technical Analysis (IRE) to tangle with here. If you are like me, accepting 2/1 (or lower) in a favorite like this filly, seems like specious reasoning. I am much more persuaded by the budding turf form of Ian Wilkes’ daughter of Medaglia d’Oro—Three Tipsy Chix #7. I say “budding” because she has 9 lifetime starts, but only the last 2 are on the grass. Wilkes has an uncoupled entry in this spot, but I will be backing this longer shot … Chris Landeros doesn’t get much credit these days, but he is an experienced lawn jockey. This is a matter of Wilkes finding the right class level, and the right pace scenario. If Landeros can work out a ground-saving trip, and at the same time, be somewhat forwardly-placed, then I think his mount has a great shot at what will be a major price. I think this is one of those Thoroughbreds that will find the right seam … it is just a matter of time. One other entry that I will be keeping a close eye on is Ignacio Correas’ filly by Afleet Alex. I am sure that it is a distinct possibility My Sweet Story #6 needs a race, having been out in the pasture since last fall. She does have Churchill experience in her form, and ran nicely at Colonial Downs in ’21. If you missed seeing Vincent Cheminaud make his Keeneland debut, then you might want to go watch a few of his highlights (i.e. Sunny One #7 in R5, April 24). I think this is a star in the making, and with more chances, he could be on the rise. Here is the wager …

Wagering Recommendation: Exacta Wheel, 6/7 w 5

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