Ellis Park Picks: Opening Day for 100th Season on July 8

The cozy track located on the Kentucky and Indiana border is ready to resume racing in 2022. It is a best kept secret this time of year, and one of the nicest places to play when it comes to turf racing. Some of the big and mid-sized barns compete against one another, and it should make for some excellent betting 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 6: Candace O #4, 4/1):

HOF trainer Mark Casse gave his filly by Declaration of War a few months off after last running her at Turfway Park in February. A former member of Graham Motion’s establishment, Casse took her on in mid-May of ’21. Clearly, she needed some time off, and her work tab has steadily improved at Churchill Downs in the late spring. She has stout turf bloodlines on both sides, and I expect that Florent Geroux will be able to get her into position once the top of the lane arrives. This will be a good warm-up for the superstar jockey before he heads to Del Mar. That will be his home during their Meet … not too shabby digs whatsoever …

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #4

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 3: Bonus Appreciation #2, 6/1):

The value meter is high in this race, and I particularly like one half of Steve Asmussen’s uncoupled entry. Owned by the excellent Kirk and Judy Robison (Jackie’s Warrior fame), this colt by Klimt has some major potential to score in a spot like this one. Joe Talamo has signed on to pilot, and his job will be to get his mount out of the gate in good order. If he can do that, then this one has a great chance. Starting at the end of last summer and ending in the fall, the colt was up against some tough competition at Saratoga, Kentucky Downs, and Keeneland. After a major break, his maturity, and sprinting ability should be ready to fire from off-the-bench. If his odds are anywhere close to 6/1, then that qualifies as an overlay.

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

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 7: Dirt, 6F, OC40kn2x, 3+):

The dirt sprinters will be out in-force this afternoon, and when it comes to who will be on top of the tote before post time, look for the Stinson Barn entry to get the nod. Here Mi Song #3, a homebred for Nathan Hayden, was really up against some tough foes at Keeneland back in April … that was OC62.5kn2x Co. … So, in many ways, this race should be a cinch for the gelding by Cross Traffic. Mar Pedroza will have the mount again, and he just missed getting to the winner’s circle in that race. Just in case this is a trend for this one (who will be the favorite based on his M/L odds of 9/5), I am going with Ian Wilkes’ Violent City #2. This gelding by Violence needs another shot at this level, especially after competing at the OC62.5k level for over a year. I realize the results have not yielded a victory, but he certainly has the capability to score at Ellis. Sometimes shifting to a new track is just the ticket. I am going to play an ice-cold Exacta, and reap the rewards. This should be a fun race!

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Exacta Cold, 2/3

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Enjoy the day from Ellis Park! Best of luck on another run at their Summer Meet! Be sure to follow us on Twitter … @Horseracing_USA !!!