Pimlico Picks & Analysis for May 9: Degas paints a masterpiece in Race 5

When it came to betting on last Saturday's Kentucky Derby, wagering was king. Now, the scene shifts from Churchill Downs on this Sunday to Pimlico Racecourse outside of Baltimore. They have a solid eight-race card, and in less than a week until the track once again hosts the Preakness.

As usual, our turf-man has you covered with selections for the whole card and additional analysis of his strongest opinions throughout the day.

If you're looking for picks elsewhere around the country on Saturday, be sure to check out our Free Horse Racing Picks via the gold button below.

Most Likely Winner: (Race 3: Aperitivo #6, 9/5):

Trainer Dilodovico has this lightly-raced gelding heading into this MC event after a pair of tries earlier in the year. Those efforts were close calls when it came to notching his 1st maiden win. Now, he has another legit shot to accomplish this feat. I really do not see anyone that can stand in his way. In honor of Oxbow, D. Wayne’s fabulous Preakness champ, it is time to back this Maryland bred!

Wager: $100 Win, #6

Favorite I Am Against: (Race 4: Pebble Road #2, 3/1):

The Graham Barn has this favorite coming into a race where she might not end up scoring a victory. I want to play against this daughter of Lonhro (AUS). The value play instead appears to be Cairo Queen #5. This 5-yr-old mare will be a much better price at nearly 6/1. Last out was a big miss in that Clm event at Laurel. Perhaps the switch to Pimlico will bring some better tidings for the Rodolfo Sanchez-Salomon trainee. Out of Cairo Prince, this mare can literally get back on track after posting a pair of nice works in preparation for her 2021 Baltimore debut.

Wager: $2 Exacta Cold, 5 w 2

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 6: Stop War #9, 15/1):

Jockey Julien Pimentel has a strong record already during the Pimlico Meet. Normally, it does not run long, but with Laurel Park’s future hanging in the balance, we are unsure how everything will play out. This rider has the ability to take over a race, and for that matter, a meet. His mount on this occasion is out of War Front, and that equates to some nice turf bloodlines. I think the price is pretty inviting, and should give us the opportunity for a rousing score.

Wager: $100 Bankroll, Graduated Wager WPS, #9 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 5: Dirt, 6F, St.Opt.Clm32k, 3+ Nw2)

Here is a tough little condition that the folks in the Racing Office at Pimlico have constructed. You have some inexperienced 3-yr-olds crossing paths with some vets that have loads of chances to deliver some wins to their hungry connections. In this spot, I want to steer clear of younger members since they might have difficulty running against more seasoned types. Degas #3 looks to be a budding horse-for-the-course, and John Hiraldo gets the benefit a weight reduction, since he is a “Bug Boy.” These apprentice jocks are learning the ropes. They all start out this way . . . you never know who will be the next Castellano or Ortiz, so do not write them off! Hopefully, Charles Frock’s gelding can craft a masterpiece for us.

Wager: $25-W, $50-P, #3

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Enjoy the Pimlico Sunday card! Less than one week till the Preakness! Best of Luck!