Pimlico Picks & Analysis for May 1: Young McGaughey Ships in for Race 6
With the eyes of the racing world fixed on Churchill Downs on Saturday for the 147th running of the Kentucky Derby, there still is action to be had elsewhere. Pimlico Racecourse has taken up the slack from Laurel Park's temporary closure, and has put together a fine product in its own right. Our turf-man has delved deeply into the card, providing picks for every race as well as analysis of his strongest opinions throughout the day.
If you're looking for picks elsewhere on Friday, including Churchill Downs, be sure to check out our Free Horse Racing Picks via the gold button below.
Most Likely Winner: (Race 10: Bernie’s On Fire #3, 1/2):
Here is a cheap little claimer with a heavy favorite in tow that in my mind is deserved. This gelding, Bernie's On Fire #3, is making what some would consider a suspicious drop, but it is just a good old-fashioned insurance run to me. Sure, he is dropping out of some higher end contests, but I wouldn’t raise too much of an eyebrow. Claudio Gonzalez is a superb trainer with excellent skills. Major ability . . .
Wager: $100 Win, #3
Favorite I Am Against: (Race 9: Unaquoi #7, 2/1):
The M/L favorite looks to be vulnerable after some suspect running down at Gulfstream Park. Unaquoi #7 is a 7-yr-old mare who could be up against it in this spot. Occasionally, I have seen shippers come into the Mid-Atlantic tracks ill-prepared for what is in store. Let’s play against this one, in the hopes that Ray Pennington has the timing wrong. I much prefer Charles DeMario’s Bath and Tennis (IRE) #5 who though she is coming off-the-bench, could be sharp after some nice works. She should be able to handle the distance and the grass. Sometimes older runners are pros at coming into a known class like this race seems to be. Add in Foggy Dreams #1, and we have ourselves a ticket.
Wager: $2 Exacta Box, 1/5/7
Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 5: La Castiglione #7, 12/1):
If you are looking for a price horse then I would suggest going back to Claudio Gonzalez once again. He brings a lightly raced Waiver Claimer into this spot named La Castiglione #7. She is getting Lasix for the first time, and only has a couple of races under her belt. That is the angle, and something you want in these types. Fresh as a daisy . . .
Wager: Bankroll: $100, Graduated Wager, #7 WPS ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)
Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 6: Turf, 1/16th, ALLW35k, 3+ MD breds):
It is good to be back on the beautiful Maryland grass, and see these turfers return to action! Here is a route for MD breds that should be a good betting race. My top selection in here is Fort Moultrie #3 from the barn of the youthful Reeve McGaughey. The son of Shug has established his own barn, and did well last year on debut at Keeneland. He is going to blaze his own trail, and it is good to see him carrying on the family tradition of excellence. This entry is a smart looking gelding out of Mosler who is pretty lightly raced for his age. I like that he was in the Turfway John Battaglia Stakes in late February. He finished 7th, which wasn’t a poor try. Before that, he ran nicely in a MSW contest at the same track and won. Coming to Pimlico will not be easy shipping into an unknown arena. His works at Keeneland look promising though, and taking a shot at these odds with McGaughey’s charge appears to be square. Turf racing returns . . .
Wager: $100 Win, #3
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Enjoy the racing from historic Baltimore! Best of Luck at Pimlico on Saturday!