Pimlico Picks & Analysis for May 6: Money Fromheaven cashes in Race 7

When it came to betting on Saturday's Kentucky Derby, wagering was king. Now, the scene shifts from Churchill Downs on this Thursday to Pimlico Racecourse outside of Baltimore. They have a solid eight-race card, and in less than 2 weeks will once again host 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 Thursday, be sure to check out our Free Horse Racing Picks via the gold button below.

Best Bet: (Race 2: First Law #9, 7/5):

The first law of horse betting is never wager with money you do not have. Well, if you do have a bankroll, then you might want to consider this runner from the barn of Jeremiah O'Dwyer. Value players will scoff, but this one is a keeper. First Law #9 is back in the game after a pretty solid 3-yr-old campaign. His trainer shut him down after 3 runs last summer at Laurel and Colonial Downs. With some steady works under this gelding's belt, he should be able to live up to those short odds of 7/5. 

Wager Recommendation: $100 Win, #9

Favorite I Am Against: (Race 8: Souper Boom #3, 7/5):

I want to take a shot against a Florida bred named Souper Boom #3 who comes into this race as the prohibitive favorite. This son of Ghostzapper is a traditional Gulfstream invader for Mike Trombetta, and he was 4th in a MSW contest last time out. He broke poorly, and that cost him the race. Just in case he is prone to such activities, I am going to instead back the Figgins Barn and their entry, Dashing Circles #1. I am hoping this first-time starter is ready to roll, and can be as talented as the pair that bred him. New York has some fine runners, and with the X-man aboard, Xavier Perez, I think he can get it done. I think he is fast and fresh in this spot.  

Wager Recommendation: $2 Exacta Cold, 1 w 3

Best Value: (Race: 7, Money Fromheaven #5, 6/1): 

This AOC35k event for Fillies & Mares has only 1 of the former drawn in. The rest are 5-yr-olds, and of that bunch I certainly like the look of Hamilton Smith's daughter of Munnings, Money Fromheaven #5. Sure, she did not hit the board last time at Laurel in an AOC, but she did not have much of a chance do any running after a rough beginning. Now, she gets another shot, and should be in a much better position. The switch to Johan Rosado is a good move. I hope she is going to drift a bit on the tote, and maybe head towards the 9/1 range. Smith's Maryland bred had major experience last year running in this type of company at Laurel Park, so expect her to rebound. 

Wager Recommendation: Bankroll: $100, WPS, #5 (Graduated Wager: $10-W, $15-P, $75-S)

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 5: Dirt, 6F, MSW40k, 3F):

If you are unfamiliar with the training facility at Fair Hill in Maryland, then you need to be made aware. For some time now, elite trainers like Michael Matz, Mike Stidham, and a host of other marquee names have called this home. The AW surface makes the place virtually a year round space for workouts, as long as the snow is not too brutal. One of those Mason-Dixon Line residents is the principal of Herringswell Stables, and you might have heard of his conditioning prowess, especially since he has scored wins in some of the biggest races in the world. Graham Motion's scope includes turf as well as dirt runners, and this time around he has a 3-yr-old filly who is on debut. Wicked Hot #7 has already turned in some nice works at FH, and she will ship over to Baltimore to take on this group of sophomores who have about the same amount of experience. With first-time Lasix, she should be in good shape at odds of around 5/1. This time, veteran rider Feargal Lynch takes a try for Motion aboard this Maryland bred. She should offer value, and a nice chance for a score.

Wager Recommendation: WP, $25-W, $50-P, #7