11/9: Churchill Downs (6th-10th)

[Kasept]

Despite some moments of equine and human anguish, it was a terrific Breeders' Cup highlighted by a thrilling epilogue in the Classic. While many Championships were decided including Horse of the Year, 3yo filly and Female Sprinter, several divisions remain available for annexation and late season standards like the Cigar Mile, Clark H., Remsen and Malibu will impact open voting minds.

The Cup provided excellent wagering returns with 7 winners tabbed from the weekend's 14 events (Chriselliam, Beholder, Dank, Groupie Doll, New Year's Day, Secret Circle, Wise Dan). As is regularly the case in the BC, 'Best Value' type exotics horses proved as important as winners with 16-1 Laugh Track (Sprint) and 31-1 Silentio (Mile) keying $177 and $105 triples (.50) with favored Secret Circle (5-2) and Wise Dan (4-5). In addition, landing on New Year's Day ($23.00) in the Juvenile triggered a $238 tri with 1st and 3rd choices Havana and Strong Mandate. A big hit in Friday's opening ALW and the $404 late P4 gave a nice leg up into Saturday. I missed London Bridge, Ria Antonia and Magician and really needed Declaration of War to be at least 2nd in the Classic, but otherwise it was the best Cup I've had in a few years. Hope it was for you as well and that you benefitted by the coverage here and on radio.

Interesting set of opportunities around the country this Saturday and I settled on the quality sequence at Churchill, but Aqueduct, Laurel, Gulfstream and Hollywood all have good action.


CHURCHILL DOWNS


PRE-SCRATCHES


6th: MSW, 2yo, 6f (P5, P3, DD)

Best Value: #11 Angry Moon 8-1 WON ($8.80)
Next Best: #2 One More Night 4-1 3rd
Exotics Use: #5 Zip Trip 5-1 9th
Super Add: #1 Blueblend 8-1 5th


7th: OC/N1X, 2yo, 8.5f (P4, P3, DD)

Best Value: #7 Arctic Slope 6-1 10th
Next Best: #2 Almost Famous 4-1 WON ($7.20)
Exotics Use: #3 Purple Sky 5-2 7th
Super Add: #8 Myositis Dan 6-1 DH-3rd


8th: 40th Cardinal H. (G3), F&M-3+, 9f-T (P3, DD)

As mentioned to Marty McGee previewing this Friday, Soft Whisper is going to get out to an easy lead. Dangerous if left to own devices..

Most Likely: #6 Solid Appeal 4-1 3rd
Next Best: #3 Soft Whisper 12-1 8th
Best Value: #9 My Perfect Ten 20-1 7th
Exotics Use: #8 Abaco 5-1 WON ($7.60)


9th: ALW, 3+, 8.5f (DD)

Most Likely: #7 Hard Aces 4-1 WON ($9.40)
Next Best: #2 Pick of the Litter 5-2 2nd
Best Value: #5 Moshaagib 15-1 3rd
Exotics Use: #8 Positively 4-1 4th


10th: OC/N2X, 3+, 8.5f-T (Super Hi-5)

Most Likely: #10 Irish Sea 3-1 7th
Best Value: #4 Chalice 10-1 4th
Next Best: #9 Cozzetti 9-2 5th
Exotics Use: #5 Any Given Royal 10-1 3rd


Let's get lucky!
Steve