Churchill Downs Picks

Anticipating a truly run race so don’t rule out backmarkers. ETHEREAL ROAD back from six week let-up and finished a nose back from the leader last start at Churchill Downs when first up, has solid claims. SHOGUN BE FAST 2 wins from nine attempts this campaign, consider in exotics. BAYOU MAGIC first-up after 14 week break. Winner of last two at Ellis Park and Churchill Downs, for the wider exotics. NOT NORMAL has a lot of early speed, outside hope.

Backmarkers should get their chance in a good speed race. TRUST DADDY looking for a hatrick after winning two in a row at Keeneland and Del Mar, hard to go past. ZECA DIABO has genuine early speed and won once this prep at Churchill Downs two runs back, the real danger in the race. LINE OF SCRIMMAGE won last start to break maiden at Keeneland and drawn the rails, dangerous. AIRBORNE ELITE resumes from a long 50 week spell and has genuine early speed, could threaten.

Looks likely to be hot speed early. MAGNETIC BEACH only just missed at only start, finishing a nose back from the winner at Keeneland, commands respect. GREENWICH PIKE finished a nose back from the leader last start at Keeneland when fresh, dangerous. BLUSHING KAM let-up and only just missed at only start, finishing a nose back from the winner at Churchill Downs, cannot be ruled out. CATNIP HILL ran 30 lengths back from the winner last start at Keeneland, not without each-way claims.

Expecting this to be run at a genuine clip. BLACKFOOT DAISY let-up for 10 weeks, a winning chance. SWEET TROUBLE finished a nose back from the leader at only start at Churchill Downs, in with a chance. TITANIA'S DREAM first-up after 80 week spell and ran seven lengths back from the winner at only start at Keeneland, sneaky chance. FLAT STORMIN only just missed at only start, finishing a nose back from the winner at Churchill Downs, cannot be ruled out.

Genuine speed engaged in this one. BENEDETTA back from let-up and two wins from five attempts this campaign, a winning chance. TRIAL first-up after 18 week spell and winner when on debut at Churchill Downs, for the exotics. TANYA SHOWERS first-up after 22 week spell and placed at Keeneland on debut, for the wider exotics. THE BIG CALHOUNA 2 wins from 12 attempts this campaign and has a lot of early speed, outside hope.

Backmarkers should get their chance in a good speed race. RAMESSES back from 11 week let-up and looks the leader, well placed. OPERATORE PAZZO back from long 51 week spell and ran 22 lengths back from the winner at only start at Horseshoe Indianapolis, could upset. ROSENOW let-up for six weeks and only just missed at only start, finishing a nose back from the winner at Churchill Downs, in with a chance. TRAP LINE back from six week let-up and looks the leader, each-way claims.

Genuine speed engaged in this one. MASCARA resumes from a 14 week spell and at only start winner at Saratoga, marginal top pick. KENTUCKY SMOKESHOW a winner at first outing this prep and only just missed last start, finishing a nose back from the winner at Churchill Downs, hard to hold out. MEAN EILEEN has a lot of early speed and won once this prep at Kentucky Downs three runs back, could threaten. ROSATO has genuine early speed and a winner at first outing this prep, not without each-way claims.

Looks a toss up between the top two selections. BEN FRANKLIN capable of racing on speed and has got off to a poor start this campaign but should improve with fitness, should go well. LAMBETH let-up and looks the leader, hard to hold out. LUGAN KNIGHT has a lot of early speed and won once this prep at Churchill Downs three runs back, could threaten. LIBERAL ARTS resumes from a 31 week spell and generally strong first-up placing at Oaklawn Park last attempt, don't treat lightly.

Can’t imagine one of the top two not winning. DIA ESTELAR placed when fresh and finished sixth last start at Keeneland, should go well. PINK MOON resumes from a spell of 44 weeks and ran 11th at only start at Turfway Park, must be considered. BELLA ESTRELA back from let-up and capable of racing on speed, not without each-way claims. CLASSIC MYSTERY has genuine early speed and placed twice at Churchill Downs but been unable to get a win, looks threatening.