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Churchill Downs presents a competitive nine-race card this Saturday featuring a diverse mix of maiden races, claiming events, and allowance contests across various distances and surfaces. The card includes opportunities for both seasoned handicappers and casual bettors, with several competitive maiden special weight events and claiming races that should produce solid wagering value.

The highlight of the afternoon appears to be the late Pick 4 sequence, which includes competitive allowance races that could provide substantial payouts for astute bettors. The card features horses from many of racing’s top connections, including trainers Kenneth McPeek, Steven Asmussen, and Todd Pletcher, ensuring quality competition throughout the afternoon.

Weather and Track Conditions

The track surface is listed as fast for dirt races, with no weather-related concerns noted. Churchill Downs’ main track should provide consistent conditions throughout the afternoon, favoring horses that have shown form on conventional dirt surfaces. The turf course appears firm for the one grass race on the card.

Race-by-Race Analysis

Race 1: Maiden Claiming $30,000 – Fillies and Mares, 1 1/16 Miles

Key Contenders: Dark Thirty enters off a competitive second-place finish and appears ready to break through. The Kenneth McPeek trainee has shown steady improvement and should appreciate the route distance. Country Club, also from the McPeek barn, brings tactical speed and has the breeding to handle today’s distance.

Secondary Choices: Z Train (IRE) has been competitive in similar company and could benefit from the class relief. Smokin Hot Wife has shown flashes of ability in recent starts and represents another McPeek entry in this competitive field.

Longshots to Consider: Reign Champagne has been knocking on the door in recent starts and could offer value at longer odds. Hope Restored represents trainer Chris Hartman and has shown modest improvement in recent outings.

Pace Analysis: The pace appears moderate with several horses showing early speed tendencies. Country Club and Dark Thirty could establish early positioning before the field sorts out through the first turn.

Key Angles: The McPeek trio appears formidable, with multiple runners giving the barn excellent chances. The route distance may favor horses with proven stamina.

Wagering Angles: Consider keying the McPeek horses in exacta and trifecta combinations while using longer-priced alternatives underneath.

Selection: Dark Thirty appears most ready to win, with Country Club and Z Train (IRE) completing the trifecta.

Race 2: Claiming $16,000 – 3-Year-Olds and Up, 1 1/16 Miles

Key Contenders: Schifty’s Haloid has shown consistency at this level and appears well-spotted. JR’s Gift brings tactical speed and has won at longer distances. Tejas represents the powerful Steven Asmussen barn and could improve with the dropdown.

Secondary Choices: Raising Kane has been competitive in similar company and could benefit from the surface switch. Interlock Empire brings versatility and has shown ability at various distances.

Longshots to Consider: Bourbon State could provide value if able to reproduce recent improved form. Catalina Cat has shown flashes and could surprise at longer odds.

Pace Analysis: The pace should be moderate with several speed types likely to establish early positioning. The route distance may favor closers in the stretch run.

Key Angles: Class relief appears significant for several runners. Trainer patterns suggest several horses are well-placed.

Wagering Angles: Focus on exacta combinations using the top three choices while including one or two longer shots for potential upsets.

Selection: Schifty’s Haloid gets the call to win, with JR’s Gift and Tejas completing the top three.

Race 3 Detailed Analysis: Maiden Claiming $50,000 – 7 Furlongs

1. WIZARD OF YESTER (10-1)

• Trainer: Edward Vaughan
• Jockey: Adam Beschizza
• Recent Form: Making second career start after debut at Indiana Grand
• Key Factors: Shipper making first start at Churchill; stepping up significantly in class from maiden special weight to maiden claiming

2. WARTANK (20-1)

• Trainer: S. Jade Cunningham
• Jockey: Francisco Arrieta
• Recent Form: Has been competitive in recent starts at Ellis Park
• Key Factors: Claimed horse with recent form; dropping from turf to dirt

3. FLICK (6-1)

• Trainer: Michael A. Tomlinson
• Jockey: Jaime A. Torres
• Recent Form: Shows consistent effort in maiden company
• Key Factors: Route to sprint angle; has shown some ability in previous starts

4. MIDNIGHT VENGEANCE (8-1)

• Trainer: Genevieve Londono
• Jockey: J Graham
• Recent Form: Has been competitive at the claiming level
• Key Factors: Experience advantage; has run against similar competition

5. RIDGE OF FIRE (4-1)

• Trainer: Michael W. McCarthy
• Jockey: Jose L. Ortiz
• Key Factors: Top jockey; making debut in claiming company

Key Factors to Consider

Pace Analysis:
The race appears to have moderate early pace with several horses showing some early speed. The 7-furlong distance should favor horses with tactical speed who can position well early.

Class Relief:
Several horses are stepping down from higher-level maiden special weight to maiden claiming, which could provide significant class relief.

Trainer/Jockey Combinations:

• Jose L. Ortiz is a top-tier jockey aboard Ridge of Fire
• Kenneth McPeek has strong statistics at Churchill Downs

Track Bias:
Churchill Downs’ dirt track typically favors horses with good early positioning in sprint races.

Betting Recommendations

Win Bet: RIDGE OF FIRE (4-1) – Best jockey, trainer combination with class relief
Place/Show: FLICK (6-1) – Consistent performer with tactical speed
Longshot: MIDNIGHT VENGEANCE (8-1) – Experience edge in this claiming company

Exacta: 5-3 (Ridge of Fire over Flick)
Trifecta: 5-3-4 (Ridge of Fire, Flick, Midnight Vengeance)

The race appears competitive with several horses having legitimate chances. The class relief factor and jockey upgrades should be key handicapping angles in this maiden claiming event.

Race 4 Detailed Analysis: Maiden Special Weight – 2-Year-Olds, 1 1/16 Miles

This is a competitive maiden special weight for 2-year-olds at the classic 1 1/16-mile distance. The field includes several horses making their route debuts and others with experience at the distance. The race serves as an important stepping stone for potential stakes contenders.

Top Contenders

I DID I DID (3.00 ML) – Top Pick

Trainer: Michael J Maker Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr

This Curlin colt brings solid credentials into this spot. His recent form at Churchill Downs shows steady improvement, and the combination of Maker and Ortiz Jr is always formidable. The colt has been training consistently and appears ready for his breakthrough performance. His breeding suggests he should handle the route distance well.

INSTANT IMPACT (3.50 ML) – Strong Contender

Trainer: Kenneth G McPeek Jockey: Brian J Hernandez Jr

This Upstart colt has shown promise in his recent starts and comes from the powerful McPeek barn. The trainer excels with 2-year-olds, and Hernandez Jr knows how to get the job done. Recent workouts suggest improvement, and the step up in distance could be exactly what this horse needs.

YOUR WILDEST DREAM (4.00 ML) – Live Longshot

Trainer: Norm W Casse Jockey: Corey J Lanerie

This Not This Time colt has been competitive in his recent Churchill Downs starts. Casse is excellent with developing 2-year-olds, and Lanerie’s presence adds confidence. The horse has shown steady improvement and could be sitting on a breakthrough effort.

Secondary Contenders

ROGUISHNESS (8.00 ML)

Trainer: Cherie Devaux Jockey: Jose L Ortiz

This Into Mischief colt brings solid breeding and has shown flashes of ability. The Ortiz connection adds appeal, and the horse’s recent form suggests he’s moving in the right direction.

SEPTEMBER SILVER (12.00 ML)

Trainer: Dallas Stewart Jockey: Julien R Leparoux

Stewart knows how to develop young horses, and this Liam’s Map colt has been working well. The step up to this level represents a challenge, but the connections inspire confidence.

Others

BEALE STREET BOY (12.00 ML) – Limited recent form makes him tough to recommend despite decent breeding.

BEDEVILED (12.00 ML) – Asmussen trainee with upside but needs significant improvement.

MOONWALK (15.00 ML) – Authentic colt with limited exposure, longshot possibility.

GO JACK GO (15.00 ML) – Knicks Go colt from solid connections but facing tough task.

Betting Strategy

Win: I DID I DID (3.00)
Place: INSTANT IMPACT (3.50)
Show: YOUR WILDEST DREAM (4.00)

Exacta: 3-2, 2-3, 3-9, 9-3
Trifecta: 3/2,9/2,5,6,9
Superfecta: 3,2,9/3,2,9/2,5,6,9/1,4,5,6,7,8

Final Thoughts

This appears to be a competitive maiden special weight where class and connections will matter. I DID I DID gets the nod based on his steady progression and top connections, while INSTANT IMPACT offers strong place value. YOUR WILDEST DREAM could surprise at a decent price with the right trip.

The pace should be honest with several horses showing early speed, which could set up nicely for closers. Track conditions and post time changes should be monitored, but this looks like a race where the favorites will be tough to beat.

Race 5: Claiming $50,000 NW2L – 7 Furlongs

Key Contenders: Good Lord has shown consistent form and appears well-suited to today’s conditions. Hesper brings tactical speed and has competed well at similar levels. Dive Bomber could benefit from recent form cycles.

Secondary Choices: Colonel Caliente has been competitive in recent starts and could factor significantly. Linebacker brings versatility and has shown ability at various distances.

Longshots to Consider: Baytown Bruiser could provide value if able to recapture earlier form. Chance has shown flashes and could improve with conditions.

Pace Analysis: The sprint distance should produce honest fractions with several speed types likely to engage early.

Key Angles: Recent form cycles suggest several horses are peaking. Class levels appear appropriate for multiple contenders.

Wagering Angles: Focus on exacta and trifecta combinations using proven runners while including potential improvers.

Selection: Good Lord appears most reliable, with Hesper and Colonel Caliente completing the top three.

Race 6: Claiming $25,000 – 1 1/16 Miles

Key Contenders: Background represents Steven Asmussen and has shown versatility across distances. Mucho Mojo brings consistent form and could benefit from the route distance. Hayes Strike has been competitive and appears well-placed.

Secondary Choices: The Prince’s Spur could provide value given recent form patterns. Eastside Cool has shown improvement and deserves consideration.

Longshots to Consider: Papa Yo could surprise at longer odds if conditions develop favorably. I’m Your Man has shown flashes and could factor.

Pace Analysis: The route distance should allow for tactical development with early pace likely to be moderate.

Key Angles: Trainer patterns suggest several horses are well-spotted. Recent form cycles indicate multiple horses are ready to fire.

Wagering Angles: Consider keying top choices in exacta combinations while using value alternatives underneath.

Selection: Background appears most dependable, with Mucho Mojo and Hayes Strike completing the top three.

Race 7 Detailed Analysis: Maiden Special Weight – 2-Year-Old Fillies, 6.5 Furlongs

1. COMPLEX TRICK (Post 1) – 8/1 ML

• Jockey: Adam Beschizza
• Trainer: Edward Vaughan
• Breeding: Practical Joke x Diamondsandpearls
• Analysis: Making first start for new connections. Previously showed some ability but has been inconsistent. First-time starter angles could provide value.

2. MO COMPLEX (Post 2) – 12/1 ML

• Jockey: Gabriel Saez
• Trainer: Lindsay Schultz
• Breeding: Complexity x Ma Mo
• Recent Form: Second in last start at Ellis Park on 8/16, showing improvement
• Analysis: Has been competitive in recent starts and appears to be progressing. The step up to Churchill could suit this filly.

3. BODACIOUS BEAUTY (Post 3) – 6/1 ML

• Jockey: Axel Concepcion
• Trainer: William Bret Calhoun
• Breeding: Violence x Bodacious Babe
• Analysis: Has shown ability in limited starts. Violence offspring often improve with experience, making this an interesting contender.

4. MALIBU MUSE (Post 4) – 12/1 ML

• Jockey: Francisco Arrieta
• Trainer: S. Jade Cunningham
• Analysis: Lightly raced with potential upside. Trainer has shown ability with developing fillies.

5. BELLS OF MARANELLO (Post 5) – 15/1 ML

• Trainer: Philip A. Bauer
• Analysis: Longer shot in the field but could surprise at a big price if everything falls into place.

6. GIN’S BEACH ROAD (Post 6) – 8/1 ML

• Analysis: Mid-range contender with decent breeding and connections that suggest competitive ability.

7. MADISON’S CHARM (Post 7) – 15/1 ML

• Analysis: Longshot with limited recent form but could be worth a small wager in exotic plays.

8. LOVE SUPREME (Post 8) – 12/1 ML

• Analysis: Another longer shot that would need significant improvement to be competitive.

9. WELLA (Post 9) – 8/1 ML

• Analysis: Mid-tier contender with some ability shown in limited opportunities.

10. QUICK TO CHARM (Post 10) – 5/2 ML Favorite

• Analysis: Morning line favorite based on connections and breeding. Likely has shown the most in morning workouts to earn favoritism.

Key Betting Angles

Win Candidates:

• QUICK TO CHARM (10) – Morning line favorite with strong connections
• BODACIOUS BEAUTY (3) – Violence filly with improvement potential
• MO COMPLEX (2) – Showed good form in last start at Ellis Park

Exotic Play Considerations:

• Use the top choices in multi-race wagers
• Consider including longer shots like COMPLEX TRICK (1) for value in trifectas and superfectas
• The maiden special weight nature means any horse could improve dramatically

Race Pace:
Likely to be a moderate pace setup, which should favor horses with tactical speed and finishing ability. The 6.5-furlong distance is ideal for fillies making their debuts or showing early speed.

Recommendation

This appears to be a competitive maiden special weight with several fillies showing potential. The favorite QUICK TO CHARM deserves respect, but there’s value in the 6/1 BODACIOUS BEAUTY and the improving MO COMPLEX at 12/1 for those seeking longer odds with legitimate chances.

Race 8 Detailed Analysis: Allowance $125,000 NW2X – 6.5 Furlongs

This is a competitive allowance race for fillies and mares on Churchill Downs’ main track. The field features experienced campaigners with varying class levels and running styles, setting up for an intriguing betting race.

Individual Horse Analysis

1. GETTINBY (4-1)

Jockey: Joseph Ramos | Trainer: David Jacobson
Recent Form: Strong recent winner showing significant improvement

• Last Start: Won at Ellis Park going gate-to-wire in impressive fashion
• Class Relief: Dropping slightly from stakes competition
• Key Factor: Perfect pace setup with her early speed
• Connections: Solid local trainer with good recent form

2. PERFECT FORCE (8-1)

Jockey: Cristian Torres | Trainer: Steven Asmussen
Recent Form: Consistent performer but facing tougher competition

• Last Start: Second at Ellis Park in similar company
• Running Style: Stalker/closer who needs pace setup
• Trainer Angle: Asmussen excels with route horses moving up in class
• Key Concern: May need more pace pressure up front

3. SINISTER SMILE (5-2 Morning Line Favorite)

Jockey: Florent Geroux | Trainer: Brad Cox
Recent Form: Class horse stepping back after graded stakes attempts

• Last Start: Competed in Grade 2 company, now facing easier
• Class Advantage: Significant class edge over most of field
• Jockey/Trainer: Elite combination with excellent win percentage
• Key Advantage: Should handle the distance and surface perfectly

4. BIG BOAT (12-1)

Jockey: Brian Hernandez Jr. | Trainer: Chris Hartman
Recent Form: Inconsistent but shows flashes of ability

• Distance: Question mark at this extended route
• Value Play: Could surprise at generous odds if pace sets up
• Trainer Pattern: Hartman horses often improve in second start back

5. GUNS LOADED (6-1)

Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione | Trainer: Kenny McPeek
Recent Form: Solid allowance performer with tactical speed

• Running Style: Versatile – can press or stalk depending on pace
• Surface: Good dirt form at Churchill Downs
• Jockey Switch: Gaffalione adds value to this live contender

6. KALAHARI DREAMS (10-1)

Jockey: Edgar Morales | Trainer: Norm Casse
Recent Form: Veteran mare with stakes experience

• Class: Has competed at stakes level successfully
• Age Factor: Older mare may be vulnerable to younger competition
• Value: Longshot with stakes credentials worth small play

7. SHAN (15-1)

Jockey: Cristian Torres | Trainer: Ed Moger Jr.
Recent Form: Improving colt moving up significantly in class

• Last Start: Good second at Turfway Park
• Class Jump: Significant step up in competition level
• Pace: Early speed could be compromised by class jump

8. ANCIENT WORLD (20-1)

Jockey: Manuel Franco | Trainer: Rodolphe Brisset
Recent Form: Lightly raced with room for improvement

• Breeding: Well-bred filly with upside potential
• Experience: Limited starts could work for or against
• Longshot: Needs significant improvement to be competitive

Pace Analysis

The race sets up with moderate early pace, with GETTINBY and SHAN likely to be forwardly placed early. SINISTER SMILE should be stalking in ideal position, while PERFECT FORCE and GUNS LOADED can track the pace from mid-pack positions.

Betting Strategy

Win Bet: SINISTER SMILE (5-2) – Class edge and connections make her the logical favorite

Value Play: GUNS LOADED (6-1) – Good recent form with tactical speed advantage

Exotic Plays:

• Exacta: 3-5 / 1-2-5-6
• Trifecta: 3 / 1-5-6 / 1-2-5-6-7

Final Recommendation

SINISTER SMILE represents the class of the field and should be tough to beat with the significant class drop. GUNS LOADED offers the best value at 6-1 odds with her tactical speed and good recent form. GETTINBY could steal it on the front end if she gets away with easy fractions.

Suggested Play: Win and place on SINISTER SMILE, with GUNS LOADED as the value overlay for exacta and trifecta keys.

Race 9: Allowance $127,000 NW1X – 1 1/8 Miles Turf

1. SARAH’S DREAM (Post 1) – 6/1

• Trainer: Norm Casse | Jockey: Julien Leparoux
• Recent Form: Strong turf performer with tactical speed
• Key Race: Last out showed good acceleration in similar company
• Analysis: Well-positioned on the rail with proven turf form. Leparoux’s turf expertise is a major plus.

2. QUIETLY (Post 2) – 5/1

• Trainer: Michael Maker | Jockey: Jose Ortiz
• Recent Form: Consistent performer stepping up in class
• Key Race: Good recent workout pattern suggests readiness
• Analysis: Versatile filly who can adapt to pace scenarios. Ortiz is excellent on the lawn.

3. EL JOURY (Post 3) – 8/1

• Trainer: Kenneth McPeek | Jockey: Brian Hernandez Jr.
• Recent Form: Shows improvement on turf surface
• Key Race: Last start indicates potential for breakthrough
• Analysis: Improving filly with upside potential in this spot.

4. CLASSIC APPEAL (Post 4) – 4/1

• Trainer: Steven Asmussen | Jockey: Ricardo Santana Jr.
• Recent Form: Class performer with strong turf credentials
• Key Race: Consistent in allowance company
• Analysis: TOP SELECTION – Proven class, excellent connections, and tactical speed make her the one to beat.

5. NECESSITY (Post 5) – 12/1

• Trainer: Brad Cox | Jockey: Florent Geroux
• Recent Form: Inconsistent but capable of big efforts
• Key Race: Has shown flashes of ability in tougher spots
• Analysis: Longshot with potential if everything falls into place.

6. SHE’S A SWEDE (Post 6) – 15/1

• Trainer: Dallas Stewart | Jockey: Colby Hernandez
• Recent Form: Struggling to find best form recently
• Key Race: Needs significant improvement
• Analysis: Faces tough task against this group.

7. YES IT TIZ (Post 7) – 10/1

• Trainer: Robertino Diodoro | Jockey: Cristian Torres
• Recent Form: Solid turf record with room for improvement
• Key Race: Competitive in similar allowance races
• Analysis: Live longshot with good turf breeding.

8. ENSORCELL (Post 8) – 3/1

• Trainer: Chad Brown | Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.
• Recent Form: Class dropdown with strong recent works
• Key Race: Competitive in graded company last out
• Analysis: STRONG CONTENDER – Brown’s turf expertise and class edge make her dangerous.

9. LADY BLAKE (Post 9) – 20/1

• Trainer: Chris Hartman | Jockey: Edgar Morales
• Recent Form: Overmatched in recent starts
• Key Race: Long way back in similar company
• Analysis: Longshot facing significant class challenge.

10. LOOKSTER (Post 10) – 15/1

• Trainer: Norm Casse | Jockey: Julien Leparoux
• Recent Form: Inconsistent but has shown ability
• Key Race: Capable on best day but form questions
• Analysis: Needs everything to go right to factor.

11. MY SEXY BLONDE (Post 11) – 25/1

• Trainer: Joe Sharp | Jockey: James Graham
• Recent Form: Struggling in allowance company
• Key Race: Well beaten in similar spots
• Analysis: Longshot facing tough assignment.

Race Analysis & Betting Strategy

Win Selection: CLASSIC APPEAL (4/1)

• Proven class performer with excellent connections
• Tactical speed advantage in this field
• Strong turf form and works

Place/Show: ENSORCELL (3/1)

• Chad Brown turf specialist dropping in class
• Irad Ortiz Jr. is elite on grass
• Should be competitive throughout

Longshot Special: YES IT TIZ (10/1)

• Good turf breeding and solid recent form
• Diodoro does well with improving types
• Could surprise at nice odds

Exacta: 4-8 / 4-8-1-2
Trifecta: 4 / 1-2-8 / 1-2-7-8-10

The race sets up well for Classic Appeal to utilize her tactical speed and class advantage, while Ensorcell provides the main threat with her class edge and connections.

Jockey Notes and Insights

Jose Ortiz appears frequently throughout the card and brings championship-caliber experience to multiple mounts. His presence on Dark Thirty, Interlock Empire, and other key contenders suggests confidence from connections. Julien Leparoux’s mount on September Silver could provide value given his tactical abilities. The presence of multiple accomplished riders suggests competitive racing throughout the afternoon.

Trainer Notes and Insights

Kenneth McPeek’s multiple entries in the opening race suggest confidence in his string’s condition. Steven Asmussen’s presence with Background and other runners indicates his stable is firing on multiple levels. The diversity of trainers represented ensures various tactical approaches and training methods will be on display.

Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays

The Pick 4 covering races 6-9 appears to offer the best value opportunity, with several competitive races providing potential for substantial payouts. Focus on races where multiple contenders appear evenly matched for the greatest exotic wagering value. Single-race betting should focus on races with clear form advantages and proven performers.

Early Pick 4 covering races 1-4 could provide value given the competitive nature of the maiden events. Daily Double combinations between competitive races may offer better value than traditional win betting.

The late Pick 3 sequence should be approached with multiple combinations given the competitive nature of the allowance races. Consider using slightly wider tickets in the juvenile races where development patterns may not be immediately obvious.

Official Churchill Downs Expert Picks

Joe Kristufek (Churchill Downs Senior Racing Analyst)

• Race 1: #3 Smokin Hot Wife, #2 Country Club
• Race 2: #7 Battleoflexington, #5 Interlock Empire
• Race 3: #4 Midnight Vengeance, #1 Wizard of Yester
• Race 4: #10 Direct Strike, #2 Instant Impact
• Race 5: #2 Dive Bomber, #10 Good Lord
• Race 6: #2 Couperin, #5 Eastside Cool
• Race 7: #7 Gin’s Beach Road, #4 Malibu Muse
• Race 8: #6 Kalahari Dreams, #5 Guns Loaded
• Race 9: #9 Lady Blake, #5 Necessity
• Race 10: #5 Golden Irish, #1 Kentucky Smokeshow

Kevin Kilroy (Churchill Downs Racing Analyst)

• Race 1: #2 Midnight Whirl, #10
• Race 2: #2 Commanded, #9
• Race 3: #8 Mizmalice, #7
• Race 4: #7 Army Hero, #11
• Race 5: #5 Bonne Sante, #10
• Race 6: #5 Our Two Girls, #2
• Race 7: #6 Our Pretty Woman, #1
• Race 8: #7 Comport, #8
• Race 9: #5 Mink’s Palace, #1
• Race 10: #7 Little Ni, #4

Tony Calo (Churchill Downs Racing Analyst)

• Race 1: #4 Fulmine, #10
• Race 2: #5 Big Pop, #2
• Race 3: #10 Volatile Market, #5
• Race 4: #4 Forty Love, #11
• Race 5: #1 Tramuntana, #5
• Race 6: #5 Our Two Girls, #2
• Race 7: #1 Regaled, #3
• Race 8: #1 Nothing Personal, #7
• Race 9: #4 Positano Sunset, #3
• Race 10: #3 Bentornato, #10

Independent Expert Picks

Mr. Ed (VSiN Handicapper)

• Race 1: #1 Dark Thirty (5-2), #4 Z Train (4-1)
• Race 2: #5 Interlock Empire (3-1), #7 Battleoflexington (7-2)
• Race 3: #3 Flick (6-1)
• Race 4: #9 Your Wildest Dream (4-1)
• Race 5: #2 Dive Bomber (5-2)
• Race 6: #8 Papa Yo (3-1)
• Race 8: #5 Guns Loaded (9-2)
• Race 10: #2 Give Her Another (8-1), #5 Golden Irish (4-1), #11 The Princess Factor (7-2)

Racing Dudes

• Race 1: #1 Dark Thirty (5-2)
• Race 2: #5 Interlock Empire (3-1)
• Race 3: #5 Ridge of Fire (4-1)
• Race 4: #10 Direct Strike (9-2)
• Race 5: #2 Dive Bomber (5-2)
• Race 6: #5 Eastside Cool (4-1)
• Race 7: #7 Gin’s Beach Road (3-1)
• Race 8: #5 Guns Loaded (9-2)
• Race 9: #7 Yes It Tiz (3-1)
• Race 10: #1 Kentucky Smokeshow (6-1)

Scott Shapiro (Xpressbet)

• Race 4: #2 Instant Impact (7-2 ML) – “Best bet of the day”

Consensus Picks (Average of All Expert Selections)

Based on mathematical averaging of all expert picks:

Race	Consensus Pick	Key Contenders
1	**	Dark Thirty (#1), Midnight Whirl (#2), Smokin Hot Wife (#3)
2	**#5 Interlock Empire, Big Pop, Battleoflexington (#7)
3	**	Ridge of Fire, Volatile Market, Midnight Vengeance (#4)
4	#8	Direct Strike (#10), Instant Impact (#2), Army Hero (#7)
5	#5	Dive Bomber (#2), Bonne Sante
6	#4	Our Two Girls (#5), Eastside Cool, Papa Yo (#8)
7	**#4 Gin’s Beach Road (#7), Malibu Muse, Regaled (#1)
8	#6	Guns Loaded (#5), Kalahari Dreams, Comport (#7)
9	#4	Lady Blake (#9), Necessity (#5), Positano Sunset
10	**#	Golden Irish, Kentucky Smokeshow (#1), Give Her Another (#2)

Key Betting Insights

Strongest Consensus Plays:

• Race 2: #5 Interlock Empire – picked by multiple experts
• Race 5: #2 Dive Bomber – strong agreement across handicappers
• Race 8: #5 Guns Loaded – consistent pick from several sources

Derby City Six Jackpot (Races 5-10) has a $49,498 carryover, making it an attractive exotic wager opportunity.