Churchill Downs – Pick Pony Handicapper Report & Tip Sheet – News, Analysis, Expert Picks, and AI Predictions for November 28, 2025


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The Pick Pony Handicapper's Report is published daily and provides analysis of all races on the card. A Pick Pony analyst prepares the report, so selections may differ from the Pick Pony Expert Picks, which are based on the consensus of all Pick Pony analysts and are generally more accurate.

Welcome to a spectacular post-Thanksgiving card at Churchill Downs for Friday, November 28, 2025. The “Clark Friday” card is traditionally one of the highlights of the Fall Meet, headlined by the Grade 1 Clark Stakes, a prestigious 1 1/8-mile test for older horses that often impacts the older male division championship. Also on the card is the Grade 2 Mrs. Revere Stakes for 3-year-old fillies on the turf.

The 12-race program features top-tier connections, with heavyweights like Brad CoxSteve Asmussen, and Chad Brown entering prime contenders. Jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr. has shipped in for the big stakes, joining the local colony led by Tyler Gaffalione and Luis Saez.

Weather and Track Conditions

Forecast for Louisville, KY:
Expect typical late-autumn conditions in the Ohio Valley. The forecast calls for partly cloudy skies with a high near 48°F (9°C) and dipping into the mid-30s by the last race. Winds will be light from the NW at 5-8 mph.

  • Dirt Track: Fast. The surface has been playing fair throughout the week, but with cooler temperatures, the track often tightens up, favoring horses with tactical speed.
  • Turf Course: Firm (Rail at 24 feet). The rail setting typically favors horses who can save ground and tip out, rather than deep closers forced extremely wide.

Race 1: Maiden Claiming ($20k)

Post Time: 1:00 PM ET | 6 Furlongs (Dirt) | 2YO Fillies

Pace Analysis

A sprint for maiden claimers often results in a chaotic pace. Rotisserie (1) and Loving Mischief (7) show signs of early foot. With inexperienced 2-year-olds, the break is critical.

Key Contenders

#7 Loving Mischief (5-2)
The Asmussen/Gaffalione combination is lethal in maiden claiming ranks at Churchill. This filly finds a soft spot to debut or improve. Asmussen wins at a 22% clip with this drop-in class, and the outside post allows Gaffalione to see how the break unfolds.

**#4 Divine Celina (3-1Another Asmussen entrant, ridden by Jose Ortiz. Note the “Scratch Watch” indication of a vet scratch on Oct 28. If she is healthy and ready to fire, she fits on class, but the recent medical scratch is a red flag that demands a look at the tote board.

Secondary Choices

#2 Don'tmindifido (4-1)
Mark Casse drops this filly into a $20k claimer. This is an aggressive move that often signals “must win” intent or a lack of confidence in her ability to compete at MSW levels. Luan Machado is a patient rider who can pick up the pieces if the pace is hot.

Longshots

#6 Bizy Dreamin (10-1)
Trainer Michael Tomlinson is capable of popping with a price horse in these lower-level maiden claimers. If the top two stumble, this one could add value to the exotics.

Betting Strategy

This is a race to keep it simple. The Asmussen duo looks formidable.

Selections

Win: 7
Place: 4
Show: 2

Race 2: Maiden Claiming ($50k)

Post Time: 1:28 PM ET | 1 1/16 Miles (Dirt) | 2YO Fillies

Pace Analysis

Hot Gossip (1) draws the rail and has the pedigree to show speed. In a route race for young fillies, the one who can clear and relax often wins.

Key Contenders

#1 Hot Gossip (2-1)
Brad Cox and Irad Ortiz, Jr. teaming up on a 2-year-old dropping into maiden claiming is the headline here. Cox excels at stretching 2-year-olds out (26% win rate). The rail draw is an advantage for a horse likely to be sent for position.

#9 Bana (7-2)
Kenny McPeek is excellent with young horses going two turns. Brian Hernandez, Jr. knows how to execute McPeek's route strategies perfectly. Look for her to be running late.

Secondary Choices

#3 Knickleandime (5-1)
Robertino Diodoro is a high-percentage trainer with claimers. Cristian Torres is aggressive and will likely have this filly placed forwardly.

Longshots

#6 Tizmatic (12-1)
William Walden is a smaller barn but capable. At 12-1, this filly offers value underneath if the favorites tire in the final furlong.

Betting Strategy

Brad Cox (1) is the “free square” in multi-race wagers, but McPeek (9) is the danger.

Selections

Win: 1
Place: 9
Show: 3

Race 3: Allowance (N1X)

Post Time: 1:56 PM ET | 1 Mile (Dirt) | 3YO & Up Fillies/Mares

Pace Analysis

Bundle (4) possesses natural speed and should be involved early. Jewel Box (1) from the rail will be forced to go or sit the pocket.

Key Contenders

#4 Bundle (5-2)
Tyler Gaffalione stays on this Steve Asmussen trainee. She has been knocking on the door at this level and the one-mile distance suits her running style perfectly.

#5 Merry Madison (3-1)
Philip Bauer has a fantastic strike rate at Churchill Downs (often >20%). With Irad Ortiz, Jr. aboard, this filly signals she is live and ready to fire a big effort.

Secondary Choices

**#2 Necessity (4-1Norm Casse and Junior Alvarado are a strong team. This filly has shown flashes of talent and fits well in this non-winners of two condition.

Betting Strategy

A tight allowance race. The Bauer/Ortiz angle on #5 is too strong to ignore.

  • Wager: Win #5.

Selections

Win: 5
Place: 4
Show: 2

Race 4: Claiming $25,000

Post Time: 2:24 PM ET | 1 Mile (Dirt) | 3YO & Up Fillies/Mares

Key Contenders

#10 Just An Opinion (3-1)
Irad Ortiz, Jr. riding for Norm Casse from the outside post. She avoids the traffic and can stalk the pace. The drop or lateral move to this claiming level puts her right in the mix.

**#6p On the Edge (7-2)
David Jacobson is aggressive with his placements. Tyler Gaffalione taking the mount suggests this mare is sitting on a big effort.

Longshots

#4 Mercy Warren (8-1)
Joe Sharp and Brian Hernandez, Jr. This mare is a veteran (6YO) who knows her job. If the race falls apart, she can grind out a check.

Betting Strategy

Wager: Exacta Box 6-10.

Selections

Win: 10
Place: 6
Show: 4

Race 10: Mrs. Revere Stakes (Grade 2)

Post Time: 5:25 PM ET | 1 1/16 Miles (Turf) | 3YO Fillies

Pace Analysis

Fast Market (2) and Princess Attitude (6) have speed. The pace should be honest, setting up for a stalker/closer.

Key Contenders

#10 Pretty Picture (5-2)
Chad Brown and Flavien Prat. In graded turf stakes for fillies, this is the gold standard. Brown rarely ships to Louisville for this race without a loaded gun. She likely has the best turn of foot in the field.

#1 Lush Lips (GB) (7-2)
Brendan Walsh has a strong turf string. This British-bred filly draws the rail and gets Gaffalione. She will save all the ground and explode if the gap opens.

Secondary Choices

#7 Bracelet (4-1)
Brad Cox and Irad Ortiz, Jr. A dangerous duo. Bracelet has shown versatility and fits on class.

Longshots

#5 Sea To Sky (IRE) (10-1)
Cherie DeVaux does excellent work with European imports. Brian Hernandez, Jr. is a master of the Churchill turf course. Do not leave her off your tickets.

Betting Strategy

Chad Brown (#10) is the horse to beat. The value play is the exacta with the Walsh horse (#1) or DeVaux (#5).

  • Wager: Win #10. Trifecta 10 / 1,5,7 / 1,5,7.

Selections

Win: 10
Place: 1
Show: 7

Race 11: Clark Stakes (Grade 1)

Post Time: 5:54 PM ET | 1 1/8 Miles (Dirt) | 3YO & Up

Pace Analysis

First Mission (2) has high cruising speed and can lead or stalk. Who Dey (7) also has tactical foot. The pace should be moderate, favoring those near the front.

Key Contenders

#2 First Mission (8-5)
The class of the field. A Grade 2 winner (Oaklawn Handicap) and Grade 1 placed (Stephen Foster) in 2025. Brad Cox has him fresh off a September prep. Flavien Prat suits his grinding, high-speed style perfectly. He should sit just off the leaders and take over turning for home.

#3 Hit Show (5-2)
The “other” Cox. He's a grinder who runs all day. Irad Ortiz, Jr. chooses the mount (or was assigned), which is significant. He will be running late but may lack the explosive kick of his stablemate.

Secondary Choices

#6 Rattle N Roll (9-2)
A Grade 1 winner as a juvenile and a multiple G3 winner since. He is a deep closer. He needs a pace meltdown to win, but he loves Churchill Downs. He is a must-use in trifectas.

Longshots

#7 Who Dey (10-1)
The Ohio-bred sensation has proven he can run with open company. If First Mission falters, Who Dey could steal it on the front end.

Betting Strategy

First Mission is the most likely winner. The Cox Exacta (2-3) is probable but short-priced.

  • Wager: $50 Win on #2. Trifecta Key 2 over 3,6,7.

Selections

Win: 2
Place: 3
Show: 6

Jockey Notes and Insights

  • Irad Ortiz, Jr.: When Irad ships into Kentucky for a specific day, pay attention. He is here for Hit Show (Race 11) and Hot Gossip (Race 2), but his mounts in the undercard (like Merry Madison in Race 3) are live.
  • Tyler Gaffalione: The King of Churchill Downs. He is especially dangerous on the turf (Race 10, #1 Lush Lips) and in maiden races for Asmussen (Race 1).
  • Flavien Prat: A tactical master. His presence on Pretty Picture (Race 10) and First Mission (Race 11) signals heavily that these are the “A” string horses for their barns.

Trainer Notes and Insights

  • Brad Cox: He holds the keys to the Clark Stakes with First Mission and Hit Show. His 2-year-old stats (Race 2) are also elite.
  • Steve Asmussen: Look for him to dominate the maiden claiming races (Race 1) where he drops horses down to get a confidence-building win.
  • Chad Brown: Shipping in for the Mrs. Revere (Race 10) is a major signal of intent. He does not send horses to KY for the scenery.

Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays

  • Best Bet of the Day: Race 10, #10 Pretty Picture. The Brown/Prat turf combination is simply too high-class for this field.
  • Best Value Play: Race 1, #7 Loving Mischief. Maiden claiming sprint, Asmussen/Gaffalione, 5-2 morning line is fair value for a likely winner.
  • The “Clark” Exacta: 2-3. First Mission over Hit Show. It's chalky, but it's the most logical outcome based on 2025 form.
  • Pick 3 Sequence (Races 10-12):
    • R10: 10 (Single)
    • R11: 2, 3
    • R12: 1, 2, 4 (Thunder Roll, Pitkin, Sea Vista)
    • Cost is minimal for a high-probability payout.

Image Credits

Featured Image Credit

Churchill Downs in Louisville Kentucky via Wikimedia Commons by squirrel83 with usage type - Creative Commons License

 

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