Churchill Downs Picks for Saturday, April 26 from Mike Somich:
The big news on Saturday is the Kentucky Derby draw, but we’ve still got some races to cover from the opening day at Churchill Downs!
Churchill Downs, Race #7
You do not often see maidens going one mile and a quarter, but that means there can be some value. #2 Plaza Cue has run two turns in each of his starts and continues to want to go longer with each start. He has enough early speed, and being in front makes a difference when you have horses who have yet to win running this distance.
#4 Churning Berni has had 15 chances to break the maiden without breaking through, but the trainer switch has given him new life. He’s live second time in the David Jacobson barn.
#1 Antonia’s Flowers picks up Luiz Saez second time out for Joe Sharp’s barn and should like the added distance.
#5 Kiss Me Again has closed at shorter distances and will look to do the same in a longer race today. The added distance is a positive for a horse that returns to dirt.
Top 4: 2-4-1-5
The Bet: $50 to Win #2
Churchill Downs, Race #9
The feature on the card is a nice six-furlong sprint featuring horses that have bigger aspirations this year. #2 Sandy Bottom has made the lead in every race in his career and should do so again here. Jockey Joel Rosario should send from the jump without much speed in the race and has a great chance to go gate to wire.
#6 Harbor Springs jumps up into the stakes level after back-to-back wins at the allowance level and seems to have figured things out. She likes to attack from close to the pace, so she will need to stay close to the speed to win today.
#7 Girls Weekend has the speed to press Sandy Bottom and can pounce if she falters.
#8 Mink’s Palace returns off the layoff at a nice price. She has been competitive at this level, but will need early pressure on Sandy Bottom to run by late.
Top 4: 2-6-7-8
The Bet: $50 Win #2
