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Aqueduct, Churchill Downs & Gulfstream Park Picks: Lady Ilze Leads Today’s Value Play

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Updated May 8, 2026
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Aqueduct Race 5

6 So Vain faces winners for the first time after breaking maiden in her 6th career start while running a lifetime top. Any repeat of that effort would get the job done versus this lackluster group. Win Contender 

5 Nightscope is another in here taking on winners for the first time. Filly broke her maiden last out in gate-to-wire fashion at this distance and improved her dirt speed figure by 9 points off her debut. Win Contender 

7 Karey hasn’t shown much lately but has been facing tougher animals. She should benefit from the drop in class and added distance today. Don’t Ignore

Selections 6-5-7-9

Churchill Downs Race 6

8 Lady IIze was off slow but showed late interest in her most recent, finishing a fast closing 5th in mid level Allowance race at Keeneland. Gal gets second time juice, makes her second start off layoff and makes her second start in the Mark Casse barn. Looks like a recipe for a W today. Win Contender 

3 Bracelot was nosed out of victory in her most recent outing on the green at Keeneland. Fillys lone Churchill turf try was game 4th versus a very good turf horse Lush Lips in the Grade 2 Ms Revere. She’ll be tough as she makes her third start of the form cycle. Win Contender 

4 Somethinabouther makes her second start off the bench after finishing a game third beaten by just a neck on the blades at Keeneland in an Allowance N2. Filly fits well with these. Major Player

Selections 8-3-4-9

Gulfstream Park Race 7

3 Ready to Battle appears to be the controlling speed in here. Filly nearly took a better group of horses gate-to-wire at mile and a sixteenth on the turf last out. Filly should relish the cut back to 7 and a half furlongs today. Win Contender 

1 Early Delivery looked like a different animal when trying the turf for the first time. Filly finished a hard charging second that day versus tougher than these. Gal offers an incredible value at the 8-1 morning line. Win Contender 

2 Gimmie Some Luck was used alittle to hard early in her last race and was spent by the top of the stretch. Look for a more patient ride from Jockey Rajiv Maragh today. Don’t Ignore 

Selections 3-1-2-4

Value Play for Today

Churchill Downs Race 6

#8 Lady IIze (8-1)