Churchill Downs & Del Mar Picks Today – Expert Stakes Analysis, Odds & Best Bets For November 29, 2025
Churchill Downs Race 8 Fern Creek Stakes
2 Paige Turner exits from a maiden breaking win over this main track here at Churchill. Filly won by comfortable 5 lengths while clocking in with 90 dirt Bris figure in just her second start. She faces winners for the first time today but should be up to the the task with 2 solid bullets coming in. Win Contender
6 A Fine Chardonnay is unbeaten in 2 career starts which includes a victory in the 250k Myrtlewood Stakes a month ago. Win Contender
7 On Time Girl has yet to run a bad race in 3 lifetime starts. Filly started her career with back-to-back wins until finishing second by just a length in the Myrtlewood. Major Threat
Selections 2-6-7-1
Churchill Downs Race 10 Jockey Club Stakes Grade 2
4 Soldier N Diplomat was last seen romping home for a 9-lenth victory versus Allowance/Optional 100k N1 types over this main track here at Churchill. Colt was no match to Ted Noffey when finishing 4th in the G1 Hopeful but he faces a much easier mission here today.
2 Cherokee Nation is shipped in by trainer Bob Baffert after finishing a game second to Mr.A.P who would go on to run a bang up second to superstar 2 year old Ted Noffey in the Breeders Cup Juvenile. Love this ones chances today. Win Contender
3 Dr.Kapur is a generous 8-1 on the morning line. This son of Mckinzie broke his maiden at Keeneland 6 weeks ago and has been training well since. He’s posted a 94 and 96 dirt speed figure in his first two starts while sprinting. Colt could be even better a route distance which he runs today. These McKenzie youngsters tend to move forward at a rapid rate, don’t sleep on this Saffie Joesoph Jr trainee. Major Threat
Selections 4-2-3-6
Churchill Downs Race 11 Goldenrod Stakes Grade 2
12 Explora is a West Coast shipper trained by Bob Baffert who last raced in the Breeders Cup Juvenile Fillies and finished second by less than a length. This gal is already a Grade 2 winner and multiple Grade 1 placed. She appears a cut above her rivals entered here today. Top Pick
1Baracca is a perfect 2-2 to start her career with both victories coming here at Churchill while sprinting. Gal is a juicy 15-1 on the morning line and appears to be a good longshot to hook up with the the heavy morning line favorite. Live Longshot
6 Life of Joy is another in here who is unbeaten in her first two starts both while routing. This Gun Runner Filly gets Irad in the irons today. Win Contender
5 Letmecounttheways has started off her career by winning her first two starts by a combined 11 lengths. She faces deeper waters here today as those two wins were against NY Breds. Use in the deep exotics
Selections 12-1-6-5
Del Mar Race 5 Seabiscuit Handicap Grade 2
7 Old Pal is an intriguing longshot to consider in here. He only sports two starts in 2025 but came back off a layoff to win Turf Classic for Cal Breds at Santa Anita and then followed that effort with a fast closing 4th beaten by just 1 length. He drops 7 lbs from his last race and likely gets an ideal pace scenario to set up his late kick. Live Longshot
9 Stay Hot is another in here who will benefit from a likely hot pace early. He’s a steady performer versus Graded competition and rarely runs a bad race. Win Contender
3 Almendares has sharp tactical speed and should be in a good position just off the pace setters today. He sports a fine resume here at Del Mar and likely will be in the mix at the wire. Dont Ignore
Selections 6-9-3-5-8
Del Mar Race 9 Hollywood Derby Grade 1
3 Test Score is by far the most accomplished horse in this race and I’m not going to try to beat him today. Colt has won over 1.4 million in just 11 career starts and has Grade 1 win under his belt. Top Play of the Day
8 Tempus Volat was 10-1 winner last out in a restricted Stakes race over the weeds here. Colt seems to do his best running on the green here Del Mar with his two career victories coming on the blades right here at Del Mar. Major Player
1 Maaz must be considered after finishing a strong second totes Score in a Grade 2 at Santa Anita, however this Gelfing has yet to hit the board in 2 Turf starts here at Del Mar. Use Underneath