Churchill Downs Picks & Predictions | Pocahontas Stakes, Locust Grove, Iroquois & Open Mind
Churchill Downs Race 6 Pocahontas Stakes Grade 3
5 Our Two Girls looked mighty professional in debut win while running 6 furlongs at Ellis Park. Filly stalked a solid pace, made an inside move and drew off to a 2-lengths victory with a strong gallop out. Gal should relish the added distance today. Win Contender
2 Miss Complicated exits the same race as the aforementioned. Filly bobbled at the start that day which could have cost her the victory. She rallied from last place to finish second by just over 2-lengths. A cleaner trip today makes this Ian Wilkes trainee a player here. Win Contender
6 Dazzling Dame is undefeated in two career starts which includes a victory at this distance in the Sorority Stakes at Monmouth Park. Her speed figures have been nothing to write home about but she’s won with such ease, those numbers might be a bit unreliable. Major Player
Selections 5-2-6-3
Churchill Downs Race 7 Fasig-Tipton Locust Grove Stakes Grade 2
1 Regaled was last seen finishing second by just a head at 22-1 in the 200K Groupie Doll Stakes at Ellis Park. This always out runs her odds. She’s finished third to Candied at 30-1 and second to Royal Spa at 15-1, two very good horses. She likely gets dismissed at the windows once again today. I believe she has a great chance in here at a price. Live Longshot
3 Royal Spa pressed a very fast pace last in the Grade 1 Clement L Hirsch but gave way in the stretch drive finishing a disappointing 6th. I like the jockey switch to Gaffalione, who likely will not contest a fast pace early. This Mare fits well here with the drop in class today. Win Contender
2 Alpine Princess has been no worse than third in her last 4 starts while sporting one trip to the winner’s circle. She’s been a consistent performer in her 4-year-old campaign and likely cashes a check today. Use Underneath
Selections 1-3-2-6
Churchill Downs Race 8 Iroquois Stakes Grade 3
7 Comport is the most accomplished of his competitors today. Colt exits from a 2-lengths victory in a 200k Stakes race at Ellis Park. This son of Collected has 2 wins in 3 starts with 2 trips to the winners circle and a placing. Top Pick
8 Vost broke slowly and raced wide in debut but still managed to defeat a large field of 11 in debut at Ellis Park. Colt had two good works since and could be sitting on a good race as he steps up the class ladder. Major Player
5 Spice Runner could find himself on the front end today as he appears to be the controlling speed in here. Colt was no match for the #7 Comfort in here , finishing second beaten by two. I like the jockey switch to Jose Ortiz today. If this Steve Asmussen trainee can carve out some tepid fractions early, I like his chances in the stretch run. Don’t Ignore
Selections 7-8-5-1
Churchill Downs Race 9 Open Mind Stakes
3 Little Prankster didn’t care for the sloppy conditions last out in a Grade 2 at the Spa and finished dead last. This gals prior race was impressive. She pressed a ridiculous fast pace early and still had enough left in the tank to get the W. This Mare was sidelined for over 18 months. This will be her 4th start since her return and I feel she’s sitting on huge effort today. Top Pick
4 Positano Sunset hasn’t seen race day in over 4 months but her work tab looks tight. This Mare by Goldenscents is a Grade 1 winner and has won of this type of layoff in the past. Win Contender
6 Impel has been a model of consistency, finishing 8 of 10 in the money. Filly enters here off back-to-back wins including a recent 200k Stakes victory at Ellis Park. Win Contender