Churchill Downs & Woodbine Picks: Open Mind, Pocahontas, Iroquois, Natalma & Woodbine Mile – September 12, 2026

Churchill Downs Race 6 Open Mind Stakes

3 Look Forward drops in class after finishing a non-threatening 4th in the Grade 1 Test 6 weeks ago. This Filly’s work tab has been dotted with bullets and is the only runner in here with a Grade 2 victory. She gets the services of West Coast leading jockey Juan Hernandez today. Win Contender

1 Usha has sharp early foot and could find herself on the lead today. This Bob Baffert trainee failed as the favorite last out versus New York Breds at the Spa. Filly will need to improve off that mediocre third place finish. Baffert’s horses hit at 33% winners after losing as the post time favorite. I expect this gal to have something to say at the wire. Win Contender 

2 Cash Call is another in here with sharp early foot. Filly’s lone Churchill start was a half length victory versus a competitive group of Allowance/Optional 100K 3X foes. Major Threat

Selections 3-1-2-6

Churchill Downs Race 8 Pocahontas Stakes Grade 3

6 Scarlett Begonia exits from respectable third place finish when taking on winners for the first time in the Grade 3 Adirondack. Filly didn’t get the best trip or ride that day and I like that Flavien Prat, fresh off his dominating Kentucky Downs meet, takes the reigns. Top Pick

7 Miss Anna was no match for the aforementioned on debut but broke her maiden in just her second career start, winning by a resounding 6- lengths while raising her dirt speed figure by 13pts. Any repeat of that effort would get the job done. Win Contender 

2 Manuka Honey has done nothing wrong in her first two starts. Filly debuted with a 7 length victory, then followed that sharp score with another 7 length win in the 250K Debutante at Ellis Park. She faces a much tougher group of animals today and won’t have it so easy at this mile distance. Major Threat

Selections 6-7-2-1

Churchill Downs Race 10 Iroquois Stakes Grade 3

1 Carribbean Life looked mighty professional in debut when kicking on to a 3-length victory at 7- furlongs over the main track at Ellis Park. This Colt is out of up and coming Sire Life is Good and I can see this one moving forward as he faces winners and routes for the first time. Win Contender 

2 Blessed Flyer has been getting no respect at the windows. This Colt won on debut at 13-1 then raised his dirt speed figure 15 points while winning a 250k Stakes here at 31-1. His recent 1/38 suggests we’ll get another stellar effort. I love this ones chances. Win Contender 

7 Salahudin is unbeaten in 2 career starts, including a over 4- length win in the 250k Juvenile at Ellis Park. This Bob Baffert trained son of Uncle Mo can’t be left out of the mix. Major Threat

Selections 1-2-7-8

Woodbine Race 5 Natalma Stakes Grade 1

5 Bounce Back was last seen finishing second on debut besting 9 other horses to the finishing line over this turf course here at Woodbine. Filly is out of Hard Spun, who youngsters tend to improve significantly in thier second career start. She should relish the stretch out today and trainer Mark Casse adds the eye cups, which just adds to the intrigue. I’m going to take a shot with this bomber. Live Longshot 

10 Catrell has shown some serious sharp early speed on the blades and is just a head away of being unbeaten In her first two outings. If she can set a tepid pace upfront, I wouldn’t be surprised if she wired this field today. Win Contender 

6 Lamirada turned some heads when she dominated by 11-lengths on debut over the All-Weather surface here. Filly clocked in with 94 Bris number that day and was geared down. This gal could be a special  Filly. I’ll try to beat her as she tries the green for the first time. Deserving Favorite

Selections 5-10-6-11

Woodbine Race 9 Woodbine Mile Grade 1

1 Deterministic enters here riding a 6 race win streak which includes 4 Grade 1’s. This son of Liam’s Map has established himself as one of the best turf horse in North America and probably the world. He’s In the best form of his Career and I just can’t try to beat this stud today. Top Pick

3 Notable Speech is a Euro Invader and defending Champ of this race. A multiple Grade 1 winner from the Charles Appleby barn, this 5 – year old has amassed nearly 4 million in career earnings and is a Breeders Cup Champion. Win Contender 

2 Gas Me Up will be flying late for a piece. Use Underneath 

Selections 1-3-2-4

Today’s Most Likely Winner 

Woodbine Race 9

#1 Deterministic (2-1)

Top Value Play 

Churchill Downs Race 10

#1 Carribbean Life (6-1)

Longshot Play for Today 

Woodbine Race 5

#5 Bounce Back(15-1)