Stogie’s Horse Racing Picks for Friday, May 23, 2025
Stogie
Stogie is a seasoned horse racing bettor with over two decades of trackside experience and a knack for spotting winners before the odds even shift. Born into a family that spent more weekends at the paddock than the park, Stogie’s love for the sport runs deeper than most—rooted in the dirt, sweat, and thunder of hooves at full gallop.
He’s not your average tipster. Stogie blends old-school instinct with data-driven insights, studying race forms like sacred texts and following stables and jockeys the way others track stock tickers. His bets aren’t guesses—they’re calculated plays grounded in real-world edge and gut feel honed from thousands of hours at tracks from Saratoga to Santa Anita.
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- 6 Frantic recently broke Maiden when trying the dirt for the first time after failing to fire on the turf down in South Florida. Colt steps up in class and must raise his speed figures to be competitive here. I don’t believe this Todd Pletcher was asked for his best in that Maiden win as he won at the wire in a hand ride. He’s a juicy 8-1 on the morning line and is a must-play. Win Contender
- 2 Lou was recently claimed after finishing third versus a bit softer. Colt is a closer who sports the best late-pace numbers versus his rivals today. If this one gets a solid early pace upfront, he should be a factor at the wire. Win Contender
- 7 Consider it Done ran a huge number first off the claim for trainer Linda Rice while breaking his Maiden. Any repeat of that performance makes this Colt a player here. Don’t Ignore
Selections 6-2-7-3
Belmont at the Big A Race 7
- 1 Marco T makes her second start off the layoff after finishing an even 4th in a 5- Furlong turf sprint at Gulfstream. Filly has run well over this outer turf here at the Big A, winning two races and three placing in 7 starts. Win Contender
- 5 Sohanna came back off a 9-month layoff to run 9th beaten by 25 lengths. I’m going to draw a line through that effort as this gal had a rough trip and was coming in here off the extended layoff. Filly’s lone turf attempt was a solid 4th versus much tougher in the NY Stallion Stakes Series in 2024. Live Longshot
- 9 Kerry has been facing better and sports a decent record over this turf course. Don’t Ignore.
Selections 1-5-9-4
Churchill Downs Race 7
- 5 Two Eagles River is in a new barn after getting claimed for 50 large after defeating a weaker group ,3 weeks ago. Gelding steps up in class here but has put together two solid races in a row and 3 of his 4-lifetime wins have come right here at Churchill. I like his chances today. Top Pick
- 6 Attache ran a solid second last out off a mild layoff and fits well here as he makes his second start off the bench for trainer Chris Hartman. The gelding is a 4-time winner over this main track here at Churchill. Win Contender
- 8 Cat on Time enters here in fine form after winning back-to-back races while climbing the class ladder. Major Threat
Selections 5-6-8-3
Churchill Downs Race 8
- 2 Paynt Ya Later looked like a different horse when the trainer Ed Moger Jr switched surfaces to the blades. Filly set some sharp fractions early and was game to the wire while defeating a large field of 12 ,80k Allowance/ Optional/2x types. Win Contender
- 6 Crown Imperial exits from a solid second-place finish in a Grade 3 here at this distance. Filly should be sharp in here as she makes her third start of the form cycle. Win Contender
- 7 Bling is another in here making her third start off the bench. This gal will be motoring late. Major Player
Selections 2-6-7-8
