Horse Racing New

• Belmont at the Big A average daily handle up 18 percent

• Aqueduct Fall meet begins with nine turf stakes over next two weeks

• Far Bridge, Big Invasion to race in 2025

• Keeneland November: Roses for Debra tops opening session at $2.4 million

CHURCHILL DOWNS FREE PICKS FOR TODAY

Race 1

Post: 1:00 PM ET Dirt

6 Furlongs | Open | 3 Year Olds And Up | CLAIMING : $80,000 | Purse: $72,000 Daily Double / Exacta / Trifecta / Superfecta / Pick 3 (Races 1-2-3) Pick 5 (Races 1-5)

• # PP ODDS Horse Jockey Weight Trainer Claim $ Med.

• 1 1 ML 5-2 On My Honor L. Saez 118 Lbs G. Foley $80,000 L

• 2 2 ML 10-1 Caper's Hooley E. Morales 118 Lbs T. Amoss $8

• 0,000 L

• 3 3 ML 10-1 Bebedouro L. Machado 118 Lbs P. Lobo $80,000 L

• 4 4 ML 3-1 Edified K. Asmussen 118 Lbs S. Asmussen $80,000 L

• 5 5 ML 9-2 Sweet as Sin E. Asmussen 115 Lbs S. Asmussen $80,000 L

• 6 6 ML 9-5 Run Jalen Run B. Hernandez, Jr. 118 Lbs J. Sharp $80,000 L

Selections 6-1-3-4 Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐

#6 RUN JALEN RUN (9-5)

Comment: Ultra-consistent performer hitting the board in 9 of 10 starts. Excellent Churchill record (4:1-1-2) and carries strongest recent form with an 82 Beyer last out at Ellis. Early speed figures suggest tactical advantage. Should be perfectly placed just off early leaders.

#1 ON MY HONOR (5-2)

Comment: Strong closing second last out at this level shows he's in peak form. Well-suited by expected hot pace scenario. Proven over the track and distance. Saez/Foley combo solid at Churchill.

#3 BEBEDOURO (10-1)

Comment: Improving speed horse who battled gamely for third last out. Could be dangerous if able to establish early lead. Offers excellent value at morning line odds given recent progression.

#4 EDIFIED (3-1)

Comment: Well-bred $650K purchase from top connections. Should benefit from expected hot early pace. Coming off a troubled trip last out where he was squeezed at start. Solid works since last race suggest readiness.

Winner #6 Run Jalen Run $4.58

Race 2

Post: 1:29 PM ET Dirt

1 1/16 Miles | Fillies and Mares | 3 Year Olds And Up | MAIDEN CLAIMING : $20,000 | Purse: $42,000 Daily Double / Exacta / Trifecta / Superfecta / Pick 3 (Races 2-3-4) Pick 4 (Races 2-3-4-5) / Super Hi-5

Selections 7-4-5-1 Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐

#7 No Show (9-5)

Comment: No Show offers a mix of tactical speed and stamina, positioning well in mid-pack to make a late run. Her most recent start was promising with a strong rally to secure second, showing improved form. Trainer Kelsey Danner has been steady with maidens, and Torres retains the mount, which should ensure a smart ride. Look for her to benefit if the early pace is solid, setting up her late-closing style. A deserving favorite in this field.

#4 Anointed of God (5-2)

Comment: Anointed of God has shown consistency in her recent form, posting competitive Beyers and maintaining a good position through races. She should be able to press the pace here, taking advantage of any slower early fractions. Given her experience and fitness, she has a chance to improve in this field, especially if the front-runners falter. Offers a bit of value relative to the favorite and could be a solid option for exactas or trifectas.

#5 Our Prayer (4-1)

Comment: Our Prayer is a deep closer with a strong late kick, as shown by her 85 late pace figure. She’ll need a well-timed move to compete here, but Hernandez’s skill in positioning closers will help her chances. Trainer Radosevich’s record in maiden claimers isn't stellar, but Our Prayer has shown enough to warrant a look, especially at decent odds. If the pace becomes contested, she could close into the money.

#1 Midway Vow (7-2)

Comment: Midway Vow may look to control the early pace, with the versatility to sit just off the lead if challenged. Her last few races have been at higher levels, and the class drop here should be to her benefit. She’s well-bred for distance, and the Asmussen barn has been known to improve horses in these claiming conditions. Expect her to be prominent early and potentially hang on for a share at a fair price.

Winner #4 Anointed of God $7.56
Second #1 Midway Vow $1 Exacta $18.62
Third #7 No Show .50 Trifecta $20.72
Fourth #5 Our Prayer .10 Super $9.20

Race 3

Post: 1:58 PM ET Dirt

1 1/16 Miles | Open | 3 Year Olds And Up | CLAIMING : $50,000 | Purse: $75,000 Daily Double / Exacta / Trifecta / Superfecta / Pick 3 (Races 3-4-5) Super Hi-5

Selections 7-1-8-2 Rating ⭐⭐⭐

#7 Gasoline (5-2)

Comment: Gasoline has been competitive at this level, with a notable 101 Beyer that stands out against the field's average. His 103 late pace figure is the highest here, indicating a strong finish, which could be advantageous if there’s a contested pace up front. His past performance at Churchill Downs includes two wins, showing a familiarity with this track. His recent 5f work at 1:02.4 suggests he's in steady form. With proven stamina and speed at this level, Gasoline has a solid setup here.

#1 Elusive Target (7-2)

Comment: Elusive Target returns with an 82 Beyer, just under the field’s average, but has shown capability to improve off a short layoff. His record includes solid figures on dirt (85 Beyer on fast track) and consistent finishes in the money at Churchill. The Maker-Ortiz combo is especially effective, hitting a 21% win rate this year.

#8 Trident Hit (5-1)

Comment: Trident Hit brings a strong Churchill record (4-for-8 at this track), backed by an 87 early pace and solid Beyer figures, including a recent 86. His running style as a presser allows him to settle behind speed horses and close strongly, which has proven effective in races at this level. The horse has three wins at the distance, showing distance preference. Trident Hit also has a recent sharp 4f work at 49 flat, indicating good current fitness.

#2 Thunderian (9-2)

Comment: Thunderian's 92 early pace figure indicates he should be forwardly placed, likely taking an early lead. His Beyer figures are slightly below the field average but sufficient to keep him competitive if unchallenged early. His recent race at Churchill resulted in a wire-to-wire win at this level, suggesting he could handle the early fractions. However, his late pace figure (70) indicates he may struggle if pressured throughout. Saez, who excels with front-running types, should keep him aggressive from the gate.

Race 4

Post: 2:27 PM ET Dirt

6 Furlongs | Fillies | 2 Year Olds | MAIDEN CLAIMING: $20,000 | Purse: $42,000 Daily Double / Exacta / Trifecta / Superfecta / Pick 3 (Races 4-5-6) $.20 Derby City-6 / Super Hi-5

Selections 8-10-5 Rating ⭐⭐⭐

#8 Streaking (3-1)

Comment: Streaking has a solid early pace figure (93), the highest in the field, suggesting she can set or press the pace effectively. Her last start at Churchill was promising, where she led and finished a close third. The class drop to a $20,000 claiming price should enhance her chances. Streaking also shows a 46 Beyer, which stands above this field's average, and with Leonard’s limited but strong win record, she looks well-positioned to control the pace here.

 #5 My Bossy Lady (5-1)

Comment: My Bossy Lady debuted in a tough maiden special weight race, where she showed good early positioning but tired late. Dropping in class to maiden claiming should place her in a more competitive spot. Her 80 early pace figure is solid, and her connections have had success with second-time starters in maiden claimers. She has upside for improvement with this class drop and can press the pace, possibly hanging on for a piece at decent odds.

Winner #8 Streaking $4.00

Race 5

Post: 2:57 PM ET Turf

1 Mile | Open | 3 Year Olds And Up | ALLOWANCE OPTIONAL CLAIMING: $175,000 | Purse: $148,000 Daily Double / Exacta / Trifecta / Superfecta / Pick 3 (Races 5-6-7) Pick 5 (Races 5-9) / Super Hi-5

Selections 1-4-2-3 Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐

#1 WADSWORTH (7-5)

Comment: Top-class performer making first start since narrow miss in Grade 1 Gun Runner last fall. Formidable record of 4 wins and 2 seconds from 10 starts includes multiple graded stakes placings. Training steadily for high-percentage Cox barn that excels with layoff runners (35%). Gets ideal setup with plenty of pace signed on and proved he can fire fresh when winning off similar layoff last year. Class stands out.

#4 CHASING THE CROWN (5-2)

Comment: Accomplished turf performer with impressive 5:3-2-0 record over local course. Last race too bad to be true when failing to fire over good ground at Keeneland. Prior form includes runner-up finishes in back-to-back Grade 2s earning competitive figures. Will be rolling late with clean trip and firm turf.

#2 MR. WIRELESS (7-2)

enters in peak form after determined win over track last out with career-best 92 Beyer. Versatile running style allows Vazquez to play the break. Boasts multiple graded stakes placings and $1.1M in earnings. Working well for high-percentage barn that's 23% with last out winners. Major player with typical effort.

#3 WARRIOR JOHNY (6-1)

Comment: Well-traveled veteran dropping from graded stakes company where he's been competitive. Sharp bullet work in :59.1 suggests maintaining form despite dull effort in Lukas Classic. Back class includes Grade 1 placing and earnings approaching $500K. Benefits from outside draw that should allow Torres to work out stalking trip. Worth including underneath at a price.

Winner #4 Chasing the Crown $4.96
Second #1 Wadsworth $1 Exacta $5.46
Third #2 Mr. Wireless .50 Trifecta $8.80
Fourth #3 Warrior Johny .10 Super  $5.64

Race 6

Post: 3:26 PM ET Dirt

1 1/8 Miles | Open | 3 Year Olds And Up | CLAIMING: $30,000 | Purse: $54,000 Daily Double / Exacta / Trifecta / Superfecta / Pick 3 (Races 6-7-8) Pick 4 (Races 6-7-8-9) / Super Hi-5

Selections 1-3-5-4 Rating ⭐⭐

#1 Sagittarius (6-1)

Comment: Sagittarius has a competitive Beyer for this level, backed by recent form that includes a solid third-place finish after being bumped at the start. Trainer Asmussen is strong with horses in claiming conditions (17%), and the tactical positioning could give him an edge if he can avoid early trouble.

#3 Roussette (4-1)

Comment: Roussette brings the highest Beyer in the field (70) and a strong late pace figure (97), indicating he’s a reliable closer. His maiden win came over this track, where he stalked well and closed decisively. His late kick will be beneficial if the pace up front is strong. Trainer Simms has had limited starts at Churchill but brings horses fit, and the jockey has a solid record with Roussette.

#5 Mo Rhodes (5-2)

Comment: Mo Rhodes offers consistency, with a 78 Beyer in recent starts, marking him as a top contender. With strong positioning early on, he should sit just off the pace. Trainer Amoss has a good win rate in similar conditions, and Mo Rhodes’ recent 4f workout at 49 flat suggests he’s sharp.

#4 Brilliant Man (7-2)

Comment: Brilliant Man possesses the strongest late pace figure in the field (112), which aligns with his recent races where he closed well to place. He struggled slightly in higher-level allowance company, but the class relief here should help. His recent Churchill efforts were credible, and Bejarano’s skill with closers boosts his chance to pick off tiring front-runners in the stretch.

Winner #3 Rousette $10.68
Second #5 Mo Rhodes $1 Exacta $18.27
Third #4 Brilliant Man .50 Trifecta $21.78

Race 7

Post: 3:55 PM ET Dirt

6 Furlongs | Open | 2 Year Olds | STARTER OPTIONAL CLAIMING: $50,000 | Purse: $72,000 Daily Double / Exacta / Trifecta / Superfecta / Pick 3 (Races 7-8-9) Super Hi-5

Selections 6-5-4-1 Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐

#6 Run Jalen Run (9-5)

Comment: Run Jalen Run displays the highest early pace figure (118), indicating a strong potential to control the race from the front. His recent Beyer of 82 is above the field average, showing competitive consistency. With a solid record on fast tracks and a reliable jockey-trainer pairing, he’s well-suited to handle the pressure if he secures the lead early. His past efforts include holding against pressure, which adds confidence to his front-running style here.

#5 Sweet as Sin (9-2)

Comment: Sweet as Sin comes off a decisive maiden win with a Beyer of 78, showing improvement and potential to handle tougher company. His pressing style should allow him to settle just off Run Jalen Run, setting him up well if the pace is strong. Trainer Asmussen has a solid record with horses making a first start after a maiden win (19%), making Sweet as Sin a prime candidate for a competitive showing.

#4 EDIFIED (3-1)

Comment: Well-bred $650K Tapit colt has faced much tougher in recent starts. Last out no factor after slow start but prior efforts include 90 Beyer that would dominate these. Gets major class relief for high-percentage barn and should sit perfect stalking trip. Regular pilot stays aboard and Churchill bullet work in :48.1 shows readiness.

#1 On My Honor (5-2)

Comment: On My Honor has proven himself competitive at Churchill, posting a 75 Beyer in his last race. His tactical versatility allows him to adjust based on pace, positioning as a stalker. Given his recent consistency and a strong finish in his last outing, he’s a reliable candidate to finish in the money. Saez’s riding skill should help maximize his trip if the leaders weaken.

Race 8

Post: 4:25 PM ET Turf

1 1/16 Miles | Fillies | 2 Year Olds | ALLOWANCE | Purse: $127,000 Daily Double / Exacta / Trifecta / Superfecta / Super Hi-5

Selections 7-3-1-8 Rating ⭐⭐⭐

#7 Sashay Away (5-2)

Comment: Sashay Away has a strong late pace (92), suggesting a closing advantage in this field. Her recent race in the G2 Jessamine Stakes was solid, and her maiden win at a similar distance indicates potential to improve here. She should benefit from a quicker pace up front, allowing her closing style to be effective. Saez has proven success with closers, making Sashay Away a key contender.

#3 Sweet Treasure (4-1)

Comment: Sweet Treasure won her debut impressively, earning a 59 Beyer on turf, which aligns with this field. Cox’s 26% win rate with 2-year-olds adds confidence, and Geroux’s skill in managing mid-pack runners will help her. She can sit close to the pace if needed, making her versatile and well-suited to handle a range of pace scenarios. Her recent 5f workout in 1:00.4 signals strong current form.

#1 Poppy the Princess (6-1)

Comment: Poppy the Princess offers competitive value with her 70 Beyer, the highest in the field. Her late pace figure (98) is the strongest here, making her a solid closer if the race pace is fast. She rallied effectively in her last allowance race at Keeneland, showing ability to make up ground. While Cannon’s win rate is lower, the trainer-jockey combo has achieved recent success, making her a value play.

#8 Indigo Stunner (8-1)

Comment: Indigo Stunner is lightly raced but showed a solid 56 Beyer in her last start, where she rallied well to win at Indiana Grand. Walsh is strong with 2-year-olds, and Hernandez’s 22% win rate is a positive. She may sit mid-pack and close into a favorable pace scenario, making her a good overlay option at 8-1.

Race 9

Post: 4:55 PM ET Dirt

1 Mile | Open | 2 Year Olds | MAIDEN SPECIAL WEIGHT | Purse: $120,000 Exacta / Trifecta / Superfecta / Super Hi-5

Selections 10-2-6-9 Rating ⭐⭐⭐

#10 ADMIRAL DENNIS (8-5)

Comment: Impressive $425K Constitution colt from powerhouse Cox barn exits strong third in debut after troubled trip. Had to check in upper stretch when full of run and still closed well for third with field-best 67 Beyer. Should improve stretching out based on pedigree and works, including a solid 5F in 1:01. Cox 28% with second-time starters. Major player with clean trip.

#2 OH MONACO (5-1)

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Comment: $650K Curlin colt shows strong series of works for debut. Dam was graded stakes winner who has produced two winners. Gets top rider Hernandez for barn that does well with well-meant first time starters. Draws well and training suggests readiness. Forward factor if ready off works.

#6 MISCHIEVOUS TIME (8-1

Comment: Makes second start after solid fifth in slop sprinting where he made steady advance through stretch. Should appreciate stretching out based on breeding and works, including bullet 5F in 1:01. Asmussen strong 17% with second time starters major threat with expected improvement.

#9 DISCOTHEQUE (10-1)

Comment: $210K Connect colt returns to mile after setting pace and fading in route try at Keeneland. Prior start can be forgiven as he was pulled up. Shows sharp series of works including bullet 5F in 1:00 at Turfway. Maker solid 17% off 45-180 day layoffs. Value player if can clear early.

 Winner #10 Admiral Dennis $3.22
Second #6 Mischievous Time $1 Exacta $9.10

Expert Aqueduct selections