Free Horse Racing Picks for Thursday

Early post time 11:15 am. Happy Thanksgiving!

📖🏇 Handicapping with Tom: "The Class Drop Advantage"

When analyzing a race, pay attention to horses dropping in class. A horse stepping down from tougher competition often finds itself facing easier rivals, making it a prime contender. Look for runners who have shown flashes of potential in previous starts but struggled to finish strong—today’s lighter competition could be the key to unlocking their best performance. Combine this with sharp recent workouts, and you might just spot a value play for your tickets.

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🏇🏇Free Picks for Thursday

Churchill Downs Race #6
#6 Idratherbeblessed (7-2)

  • Jockey: Rafael Bejarano (14% in 2024)

  • Trainer: Chris Hartman (17% in 2024)

  • TimeformUS Pace: Early 88, Late 76

  • Last Beyer: 89

  • Running Style: Stalker

Comes in with excellent current form, just missing last time when second in a tough optional claimer over this course missing by a nose. Has tactical speed and can adapt to any pace scenario, which will be crucial in a race filled with early speed types. Hartman is having a strong meet and this gelding shows a strong affinity for the Churchill turf course, having hit the board in 2 of 3 starts here. Recent works show maintenance pattern and readiness.

#4 Better Bet (3-1)

  • Jockey: Tyler Gaffalione (17% in 2024)

  • Trainer: Kent Sweezey (13% in 2024)

  • TimeformUS Pace: Early 10, Late 121

  • Last Beyer: 85

  • Running Style: Closer

Deep closer who has found his best stride lately, rallying for third in a strong allowance race last out. The projected honest pace should set up well for his late kick. Gaffalione, who rides well for this barn, picks up the mount. Has shown steady improvement in recent starts and appears to be peaking at the right time.

#1 Clyde's Got a Gun (8-1)

  • Jockey: Emmanuel Morales (13% in 2024)

  • Trainer: Helen Pitts (13% in 2024)

  • TimeformUS Pace: Early 38, Late 120

  • Last Beyer: 86

  • Running Style: Closer

Another strong closer who should benefit from the expected pace scenario. Comes off a solid second in similar company and has been consistently competitive at this level. The inside draw should help him save ground for his late run.

#3 Camp Hope (8-1)

  • Jockey: Brian Hernandez Jr. (16% in 2024)

  • Trainer: Mike Maker (15% in 2024)

  • TimeformUS Pace: Early 78, Late 93

  • Last Beyer: 82

  • Running Style: Stalker

Maker excels with turf runners and this one shows back class. Has tactical speed to work out a good trip and comes off some competitive efforts against similar. Could improve in third start off the layoff.

GULFSTREAM PARK 5TH RACE

#9 Orderofthephoenix (7-2)

  • Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr. (20% win in 2024)

  • Trainer: Mark Casse (18% win in 2024)

  • Jockey/Trainer Combo: 23% win in 2024

  • TimeformUS Pace: Early 71, Late 85

  • Beyer Speed Figure (Last Race): 80

  • Field Beyer Average: 74

  • Running Style: Stalker

Comment: Orderofthephoenix comes off two competitive allowance efforts, demonstrating consistency and late kick. The highest late-pace figure in the field positions her well to capitalize if the early pace collapses. The Casse-Ortiz combination is particularly strong, and her 80 Beyer stands out as a top contender in this group.

#2 Tiffany Gold (9-2)

  • Jockey: Emisael Gonzalez (19% win in 2024)

  • Trainer: Victor Barboza Jr. (21% win in 2024)

  • Jockey/Trainer Combo: 26% win in 2024

  • TimeformUS Pace: Early 105, Late 51

  • Beyer Speed Figure (Last Race): 87

  • Field Beyer Average: 74

  • Running Style: Speed

Comment: Tiffany Gold early pace figure of 105 suggests she will be prominent early, and she has shown resilience in maintaining position. The Barboza-Gonzalez pairing excels in similar scenarios, adding confidence to her chances.

#11 Miyako (4-1)

  • Jockey: Edgard Zayas (19% win in 2024)

  • Trainer: Brian A. Lynch (17% win in 2024)

  • Jockey/Trainer Combo: 17% win in 2024

  • TimeformUS Pace: Early 98, Late 66

  • Beyer Speed Figure (Last Race): 85

  • Field Beyer Average: 74

  • Running Style: Speed/Presser

Comment: Miyako comes off a sharp maiden win, showing a strong Beyer of 85. She has the tactical speed to stay near the lead and finish well. Zayas and Lynch form a solid combination, making her a contender at fair odds.

#8 Breezero (8-1)

  • Jockey: Edgard Zayas (19% win in 2024)

  • Trainer: Saffie Joseph Jr. (25% win in 2024)

  • Jockey/Trainer Combo: 56% win in 2024

  • TimeformUS Pace: Early 91, Late 55

  • Beyer Speed Figure (Last Race): 74

  • Field Beyer Average: 74

  • Running Style: Speed/Presser

Comment: Breezero’s strong connections and recent consistency make her a logical player in this field. While her Beyer figures are slightly below the top two, her versatility in running style and the high win rate for the Joseph-Zayas pairing suggest she’s worth consideration.