September 18, 2020

Free Horse Racing Picks at Churchill Downs – Friday September 18

Racing Handicapper Tom Dodd previews the meet at Churchill Downs and finds three picks at the Kentucky venue.

Churchill Downs R4

Races one to three on the card are likely to feature short-priced favorites, so we’re waiting till race four before suggesting a wager. COULD YOU is the wager in question. The three-year-old took a while to find her feet as a young horse, but has improved with every run in her short career and the win over track and trip last time out suggests that she’s one to follow. Today’s race is no doubt tougher but with more progression sure to come, she can step up and win under Miguel Mena.

Churchill Downs R7

Betting in a race full of unraced two-year-olds is always tricky, especially one with so much potential on show, but it’s hard to resist the claims of INSPECTOR FROST here. The well-bred newcomer is very likely to revved up on debut and is related to some prolific winners. Godolphin and Brad Cox team up here and they’re formidable connections to bet against.

Churchill Downs R10

Sticking with the two-year-olds in the last race and this time we’re going for one with experience. HIDDEN STASH gets the nod and looks a good bet to step up considerably from his debut effort. Victoria Oliver’s juveniles tend to get better with racing and after a solid effort first time out when relatively unfancied, Hidden Stash can put his experience to good use and burn off the newcomers.

Ready for more expert analysis? Our lead analyst Matt Bernier has picks over on our Expert Picks section all the way through the weekend. He’s struck with more winners on Wednesday and Thursday so don’t sleep on his picks!