Churchill Downs Horse Racing Picks for Wednesday 9/23/20
It's a great time to dive into horse racing, and TVG gives you the chance to do just that.
Starting at 12:45 p.m. EST, we have nine races at Churchill Downs. Using numberFire’s projections and Daily Horse Picks as a guide, here are some of the best bets.
As always, check the program for scratches and changes, and check the weather and track conditions.
(I will reference Equibase's Speed Figure in selected races, which tells you how fast a horse has been running in each of its races -- adjusted for track, distances, and conditions).
Tootsie, Race 1
TVG Racing Odds: 3/1
Race 1 is a Claiming race for fillies and mares at 1 1/16 miles. The top choice of Daily Horse Picks (DHP) is Touch Blue (5/1), followed by the favorite Tootsie (3/1).
Tootsie drops way down in class racing second off a long layoff, and DHP rates her the top speed and class in the race. She looks primed for a better run off her recent work tab. Touch Blue also drops in class and has a solid shot switching from turf back to dirt this race. Delachaise (7/2) had similar odds when finishing fifth here in June, and finished second last month at Lone Star.
Pick Up the Fone, Race 5
TVG Racing Odds: 5/2
Race 5 is the start of the Pick 5, and this 6 furlong Allowance race for fillies and mares drew nine runners. Daily Horse Picks projects Super Wonder Girl (7/2) to win and finish in front of the favorite Pick Up the Fone (5/2) and Duplicitous (4/1).
Guaranteed Tip Sheet makes Pick Up the Fone a best bet. She’s fresh off being claimed by EPT trainer Robertino Diodoro and has finished first or second in 8-of-12 starts, including her last four this year. Pick Up the Fone ran a career-best 94 speed figure a month ago when finishing second as the favorite. She can run upfront or has the tactical speed to stalk and pounce.
Duplicitous returns to Churchill Downs having won here in June with rider Tyler Gaffalione. The jockey has teamed up with trainer Brendan Walsh to win three times and finish in-the-money in seven of eight starts with Duplicitous.
Super Wonder Girl is 0-for-4 this year but has hit the board in her last two starts with an 84 speed figure. She also posted an 84 ESF when finishing second over this track a year ago.
Looking At Liberty and First Rate, Race 7
TVG Racing Odds: 2/1 and 9/2
Race 7 is a larger Claiming race at 1 1/16 miles. Both Daily Horse Picks and Guaranteed Tip Sheet project the favorite Looking At Liberty (2/1) to win. He’s hit the board in all four starts with a win, and his last race was a third-place finish, registering a career-best 91 speed figure. He drops back into the claiming ranks, and his previous two starts over this track were second-place finishes. Two recent solid morning workouts have him ready to reach the winner's circle again.
First Rate (9/2) is a top challenger, and this son of Honor Code gets class relief and fits well, having finished second, third, and fourth in his most recent starts at Saratoga. He’s in good health with improved speed figures for EPO trainer Joseph Saffie, Jr. from earlier this year.
Top trainer Mike McCarthy has Street Class (5/2) ready to run better in his second race off a long layoff. He was given a race over this track less than three weeks ago, and also posted a 100 speed figure earlier this year at Santa Anita. He’ll try to run mid-pack and make a move turning for home.
