Two spot plays to get the holiday weekend going.
Churchill Downs Race 5 2:45 EST This is my “Joe Talamo Spotlight Horse of the Day” play, as skinny Joe gets aboard 1 Monologue. Out of Runhappy, he tried the turf last time out at Keeneland and was no threat. Two back, he won on the synthetic track at Turfway Park. This race today was to be run on the turf course, but Monologue stays in the field despite it being moved to main track. Trainer Thomas Drury, Jr. probably likes his chances with the class drop, so I’m inclined to bet this horse across and include in any exotics.
The play: 1 across, 1,6,13 exacta box
Lone Star Park Race 4 8:59 EST The 8 Eagle Cat drops in for Steve Asmussen and family here. The winningest trainer in North America puts his horse in the right spot to romp. Not a whole lot to it here; Stewart Elliot gets back in the irons to break this 3YO filly’s maiden.
The play: Win bet on the 8