We are excited to announce a renewed partnership with the fine folks and handicappers at 1/ST BET. Jeremy Plonk and Jeff Siegel will be sharing their expertise Wednesday-Sunday on a weekly basis to pass along some ponies that they like for races at various tracks around the country, including Churchill Downs.
For this Thursday, November 14 article, we’ve got “Plonk’s Picks” for racing, featuring racing from the historic Louisville, Kentucky track.
Churchill Downs | Race 5 | 2:57 pm ET
#8 Very Bold (7-2 morning line) has absolutely no early speed but has finished with interest in both starts to date at shorter distances. The natural extension to 7 furlongs could be what he needs, and note the speed-friendly track at Keeneland last time certainly played against his style. Win bet #8.
Churchill Downs | Race 7 | 3:55 pm ET
#9 Spiced Up (6-1 morning line) ran decently in his debut before tiring late. He should benefit from that experience plus a bit shorter trip in the second appearance for trainer Bill Mott, whose horses historically get better as they progress through a few races. Mott also trained this colt’s dam (mother) to a similar Churchill Downs sprint maiden victory. Win-place bet #9.
A renowned bloodstock agent, Donato Lanni is a familiar sight at Thoroughbred auctions, regularly inspecting and later bidding on young equine prospects.
DEL MAR LEADERS (Through Sunday) Jockeys / Wins Hector Berrios / 6 Antonio Fresu / 6 Kazushi Kimura / 5 Tiago Pereira / 4 Juan Hernandez / 4 Umberto Rispoli / 4
Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert has had luck in the past in this Saturday’s feature at Del Mar, the $100,000 Desi Arnaz Stakes for 2-year-old fillies. He
Photo: NYRA / Coglianese Photo Locked, winner of an optional-claiming allowance race at Aqueduct last month in his first start of the