How to bet the Claiming Crown Emerald

The final race of the 26th edition of the Claiming Crown at Churchill Downs on Saturday is the $175,000 Emerald, which attracted a full and talented group for the 1 1/16-mile event. 

Emerald Wagers

• $5 exacta key box 8 with 3,10 ($20)
• $1 trifecta 8 with 3,10 with all ($20)
• $.50-cent trifecta 3,10 with 8 with all ($10)\

Louisville S. (G3) winner #8 Sugoi (2-1) is the obvious one to beat for trainer Mike Maker. The son of Karakontie has come out on top in five of his last nine efforts dating back to last campaign, and the seven-year-old has gone to a new level since being claimed by this outfit in April. His Louisville win on this surface was followed by a fine runner-up effort in the Chorleywood S. behind Webslinger beneath the Twin Spires, and he has recorded fifth-place results in the Arlington Million S. (G1) and Sycamore S. (G3) in his last two efforts. 

Sugoi seems to do his best work at marathon trips, however, and there is a level of concern with him cutting back sharply in distance after his 12-furlong run at Keeneland last time out. The bay gelding is a must use, nonetheless, but he could be ripe for an upset with Jose Ortiz in the silks. 

I feel that two runners have a chance to get the job done in the tilt, including Canadian invader #10 Journeyman (4-1). Trained by Michael Wright, the son of Animal Kingdom has been consistently solid for some time and had a nice prep for this when missing by a half-length in an allowance contest at Woodbine at the one-mile distance. Kentucky-bred bay has a versatile running style, is a two-time winner at the trip, and he should receive a clear voyage from the 10 post slot, as well. Christian Torres inherits the ride. 

#3 Tidal Forces (15-1) hasn’t won since February, but the Fernando Abreu charge is a talented gelding who has been facing some good ones in the Empire State as of late. He was stuck behind a slow early tempo at Aqueduct last time when fourth and could be rounding up to a peak showing third time off the short absence. This dark bay son of Malibu Moon, who missed by a neck in the Appleton S. in March, has speed to his inside and could sit an advantageous trip with Rafael Bejarano in the silks.