A pair of Churchill Downs picks for Thursday, May 28
Racing at Churchill Downs. (Photo by Coady Photography)
May 28th, 2020
Churchill Downs is back for another week of racing, and we have you covered for Thursday's action under the Twin Spires.
Here are two selections to hopefully build your bankroll.
Race 6: #4 Clear for Action
The English Channel gelding will return to turf in Thursday, after an off-the-turf try on the main track May 16.
The 5-year-old did not fare well. He set the early pace, weakened to be beaten 30 lengths in last, and jockey Brian Hernandez took care of Clear for Action when it became clear the gelding was not going to factor in the outcome.
The performance appears to have taken little out of Clear for Action, as trainer Eddie Kenneally has wheeled his pupil back 11 days later, and the bay ran big in his last appearance on Churchill Downs’ turf course, when he posted a frontrunning victory in June against $40,000 claiming rivals.
CLEAR FOR ACTION trained by Mike Maker and ridden by Corey Lanerie took the closer at Churchill Downs. That was our 495 win at the track. pic.twitter.com/MR0y4GjLVG
— Ramsey Farm (@Ramsey_Farm) June 21, 2019
I like how he performed at Fair Grounds over the winter, including a win over claiming foes and a respectable fourth in an entry-level allowance, and Clear for Action drops back down for a $40,000 claiming tag Thursday.
A couple other rivals possess some tactical foot, but Clear for Action looks like the speed of the speed. Hernandez has retained the mount, and Clear for Action can prove best on the front end.
Race 10: #4 Quarterback Dak
The Alternation gelding will make his third start in this $30,000 maiden claiming event, after he placed in a pair of races at the same level at Turfway Park.
Trainer Wesley Ward is off to a good start at the Churchill Downs spring meet, with a 2-4-3 record from 13 starts, and Quarterback Dak adds the services of hot jockey Gerardo Corrales (2-3-2 in nine starts).
The top choices on the morning line appear vulnerable, and Quarterback Dak (listed at 10-1) has displayed a nice stretch kick. He has registered Brisnet Late Pace numbers in the 90s in both starts.
He will look to establish good positioning during the early stages, and the lightly raced gelding can finish fastest of all.
The Kentucky Derby returns to Churchill Downs on Saturday, Sept. 5.
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