BetAmerica’s horse racing pick of the day: June 5, Churchill Downs

Weekday picks and plays for Thoroughbred racing.

Friday, June 5

Churchill Downs, Race 7: Allowance/optional claiming (1 1/16 miles, 4:14 p.m. ET)

Several of the key contenders in this two-turn route for 3-year-old fillies are exiting the Fantasy (G3) at Oaklawn Park, which featured a deep and competitive field.

#4 Shedaresthedevil (3-1 on the morning line) and #2 Alta’s Award (4-1) were separated by a half-length when they finished third and fourth in the Fantasy, and considering they also ran 1-2 in the Honeybee (G3) two starts back, you can bet these accomplished fillies will receive plenty of attention in the betting.

But if you want to think outside the box, why not consider #3 Fire Coral (7-2)? Trained by Steve Asmussen, Fure Coral endured a nightmare trip in the Fantasy, when she clipped heels and nearly unseated her rider in the run to the first turn. The incident was so severe that Fire Coral wound up racing more than 20 lengths off the early lead, but she never gave up and came running late to finish fifth, just 2 1/4 lengths behind Shedaresthedevil.

Fire Coral previously won a 1 1/16-mile allowance race at Oaklawn in gate-to-wire fashion. She earned a 92 Brisnet Speed rating that ranks as the highest in Friday’s field.

As a daughter of Curlin, out of an A.P. Indy mare, Fire Coral is bred to improve with maturity, so with a clean trip, she can rebound and spring a surprise against her more heralded rivals.

$20 to win on #3 Fire Coral
$5 exacta: 3 with 2,4 ($10)
Total: $30

Good luck!