BetAmerica’s horse racing pick of the day: May 22, Churchill Downs

Weekday picks and plays for Thoroughbred racing.

Friday, May 22

Churchill Downs, Race 9: Allowance/Optional Claiming (1 mile on turf, 5:12 p.m. ET)

#8 Silver Kitten (3-1 on the morning line) has figured out a winning formula for ultra-hot trainer Danny Gargan, who is striking at a 36% rate this year.

Silver Kitten has won three of her four starts since the end of November, culminating with a frontrunning allowance win going 1 1/16 miles at Gulfstream Park, and her lone defeat during this time frame came when she battled to a runner-up effort in Gulfstream’s Honey Fox (G3).

A daughter of Kitten’s Joy, Silver Kitten was beaten just a head in a Churchill Downs maiden race on Derby Day last year, which shows an affinity for the local course. That isn’t surprising, because the progeny of Kitten’s Joy have historically fared well at Churchill, so let’s count on Silver Kitten’s frontrunning speed to carry the day.

$25 to win on #8 Silver Kitten

Good luck!