Churchill Downs pick of the day, May 30

Saturday’s 11-race program at Churchill Downs features a pair of stakes races, the Winning Colors (G3) and Mint Julep (G3). I lean toward chalk in both events, favoring Mia Mischief in the 6-furlong sprint (Winning Colors) and Juliet Foxtrot in the 1 1/16-mile turf affair (Mint Julep), and will give some other thoughts on the program below.

Race 6: #Noble Order

A full field of 3-year-olds will contest the sixth race, an entry-level allowance at 1 1/8 miles on turf, and #6 Noble Order will make his second start against winners for trainer Brad Cox. Owned by Juddmonte Farms and trained by Brad Cox, Noble Order posted a sharp 3 3/4-length maiden score when switching to turf for his second career start at Sam Houston on Jan. 31. He was flattered when third-placer Instafamous, a $220,000 son of City Zip, came back to romp over maiden special weight foes the next time out for Steve Asmussen.

Listed at an appealing 6-1 on the morning line, Noble Order adds the services of Florent Geroux after passing rivals for fourth in an entry-level allowance at Fair Grounds. I’m always inclined to give maiden winners a race against winners, and Noble Order can keep moving forward with a strong showing.

Race 9: #Unaquoi

#7 Unaquoi won’t be far back stalking the speed from post 7 in the ninth race, and the 6-year-old gray exits a fine rallying second in the Claiming Crown Distaff Turf Dash at Gulfstream Park, missing by only a half-length after breaking from the innermost post. The veteran mare runs well fresh for trainer Ollie Figgins, who drops the nine-time winner in for a $62,500 tag against rivals competing for the "non-winners of two other than" allowance condition, and I like seeing Jose Ortiz pick up the mount. We may not get her 8-1 morning line, but Unaquoi looks poised for a big effort.

Race 10: #3 Twelfth Labour

Horseplayers have several option in the 10th race, an allowance/optional claiming event at 1 1/16 miles on the main track, and #3 Twelfth Labour is one to consider for all horizontal and vertical wagers. The 4-year-old gelding runs his best races under the Twin Spires, and I like the stretch out in distance for the Dallas Stewart trainee following an encouraging performance versus a strong field at Fair Grounds. Twelfth Labour is listed at 30-1 on the morning line, and Joe Talamo sticks with the intriguing price play.

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The Kentucky Derby returns to Churchill Downs on Saturday, Sept. 5.