Churchill Downs Pick of the Week for May 1

Kentucky Derby week continues Wednesday with a 10-race card at Churchill Downs, and it's the finale that appears a highly competitive wagering event. A six-furlong, $30,000 maiden claimer for 3-year-olds and up, #6 GRAYSSHOOTINGSTAR (10-1) is an intriguing contender as he makes his first start on dirt after three grass attempts. By More Than Ready, he's out of a half-sister to multiple Grade 2 winner and Breeders' Cup Sprint (G1) runner-up Crown of Thorns and is also from the family of sprint champion Smoke Glacken. Graysshootingstar has been well supported in all three outings, missing by less than a length in his debut at Ellis Park last summer at the maiden special weight level. Dropped in for $50,000 at Gulfstream six months later, he again ran well to be third. However, he turned in a poor try when last seen March 29 at Gulfstream, retreating to the back when trying a mile for the first time. Graysshootingstar has turned in a two solid works since arriving at Churchill, adds blinkers, and returns to a distance he'll be better suited to. The surface switch might also work to his advantage. Returning to the saddle is Corey Lanerie, who rode him in his debut and has a strong record with horses trained by Eddie Kenneally.   (c) Coady Photography