Churchill Downs: Selections for Eight Belles, Edgewood, and Twin Spires Turf Sprint

The $1.25 million Kentucky Oaks (G1) headlines a fantastic six-pack of graded stakes races at Churchill Downs on Friday. I will analyze and give my selections for a trio of the marquee events happening on the day beneath the Twin Spires.

Eight Belles (G2)

A 7-furlong event for 3-year-old fillies is led by a pair of ultra-impressive ladies, including the once-beaten #7 Four Graces (7-5). Ian Wilkes pupil was a facile winner of the Dogwood (G3) on the course two back, prior to posting a convincing tally in the Beaumont (G3) at Keeneland. She is my top pick.

I am also giving a chance to #6 Perfect Happiness (8-1) as the value play. Larry Jones trainee was a dominant allowance heroine at Ellis Park in her most recent endeavor, and the daughter of Majesticperfection has trained well at this locale since late May. Bay moves up a good deal if there is moisture in the ground on Friday.

Edgewood (G2)

Turf test for sophomore fillies attracted a field of eight led by the sensational #3 Sharing (6-5). Trained by Graham Motion, the reigning Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1) heroine makes her first appearance following a fine second in the Coronation (G1) at Royal Ascot. Daughter of Speightstown was a sharp winner of the Tepin S. over this course in May, and the Edgewood goes through her and regular pilot Manny Franco.

I will be playing the formidable favorite on top of #8 Walk in Marrakesh (6-1). The Ignacio Correas pupil has been runner-up in her last trio of graded stakes affairs and should get a healthy pace to rally into from the outside post. Javier Castellano picks up the mount.

Twin Spires Turf Sprint (G2)

An overflow field of 15 is signed on for the Friday finale going 5 1/2 furlongs on the lawn. I am going to swing for the fences with #8 Just Might (30-1) at boxcar odds. Michelle Lovell trainee lacks the credentials of many in the cast, but the gelded 4-year-old was a sharp second on the course two back and could be dangerous with a similar effort on Friday. Chestnut comes in fresh with a smart half-mile spin on the Churchill lawn, and he could enjoy a nice voyage while getting first run on the deep-closing types under Colby Hernandez.