Churchill Downs: Single 6, Super Hi-5 carryovers up for grabs Oct. 28

The upcoming racing week at Churchill Downs kicks off on a high note Wednesday. Two enticing carryovers are on the agenda, which provides bettors with opportunities to vie for bonus-infused payoffs.

The 20-cent Single 6 Jackpot gets underway in Race 5 with a carryover of $41,919. The key to hitting the jackpot is to hold the only winning ticket. Otherwise, a portion of the jackpot will be dispersed among all winning bettors and the remainder will carry over to Thursday’s card.

Finding longshot winners is the key to distinguish your tickets from logical but favorite-laden combinations unlikely to win the full jackpot.

Race 7 seems like a good place to start in the search for live longshots. The 1 1/16-mile turf maiden race has drawn 17 entries, with a maximum of 10 allowed to start.  The race came up pretty light on paper, considering none of the runners in the main body of the field have reached the 82 Brisnet Speed rating plateau that stands as par for the class level and distance.

One could do worse than take a shot with #2 Big Power Red (15-1), who will switch to turf, after he finished a deceptively good fifth in his debut on dirt at Keeneland. The chestnut colt broke slowly but rallie to finish fifth, just six lengths behind the winner, and earn a 75 Brisnet Speed rating. If he handles turf, Big Power Red can contend at a price.

The Single 6 concludes in Race 10, an $8,000 claiming race in which a $2,991 Super Hi-5 carryover is up for grabs. Since Race 10 plays a part in both carryovers, identifying the winner will be critical.

#6 Drink (9-5) looms as a deserving favorite for trainer John Ortiz. The 4-year-old gelding finished second by a head when competing for a $10,000 claiming tag at Churchill Downs on Sept. 24, when he earned an 83 Brisnet Speed rating, which is better than par for Wednesday’s class level and distance.

Although Drink was subsequently beaten (seventh place) in a $20,000 claiming event at Keeneland, Ortiz wins at a 22% rate with runners who down multiple claiming levels, so Drink figures to rebound against easier company.

With his tactical speed and ideal post draw, Drink is clearly the runner to beat.

Good luck!