Churchill Downs: Stakes spot plays for Kentucky Oaks day

The Kentucky Oaks (G1) isn’t the only high-profile race scheduled for Friday at Churchill Downs. Five other graded stakes are on the agenda, arranged in consecutive fashion for the benefit of multi-race bettors.

To build our bankroll for the Kentucky Oaks, let’s play four of the undercard events on a $100 budget:

Race 8: Eight Belles (G2, 3:05 p.m. ET)

#1 Mundaye Call (6-5) dominated the Audubon Oaks by 7 1/4 lengths. #7 Four Graces (7-5) scored back-to-back wins in the Dogwood (G3) and Beaumont (G3). Both are accomplished 7-furlong specialists, and they figure to run 1-2 while sticking to their preferred distance in the Eight Belles.

I’ll give the edge to Mundaye Call, who posted a massive 107 Brisnet Speed rating in the Audubon Oaks. If she breaks sharply from the rail, this speedy daughter of Into Mischief can seize command and never look back. We’ll play her on top in the exotics and single her to kick off a Pick 3.

$20 Exacta: 1 with 7
$10 Trifecta: 1 with 7 with 5
$10 Pick 3: 1 with 3 with 6

Race 9: Edgewood (G2, 3:40 p.m. ET)

#3 Sharing (6-5) posted a sharp victory in the 2019 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1) and has been just as strong in 2020. The daughter of Speightstown kicked off the season with a victory in the 1-mile Tepin S. at Churchill Downs, then traveled to Royal Ascot and finished a game second in the prestigious Coronation Cup (G1).

Sharing will stick to a mile for the Edgewood and boasts a significant class edge over her seven rivals. We’ll single Sharing to start a Pick 4 play ending with Gamine in the Kentucky Oaks (G1).

$15 Pick 4: 3 with 6 with 8 with 5
$5 Pick 4: 3 with 6 with 2 with 5

Race 10: Alysheba (G2, 4:15 p.m. ET)

Four-time Grade 1 winner #2 McKinzie (8-5) dominated this race last year, but the 5-year-old son of Street Sense has seemed less formidable this season and enters the Alysheba off a two-month layoff.

As a result, #6 By My Standards (7-5) looms as the favorite. The improving 4-year-old has posted three straight triple-digit Brisnet Speed ratings, including a 107 when second in the Stephen Foster (G2) over this track in June. There isn’t a ton of pace in the Alysheba field, so By My Standards—with his blend of tactical speed and finishing power—should sit a perfect trip stalking the leaders before bouncing in the homestretch.

#5 Mr Freeze (6-1), winner of the 2019 Ack Ack (G3) at Churchill Downs, can fight for the minor awards with Stephen Foster third-place runner #1 Silver Dust (12-1) and 2019 Clark H. (G1) runner-up #3 Owendale (6-1).

$5 Exacta: 6 with 1,3,5 ($15)
$2.50 Trifecta: 6 with 1,3,5 with 1,3,5 ($15)
$7 Pick 3: 6 with 8 with 5
$3 Pick 3: 6 with 2 with 5

Race 11: La Troienne (G1, 4:50 p.m. ET)

#8 Monomoy Girl (4-5) is 4-for-5 at Churchill Downs, winning the 2018 Kentucky Oaks (G1) and Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1) on her way to champion 3-year-old filly honors. Conditioned by high-percentage trainer Brad Cox, Monomoy Girl missed the 2019 season but is 2-for-2 this year, most recently defeating next-out Personal Ensign (G1) winner #2 Vexatious (4-1) by two lengths in the Ruffian (G2).

With her tactical speed and pure class, Monomoy Girl is the mare to beat in the La Troienne. But since she’s stretching out around two turns for the first time since November 2018, we’ll back her up with Vexatious in multi-race wagers.

Good luck!