Five trends to consider from Week 1 at Turfway Park

The four-month winter meet at Turfway Park is only one week old, but has already begun producing some interesting trends after four days of racing. It remains to be seen whether the following continues for the foreseeable future, but here are five things of which bettors should be aware from the week one action as the meet kicks into high gear.

Corrales continues to dominate in the saddle

Jockey Gerardo Corrales has been the leading rider at Turfway since the 2020-21 meet, but even he enjoyed an embarrassment of riches last week by booting home one-third of all winners last week.

Corrales had mounts in 25 of the 32 races and won aboard 11, a rate of 44%. Two were sent off at 6-1 or higher, so best to consider his mid-priced mounts as well.

Respect the Indianapolis form

Horses that made their last start at Horseshoe Indianapolis won 10 of last week's 32 races, the most of any track, and only one behind the 11 combined that last raced at either Keeneland or Churchill Downs. They paid nicely, too, with an average win payoff of $13.62.

Cowans hits with two first-time starters

Trainer Doug Cowans was 2-for-2 last week, saddling first-time starters to victory in a pair of one-mile maiden events for two-year-olds. Safe Trip Home paid a whopping $43.70 on Friday night after defeating odds-on favorite Miranda Rights, while Big Philly prevailed on Saturday for a $6.82 mutuel.

Extra consideration might be due Cowans' other first-time starters this week. They include Gracie Mansion in Wednesday night's third race and Bell Curve in Friday night's third race.

Favorites started hot and then fizzled

After post-time favorites won five of the eight races on last week's opening night program, they proceeded to win only four of the next 24. Cards will vary night to night, but in general it might pay to think outside the box.

The Pick 5 is where the money's at

Bettors looking to win a little extra holiday spending money might want to continue focusing on Turfway's Pick 5 wager, which covers the first five races every night. Although the 50-cent play chalked out on opening day for $85.40, the next three cards produced payoffs of $19,951.56, $9,086.58, and $22,252.02.

If favorites continue taking it on the chin, expect the Pick 5 to be your best shot at a year-changing score.