Hanson: Handicapping Churchill Downs on Oct. 31

The sun was back shining in Central Kentucky on Friday afternoon after a number of cloudy and often wet days, which should give the Churchill Downs turf course a chance to dry out ahead of the weekend's action.

With plenty of wagering options throughout Saturday's 10-race card, we'll focus on a Pick 3 on the back half of the card.

Churchill Downs Pick 3

Race 7

This 1 3/8-mile grass allowance includes #8 VALUE ENGINEERING (2-1), who's won or placed in all seven starts to date for trainer Chad Brown, but also looking good is #1 BOURBON IN MAY (3-1), who's won twice since being claimed by Mike Maker and can turn in an effective closing kick with the right setup. The stakes-placed 3-year-old #2 KINENON (5-1) has room for improvement after looking uncomfortable in spots over the Kentucky Downs turf last time. A son of Empire Maker, he should appreciate the added distance.

Race 8

#8 AMUSING ANTICS (2-1) ran too good to lose in her debut during Derby week, racing close to a fast pace and just failing to hold after taking a brief lead. Out of a half-sister to sprint champion Covfefe, she can best this group comprised mostly of first-time starters.

Race 9

This stakes-quality allowance over 1 1/16 miles features two Brad Cox runners, #4 M G WARRIOR (12-1) and #11 PLAINSMAN (10-1), returning from extended layoffs. M G Warrior has fired fresh over this track before, where he owns a rock-solid 4-2-2-0 mark, while Plainsman had won three straight prior to leaving the Cox barn for the first time, including the Discovery (G3). #8 CAPTIVATING MOON (5-1) didn't fire his best in the Fayette (G2) at Keeneland last time, but is generally more in the mix under the Twin Spires.

Here's the $1 ticket:

• 1,2,8 with 8 with 4,8,11 = $9