How to bet Churchill Downs on Opening Night

The opening of the Spring Meet at Churchill Downs is Saturday night, which means a most highly-anticipated renewal of the Kentucky Derby (G1) is edging closer and closer.

First things first, though, and there are 10 races to take a gander at under the Louisville lights. Here are some horses of interest.

Race 4 -- #4 SOUTHERN WILD (9-2) was seemingly compromised by soft ground and a ridiculously slow pace earlier this month at Keeneland. Comeback at Gulfstream in February from a long layoff is something he can build on, and note he faced some good ones last year such as Nessy and Giant Payday. Can move forward here for trainer Rusty Arnold.

Race 6 -- #6 CHANTMEUPBABY (6-1) has run some good ones over this turf albeit at lower levels. Note, though, his one try at this condition around this time last year was compromised by a troubled start. Caught off tracks in three of his four starts at Oaklawn, but should be plenty fit from the wintertime activity and has shown versatility in running style on the grass.

Race 9 -- A lot of speed in the featured William Walker Stakes. Though he concedes some class and five furlongs might be a tad short for him, the potential pace scenario looks favorable for #4 ELUSIVE MISCHIEF (10-1), who aired in a Fair Grounds maiden last month and was troubled when trying the dirt at Keeneland on April 7. Back to what he does best here -- sprinting on the turf.

Be sure to take advantage of TwinSpires.com's Opening Night Bet Back offer. Opt in, bet at least $50 on the card, make a Win bet on a single horse or entry in fields with seven or more runners, and get back up to $5 per race if the horse you bet to Win finishes second.

(Coady Photography)