For Saturday’s ‘Downs After Dark’ Program
Darren Roges/Churchill Downs
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Saturday’s 11-race card from Churchill Downs will feature a quartet of stakes contests led by the $300,000 Dogwood Stakes (GIII). Expert handicappers Joe Kristufek and Scott Shapiro have offered horseplayers their best bets for Saturday’s program:
Kristufek: “I like price shots in both the Bourbon Trail and Harrods Creek and I’m against Taxed in the Seneca Overnight. So, attacking the Pick 3 involving Races 7-9 seems prudent. The 1 3/16-mile distance of the Bourbon Trail will test the stamina of its competitors. He’s never run on dirt, is back quick and he appears to be class challenged but Lincoln Highway is built for this trip. He might not like the surface or be good enough, but at 15-1 it’s worth finding out. I also use two shares of Oscar Eclipse, who continues to improve, and Big Data, who has proven himself to be legit. In the Harrods Creek, I’m spreading three-deep with Determinedly, who has plenty of recent excuses, Loyal Company, who may be the most talented horse in the field, and Everso Mischievous, who should be in line for an advantageous, pressing trip. On one ticket I’ll single Poblano, who I believe is up to the class test, in the Seneca Overnight, and on my main ticket I’ll add the classy Xigera, who may prove herself to be even better on dirt than she is on turf.”
Suggested Plays:
Race 7, $2 Pick 3: 5, 6, 7 with 2, 3, 6 with 4, 7 = $36
Race 7, $2 Pick 3: 5, 6 with 2, 3, 6 with 4 = $12
Shapiro: “The final Downs After Dark card of 2023 offers horseplayers several tremendous wagering opportunities, including a Pick 5 that kicks off in Race 5. The morning line favorite in this maiden special weight event is Sahalat. The Shadwell Stable runner makes a lot of sense for trainer Todd Pletcher, but I am going to lean on Not So Holy. This Great Notion colt ran better than looks on debut when he made a middle move, but tired over a racetrack that favored inside speed. He should take a big step forward on Saturday night. I will single him, spread deep in Race 6, and use a few in each of the first three stakes races on the 11-race card.”
Suggested Play:
Race 5, 50-cent Pick 4: 7 with 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 11 with 2, 5 with 3, 6 = $36
First post Saturday is 6 p.m. and fans can watch and wager on all the action onwww.TwinSpires.com, the official wagering provider of Churchill Downs Incorporated.
The stellar program will also feature the $300,000 Bourbon Trail, $300,000 Harrods Creek and $175,000 Seneca Overnight Stakes.
Kristufek and Shapiro will preview the entire card on Churchill Downs Today which airs on the simulcast feed at 5 p.m. They will be joined on the show by paddock reporter Kaitlin Free.
Fans that are attending Downs After Dark are invited to wear their cowboy boots as Churchill Downs presents “Bourbon & Boots” where Music City meets Derby City with the perfect combination of music, bourbon, fashion and horse racing.
Louisville’s biggest “Honky Tonk” will feature music from DJ Stingy (5-8:15 p.m.) and Nashville’s Tim Cote Band with special guest Lana Scott (8:30-11 p.m.) on a stage at The Grove, which is located just inside the Clubhouse and VIP Gates.
There also will be a mechanical bull; a Tootsie’s-inspired photo booth; Nashville-inspired murals; Sherwin-Williams Sponsored Live Art; and an Old Forester Cocktail Demonstration.
General admission to Downs After Dark is $20 and includes an official program. Guests under the age of 18 will only be admitted to the track if accompanied by a parent or adult guardian. Limited premium dining packages are available starting at $84 per person. Outdoor box seats range from $25 to $35 per person. Reserved seating can be purchased online at www.ChurchillDowns.com/Tickets.
