After a Saturday of stakes action in Louisville, the second week of the September meeting at Churchill Downs concludes this afternoon with a 9-race card led by a pair of allowance events late in the day. Here are a trio of horses I like and will build my wagers around as part of what should be a fun Sunday at 1/ST BET and Xpressbet.


Race 4

This MSW event for 2YOs at 1 1/16-miles over the Churchill lawn features a number of runners coming off starts at Kentucky Downs that make sense. This includes 7-2-ML favorite #2 Like Water for trainer Joe Sharp, 4-1-second choice #10 Very Connected for Kenny McPeek, and #5 Thesheriffisnear for Bill Mott. All have the experience edge over my play for big-name barns, but hopefully coming in fresh versus a run over the unique configuration in Franklin, KY proves valuable.

#3 Good Willie debuts for trainer Norm Casse and Small Batch Thoroughbreds. The Hard Spun colt is out of a Birdstone mare that has produced a pair of six-figure earners, including Hard Legacy, a filly that won two starts going long on the turf to kick off her career. Good Willie is not only a full-brother to Hard Legacy, but is conditioned by the same barn. He comes in off a steady series of drills over the main track and draws favorably along the inside. Hopefully, he runs a lot like his big brother at first asking!

Play: #3 Good Willie (8-1 ML)


Race 7

This high-level maiden claimer at the tricky 6.5-furlong distance over the main track kicks off the final Pick 3 of the weekend where I like the chances of #1 Arthur Jr. The son of Authentic has been knocking on the door this summer against protected maidens at Horseshoe Indianapolis, but has been unable to break through. This includes a pair of career best efforts in his two most recent starts. Last out, he got a great trip and ran a winning race, but ran into a good-looking first-time starter for the Larry Rivelli barn that went off at 6-5 and ran an 86 Beyer in victory. Arthur Jr returns to the Blue Grass, drops in for a tag for the first time, and attracts Luis Saez. Hopefully, Saez can get him to the front or work out a comfortable pocket trip in this gelding’s first start under the twin spires.

Play: #1 Arthur Jr (4-1 ML)


Race 8:

There is not a lot of speed signed on in the Sunday feature at 6-furlongs over the main track, which could make #5 Hillerito tough to catch. The Army Mule mare began her career with 3 wins in 4 starts in Ohio and West Viriginia for former trainer Eric Reed and is quick early. She moved into the David Jacobson barn before her last start at Ellis Park and proceeded to earn a career best figure on all metrics when taking advantage of a favorable inside trip on the front end. She will take some catching in her first start at Churchill Downs, but I think #3 Sam’s Treasure has a good shot to run her down. The Munnings filly made 9 starts in the Wesley Ward barn, including an off the pace win over this track on June 5. After her victory, the 4YO filly was sold at the FTK Horses of Racing Age sale for $270k to Corser Thoroughbreds and trainer Paulo Lobo. Lobo has given his new acquisition time and she comes in off a strong series of drills at the Thoroughbred Training Center. If she can build off of her last start, she has a big shot to run them down once again.

Play: #3 Sam’s Treasure (9-2 ML)