Horses from 30 different tracks are shipping in to Louisville on Saturday afternoon for another edition of the Claiming Crown. With eight races and 121 horses entered, the wagering promises to be fantastic at 1/ST BET and Xpressbet, especially with a promotion to add to the fun. Simply, move to the promotions page or tab on your app, register for the “Claiming Crown Winnings Boost” and automatically receive a 20% boost on your total win payouts on Saturday at Churchill Downs up to $20 per player. Here are a few horses I plan to hopefully get the Win boost on at my old stomping grounds.


Race 3: Chilukki (G3)

Prior to the Claiming Crown races, the racing office at Churchill Downs has rewarded us with a high-quality event for fillies and mares over their one-mile dirt configuration. Godolphin’s #7 Ragtime was made the 8-5-ML favorite by oddsmaker Mike Battaglia off of her half-length defeat last out in the Raven Run (G2). The Union Rags filly is less than a length away from being a perfect 5 for 5, but her running style might not be ideal given the likely race shape. I prefer #6 One Magic Philly. The John Gallegos homebred got off to a strong start to her career out west before tackling some of the best female sprinters in the country this summer. The daughter of Good Magic moved into the Brendan Walsh barn prior to her last start, was hammered on the tote board, and took advantage of a favorable trip to beat a next out winner by a length in the end. One Magic Philly projects to get another great trip off of the likely pace setter #2 Shred the Gnar. I expect her to be tough to hold off in her first start over the Churchill Downs main track.

Play: #6 One Magic Philly (3-1 ML)


Race 10: Claiming Crown Jewel

The featured event on the Claiming Crown slate is contested at 1 1/8-miles over the main track and there appears to be quite a bit of early speed signed on. The pace is even more likely to heat up since #1 Gilded Craken is down on the inside, while #10 Bernin Hot and #13 Point Dume are likely to be sent aggressively from their outside posts. This should work out perfectly for #2 Cadet Corps. The son of Will Take Charge has been freshened up by trainer Kelly Breen after a strong summer in the mid-Atlantic that included a pair of victories from off the pace. The 6YO gelding has won 15 of 41 starts throughout his career and drew kindly in the 2-hole. Jockey Junior Alvarado should be able to save ground early, angle out, and run this field down late at hopefully a playable price.

Play: #2 Cadet Corps (6-1 ML)


Race 11: Claiming Crown Tiara

I will move to the lawn for my play of the day, which is contested at 1 1/16-miles over the Churchill lawn. #3 Risk Manager and #9 Echo Lane bring the strongest resumes in and are likely to take the most public support, but do not overlook #4 Nantasket Beach. The son of Street Boss took a shot against top tier allowance horses in Saratoga this summer and while he did disappoint, perhaps the effort was not quite as poor as it looks on paper. Not only, did the winner cruise on an uncontested lead, but he also rode a good rail, while Nantasket Beach was caught wide much of the way. Trainer Lauren Robson has freshened up her trainee in hopes he can get back to his dominant win over this course back on May 25. The price should be right to gamble that he can in the Saturday finale.

Play: #4 Nantasket Beach (8-1 ML)