After four days to recover from Kentucky Derby 152, they are back at it in Louisville on Thursday. For those in the area, Twilight Thursday is probably my favorite time to attend Churchill Downs. The time of the year and vibe are excellent and the racing is usually solid. For most of us unable to attend, fortunately we have the new 1/ST BET app to play Twilight Thursday cards on starting at 5PM eastern this week. Here are a few plays I like most on the 8-race slate.


Race 2:
There is very little speed signed on in this open $25k claimer at 1 1/16-miles over the main track, so I will take a swing with #2 Slim Slow Slider. The Vancouver gelding ships in from Florida for trainer Jose Gallegos. He stalked early and tired badly late at Gulfstream Park on March 26 and has been freshened up since. With the lack of early zip, I love the fact this 7YO attracts the aggressive riding Luis Saez for his first start over this surface. With tactical speed going shorter and an inside draw, I am hoping Saez is able to make the front, dictate terms, and have enough left late to spring the big upset. The price should be right to gamble.

Play: #2 Slim Slow Slider (15-1 ML)


Race 3:
Trainer Wesley Ward holds a strong hand in this MSW for 3YOs+ sprinting over the Churchill Downs sod. Ward enters both 2-1-ML favorite #4 Gypsy Art and 3-1-second choice #3 Ink Lies, but both have questions to answer. Gypsy Art did not have an ideal trip in his return race at Keeneland in mid-April, but is likely to offer little value despite failing the public already at 7-2 or lower four times, while Ink Lies is a 5YO making just his fourth career start. I prefer #10 Tranquillo. The pricey son of Independence Hall makes his first start outside of New Orleans for trainer Whit Beckman. Beckman debuted the colt over the main track and then tried him at two-turns over the Fair Grounds grass where he stalked early and tired late at the end of their winter meeting. I like the outside draw, cutback in distance, and move to Irad Ortiz. He should be finishing well in his first career start in Kentucky.

Play: #10 Tranquillo (6-1 ML)


Race 6:
My final play on the Twilight Thursday card comes in this second-level allowance event at one-mile over the grass where I am expecting an honest pace. I am hopeful that will benefit #3 Esmark. The son of Constitution makes his second start off the long rest after breaking slowly and failing to make a serious impression last month at Keeneland. He should move forward quite a bit with the start under his belt and success thus far over this turf course. Luis Saez was aboard in one of his two victories over the Churchill Downs sod in 2025 and takes the call for the first time since. Hopefully, he has the keys to this Vicki Oliver trainee in what should be a big effort in the second start of his 4YO campaign.

Play: #3 Esmark (10-1 ML)