Every Friday and Saturday 1/ST BET handicapper Jeff Siegel offers his best wagering opportunity from a selected North American racetrack. These “Best Plays” can take the form of a win wager, exacta, trifecta, or a daily double, pick-3, pick-4 or pick-6. Selections are listed in chronological order.

Churchill Downs Race 1 - Post time: 6:00 ET
7-Roger McQueen (3-1)

This promising first-timer breezed the fastest time for the distance at the OBS March Sale when he sizzled a quarter mile in 20 2/5 seconds and then brought $530,000 through the ring. From the first crop of the multiple graded stakes winning Unified out of a stakes winning mare, the L. Rivelli trained colt is bred for speed top and bottom and has done everything asked of him while preparing for this race in a series of recent sharp drills over the all-weather track at Arlington Park. We’ll make him a win play and rolling exotic single and hope to get close to his morning line of 3-1.

Churchill Downs Race 8 – Post time: 9:39 ET
10-Big Dreaming (7/2)

Been routing on grass most of his career but today’s one-turn dirt mile should suit him perfectly, so we’re expecting a career-top performance from this speedy colt in a contentious third level allowance event. A recent bullet recent five furlong drill over the local main track should have him on edge, and based on the projected race flow, it won’t be surprising to see him on or near the lead throughout from his comfortable outside draw,. At 7/2 on the morning line the W. Catalano-trained colt is a good gamble in the win pool and in rolling exotic play.

Churchill Downs Race 9 – Post time: 10:11 ET
4-Temple City Terror (5-1)

This daughter of Temple City is bred to run all day and gets her first crack at a marathon distance in the Keertana Overnight Stakes at a mile and one-half for older fillies and mares. A one-paced grinder with an affection for the Churchill Downs grass course (two wins, one second, in three career starts), the B. Walsh-trained mare should have enough tactical speed to settle somewhere in mid-pack and then have every chance to out stay her rivals with her steady but relentless late kick. She’s listed at 5-1 on the morning line and given today’s elongated trip she’s worth a play at or near that price.