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 5 - Post time: 2:45 ET
8-Royal Prince (3-1)

Finished a non-threatening sixth, beaten more than four lengths, in the American Turf S.-G2 over the local lawn four weeks ago but ran much better than the line will show and with better racing luck would have been right there. Broke well but was guzzled back off the pace to lose early position, became trapped in traffic much of the way and then got clear too late to make any real impression. Drawn comfortably outside today and switching to F. Geroux, the B. Cox-trained colt should have clear sailing and be able to regain his stakes winning form. At 3-1 on the morning line, he’s worth a play in the win pool and in the various rolling exotics.

Churchill Downs Race 9 - Post time: 4:55 ET
1-Ready to Pounce (15-1)

Let’s try to blow up the tote board with this promising but untested 3-year-old making the leap from maidens to graded stakes company in this year’s edition of the Matt Winn S.-G3. Was visually very impressive scoring by almost five lengths at Keeneland last month while earning a speed figure that makes him very competitive right back despite the tougher assignment. If he can produce another forward move from his favorable inside draw, the son of More Than Ready should at outrun his 15-1 morning line price and maybe do a whole lot more than just that.