Expert Selections

RACE 1#3 Rocket Time – Plenty of fuel; gets the right trip. #2 Rise Up – Distance and conditions suit; speed threat. #5 Geothermal – Loves it at CD; prefers two bends? #4 Ulanbator – Solid sprint prep; primed for better.

Joe’s SELECTIONS – 3-2-5-4

RACE 2 #8 Unexplained – Recent 3rd at OP even better than it looks. #3 Divine Interventio – Won debut despite himself; talented. #1 Street Gray – On the improve; tactical advantage helps. #2 Zapperini – Has chased some bears; awakens on drop?

Joe’s SELECTIONS – 8-3-1-2

RACE 3 #1 Seeking the Soul – Ran fast 2nd in debut; adds blinkers. #11 Grand Candy – 2nd as fave in comeback; bright future. #10 Jimbo Fallon – Invades with purpose; sharp local works. #3 Sicarius – Runner-up in both tries; on point for this.

Joe’s SELECTIONS – 1-11-10-3

RACE 4 #7 No Interest – Forgive debut; turf bred & lures JC. #11 Love the Kitten – Knocking on the door; graduates? #13 Charming Clare – Debuter rates high if draws in; Maker. #10 Tizthesound – Disappointed in last; speed can rebound.

Joe’s SELECTIONS – 7-11-13-10

By: Joe Kristufek

@JoeyDaKRacing

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KK’s Play of the DayBy: Kevin Kerstein

@HorseRacingKK

The 142nd Kentucky Derby presented by Yum! Brands – One year ago we saw an historic Kentucky Derby with American Pharoah beginning the first leg of his Triple Crown victory. Twenty three-year-olds try their hand this year to be the next Triple Crown winner. One of the more impressive Road to the Kentucky races was the Santa Anita Derby which my top selection, #11 Exaggerator, surged to victory. Since arriving in Kentucky, Exaggerator has looked great in his training and if he can repeat his effort from the Santa Anita Derby, he may get the upper hand on favorite Nyquist.

Suggested Play: #11 Exaggerator

RACE 5#12 Gotham News – Tough loss in last; ran gamely to wire. #2 Bold Conquest – Has run some big races; bring A-game. #5 Flatlined – Deceivingly good run in last; price is right. #3 Allied Air Raid – Been on vacation; watch tote for clues.

Joe’s SELECTIONS – 12-2-5-3

RACE 6 – The Churchill Distaff Turf Mile presented by Longines

#1 Tepin – One of the best turf horses in the world; edge. #4 Isabella Sings – Nearly defeated Tepin in last; might today. #8 Zipessa – Talented gal must prove she belongs with these. #9 Rainha Da Bateria – Blinkers on; best of what’s left here.

Joe’s SELECTIONS – 1-4-8-9

RACE 7 – The Churchill Downs presented by TwinSpires.com

#5 Limousine Liberal – Runs like a Ferrari; razor sharp now. #7 Holy Boss – Sharp 3rd in return run; even better today. #6 Speightster – Undefeated, but hasn’t competed since July. #4 Barbados – Proven himself to me last out; gimmicks.

Joe’s SELECTIONS – 5-7-6-4

RACE 8 – The Humana Distaff#10 Wavell Avenue – BC F&M Sprint champ ran big in return. #8 Taris – As good as she’s ever been; should relish distance. #9 Birdatthewire – Begs for a fast pace; sprouts wings late. #2 Stonetastic – Speed of the speed; threat to wire ‘em.

Joe’s SELECTIONS – 10-8-9-2

RACE 9 – The American Turf presented by Ram Trucks

#3 Converge – Visually impressive win two back; JC stays. #10 American Patriot – Serious turn of foot; storms late. #8 Shakhimat – Rates off impressive wire job; company? #6 J R’s Holiday – Proven & consistent; stretch presence.

Joe’s SELECTIONS – 3-10-8-6

RACE 10 – The Pat Day Mile presented by LG&E and KU

#11 American Freedom – Sharp debut for Baffert; how good? #13 Star Hill – Chased Derby horses; should relish this trip. #1 Discreetness – Signs of life in last; saves ground & fires. #9 Fellowship – Left out of Derby; runs along late here.

Joe’s SELECTIONS – 11-13-1-9

RACE 11 – The Woodford Reserve Turf Classic#10 Tourist – Troubled 3rd in comeback; still has upside. #12 Big Blue Kitten – Classy old-timer returns; tough to deny. #6 Slumber – Begs for a fast pace; has fired fresh before. #8 Divisidero – Won American Turf last year; legitimate older.

Joe’s SELECTIONS – 10-12-6-8

RACE 12 – The 142nd Kentucky Derby presented by Yum! Brands

#9 Destin – Right trainer, jockey, pedigree, trip & price. #13 Nyquist – Tough to ignore undefeated champion. #14 Mohaymen – Excuse Florida Derby clunker; brilliant? #15 Outwork – Short on experience, long on talent. #2 Suddenbreakingnews – Can make headlines with fast pace.

Joe’s SELECTIONS – 9-13-14-15-2

RACE 13#4 Mkubwa – Impressive debut score at OP; can repeat here. #5 Sonoma Crush – Disappointed in last with minor excuse. #6 Smart Moon – Sharp 2nd in return; another step forward? #9 Harlan Punch – Disappointed in routes; fresh & cuts back.

Joe’s SELECTIONS – 4-5-6-9

RACE 14#6 Forever d’Oro – Learned lessons in 7F debut; it’s go time. #12 Goats Town – Knocking on the door w/better for Coach. #1 Hint of Roses – Slowing putting it together; distance suits. #3 Race Me Home – On the improve; must respect the team.

Joe’s SELECTIONS – 6-12-1-3

By: Joe Kristufek

@JoeyDaKRacing