Day: May 3, 2024

In the 7th race at Churchill, the G2 $750K Alysheba Stakes, the program had the winner with its first selection of #3 First Mission at 1-1. The horse had a total win probability of 26.41%, translating to theoretical odds of 5-2. The #8 horse T O Saint Denis gave First Mission a scare early on after going out to an early lead, only for First Mission to accelerate down the stretch to win. The program’s second selection, #5 Il Miracolo at 13-1, came in third after finishing with T O Saint Denis at the wire. In the opinion of this handicapper, it was highway robbery that the stewards gave T O Saint Denis the nod for 2nd when Il Miracolo was the rightful second place finisher.

In early action today at Churchill Downs on Kentucky Oaks Day, the PHW 4.3 Turf Program had the exacta with its first two selections in the $400K Sydney Unbridled Stakes in the 6th, run at 5 1/2 mi. on the turf for three-year fillies and mares, with #2 Ova Charged at 3-5 and #9 Secret Money at 9-1. Though getting off to a slow start, Ova Charged turned it on down the stretch to win by half a length over Secret Money, who had highest win percentage in the field at 29.8%. The $1 ex. paid $11.76.