We are back for an exciting Memorial Day Weekend of racing at Churchill, as well as all across the nation. People are sure to be out in force as the pandemic seems to be loosening its grip somewhat, so remember to share the road with others and arrive alive to your destination.
Let’s hit some winners at the track and continue to try our luck with the NBA and NHL playoffs as their first round games wind down.
Race 1: Claiming
My Picks: 1,5,4
Race 2: Claiming
My Picks: 6,3,4
Race 3: MaidenMy Picks: 2,6,7
Race 4: AllowanceMy Picks: 2,8,7
Race 5: MaidenMy Picks: 5,8,7
Race 6: MaidenMy Picks: 12,2,6
Race 7: ClaimingMy Picks: 1,8,6
Race 8: AllowanceMy Picks: 6,7,5
Race 9: MaidenMy Picks: 7,8,4
Best Bets of the Day:Race 2: Claiming
I like #6 News Flash in this low level claimer. He should get out of the gate and keep close to the lead, while still be able to hold off the closers.The Bet: $20 to Win on #6
Race 4: AllowanceIan Wilkes sends out #2 Tulfarris in this one. He had a solid 3rd in his last start at Churchill, and his closing speed is the best of the bunch. There is a lot of speed up front and hopefully he can close fast and pick up this one.
The Bet: $10 to Win, $10 to Place on # 2Race 6: Maiden
My pick is #12 Played Hard trained by Pat Bauer. This filly has been oh so close in her previous two starts and has shown excellent speed. She was nipped at the wire on the last day of April here at Churchill. If she comes back as strong in this one she should graduate out of the maiden ranks.The Bet: $40 to Win on #12
Race 7: ClaimingThere is a lot to like about #1 Convection. There are also some concerns. The horse was claimed for $50,000 after a win on April 24th here at Churchill and is trained by Tom Amoss who has been on a hit streak as of late. He broke his maiden on the 11th at Keeneland by 5 lengths, plus he’s 6/1 on the morning line. So, those are all good things. The question mark is he has never run on turf and he has never been in a 5F race. This somewhat bothers me; however, I’m going to trust the connections in this one.
The Bet: $30 to Win on #1Best Sports Plays of the Day
Let’s start off with the NHL, where we have a Game 7!!Minnesota at Vegas
This is Game 7 of a classic rumble between these two teams. The Wild shut out Vegas in Game 6 to force this deciding game and for the most part have given the mighty offense of the Knights fits. They could very well pull off an upset in this one. However, Vegas has much more potential to score and being at home will be a notable advantage.The Pick: Vegas
In the NBA we have three games on the docket.LA Clippers at Dallas
This series is 2-0 in favor of the Mavs who won both games in LA. They are returning home in complete control of this series against the favored Clippers. Luka has been dominant and dropped 39 on Wednesday. The Clippers are in a must win situation or face an almost certain 1st round exit with a loss in this game. But, are they tough enough and good enough to suck it up and win a crucial game. This franchise never has been.The Pick: Dallas -2
New York at AtlantaThis is another extremely competitive series with the two teams splitting the first two games in the Big Apple. The Hawks return home and can claim the upper hand with a victory in this one over the Knicks. I think the Hawks might win but won’t cover the spread.
The Pick: New York +4.5
