The weather folks call for clear skies and a high of 80 in Louisville on Friday. That’s good news because the best race on the Churchill Downs card is the eighth, a $75,000 event at 1 1/8 miles and we don’t want any scratches. Check out top plays and Horse Racing Odds from Churchill Downs for Friday, June 12. You can also visit our Online Racebook to place your bets on active racetracks.
Churchill Downs Horse Racing Picks
- When: Friday, June 12 at 1:00 pm ET
- Where: Louisville, KY
- Weather: Mostly Sunny
Race 6 – 3:42 pm ET – 1 Mile Turf – $62,500 Allowance
It’s difficult to understand why Mike Maker trained Caron offers 8/1 on the morning line. The Data Link sired gelding hasn’t raced since February, but that’s not it. It might be distance. Caron finished fifth in the Grade 3 William McKnight a couple of races ago. That was at 1 ½ miles. Still, we can’t look past this runner at the expected odds. And, Caron does have a win at a mile.
Mick’s Star will attempt to take this gate-to-wire. Jockey James Graham tried those tactics last time and Mick finished tenth by 7 ¼ lengths. Why will Graham try the same tactics on Friday? Mick’s Star shortens up from 1 1/16 miles and drops from a $150,000 claimer. Those two moves should give James enough confidence to send this one right to the front.
Brad Cox trained Set Piece could be a monster. We don’t know yet, which is why we can’t bet this one to win. Don’t be surprised if the Juddmonte Farms owned runner takes the victory, though. So, use on top and bottom of your exotics.
- Win: Caron
- Place: Mick’s Star
- Show: Set Piece
Race 7 – 4:14 pm ET – 6 Furlongs Dirt – $43,000 Starter Allowance
This race is way more wide-open than many might believe. He’s a Babe, at 15/1, has a real shot. The Michael Tomlinson trained runner broke its maiden on April 11. On May 23, it finished a decent fifth in an $80,000 allowance. Babe breaks on the outside of the other speed, which means jockey Corey Lanerie can make moves depending on what his competition does.
Majestic West goes into this off a maiden score. Often, that’s a recipe for disaster. Not in this case. The Phil Bauer trained runner cuts back in distance, and almost broke it’s maiden going 7 furlong gate-to-wire at Saratoga last August.
Brad Cox wins 30% first off the claim, which is why 2/1 on the morning line The Great Dansky won’t come close to offering fair odds. The Majesticperfection sired colt is a must use in the trifecta, though.
- Win: He’s a Babe
- Place: Majestic West
- Show: The Great Dansky
Race 8 – 4:46 pm ET – 1 1/8 Miles Dirt – $75,000 Allowance Optional Claiming
Two time Kentucky Derby winning trainer Nick Zito saddles Hunt the Front in this. The Revolutionary sired runner broke his maiden in his last race. But before giving up on this one, know that this race is full of speed and Hunt the Front is the best closer. We’ll back the 5/1 morning line runner to win.
At 12/1, Giocare could pull off a nice upset win on Friday. The Todd Pletcher trained runner failed in its last. That was it’s first against winners. Jockey Martin Garcia will put this one into the race as soon as the gates open.
Earner is yet another running in this after a maiden score. Trainer Steve Asmussen wins 21% with his last out maiden winners. Also, Earner broke his maiden at 1 1/16 miles. Earner offer a nice a nice 6/1 morning line. Use in all slots on your tri and super.
- Win: Hunt the Front
- Place: Giocare
- Show: Earner
