Thursday 5/7/26 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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Scott Shapiro: Churchill Downs Spot Plays

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May 6, 2026 | By Scott Shapiro

After four days to recover from Kentucky Derby 152, they are back at it in Louisville on Thursday. For those in the area, Twilight Thursday is probably my favorite time to attend Churchill Downs. The time of the year and vibe are excellent and the racing is usually solid. For most of us unable to attend, fortunately we have the new 1/ST BET app to play Twilight Thursday cards on starting at 5PM eastern this week. Here are a few plays I like most on the 8-race slate.


Race 2:
There is very little speed signed on in this open $25k claimer at 1 1/16-miles over the main track, so I will take a swing with #2 Slim Slow Slider. The Vancouver gelding ships in from Florida for trainer Jose Gallegos. He stalked early and tired badly late at Gulfstream Park on March 26 and has been freshened up since. With the lack of early zip, I love the fact this 7YO attracts the aggressive riding Luis Saez for his first start over this surface. With tactical speed going shorter and an inside draw, I am hoping Saez is able to make the front, dictate terms, and have enough left late to spring the big upset. The price should be right to gamble.

Play #2 Slim Slow Slider (15-1 ML)


Race 3:
Trainer Wesley Ward holds a strong hand in this MSW for 3YOs+ sprinting over the Churchill Downs sod. Ward enters both 2-1-ML favorite #4 Gypsy Art and 3-1-second choice #3 Ink Lies, but both have questions to answer. Gypsy Art did not have an ideal trip in his return race at Keeneland in mid-April, but is likely to offer little value despite failing the public already at 7-2 or lower four times, while Ink Lies is a 5YO making just his fourth career start. I prefer #10 Tranquillo. The pricey son of Independence Hall makes his first start outside of New Orleans for trainer Whit Beckman. Beckman debuted the colt over the main track and then tried him at two-turns over the Fair Grounds grass where he stalked early and tired late at the end of their winter meeting. I like the outside draw, cutback in distance, and move to Irad Ortiz. He should be finishing well in his first career start in Kentucky.

Play: #10 Tranquillo (6-1 ML)


Race 6:
My final play on the Twilight Thursday card comes in this second-level allowance event at one-mile over the grass where I am expecting an honest pace. I am hopeful that will benefit #3 Esmark. The son of Constitution makes his second start off the long rest after breaking slowly and failing to make a serious impression last month at Keeneland. He should move forward quite a bit with the start under his belt and success thus far over this turf course. Luis Saez was aboard in one of his two victories over the Churchill Downs sod in 2025 and takes the call for the first time since. Hopefully, he has the keys to this Vicki Oliver trainee in what should be a big effort in the second start of his 4YO campaign.

Play: #3 Esmark (10-1 ML)

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Brian W. Spencer's Daily Picks

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Thistledown - Race #4

#4 Imprudent	Price isn't going to be much here, but she looks likely to control the tempo here while coming out of a fading Keeneland effort. Might wake up for the new team here if nobody hassles her on the engine.
#2 Composition	That last one at Tampa would probably hit pretty hard here if she's able to run back to it, but I just worry that she's maybe going to give the top choice a decent jump into the far turn.
#1 Lady Midshipman	Mostly even efforts on her page, but she occasionally gets past a horse or two and wasn't terrible when going long in March. Not impossible, but needs a misfire or two.
Race Summary	Imprudent should be right up top with this short group, and I could see her sticking around a lot better this afternoon if the rail runner doesn't take too much interest in the early pace.

Thistledown - Race #7

#3 Country Promises	Her only route try wasn't all bad despite coming off the break, and I've always thought pretty highly of her as a reliable local type. She goes third off the bench here while stretching out again and might show up with a winning run.
#8 Candlelight Hours	She looked good in the comeback win, and she has some room to come forward in the second start off the layoff. She has handled many of these in the past and looks like the one to beat today.
#5 Az We Speak	She occasionally brings some decent finishing form that might bring her along for a piece of this if some of the tracking/chasing types don't stay on.
Race Summary	Country Promises should get a decent trip while in range throughout in a race without a whole lot of committed early pace. Could be in line for a first-jump kind of run with a ceiling high enough to handle these.

Thistledown - Race #8

#7 Munny Town	Slight edge here in what feels like a pretty fun race for the local level. He's got a little bit of outside pace that should leave him in a really good spot while racing off the bench and getting Lasix for the first time.
#6 Astro Beau	Finisher will give the top choice a pretty big head start onto the backstretch, but he looks like a good fit here and might breeze past this whole crew if he holds form off that good finishing run at Oaklawn.
#3 Whiskey Point	Another step forward in the third start back would probably put him right in the frame with the top two, but he still has some proving to do at a route trip -- both his previous two-turn tries produced fading efforts.
Race Summary	Think these are the big three, but this is a fun race where there is some exotics appeal with a horse like #5 Lookin Like Lucky, a cheap career maiden who still fits for a share. Munny Town might get the perfect run up top if the other outside speed players want to be a bit more committed to the top.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Frank Carulli's Daily Picks

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Hawthorne - Race #2

#6 HE HAS GAME (6-1)	He has some ingredients to produce a first-out victory at a decent price.
#4 KING OF SHEBA (7-2)	Zipping along in the morning, barn on 3-for-8 run with debut turf sprinters.
#8 CHIEF MORTER (3-1)	‘Sheba’ stablemate lost at 3-to-5 in debut, returns off sizzling :45-2/5 gate work.
Race Summary	HE HAS GAME debuts for trainer James DiVito, who has won with 4 of his last 11 first-out starters. His sire, Game Winner, was unraced on turf but a three-time Grade 1 winner as a 2-year-old, nonetheless. His dam, Liraz, was 0-for-8 on the grass but placed in three consecutive allowance route races. Bet to win and place and play 6-4 and 6-8 exactas.

Hawthorne - Race #3

#7 RACEDAY ATTIRE (10-1)	Could wear the longshot cape for new barn if she returns to her best form.
#3 DIAMONDS JOY (4-1)	Finished first or second in 6 of 9 starts at Hawthorne, re-awakened in latest.
#4 WAMPUS KITTEN (9-5)	Took right turn at break, soon clear on day when speed dominated.
Race Summary	Inconsistent form abounds in this 5-1/2F starter allowance. RACEDAY ATTIRE starts fresh for a new barn and has a good race to summon the last time she sprinted on Hawthorne’s main track. She finished second off similar rest and was surrounded by three $100,000 earners who stand a combined 69-16-14-11. Bet to win and place and play 7-3, 7-4 and 3-7 exactas.

Hawthorne - Race #6

#4 ALL ABOUT TONITE (8-1)	Stopped abruptly on clear lead in comeback, worth a shot at tempting price.
#5 WINNING WAYS (5-2)	Stands 30/8-3-10 when running for $5,000 or less in his career.
#1 OFF TO THE RACES (4-1)	‘Good energy’ as the beaten favorite at his best distance.
Race Summary	ALL ABOUT TONITE is the only horse in the field to win a race since November. He did it in a long sprint, pressing the dueling leaders, taking command on the turn and holding off the late-charging second favorite to prevail. He back-pedaled on a clear lead in his seasonal debut, but he’s too good to pass up at 8-1 on the morning line on the cutback to 5-1/2F. Play a 4-ALL exacta.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Hawthorne
PURCHASE

Hawthorne - Race 3	WPS /$1 Exacta/50 Cent Trifecta/20 Cent Superfecta/50 Cent Pick 3 (Races 3-4-5) 50 Cent Pick 5 (Races 3-7)/$1 Daily Double
SO $10,000 • 5 1/2 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 85 • Purse: $14,500 • Post: 3:38P
FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE STARTED FOR A CLAIMING PRICE OF $5,000 OR LESS IN 2024 - 2026 OR CLAIMING PRICE $10,000. THREE YEAR OLDS, 119 LBS.; OLDER, 125 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE APRIL 7 ALLOWED 2 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $10,000 (CLAIMING RACES FOR $5,000 OR LESS NOT CONSIDERED IN ESTIMATING ALLOWANCES) (HORSEMEN ENTERING ILLINOIS-BRED HORSES IN OPEN CLAIMING RACES WILL BE ASKED TO DECLARE THEIR CLAIMING PRICE AT TIME OF ENTRY). ILLINOIS BRED CLAIMING PRICE $15,000.

Contenders					Race Analysis
P#	Horse	Morn Line	Accept Odds		Race Type: Fast-paced Race. There are many horses that could vie for the early lead. Check on scratches of any of the Front-runners. * KEY ANGLES * WAMPUS KITTEN: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse has the highest TrackMast er Power Rating. MAMBA OUT: Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. DIAMONDS JOY: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Class Rating at the distance/surface. DIXIE PENNY: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating.
5	MAMBA OUT	6/1	9/2
4	WAMPUS KITTEN	9/5	9/2
3	DIAMONDS JOY	4/1	8/1
2	DIXIE PENNY	9/2	8/1

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P#	Horse (In Running Style Order)	Post	Morn Line	Running Style	Good Class	Good Speed	Early Figure	Finish Figure	Platinum Figure
6	LITTLE SASS	6	8/1	Front-runner	73	71	76.8	63.6	53.1
1	MISS SAIPAN	1	5/1	Front-runner	72	75	73.2	65.4	55.4
4	WAMPUS KITTEN	4	9/5	Front-runner	80	77	70.2	76.8	72.8
3	DIAMONDS JOY	3	4/1	Alternator/Front-runner	82	82	70.4	57.6	48.6
2	DIXIE PENNY	2	9/2	Stalker	80	68	66.2	65.8	58.8
5	MAMBA OUT	5	6/1	Stalker	85	77	62.0	68.0	64.0
7	RACEDAY ATTIRE	7	10/1	Alternator/Non-contender	88	72	62.8	58.8	49.3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Delta Downs
PURCHASE

Delta Downs - Race 6	Exacta/Trifecta(.50 min.)/Superfecta(.10 min.)/Daily Double(Races 6-7) ($1 min.)/Pick 3(Races 6-8)
Allowance • 250 Yards • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 79 • Purse: $12,500 • Post: 8:20P
QUARTER HORSE 250Y, FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 126 LBS.; OLDER, 128 LBS.

Contenders					Race Analysis
P#	Horse	Morn Line	Accept Odds		Race Type: Not Applicable (Quarter Horse). * KEY ANGLES * JB MS JESSLITTLESTAR: Quarter Horse has a Fast Break Style designation and no horse in a post position next to it gets out of the gate fast. ONE BIG STORM: Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. SISTAWOMAN: Quarter Horse has a Fast Break Style designation and no horse in a post position next to it gets out of the gate fast. TENTADORRA: Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. GRAND D: Quarter ho rse has the highest last race Equibase Speed Rating.
1	JB MS JESSLITTLESTAR	12/1	6/1
6	ONE BIG STORM	2/1	7/1
5	SISTAWOMAN	5/2	7/1
4	TENTADORRA	10/1	7/1
2	GRAND D	4/1	7/1

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P#	Horse (In Running Style Order)	Post	Morn Line	Running Style	Good Class	Good Speed	Early Figure	Finish Figure	Platinum Figure
1	JB MS JESSLITTLESTAR	1	12/1	Fast	81	74	3.2	0.0	0.0
2	GRAND D	2	4/1	Average	76	76	4.1	0.0	0.0
3	LACOSTA PILOTO	3	5/1	Fast	74	72	2.6	0.0	0.0
4	TENTADORRA	4	10/1	Average	79	76	3.7	0.0	0.0
5	SISTAWOMAN	5	5/2	Fast	81	73	1.2	0.0	0.0
6	ONE BIG STORM	6	2/1	Slow	79	78	7.3	0.0	0.0
7	TLC THE PILOT	7	8/1	Fast	73	68	2.7	0.0	0.0

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Camarero Race Track

PURCHASE
Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

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Race 3 - Claiming - 5.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $7500 Class Rating: 79

FOR FOUR YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD. WEIGHT, 123 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE APRIL 7 ALLOWED 2 LBS. A RACE SINCE MARCH 7 ALLOWED 3 LBS. 5# A INFERIORES Y DEBTS ALLOWED 5 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $14,000.

RECOMMENDED CHOICES
	# 1 FREE WORLD 9/5
# 4 OLAFMOON 7/2
# 3 CADILLAC COWBOY 20/1

FREE WORLD is my choice. Looks strong to be close to the lead at the first call. His 66 average has this colt with among the top Equibase Speed Figures in this race. Has been constatntly running well lately. OLAFMOON - Henriquez has him trained well to break sharply out of the gate. Had one of the top Equibase Speed Figures of this group in his last race. CADILLAC COWBOY - Has longshot possibilities and could score at high odds. A solid 76 avg Equibase class rating may give this gelding a distinct class edge against this field.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

PURCHASE





Charles Town - Race #9 - Post: 10:45pm - Maiden Special - 4.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $32,900 Class Rating: 41

Rating:

#10 LOOKINGFORAHANDOUT (ML=7/2)
#3 CANDYGRAM CAT (ML=9/2)


LOOKINGFORAHANDOUT - Rider jumped on this filly's back for the 1st ride on April 16th. Should know the equine even better this race. Was in a Maiden Special race at Charles Town last time out. That affair had a class figure of 53 and she is moving down right here in this race. A certain serious competitor. That 39 fig this filly garnered in her last affair tells me she's a major player this time out. CANDYGRAM CAT - Ran last race out against a high class rated field at Charles Town. The move down the class ladder should suit her well. When Bass gives Ebow a leg up on any magnificent animal, you got to know that with their winning percentage you have decidedly more than a fighting chance. Another way to judge class is EPS (earnings per start). This thoroughbred has the highest in the bunch. I think she'll be close at the finish. Bass gets a break on this horse carrying 7 lbs less than last out. Could be helpful in this event.

Vulnerable Contenders: #13 BEAUTIFUL NOISE (ML=2/1), #5 CAPTURED IN TIME (ML=5/2), #9 MALIBU MISS (ML=4/1),

BEAUTIFUL NOISE - Don't think this vulnerable equine is worth 2/1 in this affair. CAPTURED IN TIME - I just don't possess a 'use' sensation about this mount in this event. MALIBU MISS - This rallier looks to have slight chance without a speed duel on the front end.

STRAIGHT WAGERS:	#10 LOOKINGFORAHANDOUT is the play if we get odds of 2/1 or better
EXACTA WAGERS:	Box [3,10]
TRIFECTA WAGERS:	[3,10] with [3,10] with [2,5,9,11,13] Total Cost: $10
SUPERFECTA WAGERS:	[3,10] with [3,10] with [2,9,11] with [2,5,9,11,13] Total Cost: $24

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Horseshoe Indianapolis

PURCHASE
Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

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Race 3 - Maiden Claiming - 6.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $35360 Class Rating: 64

FOR MAIDENS, THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $30,000.

RECOMMENDED CHOICES
	# 4 LONG ACTING 9/2
# 2 THE EXODUS TWIST 2/1
# 1 HIGH AS THE SKY 5/1

I've got to go with LONG ACTING. Burgos should be able to get this gelding to break out sharply for this event. Has longshot possibilities and could prove victorious at a big price. He should have a good showing versus this less demanding lot. THE EXODUS TWIST - Could provide positive profits based on strong recent Equibase Speed Figures with an average of 57. Has been racing solidly and has among the top speed in the race for today's distance. HIGH AS THE SKY - Ought to be considered for this event if only for the strong speed figure recorded in the last contest.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

PURCHASE





Evangeline Downs - Race #1 - Post: 5:30pm - Claiming - 8.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $11,500 Class Rating: 80

Rating:

#3 JR'S GIFT (ML=8/1)
#4 TRACK RANGER (ML=4/1)


JR'S GIFT - Dropped in class last out, and keeps in that lower class right here. A good sign this equine is comfortable and ready to go. This gelding's last speed figure is lofty enough to prove victorious here, I'll wager on him right back this time around. TRACK RANGER - You'll be generating money right and left by turning your gambling cash onto this jockey/conditioner combination. This gelding has been trying different distances, but from the looks of things, he ran a nice speed fig last try at this distance. Last out, this one was in a race at Keeneland in a race with a class number of 96. Dropping significantly in class figure in today's event puts him in a solid position right here.

Vulnerable Contenders: #10 STEPPIN SILVER (ML=5/2), #6 YOU GOOD (ML=7/2), #5 WHISKEY AND EASY (ML=5/1),

STEPPIN SILVER - The chalk horse is suspect here with the lack of morning blow outs. All kinds of crazy zip signed up for this contest. Little chance for this speedball. Doubtful that the speed fig he registered on April 10th will hold up in this event. YOU GOOD - This mount hasn't had even one blow out after running so well on Apr 10th. Finished fourth in his most recent race with a disappointing speed rating. When I look at today's class figure, it would take an improved performance to prove victorious after that in this field. WHISKEY AND EASY - All sorts of crazy zip signed up for this event. Almost no chance for this speedball. Improbable that the speed fig he earned on April 10th will be enough in this event.

STRAIGHT WAGERS:	#3 JR'S GIFT to win at post-time odds of 2/1 or better
EXACTA WAGERS:	Box [3,4]
TRIFECTA WAGERS:	None
SUPERFECTA WAGERS:	Pass