Tuesday 6/23/26 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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Bruce Marshall Soccer World Cup
Panama/Croatia Over 2.5 goals

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Bryan Power World Cup Soccer
Colombia/DR Congo Both teams to score YES

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Scott Shapiro: Churchill Downs Spot Plays

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June 23, 2026 | By Scott Shapiro

The start of closing week to the spring meeting at Churchill Downs begins on Wednesday afternoon with a nine-race card that gets started at 12:45 PM eastern. The slate features a pair of solid allowance races late in the day and gets a big five days in Louisville started capped off by two great wagering cards. Here are a few horses I like most.


Race 1:
My first play of the week comes in the opener, which is an open $20k claimer at 1 1/16-miles over the main track where I like #7 Great Escape. The two most recent efforts from this 7YO gelding leave a lot to be desired, but they both came over a sloppy track for his former barn. Trainer Joe Sharp claimed the son of Midnight Storm for $20,000 on May 22 and legs up Irad Ortiz Jr. for his first start under his care. Sharp takes the blinkers off of Great Escape, a move which he has only done six times over the last five years with horses he has raced first off the claim. He has won with two of those and comes in hot having tallied four wins over the final three days of racing in Louisville last week. Do not be surprised if the veteran conditioner has a big final week of the spring under the twin spires with this new acquisition getting things started.

Play: #7 Great Escape (7-2 ML)
Picks: 7-1-4


Race 6:
This MSW event for fillies and mares at one-mile over the grass is wide-open based on Nick Tammaro’s morning line with a lukewarm 4-1-ML favorite. I like #3 Conquering Marin. The Irish-bred returns to a two-turn trip after a pair of turf sprints in the Blue Grass this spring. She tried a route of ground back in February in her first start in the States for Brendan Walsh, but was headstrong early and caught wide throughout. She was also caught extremely wide most of the way in her first race over this turf course on May 14. Now, she moves inside and attracts Flavien Prat. Hopefully, Prat can do what he does best and find a way to relax this daughter of Ghaiyyath early, so she can run her race late. If so, I like her chances to breakthrough for career victory number one.

Play: #3 Conquering Marin (5-1 ML)
Picks: 3-6-8


Race 9:
The card concludes with a second-level allowance at one-mile over the grass where the pace should be honest with #1 Johny’s Rendezvous and #2 Barb likely to show early zip from their inside draws and perhaps #9 Joejoe Go from the outside. This should set things up enough for 5-2-ML favorite #3 Love’m Or Liam. There is no doubt this son of Liam’s Map got a much stronger setup in his win on May 9 than he is likely to get in the Wednesday finale, but he has shown a strong turn of foot in all starts since moving to the grass. Despite the rise in class, Love’m Or Liam does not meet that much tougher of a group than he encountered in his most recent score. In fact, the horse that finished second that day came back to win in Louisville in his next start flattering the Bill Mott trainee’s three-length victory. He will not be 5-1 like last time, but should be tough to hold off once again under jockey Jaime Torres.

Play: #3 Love’m Or Liam (5-2 ML)
Picks: 3-6-7

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Brian W. Spencer's Daily Picks

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Presque Isle Downs - Race #2

#3 Manon	Just taking what might be a little shot with this one off the mild Evangeline debut, but the barn doesn't start many like this here but won with their only similar sprint runner in the last couple years. Maybe meant for better in a race with no standouts?
#7 Tiz Her Law	Think she gets a great run from out here even while shedding the blinkers -- guessing she's still naturally quick enough to be right up on the splits in a race without much pace.
#6 Violenta	She has finished up well enough in the last couple to think she is a player with this group, but there isn't a ton of speed lined up, and she might be along too late again.
Race Summary	Manon didn't show a whole lot in the debut run, but I don't think this is a super scary race for the local level, so I'll see if the barn can aim another one home here like they did in the past. Could see getting better from #4 Jenadriyah today if you're looking for others to consider.

Presque Isle Downs - Race #4

#2 So Grand	Obviously very, very tough to trust this one after 19 starts and several in which he has coughed up big leads late, but I once again think this is a race in which you're not supposed to be afraid of anyone, and he should control the tempo again here. Today's the day?
#6 Alabama Sleeper	Mostly even kind of run in the debut, but he's probably capable of something better with that race under his belt and might offer a playable enough price -- especially if the top choice gets bet again.
#1 Stark County	He turns back while adding blinkers after the track-and-fade debut try on the Laurel turf, and all of that could add up to him getting home with some reasonable upside at second asking.
Race Summary	Pretty aware I'm probably walking right into a very obvious trap with the 19-start likely favorite, but I wonder if his better stuff is just a tiny bit better than this group? Think that will be the case in this 20th start.

Presque Isle Downs - Race #7

#5 Alluring Beauty	She only beat three last time out, but she drilled them like she was supposed to at 70 cents on the dollar, and that was a mighty encouraging local debut to have in your pocket on the rise to try winners. Probably not getting the 6/1 ML price, but I'd meet you here at something shorter.
#8 Haut Les Couers	While I really like the top choice, I feel like there is at least a small chance she'll become the action horse on the board -- maybe this one gets lost along the way somehow? Think she's got compelling enough form from off the pace.
#11 Night Nurse	She's got some dangerous pace from the outside, but there are a couple other potential forward players who could ensure she doesn't get to back things up too much at any point. Wouldn't argue too hard with you.
Race Summary	Alluring Beauty rolled home in her local debut, and she should get a decent run of things while settled in behind a couple fairly committed pace players.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Frank Carulli's Daily Picks

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Louisiana Downs - Race #1

#5 DOSE OF REALITY (6-5)	Twice-beaten odds-on choice at this level has no excuse in this field.
#7 LONG SHOT LOUISE (10-1)	Bad start from post 12 last out, can put her speed to good use at good price.
#4 SEAMUS’S GIRL (2-1)	Followed move of in-hand favorite, altered course, won photo at 7F two back.
Race Summary	DOSE OF REALITY, hard-ridden most of the way and extremely wide in the stretch, gained too late as the odds-on favorite in a shorter sprint. She picks up 6 pounds on the jockey change but could be hustled from the gate today in a field that lacks speed. Bet to win and place and play 5-4 and 5-7 exactas.

Louisiana Downs - Race #5

#5 IZZY’S BABY BOY (3-1)	Classy 10yo back in good form, back versus LA breds, takes some catching.
#10 BEACH BLANKET (2-1)	Allowance dropper ran second for $12,500 three back at FG, worked fast locally.
#6 OCEOLA (10-1)	Steady check-getter, good fit at this level in bid to surpass $100,000 in earnings.
Race Summary	IZZY’S BABY BOY won 3 of his last 6 long sprints in front-end fashion by a combined 10-1/4 lengths. He showed good zip last out but was no match for hard-hitting Soul Coaxing (12-56, $240k), who stepped up in class and repeated going a route of ground. He is reunited with state-bred rivals and figures tough again. Bet to win and place and play 5-6 and 5-10 exactas.

Louisiana Downs - Race #6

#7 MAD ABOUT MARTHA (6-1)	Well-bred for the turf, finds good landing spot for her debut with Lasix.
#4 LADY Q (3-1)	Hit best stride on turf before mishap in latest, pressed and held gamely for second two back.
#3 WINDY ICE (5-2)	Pair of troubled thirds in MSW grass miles out of town, must stay in contact early.
Race Summary	MAD ABOUT MARTHA, a $90,000 sales buy for a 20-percent barn with first-time starters, arrives here off a five-month series of works at Santa Anita, Sam Houston and Lone Star. Her dam, Tasting The Stars (5-10, $234k) was a multiple stakes winner on the turf. Bet to win and place and play 7-3 and 7-4 exactas.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Parx Racing
PURCHASE

Parx Racing - Race 7	Daily Double / Pick 3 (Races 7-8-9) Exacta / 50 cent Trifecta /10 cent Superfecta
Allowance • 6 1/2 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 78 • Purse: $50,000 • Post: 3:22P
(PLUS UP TO 40% PABF) FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON A RACE OTHER THAN MAIDEN, CLAIMING, STARTER, OR STATE BRED OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 125 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE MAY 23 ALLOWED 3 LBS. (CLAIMING RACES NOT CONSIDERED IN ALLOWANCES).

Contenders					Race Analysis
P#	Horse	Morn Line	Accept Odds		Race Type: Basic Race. This race has a mixed pace scenario. Check on scratches of any of the Front-runners (to look for a lone Front-runner). * KEY ANGLES * LITTLE COCOA BEAN: Today is a sprint and the horse's last start was within the last ten d ays. Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. WHATTA WORLD: Today is a sprint and this is the horse's third or fourth start after a layoff. Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. DON'T LISTEN: Horse has the highest average E quibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. Jockey/Trainer combination return on investment is at least +20. ROCK ME GENTLY: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface.
1	LITTLE COCOA BEAN	4/1	6/1
4	WHATTA WORLD	2/1	6/1
3	DON'T LISTEN	8/1	6/1
5	ROCK ME GENTLY	3/1	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
1	LITTLE COCOA BEAN	1	4/1	Front-runner	83	78	87.6	68.0	62.0
5	ROCK ME GENTLY	5	3/1	Front-runner	81	67	79.2	66.2	59.7
3	DON'T LISTEN	3	8/1	Front-runner	76	79	71.4	72.0	64.0
2	MO ATTITUDE	2	12/1	Trailer	76	73	62.0	66.0	56.5
7	JUMP A FOX	7	12/1	Trailer	81	78	30.2	66.4	57.9
4	WHATTA WORLD	4	2/1	Alternator/Trailer	83	82	51.2	74.4	68.9
6	SHUBAGAIL	6	5/1	Alternator/Trailer	75	70	30.2	67.0	56.5

[Can'tPickAWinner]

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

Thistledown - Race 8	$1 Exacta / $.50 Trifecta / $.20 Superfecta / $.20 Buckeye 5
Claiming $7,500 • 6 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 74 • Purse: $22,400 • Post: 4:20P
FOR ACCREDITED OHIO FOALS THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 119 LBS.; OLDER, 123 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE MAY 23 ALLOWED 2 LBS. A RACE SINCE APRIL 23 ALLOWED 4 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $7,500.

Contenders					Race Analysis
P#	Horse	Morn Line	Accept Odds		Race Type: Lone Stalker. MATTHEW'S PATRIOT is the Lone Stalker of the race. * KEY ANGLES * RED HEAD KID: Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation. Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. ILIKETHAT: Horse has run a Go od Race within the last 30 days. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. ZAKARIA: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. MATTHEW'S PATRIOT: Today is a sprint and this is the horse's third or fourth start after a layoff. Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface.
1	RED HEAD KID	5/2	7/2
4	ILIKETHAT	7/2	6/1
7	ZAKARIA	9/2	7/1
6	MATTHEW'S PATRIOT	12/1	10/1

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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
7	ZAKARIA	7	9/2	Front-runner	63	66	92.8	59.6	54.6
1	RED HEAD KID	1	5/2	Front-runner	84	81	60.8	61.8	56.8
4	ILIKETHAT	4	7/2	Front-runner	74	65	55.2	68.0	62.0
6	MATTHEW'S PATRIOT	6	12/1	Alternator/Stalker	71	63	36.0	54.0	46.5
5	NAMBITI	5	8/1	Alternator/Non-contender	65	60	42.8	52.6	42.1
8	VENTURE ON	8	15/1	Alternator/Non-contender	65	60	32.4	44.2	30.2
2	DEW IT WITH CLASS	2	6/1	Alternator/Non-contender	54	49	28.4	45.6	32.6
3	JIM'S RIVER RUNNER	3	4/1	Alternator/Non-contender	63	55	9.6	51.6	41.1

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Assiniboia Downs

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

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Race 4 - Claiming - 8.0f on the Dirt. Purse: $16500 Class Rating: 82

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 119 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE AT A MILE OR OVER SINCE MARCH 23, 2026 ALLOWED 2 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $10,000. MANITOBA BRED CLAIMING PRICE $15,000.

RECOMMENDED CHOICES
	# 1 GHOST COWBOY 4/1
# 3 ELLS 3/1
# 2 GOLDEN BUCK 5/1

GHOST COWBOY has a competitive shot to take this race. Gourneau is trying to prove victorious with this entrant by bringing him back so quickly. Has some interesting angles which make this horse a bet. With a solid 78 average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance, seems well suited for today's race. ELLS - A nice return on investment of +6 with this jock and trainer duo. Overall, has one of the top earnings per start in dirt route contests in this group. GOLDEN BUCK - Nelson should be able to get this gelding to break out early in this race. Has to be given consideration based on the solid Equibase Speed Figure recorded in the last contest.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Special Wager

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

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Race 3 - Allowance - 8.0f on the Turf. Purse: $41000 Class Rating: 64

IND - R8 - FOR REGISTERED INDIANA BREDS SIRED BY REGISTERED INDIANA STALLIONS FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON A RACE OTHER THAN MAIDEN, CLAIMING OR STARTER OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE AT A MILE OR OVER SINCE MAY 23 ALLOWED 2 LBS. (RACES WHERE ENTERED FOR

RECOMMENDED CHOICES
	# 10 SWEET JANNAELISE 3/1
# 4 NEGRA NOCHE 5/1
# 12 PRETTYONTHEPRARIE 4/1

I think about SWEET JANNAELISE here. Could best this group based on the speed figure - 68 - of her last contest. Granitz has this filly racing well and is a quite good selection based on the very good Equibase speed figs garnered in route races recently. Facing a much easier lot than last time out. NEGRA NOCHE - Had one of the best Speed Figures of this group in her last contest. Could provide positive profits based on respectable recent Equibase Speed Figures with an average of 58. PRETTYONTHEPRARIE - Has quite good early lick and should fare admirably versus this group. Has been racing in the most competitive company of the group lately.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

PURCHASE





Presque Isle Downs - Race #5 - Post: 5:18pm - Claiming - 5.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $14,000 Class Rating: 83

Rating:

#4 SMOKIN' HOT (ML=4/1)
#7 PRAIRIE HAWK (ML=6/1)
#3 PASCHAL MOON (ML=9/2)
#1 LEONARD'S LEGACY (ML=7/2)


SMOKIN' HOT - The fact that this gelding is entered right back into a race so quickly means he's fit and ready. This pony coming off a solid try in the last month is a solid contender in my opinion. This gelding likes to be near the lead. Today's event is a shorter trip and should promote his chances to win. PRAIRIE HAWK - Likes to go to the lead and the fact that today is a shorter distance should help. Coming off a fifth place finish at Gulfstream Park, some may pass on this horse. I'm not. He just missed hitting the show spot, and has pretty good morning line odds today. Ranked the highest in earnings per race. Another notice that this animal outclasses this field. PASCHAL MOON - Gelding won shipping here on May 25th and looks good right back. This gelding is in nice form, having run a strong race on May 25th, finishing first. LEONARD'S LEGACY - Have to give this gelding a shot. Ran a strong effort last time out within the last 30 days. Likes to go to the lead and the fact that today is a shorter trip should be beneficial. I think this gelding is ready to run a good one. He's had enough races since the layoff and should be fit.

Vulnerable Contenders: #2 MR. BONES (ML=3/1), #5 FACE ABARRIO (ML=8/1), #6 DISCO CENTS (ML=8/1),

MR. BONES - If today's affair shapes up right, all the speed horses will force a fierce speed duel early. Too bad this equine is one of those front runners. FACE ABARRIO - Finished fifth last time. Would have to move up to finish in the money in today's event. No favorable outcomes for this vulnerable equine in a sprint race over the last two months tells me that this gelding is in a thorny spot DISCO CENTS - In any contest of 5 1/2 furlongs, I like to support a contender that has been looking good in short distance contests recently.

STRAIGHT WAGERS:	Put your money on #4 SMOKIN' HOT on the nose if you can get odds of 9/2 or more
EXACTA WAGERS:	Box [4,7]
TRIFECTA WAGERS:	Pass
SUPERFECTA WAGERS:	Skip

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

PURCHASE





Mountaineer Park - Race #8 - Post: 9:55pm - Claiming - 6.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $9,000 Class Rating: 72

Rating:

#5 JOE DON LOONEY (ML=8/1)


JOE DON LOONEY - Taking a trip down in class; has the class ability to make his presence felt. Earnings per race is something that I believe can be a most important selection factor. This horse is ranked the highest in this field. Personally, I wouldn't worry about where he finished in his last race (fourth). Should rebound right here, with some pretty good odds.

Vulnerable Contenders: #7 ZIPPY GIZMO (ML=3/1), #1 COST BASIS (ML=7/2), #2 JULIE'S FERRARI (ML=4/1),

ZIPPY GIZMO - Hasn't raced or had any morning drills since May 26th. Not much value on this morning-line favorite. COST BASIS - Not a perfect 'spot' in this event. JULIE'S FERRARI - Difficult to put your dough on the win end of any mount that finishes second and third as regularly as this one does.

STRAIGHT WAGERS:	Have to go with #5 JOE DON LOONEY on the win end if we get at least 1/1 odds
EXACTA WAGERS:	5 with [4,10]
TRIFECTA WAGERS:	Pass
SUPERFECTA WAGERS:	None