Thursday 6/25/26 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 06-25-2026, 08:58 AM

Scott Shapiro: Churchill Downs Twilight Thursday Spot Plays

June 24, 2026 | By Scott Shapiro

The final Twilight Thursday card of the spring at Churchill Downs is upon us with a solid 8-race slate set to begin at 5PM eastern. The card features a trio of allowance races, including two that make up the late Daily Double. Here are the horses I like most.

Race 4:
The pace should be honest, but not overly chaotic in this open $32k claimer at one-mile over the main track. This should allow #3 Real Macho to work out a great trip under Irad Ortiz Jr. in his second start off the claim for trainer Joe Sharp. Sharp claimed this 5YO gelding from Rohan Crichton out of a $25k spot at the beginning of the meet and he ran well in the first start for his new barn. He finished second to Systematic Change, a runner that took advantage of a great trip off a quick early pace, while Real Macho was stalking three-wide as part of the early proceedings. I like the way the son of Mucho Macho Man easily put away the inside speed horses before being unable to go with the eventual winner. With the pace likely to be a bit softer and the stretch out to the one-turn mile, Real Macho should be in a perfect spot early and able to seal the deal late for his fifth lifetime score.

Play: #3 Real Macho (7-2 ML)
Picks: 3-7-9

Race 6:
It could be a big evening for Irad Ortiz, who rides 5-2-ML favorite #2 About Face in this MSW event at one-mile over the turf. The son of Candy Ride debuted in a two-turn race in Arkansas for Brad Cox suggesting the barn knew he was not fast and instead would be best using his stamina. Cox moved the Gary & Mary West homebred to the turf last out at Churchill Downs where he ran very well to finish second at odds of 9-1. In that first grass try, the 3YO colt was between rivals most of the way a couple of lengths off the early pacesetter. The pacesetter ended up being a long shot that got brave on the front end and won going away. One could argue About Face ran fine, but not worthy of taking a short price in his next start. My response would be that he meets a modest field, draws favorably along the rail, and gets a big rider upgrade after a promising first trip over a new surface. He is going to take some beating with a move forward off his May 25 run.

Play: #2 About Face (5-2 ML)
Picks: 2-4-11

Race 7:
My final Twilight Thursday play of the meet comes in this first-level allowance for 3YOs at the tricky 6.5-furlong distance where #1 It’s Our Time makes his return to the races. The 5-2-ML favorite dazzled with a massive number on all metrics in his debut at Saratoga last August, but has not been able to get close since. He certainly could be ready to fire another big one off the long break, but I will play against these horses every day of the week and twice on Sunday. It just is a difficult task to get a horse back to that sort of effort on debut, yet the public is often attracted to these horses far more than I am.
I much prefer #7 Munnings Challenge. The Brad Cox trainee has a win and two seconds in three starts, including a runner-up effort to American Man last out. Not only is American Man a length away from a 3 for 3-start to his career, but he had a tactical advantage over Munnings Challenge when they raced in late May since the latter was down on the inside throughout on a day where the outside was more favorable. With the move to an outside draw, Irad Ortiz should have options out of the gate instead of having his hand forced to send aggressively. This colt has speed, but settling on the outside should allow him to finish with more energy in his second local start.

Play: #7 Munnings Challenge (7-2 ML)
Picks: 7-6-9

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 06-25-2026, 08:58 AM

Brian W. Spencer's Daily Picks

Churchill Downs - Race #2

#7 Glen Airy	Wonder if he has a chance against the heavy hitter listed next, as there are a couple of solid finishing lines on the page against some OK groups -- might stack up well enough.
#2 Awesome Ruta	Tough to argue with the way he's going right now, having landed five in a row including four straight for the new barn off the claim. Forward player will lose again one of these days.
#3 Expect the Best	Wouldn't be against having him on top on a couple of backup plays, as the prices could be fun if the chalk doesn't land this, and this guy has a couple of pretty fast tries on his page from Oaklawn this season and owns a win over the local footing.
Race Summary	Glen Airy and Expect the Best look interesting enough for me to try to beat Awesome Ruta, who I respect a ton at what is likely to be another short price while in sensational form.

Churchill Downs - Race #6

#8 Caragogo	He has failed to stay in two starts, but he has turned in a couple solid works since the last one and could be ready for better while stretching back out in a race without a ton of serious speed. Could be fun for a run.
#7 Fuzzbuster	Think his reliable finishing form will make him one of the ones late, and he seems quick enough early to find a tactical spot while stretching to a turf route for the first time.
#5 Irish Law	Not sure you get the 12/1 ML offering here, as this guy already has a couple decent finishing runs on his page from last year and returns fresh for a top team. Lots to like.
Race Summary	Think you can have a lot of fun with this race if it stays on the grass -- storms in the forecast a day out. Caragogo has some sharp pace in a race without much speed, and I could see him shaking loose at a nice number.

Churchill Downs - Race #7

#8 Tedder	His two races in New Orleans this season were both pretty solid, and he might get a nice race shape in a spot with a few chasing players. Could be along late.
#1 It's Our Time	He has come up short at 44 and 34 cents on the dollar in the two starts since his runaway graduation score last year at Saratoga, and he probably still takes a bit of cash even if the price is a touch better today. In the mix, just not that exciting for me at what is likely a mild kind of price.
#9 Blacksmith	He cuts back for his first run since a flat try at 6/1 in the Louisiana Derby back in March, and he might get an OK spying run from out here with a decent sprint debut on his page from October.
Race Summary	Tedder may be an OK price in a race with a couple of more obvious players on paper, and his solid finishing form may be enough in a race where some of the forward players have questions to answer.

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 06-25-2026, 08:58 AM

Frank Carulli's Daily Picks

Colonial Downs - Race #3

#4 OBJECTION (5-1)	Capped long workout tab with a :48-4/5 bullet for top first-out barn.
#3 NO TEMPERANCE (4-1)	Son of No. 3-ranked turf sire this year makes his first start stateside.
#7 TARGET MARKET (9-2)	Dam was 3-for-11 and a MSW and allowance-winning grass router.
Race Summary	Wouldn’t expect 5-to-1 odds on $400,000 sales buy OBJECTION in his debut for Team Russell. But expect a contending effort by the son of multiple Grade 1-winning router Curlin, who also ranks 42nd this year as a turf sire with an average winning distance of 1-1/16 miles. His dam, Slieve Mish, won second-out on dirt and was stakes placed in her third start. Bet to win and place and play a 3, 4/3, 4, 5,7/ALL trifecta.

Colonial Downs - Race #4

#8 SKI BUM (Even)	Can’t go beyond money-burner in field that is a combined 5-for-50 on the grass.
#7 POLVELLAN (4-1)	Awakened with win and a troubled third on turf, gets Lasix, goes long for first time.
#4 TRIATHELON (12-1)	Even effort in slow-paced route at this level, gets in light-weighted.
Race Summary	SKI BUM, a beaten favorite in 5 of his last 8 starts, simply towers over this field at another short price. He just missed after a wide trip at this distance last out, but finished ahead of Alrasikh, who came back to win by 4 lengths in the same spot as the odds-on favorite. Make a flat win bet and play 8-4 and 8-7 exactas.

Colonial Downs - Race #7

#2 CACTUS (5-1)	Model of ultra consistency in grass sprints, should sit ideal trip as well.
#8 LOUIE THE SUN KING (4-1)	Chased :42.2 half and held second with 91 Beyer in latest turf sprint.
#4 BIZ BIZ BUZZ (15-1)	Another late-running arrive from Gulfstream could make exotics pay off.
Race Summary	CACTUS has four wins and five seconds in his last 10 sprints and, just as important, he gets plenty of pace to rally into at his best distance. He’s too good to pass up at 5-1 on the morning line in lieu of a $200,000 turf bankroll. Bet to win and place and play a 2-4-5-8 exacta box.

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 06-25-2026, 08:59 AM

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

Churchill Downs - Race 5	Daily Double / Exacta / Trifecta / Superfecta / Pick 3 (Races 5-6-7) Pick 4 (Races 5-6-7-8) / Super Hi-5 / Odd vs Even
Claiming $20,000 • 1 Mile • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 83 • Purse: $49,000 • Post: 6:56P
FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON TWO RACES. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 126 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE MAY 25 ALLOWED 2 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $20,000.

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 * NA PALI JOE: Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. ANOTHER MONARCH: Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. RICHEZTOO: Horse had a bullet workout within the last seven days. POLITICS: Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. COMES A TIME: Horse has the highest average E quibase Class Rating at the distance/surface.
10	NA PALI JOE	12/1	4/1
7	ANOTHER MONARCH	6/1	7/1
1	RICHEZTOO	5/2	8/1
9	POLITICS	8/1	9/1
2	COMES A TIME	15/1	9/1

P#	Horse (In Running Style Order)	Post	Morn Line	Running Style	Good Class	Good Speed	Early Figure	Finish Figure	Platinum Figure
1	RICHEZTOO	1	5/2	Front-runner	77	80	70.8	70.8	57.3
11	CARCAR EXPRESS	11	10/1	Front-runner	76	63	66.3	60.5	47.5
8	VINO DOMINUS	8	4/1	Alternator/Front-runner	75	78	69.9	65.1	52.1
2	COMES A TIME	2	15/1	Alternator/Front-runner	85	84	63.5	61.6	49.6
10	NA PALI JOE	10	12/1	Stalker	84	74	74.4	75.6	68.6
9	POLITICS	9	8/1	Alternator/Stalker	82	72	55.3	69.6	56.6
3	XCEL	3	6/1	Alternator/Stalker	71	79	53.3	62.0	54.5
5	BAGG O TIME	5	30/1	Trailer	75	67	57.2	59.8	43.8
7	ANOTHER MONARCH	7	6/1	Alternator/Trailer	92	80	58.8	62.6	53.6
6	HUTCHINSON	6	12/1	Alternator/Non-contender	74	64	81.5	60.7	46.7
4	FAST JOKER	4	20/1	Alternator/Non-contender	81	76	59.4	63.2	51.2

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 06-25-2026, 08:59 AM

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Canterbury Park
PURCHASE

Canterbury Park - Race 4	Win, Place &Show / $1 Exacta / $.50 Trifecta / $.10 Superfecta $2 Daily Double / $1 Pick 3 (Races 4-5-6) / 10% Takeout $.50 Pick 5 (Races 4-8)
SO $20,000 • 1 Mile • Turf • Ages 3 and up • CR: 101 • Purse: $15,500 • Post: 6:38P
FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE STARTED FOR A CLAIMING PRICE OF $12,500 (MINNESOTA BRED $20,000) OR LESS IN 2025 - 2026 OR CLAIMING PRICE $20,000. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 125 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE AT ONE MILE OR OVER ON THE TURF SINCE MAY 25 ALLOWED 2 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $20,000. MINNESOTA BRED CLAIMING PRICE $30,000. (IF MANAGEMENT DEEMS IT INADVISABLE TO RUN THIS RACE ON THE TURF, IT WILL BE RUN AT A DISTANCE OF 1 MILE ON THE MAIN TRACK.).

Contenders				Race Analysis
P#	Horse	Morn Line	Accept Odds	Race Type: Lone Front-runner. ATHENS MOON is the Lone Front-runner of the race. * KEY ANGLES * ATHENS MOON: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. ZOFFARELLI (IRE): Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. MENDELSSOHN JOY: Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surfa ce.
5	ATHENS MOON	9/5	3/1
2	ZOFFARELLI (IRE)	7/2	4/1
1	MENDELSSOHN JOY	5/1	10/1

P#	Horse (In Running Style Order)	Post	Morn Line	Running Style	Good Class	Good Speed	Early Figure	Finish Figure	Platinum Figure
5	ATHENS MOON	5	9/5	Alternator/Front-runner	101	101	84.6	89.6	85.6
6	SLIP MAHONEY	6	5/2	Stalker	97	80	71.8	78.6	69.1
3	HEAVENLY DEACON	3	12/1	Stalker	80	72	62.0	64.4	55.4
1	MENDELSSOHN JOY	1	5/1	Stalker	96	95	54.5	85.0	76.5
2	ZOFFARELLI (IRE)	2	7/2	Trailer	103	96	83.0	97.4	94.4
4	LIGHTNING STRUCK	4	6/1	Alternator/Non-contender	94	83	78.8	78.8	70.8

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 06-25-2026, 09:02 AM

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

PURCHASE

Woodbine - Race #2 - Post: 3:32pm - Maiden Claiming - 7.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $36,100 Class Rating: 61

Rating:

#8 BERTHA (ML=6/1)
#1 CLEAR POSITION (ML=9/5)
#5 LOVE TO DREAM (ML=15/1)

BERTHA - This jockey and conditioner have a high winning percentage together. This filly should run better today now that she's back facing here own gender. Trainer Russo moves this thoroughbred down the class scale to face weaker company. Look for a nice effort in this race. CLEAR POSITION - Have to make this filly a serious competitor; she comes off a strong outing on June 5th. Quite frequently, I play a maiden that finished 2nd easily ahead of the 3rd horse in her last outing. Have to like the way Katryan has raced this filly back into shape off the layoff. Equine is well spotted in this sprint and I think she'll run well today. LOVE TO DREAM - Horse's last race was at Woodbine in a race with a class number of 77. Dropping considerably in class figure this time out puts her in a solid position right here.

Vulnerable Contenders: #4 SUNNYVILLE (ML=2/1), #2 BUTTERFLY BILLIE (ML=4/1),

SUNNYVILLE - Tough to put any money on this filly on the win end. Likes to hit the board though. BUTTERFLY BILLIE - You figure that this animal is going to win just because she's always close. Just doesn't finish first regularly. Recorded a run-of-the-mill speed figure last race out in a $25,000 Maiden Optional Claiming race on June 5th. Doubtful to see an improved performance off of that fig.

STRAIGHT WAGERS:	Go with #8 BERTHA on top if we're getting at least 3/1 odds
EXACTA WAGERS:	Box [1,5,8]
TRIFECTA WAGERS:	Box [1,5,8] Total Cost: $6
SUPERFECTA WAGERS:	Pass

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 06-25-2026, 09:02 AM

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Retama Park

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

Race 3 - Maiden - 350y on the Dirt. Purse: $14100 Class Rating: 64

QUARTER HORSE 350Y, FOR MAIDENS, COLTS AND GELDINGS TWO YEARS OLD. WEIGHT, 124 LBS.

RECOMMENDED CHOICES
	# 3 CARTELS STORM CAT 7/2
# 9 VALIANT VINDICATOR 10/1
# 6 CORONA SLIM 8/1

CARTELS STORM CAT looks very good to best this field. He must be given a chance given the strong speed figs. Aguilar will most likely be able to get this gelding to break out quickly for this event. Could beat this group given the 55 speed rating recorded in his last outing. VALIANT VINDICATOR - Could best this group of animals based on the speed rating - 50 - of his last affair. CORONA SLIM - May wake up with Lasix change (with second time Lasix) today. Sanchez has a strong 22 percent win rate with entries running at this distance and surface.

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 06-25-2026, 09:03 AM

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Evangeline Downs

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

Race 6 - Claiming - 6.5f on the Dirt. Purse: $12000 Class Rating: 86

FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NOT WON TWO RACES SINCE DECEMBER 25, 2025. THREE YEAR OLDS, 121 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE SINCE MAY 25, 2026 ALLOWED 2 LBS. A RACE SINCE APRIL 25, 2026 ALLOWED 4 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $5,000

RECOMMENDED CHOICES
	# 3 KNOCKALITTLELOUDER 4/1
# 2 JULIA'S WARRIOR 6/1
# 1 ONCOMING TRAIN 10/1

KNOCKALITTLELOUDER looks to be the bet in here. Has performed admirably lately in sprint races, posting a nifty 82 avg speed figure. Looks decent against this group of horses and will most likely be one of the leaders. Ran a sharp last race. JULIA'S WARRIOR - Has very good speed figures and has to be considered for a bet for this event. Had one of the top Equibase Speed Figs of this group in his last outing.

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 06-25-2026, 09:03 AM

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

PURCHASE

Belmont at the Big A - Race #4 - Post: 2:43pm - Optional Claiming - 6.0 furlongs on the Turf. Purse: $92,000 Class Rating: 96

Rating:

#2 PANDORA'S GIFT (IRE) (ML=6/1)
#3 LESLIE'S HUMOR (ML=2/1)
#6 MUNNINGS EXPRESS (ML=3/1)

PANDORA'S GIFT (IRE) - Utilizing this jockey/trainer combination is a good move. Have to give this horse a long look. In recent races, has posted the best speed ratings on the turf at this distance. The morning line odds on this mare are higher than those of the other entrant from the shedrow of conditioner Clement. Often the longer-priced part of a 'split' entry wins. LESLIE'S HUMOR - It looks like the race should set up for a stretch runner. This mare's running style fits the bill nicely. Based on the TrackMaster data I've reviewed, this mare should run well off the vacation. Brown is solid in turf sprints. This animal should have no excuses if she doesn't win. May be extremely hard to beat this magnificent animal on the grass today. Last out scored a nice turf fig, the highest of any of these animals. MUNNINGS EXPRESS - This is this filly's first try on the grass. Ran well finishing second on December 31st. The track was slow that day, so I think this animal will take to the turf.

Vulnerable Contenders: #7 BAM'S BLISS KISS (ML=8/5), #1 LES REYS (FR) (ML=5/2), #5 READY TO JAM (ML=7/2),

BAM'S BLISS KISS - A pattern of decreasing Equibase speed figs 96/92/87 for this entrant. LES REYS (FR) - Today's race is 6 furlongs. Hasn't finished in the money in a sprint contest in the last two months. Not the best of signals. A 'performance bounce' is likely to happen for this horse this time out. May rebound next time. Won't be easy for this racer to beat this group off of that last fig. Improbable to improve enough to run a figure anywhere near today's class rating, so put her on the likely underlays list. READY TO JAM - The finish position of eighth in the last race shows me that this horse may be going off form. Extended layoff, then came back and finished eighth. Tough to expect much better this time.

GUEST COMMENTARY: Hal - PANDORA'S GIFT (IRE) - This mare figures to be the wager versus these ponies today, after notching a solid final fraction in her last race.

STRAIGHT WAGERS:	Go with #2 PANDORA'S GIFT (IRE) on top if we're getting at least 4/1 odds
EXACTA WAGERS:	Skip
TRIFECTA WAGERS:	Box [2,3,6] Total Cost: $6

Thursday 6/25/26 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

Thursday 6/25/26 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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