At Churchill Downs on Friday, the Kentucky Oaks might be the major event, but there are a ton of other exciting betting chances spread throughout the outstanding lineup.
There are fields of ten horses or more in twelve of the thirteen races on Friday, which should guarantee strong payouts in both vertical and horizontal bets.
Three horses at 10-1 or above below that are worth checking into further because they could the potential to make your day:
Call Me Fast, 20-1, race 7, Alysheba Stakes (G2)
When he finished strong in both the G3 Ben Ali and G3 Blame Stakes last year, this gelding was at the top of his game. Of those races, he would be among the top picks on the morning line in this race, but he went on to finish the year with two poor performances. Maybe the runner was worn down by the tremendous middle move and exhausting stretch drive that he put forth in the Blame Stakes. After realising this, trainer Michael Puhich made the decision to rest him ahead of his five-year-old campaign. His recent showing in the Commonwealth Stakes (G3), where he finished even fourth, suggests that he is on the mend. Even though the distance was below his best, he raced a good race and only needed the start. Now that he's back on track, he works out like a pro and picks up Flavien Prat. Anticipate him to be a significant factor at a high cost.
Pounce, 10-1, race 10, Edgewood (G2)
A few weeks ago, this filly was favoured over many of these competitors in the Appalachian Stakes (G2); following a subpar showing, she is currently sitting at 10-1. Prior to the Appalachian, she had won two turf starts without losing, one coming from well off the pace and the other wire-to-wire. This demonstrated her flexibility. In this field, her 90 Beyer Speed Figure at Gulfstream Park is the highest. She put herself in contention with a good middle move, but something went wrong in the Appalachian Stakes, and that race is too horrible to be true. The fact that her trainer Mark Casse is coming back with her is encouraging, and if she gets back to her best form, she is the one to beat.
Sustancia, 10-1, race 13, maiden special weight
It makes little sense for Eddie Kenneally's filly to be 10-1 in this position. When flashing speed and running fourth, she did well in her lone start. After one or two starts, Kenneally's runners usually perform better, and in this race, she seems to be the controlling speed as she extends to a route. Expect the aggressive Luis Saez to send her out of the gate and never look back, especially with a bullet work in tow.