BetAmerica’s horse racing pick of the day: May 29, Churchill Downs

Weekday picks and plays for Thoroughbred racing.

Friday, May 29

Churchill Downs, Race 5: $50,000 claiming (1 mile on turf, 3:04 p.m. ET)

Although #1 Sugoi (6-1 on the morning line) has never run on turf, he has already demonstrated versatility and might relish a chance to try the lawn.

The son of Karakontie has won his last two starts comfortably. He dominated a 6 1/2-furlong maiden sprint on Polytrack at Turfway Park, then transitioned to the dirt at Will Rogers Downs, where he used pace-tracking tactics to prevail in a 1-mile allowance race.

Karakontie was a high-class turf horse, and his progeny strike at a 27% rate when they tackle turf for the first time. From a pedigree perspective, there’s no reason to think Sugoi won’t be effective on grass, and his victory at Will Rogers was flattered when runner-up Momma’s Baby Boy returned to win his next start.

Sugoi brings competitive Brisnet Speed ratings to the mix for high-percentage trainer William Morey, which makes his 6-1 odds especially appealing.

Let’s bet Sugoi to win and call it a day.

$20 to win on #1 Sugoi

Good luck!