Churchill Downs: Single 6 carryover climbs to $106,481

If a six-figure carryover pool sounds appealing, you’d better check out the Friday card at Churchill Downs, where the Single 6 jackpot has grown to $106,481.

Sweeping the whole pool is challenging, because cashing the jackpot requires holding the only winning ticket on the day. If multiple bettors construct winning tickets (as is usually the case), then the jackpot keeps growing, though the lucrative consolation payoffs ensure that hitting any winning ticket is well worth your while.

Thursday recap

Favorites were dominant during the Thursday Single 6 sequence, with a quartet of top betting choices (ranging in price from 3-2 to 2-1) reaching the winner’s circle. The remaining two winners were logical as well—a 6-1 third choice and a 9-2 fourth choice.

The results were so chalky that a theoretical $2 win parlay across the six winners would have returned just $693.78. Yet the $0.20-cent Single 6 triggered a payoff of $1,893.42 (2.7 times higher than the parlay), reiterating how the Single 6 is a great value wager when straightforward results seem inevitable.

Friday insights

The Single 6 kicks off in Race 5, a $15,000 maiden claiming race. Nine horses are entered in the 1-mile heat, and at first glance #9 Ghost Fighter (3-1) looks like a standout. The son of Tapit has run well against maiden special weight company and boasts the two highest Brisnet Speed ratings in the field, but those figures were achieved back in 2019.

Ghost Fighter’s current form is less inspiring. He hasn’t finished better than eighth in two starts since returning from a long layoff in September, so it’s hard to know what to expect as he drops sharply down the class ladder and stretches out in distance. The first-time starter #4 Canvasback (5-1) is a logical alternative for trainer Mike Maker, who strikes at a 24% rate with runners debuting over a mile or farther. #6 Samson Lee (4-1), who finished fifth over this class level at Keeneland last month, is also worth considering since trainer Tommy Drury is a 29% winner with second-time starters.

The finale is just as challenging, or perhaps more so. Race 10, a 6-furlong maiden special weight for 2-year-olds, has drawn a mix of experienced runners and promising first-time starters. #7 Aeronaut (20-1). #8 Gagetown (4-1), and #9 Cash Rocket (5-1) have shown some speed in the mornings for trainers who excel with debut runners. But they’ll have to be sharp to take down #6 Name Rejected, runner-up in a 5-furlong dash on Nov. 1 at Churchill Downs. Tyler Gaffalione (a 21% winner over this track) retains the mount for hot trainer James DiVito, who has gone 3-for-10 (30%) at Churchill since the beginning of September.

Good luck!