Churchill Downs: Single 6 carryover exceeds for $150,000 for Nov. 20

How does winning  around $4,000 sound? How about $150,000? Depending on how Friday’s Single 6 sequence unfolds at Churchill Downs, either amount could be up for grabs.

The carryover pool for the jackpot-style Pick 6 has grown steadily in recent weeks and reached $150,088 following a competitive Thursday of racing over the Louisville oval. If you can assemble the only winning ticket for Friday’s sequence, you’ll take home the full jackpot. But even if multiple bettors construct winning tickets, you’re bound to be pleased with the consolation payoff.

Thursday recap

A mix of favorites and mid-range longshots prevailed during the Thursday’s Single 6 sequence. Five of the winners (including two favorites) started at less than 9-2, so for the most part, the results weren’t particularly surprising.

But an odds-on favorite was beaten in the opening leg and a 9-1 winner prevailed in the next race, two factors that combined to trigger a payoff of $4,032.12 for 20 cents. Considering a $2 win parlay across the six winners would have returned just $2,002.49, the Single 6 payoff was excellent by comparison.

Friday insights

The sequence gets underway in Race 4, a $20,000 claiming event with seven starters. The 6-furlong sprint looks competitive on paper, as several runners offer similar prices on the morning line.

#3 Uncork the Bottle (3-1) might hold a slim edge, after he nabbed a $32,000 claiming race at Saratoga two starts back, but he finished three lengths behind #6 High Proof (5-2) when they competed for a $50,000 tag at Churchill last month, so the two are tough to split for handicapping purposes. #7 Riverboat Gambler (3-1), twice placed at this class level in recent months, is another logical contender.

The opener might be challenging, but at least Race 5 offers a logical single in #10 Easy to Bless (5-2), who is dropping down from maiden special weight company into a $15,000 maiden claiming race. Trainer Mike Maker strikes at a 26% rate with this move, and Easy to Bless posted a field-best 65 Brisnet Speed rating when she finished second at Keeneland in her debut. With jockey Tyler Gaffalione aboard, Easy to Bless is clearly the runner to beat.

A single will be helpful since the finale — Race 9, a $10,000 claiming race for fillies and mares — looks wide open. You could pretty much throw darts at the entries and come up with a live contender in this 1 1/16-mile event. #7 Lady McKenzie (5-2) is a slim choice, after she finished second for a $20,000 claiming tag at Keeneland, but with Brisnet Speed ratings in the mid-70s, she is hardly a standout on speed figures. My advice? Spread as deep as you can afford in this competitive heat.

Good luck!