Dirt stakes plays for Churchill Downs for May 29

A quartet of stakes races on the main strip will take place during a huge Saturday of racing at Churchill Downs. Stephen Foster Preview Day will play host to a total of seven stakes, but this piece will focus solely on the dirt contests.

Matt Winn S. (G3)

Greg Foley's #3 O Besos (2-1) is the one to beat in the race for three-year-olds, but he is not a sure thing. Kentucky Derby (G1) fifth is winless around two turns, and his running style is not ideal for a contest with no pace in the mix. He wouldn’t be a surprise, nonetheless, due to his overall class edge.

Tampa Bay Derby (G2) victor #2 Helium (5-2) and Jimmy Winkfield S. winner #6 Hello Hot Rod (20-1) both have intrigue as potential pace players. I will include both in my vertical and horizontal wagers. And to a lesser extent, I will also use smart maiden winner #1 Ready to Pounce (15-1) on the big class jump. 

Blame S.

An excellent field of seven will travel 1 1/8 miles in a competitive contest. Canadian Horse of the Year #1 Mighty Heart (12-1) is an especially inviting price in this endeavor. Four-year-old son of Dramedy was a sharp third in a deep allowance field at Keeneland while making his seasonal debut, and improvement is expected second time back from the Josie Carroll pupil. If the two-time Canadian classic winner can avoid a pace duel, then I like his chances to make a big impact in the race.

Shawnee S.

#7 Envoutante (4-5) dominated the Falls City S. (G2) on the course in November by six lengths, and the McPeek trainee also finished a superb second in the recent La Troienne S. (G1) in her second start as a four-year-old. She is all the class and a deserving favorite on the big class drop.

I like the improvement made by #4 Miss Bigly (6-1) in her last two and give her the nod to complete the exacta. Phil D’Amato trainee gamely re-rallied in the mud at Oaklawn Park most recently, and the Gemologist mare has finished in the top three in each of her lifetime tries beneath the Twin Spires, as well. Martin Garcia rides.

Aristides S.

I believe that #5 Empire of Gold (7-2) is both underrated and due for a stakes triumph for Terry Eoff. The Goldencents colt shows six fine races on the dirt in succession while facing strong opposition, including a fourth in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1), and he is quite enticing at his morning-line price in this field. The Kentucky-bred bay prepared for this contest with a convincing allowance score at Oaklawn Park most recently.