Pick 3 of the Week: Churchill Downs Saturday, June 13

A pair of black-type tilts will headline the Saturday card at Churchill Downs, and I will highlight a three-race sequence near the middle of the card for the Pick 3 of the Week. 

Race 5 Wager

• $2 Pick 3: 5 with 3,6,7,8 with 1,2,6 ($24)
• 50-cent Pick 3: 4,5 with 3,6,7,8 with 1,2,6 ($12)

Race 5 – Allowance

The first leg of the sequence is for the boys at 1 3/16 miles on the main strip, and I’ll go two deep to commence the play, led by #5 Pagode (9-5) in his four-year-old debut. Now in the hands of Brad Cox, the son of Constitution flashed a lot of potential in the second half of 2025 and will be imposing with even minor improvement off the break. He looms large under Concepcion. 

If the top pick falters, I’d expect #4 House United (10-1) to benefit. One of two in the group for David Jacobson, the gelding was strong at 1 1/8 miles at Aqueduct three back, and he gets a pass for failing as the favorite over the quirky Monmouth surface last time. I think 1 3/16 miles will be very good for him under Christian Torres. 

Race 6 – Maiden Special Weight

A five-furlong dash for juvenile fillies and looks to have attracted some potential fine prospects in the middle portion of the play. #3 Energy Flows (10-1) is bred to run longer and might eventually prefer the turf, but I like her pattern of works and will give her a chance at first asking under Brian Hernandez, Jr. 

Corniche is off to a fast start at stud and #6 Peace Mission (8-1) will make her debut for the red-hot Mark Casse. #7 Epic Fashionista (5-2) brought $450,000 in March and will be a big threat if she runs to her price tag. The Flying Dutchmen homebred #8 House Boat Party (4-1) is from Flightline's first crop, and trainer Brian Lynch has been on a roll at the meeting. I’ll use four lassies in the second leg. 

Race 7 – Optional Claiming

Seven fillies and mares will travel one mile on the lawn in the closing piece. I don’t have a great feel for the affair, but the Brendan Walsh-conditioned #1 Austere (2-1) has speed from the fence in a field without pace and also gets blinkers for the contest. The Mendelssohn mare exits a solid fourth in the Gallorette (G3) at Laurel Park and might lead them at every call beneath Declan Cannon. 

Casse’s #2 Smiling Ellie (3-1) has been first or second in six of her last eight races and finished ahead of the top pick at Keeneland last time. The improving Midshipman mare will have Arrieta in the irons. #6 For Love and Honor (6-1) is a two-time winner at the distance and is more than capable of running big on her best day. One of two in the field for Joe Sharp, the Sky Mesa mare will have Brian Hernandez up.