Race Selections for Friday, 2nd May from Mike Somich: Churchill Downs Edition
The weekend's racing action kicks off at the iconic Churchill Downs with a fantastic card on tap. Let's take a look at the highlights and winning picks for the day.
Kentucky Oaks, Race #11
The headline event of the day is the running of the Kentucky Oaks. Here are my top picks for this prestigious race:
#11 Good Cheer
- Record: A sterling 6-for-6 career record
- Form: Never been truly tested as she's always been in control
- Notes: A three-time winner on the Churchill Downs dirt, set to make her mark in this year's Oaks. Short odds, but hard to ignore such a powerhouse.
#10 Take Charge Milady
- Record: Consistent improvement since her career debut
- Form: A two-time Grade 1 winner with a speedy finish
- Notes: A second-choice pick behind the favorite Good Cheer, capable of closing the gap on the leader late in the race.
#9 Tenma
- Record: Baffert's best Western hope, with a solid showing in April
- Form: Regained her form from early 2025 with an impressive win at Santa Anita
- Notes: A wild card due to her inconsistent form, could potentially be a spoiler if she returns to top form.
#6 Ballerina d'Oro
- Record: Two standout performances at today's distance
- Form: Shines in wet conditions, which may be a factor for the race
- Notes: Will be making a late charge if the track remains muddy.
The Bet: $10 Trifecta 11 / 6,9,10 / 6,9,10 - $2 Trifecta 6,9,10 / 11 / 6,9,10
The 8Belles, Race #9
This seven-furlong dirt sprint houses several worthy contenders, including the favorite, Eclatant, who'll be seeking her third consecutive win.
#10 Impulse Buy
- Record: Consistent form, with an impressive win at Churchill Downs in November
- Notes: Trainer Rudy Brisset is particularly successful off the layoff, so Impulse Buy is worth considering – especially with Flavien Prat riding.
#9 Bourbon Memory
- Record: Four wins in as many starts, with her latest coming at Oaklawn Park
- Notes: A turf specialist making her dirt debut, breeding suggests she should have no trouble handling the surface.
#5 Verity
- Record: Promising form, including an impressive win in the Beaumont Stakes at Keeneland
- Notes: Combines strong speed with the ability to adapt to different racing styles, making her a dark horse with solid potential.
#2 Evanescence
- Record: Longshot contender with a win at Churchill Downs
- Notes: Loves an off track, so keep an eye on weather conditions as she could make a strong run.
The Bet: $50 Win #10
Other notable contests to watch include:
- Churchill Downs Race #6: #2 (potential upsetter)
- Churchill Downs Race #10: #4 (horses with solid form and a good price)
For additional insights, dive into Racing Dudes' comprehensive guides for the 2025 Kentucky Oaks[1] and other expert analyses on YouTube channels such as Andy Serling and Gallop Nation[2][3].
[1] https://www.racingdudes.com/directory/kentucky-oaks-encore-blogger[2] https://www.youtube.com/c/AndySerling[3] https://www.youtube.com/c/GallopNation360
- The Kentucky Oaks, Race #11, will see Good Cheer, a thoroughbred with a 6-for-6 career record, aiming to make her mark with short odds, despite never being truly tested.
- Impulse Buy in Race #9, The 8Belles, is worth considering, given its consistent form, a trainer known for success off the layoff, and jockey Flavien Prat on board.
- swift horse Tenma is a wild card in the Kentucky Oaks, with Baffert's best Western hope set to potentially be a spoiler if she returns to top form.
- For the 2025 sports racing action at Churchill Downs, Mike, a racegoer or spectator, might want to root for Evanescence in Race #2, given her penchant for an off track and ability to make a strong run.
