Horse racing odds are usually heading down the home stretch of the Triple Crown season at this point in the spring. But with the COVID-19 shutdown shuffling the racing schedule, racetracks around the country are slowly reopening for betting action.
Racing analyst Monique Vag gives her favorite free horse racing picks for Thursday, May 28 with betting tips for races at Churchill Downs and Gulfstream Park, starting at 1 p.m. ET.
Churchill Downs Free Picks
Race No. 1, $50,000 Claiming, Post: 1:00 p.m. ET
Pick: No. 3 Comedian (3/1)
Gets to drop into the claiming ranks for the first time in his career which could help to spark a big effort. One issue with this colt has been slower breaks. Earlier in his racing career, he did show some gate speed. If he’s able to flaunt that speed again and be a little bit closer to the pace, he will be left with a lot less work to do late in deep stretch. The price will be fair to take a shot at post.
Race No. 3, $10,000 Claiming, Post: 2:00 p.m. ET
Pick: No. 3 Divine Dharma (6/1)
In a race lacking pace, I wouldn’t be surprised to see this filly put into play early and be the one dictating the tempo. Although she's been win shy, her maiden breaking score was a romp where she wired the field. She’s working with a much better post today, reuniting with jockey Tyler Baze, and getting to race against easier competition. It will set her up for success.
Race No. 4, $10,000 Maiden Claiming, Post: 2:32 p.m. ET
Pick: No. 8 Gambit (7/2)
Takes another drop in class to race versus the easiest competition he's ever faced – at least on paper. This gelding has been at his best racing at the mile distance and has been a major contender when put into play early. In another race lacking pace, I would expect him to take advantage of the lack of early speed. If he can get to the front end and rate well, he will be very difficult to pass late.
Race No. 9, $88,000 Allowance, Post: 5:12 p.m. ET
Pick: No. 9 Unbridled Class (6/1)
The two shorter prices in here will almost surely be over bet, so I'm willing to take a shot on a mare with limited turf experience, racing very well over that particular surface. She's gotten out to quick starts in every single one of her races and I would expect to see her put into play early, drawing an outside post. If she goes off anywhere near her morning line odds at post, she's worthy of a much closer look.
Gulfstream Park Free Picks
Race No. 7, $25,000 Claiming, Post: 3:49 p.m. ET
Pick: No. 1 Blazing Desire (7/2)
He was claimed in his last start after a big effort where he wired the field. He remains in the claiming ranks and gets to face off against similar company Thursday. Look for this gelding to flaunt some of that gate speed and try to work out a similar trip to his most recent race. He's historically been tough to pass late when getting to the front end early and rate well, and that's exactly where he should find himself today. **video
