The second of three Saturday cards at the Churchill Downs September meeting features four stake races headlined by the Dogwood (G3) for 3YO fillies. The 11-race slate is a strong one with a plethora of horizontal wagering opportunities for those so inclined. Here are a trio of horses I plan on building my Saturday in Louisville around.
Race 5:
This MSW event for 2YO fillies at two-turns drew a full field and appears to be relatively wide open. The two ML favorites exit the August 30 MSW at Kentucky Downs, but I prefer a filly coming in with a bit more rest from the “Pea Patch”. Helen Alexander homebred #3 Rain Gold was bet down to 5-2 on debut at Ellis Park on August 18 and ran a very strong third at this same one-mile distance. The More Than Ready filly was caught three-wide much of the way that afternoon in Henderson, yet still fought hard to the wire to miss by just half a length. Trainer Cherie DeVaux is off to a slow start to the meet, but is likely to start winning in bunches again before too long. This gal is bred to route on the lawn and has a big shot to earn her first win this weekend.
Play: #3 Rain Gold (5-1 ML)
Race 7: Harrods Creek
#5 Smoken Wicked is listed as the deserving 8-5-ML favorite in this 7-furlong dash for 3YOs over the main track. The Louisiana-bred has tackled many of the best sprinters in the division throughout his 2025 campaign and has races that almost certainly handle this field. That said, I am slightly concerned that this is his fourth start of the form cycle and seventh since late February. He is the likeliest winner, but I prefer the upside and value of #3 Jimmy’s Dailys. The son of Vekoma showed promised down at Gulfstream Park this winter before going to the sidelines after being outrun in the Florida Derby (G1). Trainer Brian Lynch brought him back in the Ellis Park Derby on August 10. Not only was that race at the unique one-mile configuration against better competition outside of Smoken Wicked, but it was fellow Lynch trainee Big Truzz that was dominant in victory. Jimmy’s Dailys was able to grind a well-beaten second despite being last early and then moving up into a tight spot costing him a few early lengths. Now, he cuts back to a true one-turn race and appears poised for a big run with Jose Ortiz taking over riding duties.
Play: #3 Jimmy’s Dailys (7-2 ML)
Race 9: Dogwood (G3)
The feature came up strong for a Grade 3 given the presence of #1 Echo Sound, #4 Ragtime, and #7 Delightful Claire. Echo Sound was made the 9-5-ML favorite by oddsmaker Mike Battaglia and no doubt brings the strongest resume in to this 7-furlong dash over the main track. The Rusty Arnold trainee has won 5 of 7, including a pair of Grade 3’s on the east coast earlier this year. She raced against the flow last out in the Test (G1), so her first career off the board performance is forgivable, but the rail draw is no bargain.
I like Ragtime most. The Godolphin homebred was impressive winning her first two starts going away at the Spa before being run down late in the aforementioned Test last month. She had a favorable setup that day, but it was Kilwin making the final move to get the money. She gets some class relief here and the removal of blinkers for the first time suggests she is relaxing better in the mornings. A move forward of any kind and she should have no issue running this field down under regular rider Junior Alvarado.
Play: #4 Ragtime (2-1 ML) *pictured*
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