US Horse Racing Tips: Paul’s got his eye on two at Churchill Downs

Our Stateside expert Paul Quigley is back after a couple of weeks to cast his eye over Friday's racing action from across the pond.

He marks his return with two selections from Churchill Downs and you can check out his latest US Horse Racing Tips below.

Horse Racing Odds

20:18 Churchill Downs (Race 6) – Lambeth (1) @ SP

This is a stakes calibre field. Many of the runners have winning form at that higher level. The Brad Cox trained West Hollywood (8) is one of them. He had Higgins Boat (2) behind him when defying a long lay off in March.

His two subsequent starts were even better. In the last, he ran third to a pair of talented horses in a Grade 3 over course and distance last month. He has a better chance than most under Irad Ortiz. His bother Jose rides Lambeth (1).

Like West Hollywood (8), he will be suited by speed to chase down. He performed well in good company last year but looking like longer distance races have looked a tad far. Looking at Joe Sharp’s record second time back, he may improve off a fine comeback third here. 

Irish Aces (4) has a stakes victory and Grade 3 placing to his name in 2024 and 2025. He’s not raced in over a year but has fired fresh in the past. At his best, he is very dangerous. Wes Ward’s Funtastic Again (5) has not been away as long.

The Woodbine Grade 3 winner has speed but has stalked and ran his race in the past. That is also the case with Idratherbeblessed (6). It will be interesting to see if new trainer Mike Maker can improve him.     

Herchee (7) is a five year old with few miles on the clock. He improved last year and was entitled to need his comeback when behind the selection. He’s a possibility at a price.

21:22 Churchill Downs Race 8  – Cash Call (6) @ SP

A couple of trainers are double handed. Hopefully that wasn’t a tactic just to make this race fill. There is a large purse for the level so there may not be scratches. On paper, Cash Call (6) is Bob Baffert’s first string.

She was turned over at odds on in March. The winner romped by eight lengths in a stake last time suggesting it was not the below par effort it looked at the time. Her Grade 3 win last year came over an extended mile but she has form sprinting. She has been working well locally.

It is interesting that Baffert has also entered Silent Law (3). She has twice been a graded stakes runner up. She’s not raced since being used up in a speed duel in a Grade 1 in December. This is a far more winnable spot.

She may improve for racing with lasix for the first time. The four year old is dangerous with the lead on her own. The pacey Anakarina (5) moves up the pecking order if she is absent. She’s been freshened up since missing by a neck in a stake at Oaklawn in April.        

Some pace to chase down will suit Roswell (4). The booking of Irad Ortiz may hurt her chances of being a price. Tapit Quick (2) will take less money. She has a chance of a stakes third in December.