Horse Racing News Update: Chorleywood Stakes Handicapping Analysis
This Saturday’s Chorleywood Stakes at Churchill Downs promises to be an intriguing handicapping challenge, with its 11-furlong distance, three-turn turf course, and a competitive field of 11 horses that includes class droppers and international shippers.
Webslinger emerges as the most likely winner in this event. The consistent turf performer has run faster times than most of his rivals while facing tougher competition. In his last outing, Webslinger finished third, just two lengths behind the winner, in the prestigious Turf Classic on Kentucky Derby day, his third placing in a Grade 1 race without a victory.
“Jockey Jose Ortiz, who has a strong record in these types of turf marathon races, will be aboard Webslinger as the horse stretches out to the 1 3/8-mile distance for the first time in his career. This combination of factors suggests that Webslinger has a solid chance to improve and capture the win, which I estimate he can achieve around a third of the time, making his fair odds approximately 2-1.”
The presence of Bold Act and Winning Spirit, the other Grade/Group 2 winners in the field, should help ensure Webslinger maintains an attractive price. Additionally, the horse’s inside post position is an ideal draw.
Beyond the obvious choices, I’m intrigued by the potential of Stone Age and Sugoi as long-shot plays. Sugoi has the benefit of being ridden by the skilled turf jockey Julian Leparoux, though I’m not as enthused about the horse’s post position.
My strategy will be to single Webslinger in the multi-race bets and see how the exotic wagers shape up, potentially including Stone Age and Sugoi in those configurations.
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