Keep an Eye on Churchill

Four days after the Kentucky Derby, the focus is still on Churchill Downs.

Well, at least for pick six players it is. Thanks to some upsets Saturday, capped by War Emblem’s $43 stunner in the Derby, there is a carry-over of $348,152 awaiting today.

Churchill Downs is always dark the day after its signature event, so this is the resumption of racing and post time has changed. For the rest of its meet, which continues until July 7, the Louisville track runs at 3:10 p.m. EDT on weekdays, meaning the first race is simulcast locally at 12:10 p.m.

The pick six begins on the third race and continues through the eighth. Unlike California, and most other venues, it is a $1--rather than $2--wager.

Pat Day, the winningest rider in Churchill Downs history, is named on horses in four of the six races in the sequence.

He is scheduled to ride Capote Laday, a first-time starter for trainer Dale Romans in the fourth; Super X One, an also-eligible in the sixth, a maiden race on turf; Jo Dinah, a 3-year-old filly who will run against six others in the seventh at seven furlongs, and Screenplay, a 5-year-old gelding who is among 13 entrants in the eighth, a $50,000 claimer at one mile on the turf.

A couple of hours earlier, Belmont Park will begin its spring-summer meet with a nine-race card topped by the $100,000 Westchester Handicap at one mile.

Race of the day: Total Impact, second behind Kentucky Derby also-ran Essence Of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates Derby in Dubai on March 23, will make his first start since then for trainer Laura De Seroux in today’s seventh at Hollywood Park.

Who’s hot: Victor Espinoza. The jockey followed up his Kentucky Derby win with a victory on Night Patrol, an 8-1 shot, in Sunday’s Inglewood Handicap at Hollywood Park. Espinoza not only rode each of the nine races on Sunday’s card the day after his biggest win, but also spent time before the opener doing a question-and-answer session with the public.

Who’s not: Isaias Enriquez and Matt Garcia. The two riders have begun the Hollywood Park meet a combined 0 for 30.

Exotically speaking: A trifecta in the third using Crowned Dancer on top with Champ’s Gold, Expression and Shark Fin Soup in the two hole and all in the third spot.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 4/25. Money: Previous day/meet total: $18.60/$132.60. Total money bet: $174.