Challenging Day for Bettors

Some advice for bettors who love to play the pick six, especially when there is a carry-over, and today will be at Hollywood Park or one of its satellite wagering facilities: Bring money.

Three tracks have carry-overs: $42,387 at Belmont Park, $143,270 at Hollywood Park and $471,588 at Churchill Downs.

The carry-over at Churchill Downs is so big because the track guaranteed a $500,000 pool on Kentucky Derby day, and thanks to the parade of longshots capped by Giacomo’s stunner in the Derby, the large chunk awaits.

Bettors might begin the Churchill pick six with a single. Weatherwise looks like the one to beat in the fifth, a $49,600 allowance at six furlongs, after finishing second in a similar spot at Keeneland.

The most probable winner in the Hollywood Park pick six might be Sweet Stepper. He looks like the controlling speed in the seventh, a $58,000 optional claimer at 1 1/16 miles on turf, and he has won five of 10 on the local grass. Tyler Baze will ride for owner Michael Miller and trainer Steve Knapp.

Race of the day: Irish Femme, who has won two in a row and five of her last seven, will step up in search of another win in the seventh on the opening-day card at Golden Gate Fields. Bobby Gonzalez will ride the 5-year-old Proud Irish mare for co-owner and trainer R.L. Martin in the $33,000 optional claimer at 1 1/16 miles on turf.

One for the road: Emtyazat disappointed on an off track in her final start at Gulfstream Park but can bounce back on dry land in the eighth at Belmont Park. The Gone West filly had won her previous two on fast tracks by a combined 14 1/2 lengths. Eibar Coa will ride for Shadwell Stables and trainer Tom Albertani in the $48,000 allowance at one mile.

Exotically speaking: A late pick four using Agata, Vencedora Amiga and Smokegetenyoureyes in the fifth; Loren V. and Walker in the sixth; Sweet Stepper in the seventh; and Our Approval, Pavlosk and Ceez The Minute in the eighth.

Winners: Previous day/meet total: 1/36. Money: Previous day/meet total: $6.80/$192.60. Total money bet: $228.