Horse Racing: Stakes Headlines Churchill Downs Odds

Stakes racing returns for the Audubon Stakes, Shawnee Stakes and Churchill Downs odds are available.

The $200,000 races headline the action on Saturday and there are some exciting thoroughbreds in action, including Pauline’s Pearl.

Audubon Stakes Betting

The American Turf Stakes served as the primary preparation for the Audubon Stakes.

Red Run and Smokin’ T come out of the Churchill Downs feature, which was won by Stolen Base.

Smokin’ T finished fourth, and the 3-year-old colt has demonstrated enough talent throughout his career, including a victory at Gulfstream Park in February.

The son of War Front then finished third in the Cutler Bay before competing in the highly-rated Grade II American Turf, so his form should stack up nicely and Churchill Downs odds have him right in the market.

Red Run, who is rated higher than Smokin’ T, finished sixth in the same race. Red Run’s form has been inconsistent since winning his debut at Churchill Downs, but he has the ability to score and the son of Gun Runner has been around some smart types.

He won the Texas Turf Mile to start his preparation and he still has plenty of upsides, so we wouldn’t overlook his chances of winning the Audubon Stakes.

Horse racing betting markets expected him to run better in the American Turf following a solid effort in the Jeff Ruby Steaks behind Tiz the Bomb, Tawny Port, and Kentucky Derby 2022 winner Rich Strike, so that form is tops for a race like this.

Bet on horse racing this Saturday for excellent odds, including for likely favorite Grand Sonata, who is the biggest danger to Red Run and Smokin’ T.

Grand Sonata, who finished second in the Grade III Transylvania Stakes at Keeneland, is the pair’s main rival. It was a solid effort behind Sy Dog and prior to that, he won consecutive races at Gulfstream Park.

His victories came at Dania Beach and Kitten’s Joy. The Kitten’s Joy is a highly regarded race at this level of competition, so Grand Sonata is a strong contender in the Audubon Stakes and we expect plenty of big bets to come for him on race day.

Shawnee Stakes Betting

All the rage in the Shawnee Stakes is for Pauline’s Pearl, who won the Grade I La Troienne in fine style at Churchill Downs the last start.

The 4-year-old filly by Tapit has more experience than many fillies and she posted wins in the Fantasy Stakes and Houston Ladies Classic, so she has been around the top types throughout her career.

Trainer Steve Asmussen believes she’s a nice filly and good enough to continue winning.

“She was a nice filly early that continuously competed and got better,” Asmussen said.

“She came back a [better] 4-year-old. All four races this year have been tremendous. It is so satisfying for her to come back and get her first Grade I on Oaks Day. She did her best last year in the Oaks. You can see the improvement one year has made in her.”

Ava’s Grace, who finished third in the La Troienne, is her main rival. The daughter of Laoban had previously won an allowance-level race, so the jump in class was significant, and she handled it well.

Churchill Downs odds have Pauline’s Pearl as the favorite to defeat Ava’s Grace once more, but we’re not expecting much between them on the line. It could pay to watch betting markets for any late moves.