Jeff Siegel’s National Best Plays
Churchill Downs – Fourth Race. Post time: 2:19 ET
3-Dreamalot (5-1)
Displayed good ability in her only start last year when second (five lengths clear of the rest) behind future stakes star Marataya in a highly-rated maiden juvenile dash at Ellis Park. A first-time Lasix user, the daughter of Ghostzapper shows a steady series of workouts that should have her fit enough for this seven furlong trip, and if she returns as well as she left the Brendan Walsh-trained sophomore should be hard to beat for a barn that has strong stats with layoff runners. At a generous 5-1 on the morning line, she’s a win play and rolling exotic single.
Churchill Downs – Seventh race. Post time: 3:55 ET
8-Kochar (5-1)
Steadily improving colt moves into stakes company in this year’s edition of the American Derby after a clever 10-furlong main track allowance win with authority last month. The son of Uncle Mo has good tactical speed, plenty of stamina, and a comfortable outside post that should allow the Rudolphe Brisset-trained sophomore to dictate his trip depending upon the race flow. At 5-1 on the morning line there’s value to be found in the win pool and in the various rolling exotics.
