Horse Racing Picks Closing race $175,000 Emerald Churchill Downs on Saturday November 16, 2024

Sugoi wins at Turfway Park. (Photo by Coady Media)

The final race of the 26th Claiming Crown at Churchill Downs on Saturday is the $175,000 Emerald, featuring a full field of talented contenders for the 1 1/16-mile event.

Louisville S. (G3) winner #8 Sugoi (2-1) stands as the one to beat for trainer Mike Maker. This talented son of Karakontie has won five of his last nine starts, showcasing a new level of performance since being claimed by this barn in April. Following his Louisville win on this surface, Sugoi delivered a strong second-place finish in the Chorleywood S. behind Webslinger at Churchill Downs. He also finished a respectable fifth in both the Arlington Million S. (G1) and Sycamore S. (G3) in his recent races.

While Sugoi excels in longer-distance races, there’s some question about his sharp cutback in distance after a 12-furlong effort at Keeneland. He’s a must-use contender with Jose Ortiz aboard but could be vulnerable to an upset.

I see two strong contenders in this race, including Canadian invader #10 Journeyman (4-1). Trained by Michael Wright, this son of Animal Kingdom has been impressively consistent and recently prepped well with a narrow half-length loss in an allowance race at one mile at Woodbine. The versatile Kentucky-bred bay is a two-time winner at this distance and should benefit from a clean trip breaking from the 10 post. Christian Torres takes the reins.

#3 Tidal Forces (15-1) hasn't scored a win since February, but this talented gelding from Fernando Abreu’s barn has been taking on tough competition in New York. Last out at Aqueduct, he was hampered by a slow pace yet managed fourth, suggesting he’s ready for a peak effort in his third start back from a brief layoff. A dark bay son of Malibu Moon, Tidal Forces just missed in the Appleton S. by a neck in March and, with speed horses to his inside, should be able to secure a favorable trip under Rafael Bejarano.

• $5 exacta key box 8 with 3,10 ($20)

• $1 trifecta 8 with 3,10 with all ($20)

• $.50-cent trifecta 3,10 with 8 with all ($10)\

Looking for the ultimate ticket-buying experience? Look no further than VividSeats! Whether you're a fan of sports, concerts, theater, or live events, Vivid Seats has you covered with an extensive selection of tickets to the hottest events around Click Here.