The 27th edition of the Claiming Crown takes place at Churchill Downs, featuring eight starter allowance races designed as a “blue-collar” version of the Breeders’ Cup. The highlight is the Claiming Crown Jewel, a 1 1/8-mile dirt race with a $200,000 purse, attracting a large and competitive field of 16 horses, including notable entrants like Navajo Warrior, Point Dume, and Bernin Hot. Seven of the eight races have overflow fields, with three contested on turf, providing diverse betting opportunities. The day also includes the Grade 3 Chilukki Stakes for fillies and mares at one mile on dirt. Coverage begins at 11 a.m. EST on FanDuel TV, with free past performances available via Brisnet.
Handicappers highlight the advantage of larger fields for better exacta payouts, and several experts provide detailed analysis and long-shot picks for the Claiming Crown races. Noteworthy horses include recent winners like Happy Strike, Overstatement, and Welaka, while others like Gilded Craken and Le Gris come off less impressive recent performances. The event is a favorite among bettors, with expert insights and strategic plays available to help navigate the competitive fields. Additionally, HorseCenter focuses on Aqueduct’s Jockey Club Oaks turf race, and the Ron Flatter Racing Pod features an interview with Kentucky Derby-winning trainer Eric Reed.
