Check out my Wednesday (9-24-25) Churchill Downs Race 7 analysis below.
CD 7 (OC-175k, 3&up, 8.5f) – Post Time 3:48 PM ET
Primary – #5 BENDOOG, #4 Dragoon Guard
Secondary – #6 Best Actor, #7 Warrior Johny, #3 Honor Marie
Horse Comments:
#5 Bendoog (4-1) finished in the top three in eight of his last ten starts (2 wins). He completed the exacta in all three starts and this distance and might work out a decent stalking trip under his new rider Tyler Gaffalione.
#4 Dragoon Guard (9-5) was part of the trifecta in all eight starts (8 4-3-1). Last year, he won the G3 Indiana Derby and G3 W. Va. Derby, and finished third in the G1 PA Derby. He returned from a layoff and finished a half-length behind Will Take It at one mile May 22, and pressed, led, and missed by head Aug. 28. He was the favorite six times and won half of those races, and he reconnects with his winning rider Florent Geroux and he should be forwardly placed in his third start of the year.
#6 Best Actor (7-2) stalked the pace and nipped Dragoon Guard by a head at this distance Aug. 28. The 2-time local winner always runs his race at this trip (6 3-2-1).
#7 Warrior Johny (6-1) was last of 8 in a stakes race at Horseshoe Indy July 5. He drilled a best of 151 local bullet for this Aug. 23 and he has a good overall record at this course (11 2-2-2) and distance (10 2-2-3). Irad Ortiz, Jr. takes the call and he won a listed stakes race last fall and another one in June.
#3 Honor Marie (5-1) adds lasix and this is his first start as a gelding. He rallied to win the Isaac Murphy at 12f in April and finished last of 7 in the G2 Suburban July 4. He likes this oval (5 3-1-0) and won the G2 Ky Jockey Club at this distance in 2023. The late runner needs pace help.
Wagers:
#5 to win
Exacta box 4-5
Trifecta 4-5/3-4-5-6-7/3-4-5-6-7
Recent 2025 Bettor Bet$ Free Pick Winners
Sept. 2 – Marian Cross ($5.00)
Sept. 7 – Modus Bestia/Latitude/Cheever Trifecta ($80.20)
Sept. 14 – Lovin’ On the Run ($6.40)
Sept. 15 – Calvin’s Ride ($7.80)
Sept. 23 – Uncle Truly/Shadow Factor Exacta ($5.00), Trifecta ($11.40)
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