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Horse Racing picks for Churchill Downs race track on Thursday, May 5: Change Of Control can take command

Horse Racing picks for Churchill Downs race track on Thursday, May 5: Change Of Control can take command

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Pickswise_TestAuthor
UpdatedApr 29, 2026
Reading time2 min

There is plenty of great horse racing action to look forward to across America on Thursday, including at Churchill Downs race track. We have been on fire with our picks for a long time now, and are up +279.65 units with our race selections to our recommended stakes dating back to August 5, 2021. Let’s keep it rolling!

Here are our best bets for today’s action at Churchill Downs.

4:37 pm Churchill Downs (Race 8) – Set Piece 9/5 (2-star play)

The Dansili gelding Set Piece has finished 7th in Grade 1 company on his two most recent starts, but it’s notable that he was beaten just 2 lengths when making his seasonal debut in the Makers Mark Mile over a mile on a good turf track at Keeneland last month.

Brad Cox’s charge was placed in Grade company at Saratoga in August last year and sets the standard on form. He looks up to recording a 10th win in 20 career starts.

5:11 pm Churchill Downs (Race 9) – Hurricane Debbie 4/1 (2-star play)

Hurricane Debbie is representing trainer Wesley Ward, who does well with his youngsters. The selection broke her maiden at the first attempt when putting 8 lengths between herself and her rivals in a 4 1/2 furlong maiden special weight at Keeneland last month.

She pressed the pace early that day and while a wide draw today is far from ideal, she should be able to tuck in and challenge into the stretch with top jockey John Velazquez in the saddle. 

5:55 pm Churchill Downs (Race 10) – Change Of Control 3/1 (2-star play)

Change of Control showed good form during the autumn and winter, winning twice in stakes contests, including over 5 1/2 furlongs in a Grade 3 on a soft track at Keeneland in October. She followed up over 6 furlongs at Aqueduct a month later and has run well in 3 starts this year.

She came home 4 lengths 4th behind the speedy Campanelle over 5 1/2 furlongs at this track last month and looks capable of registering a 4th win in 5 starts at Churchill Downs.

Exotic

Pick 3

Race 8: 6, 9
Race 9: 1, 11
Race 10: 5, 8
Stake: $2
Total stake: $16

All of our horse racing predictions and handicapping information at Pickswise come with full analysis, brought to you by industry leaders with decades of experience. Check out our latest Horse Racing Picks today!

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