Lukas Classic Predictions, Best Bets, Odds (Churchill Downs)

Rich Strike won the Kentucky Derby earlier this year. He will make his first start at Churchill Downs since the first Saturday in May. Hot Rod Charlie, Happy Saver and Art Collector are other contenders in the $500,000 Lukas Classic. The winner of the race will be announced on Saturday. The other winner will take place on Sunday.

Hot Rod Charlie has been denied in three straight races. He has run three good races, including a third in the Whitney after being carried out wide by the winner Life Is Good. Art Collector is likely to be easier to go after than Life is Good, but he is the top pick for the Breeders’ Cup Classic.

Happy Saver has run second in all three starts this year. He should be in position at the top of the lane. Art Collector and Hot Rod Charlie will be difficult to get by. Lukas Classic Predictions, Best Bets, Odds (Churchill Downs).

Art Collector has won five stakes races in his last seven starts. Hot Rod Charlie is the biggest threat to Art Collector's winning ways. He is going to win the race. He deviated from the Grade 1 Woodward this year to avoid a clash with the early speed of Life Is Good.

Rich Strike is the Kentucky Derby winner. He finished fourth in the Travers last time. Lukas Classic is at Churchill Downs on Saturday. He is expected to finish with a minor share.

King Fury is a well-bred son of Curlin. He is also a graded stakes winner and a two-time stakes winer at Churchill Downs. King Fury has only made it to the races two times for trainer Kenny McPeek.

Chess Chief is a Dallas Stewart-trained son of Into Mischief. He has not been at his best in this season and finished way back in the Grade 1 Jockey Club Gold Cup at Saratoga.