(I join commentator Ed DeRosa in the Churchill Downs paddock before a race, back when DeRosa had a real job. Unfortunately, his picks were so dismal that he was soon replaced on the in-house telecast. Ugh…)

DeRosa vs McLean…Head to Head Competition This Entire Churchill Downs September Meet

This September, HorseRacingNation.com’s Content Editor and chief guru, Ed DeRosa, and I will embark on a fun-filled experiment when we take on one race per day at Churchill Downs and go “head-to-head” in our handicapping challenge.

On Thursday night, I got the better of my great friend, and so-so handicapper Eduardo. I ran 3rd with one of the favorites. I think Ed’s steed is still on the track toiling. (Actually, Ed’s pick was 5th and 11/4-lengths behind my top selection.)

So, after Day 1, let the record reflect it is:

McLean 1, DeRosa 0.

Now, we are ready for Round 2, and I have selected Race 8 on today’s card as our “Head-to-Head” matchup…Let the games begin…

Ed DeRosa’s Selections: 

Race 8: 2-3-1:

Normandy Hero (2) caught a deep and salty bunch on debut and — despite being beaten 19 lengths at 7-5 – was bet down to 8-5 next out and obliged gate to wire with a fast figure. Can upset the heavy chalk.

McLean’s Selections: 

Race 8: 1-3-4:

Upset Alert Special, for ole’ Team McLean here. I will go with Sponge Bath (1), and this guy is listed at 12-1 in the ML by my good friends over at Brisnet.com. Has run twice already. Has hit the board in each and ran very well in each, too. Now, will switch to the dirt surface. Pedigree should appreciate that surface switch. Look at the last race. Look again. Ran just behind a horse that won a major Stakes at KY Downs on Wednesday. This one could be the real deal and we can catch a nice price here, too. I’m on it.

Get ready, Eduardo. You are going down, down, down. Again.