Let's take a look at Friday's pick four sequence at Churchill Downs concluding with the Grade 1, $1 million Kentucky Oaks. Race 8 – Alysheba Stakes The two fastest horses in the race are Protonico (2) and Honor Code (7), and they will take the lion's share of the wagering. Of the two, I prefer Honor Code, who has always hinted at immense ability. If he's what his connections think he is, he should win. There doesn't appear to be much pace in the race, and Protonico can be close up, as evidenced by his recent gate-to-wire win at Keeneland. He ran well over this surface last fall. As a backup, I'll use Neck 'n Neck (3), a horse for course who appears to be slowly rounding into form after having his 2013 and 2014 campaigns shortened due to injury. Caveman: 2, 3, 7 Ticketmaker: A – 2, 7; C – 3 Race 9 – Turf Sprint Stakes I usually have trouble in turf sprints, and I'll have to spread in this one. I actually like longshot Buster Rose (9) to upset the applecart at long odds. Five for five in turf sprints, he hasn't been seen since winning the Claiming Crown Canterbury Stakes despite losing a ton of ground turning for home. True, that race went to closers following a pace collapse, but Buster Rose has some ability, and the layoff was by design and not because of injury. I'm expecting he'll be firing late at a big number. Power Alert (10) might not have cared for the "good" turf course at Keeneland on April 4. He ran very well on firm ground at Gulfstream this winter and deserves another chance. Good Deed (8), a mare taking on the boys, had a terrible trip at Gulfstream on Feb. 21. Good Deed likes to be forward but missed the break, was put way behind the eight ball, and still came with a big run for second. She loves this course. Undrafted (12) might be the best horse but is mired in a terrible outside post position and might want a bit more ground. I can't let him knock me out of the bet, however. My backups are Something Extra (11) and Channel Marker (2), the 1-2 finishers of the Shakertown at Keeneland, and the speedy Heitai (3), a Louisiana-bred who is 4 for 4 in turf sprints. Caveman: 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 Ticketmaker: A – 8, 9, 10, 12; B – 3, 11; C – 2 :: Build your pick four ticket with DRF TicketMaker | DRF TicketMaker (Mobile) Race 10 – Eight Belles Stakes I prefer the two Bob Baffert-trained entrants in the Eight Belles. Callback (1) cuts back in distance after being slapped by the stewards in the $200,000 Sunland Park Oaks on March 22. She is saddled with a tough inside post position, but there is some speed for her to track. Perhaps she'll focus better with blinkers back on. Enchanting Lady (8) looked good while beating lesser in the Santa Paula last month, but she faces a tougher pace scenario this time around. As backups, I'll use the undefeated Promise Me Silver (2), a filly who should get a good setup and is comfortable at this distance. Also, Taylor S (12) is one I fear, although she might have to rate and finish for the first time in her career. Caveman:  1, 2, 8, 12 Ticketmaker: A – 1, 8; B – 2; C – 12 Race 11 – Kentucky Oaks I'm not going to get overly clever in the Oaks. Stellar Wind (12) looked great in winning her two preps at Santa Anita in fast time. If she gets pace, she's obviously very dangerous. I slightly prefer I'm a Chatterbox (8), a versatile filly who might work out a nice trip tracking both Condo Commando (5) and Lovely Maria (7) in the early going. I'm a Chatterbox was the scourge of the division at Fair Grounds, and trainer Larry Jones won this race a couple of years ago with Believe You Can. Caveman: 8, 12 Ticketmaker:  A – 8, 12