After a Santa Anita Derby Day where So Happy found another gear late to run down favored Potente, it is Closing Day of the Classic Meet. This means mandatory payouts in all pools, including a trio of carryovers. The two-track $2 Sunset Pick Six has a two-day carryover of $54,824, the $1 Super High Five has $36,476 that must go, while the traditional $2 Pick 6 has almost $97,983. It should be a massive afternoon of wagering to close out the stand. Sunset 6 races will be Gulfstream 8-10 as well as Santa Anita 8-10.It should be a massive afternoon of wagering to close out the stand. Here is how I see the final Pick 6 of the Santa Anita meet.Grade Descriptions: Grade A=Highest degree of confidence; Grade B=Solid Play. Grade C=Least preferred or pass; Grade X=probable winner but likely at odds too short to play.Race 5:Grade: C+Main Ticket: 5 GojeBackups: 4 Taking a Joy Ride; 1 Christa McAuliffeForecast: The sequence gets started with a state-bred MSW at 5.5-furlongs where I had a difficult time being creative. #5 Goje appears the clear one to beat after a pair of speed and fade efforts for trainer George Papaprodromou. He cuts the Audible filly back in distance and moves her back to the dirt for her fourth lifetime start. If she makes the front again today, she is likely to prove tough to catch. #4 Taking a Joy Ride is the only first-time starter I can make much of a case for. Trainer Craig Lewis legs up jockey Juan Hernandez on this daughter of Clubhouse Ride who comes in off a steady series of local drills.Race 6:Grade: C+Main Ticket: 7 Smart CodeBackups: 4 Gregory’s PrideForecast: It is difficult to trust #4 Gregory’s Pride and #7 Smart Code in a vacuum, but both get significant class relief on Sunday dropping into this non-winners of three $30k claimer over the lawn. I prefer #7 Smart Code. The son of Honor Code has had favorable voyages of late and been unable to make a serious impact, but they came against starter allowance foes. Kazushi Kimura should be able to work out a perfect stalking trip off a contentious early pace. If they go too fast early, #4 Gregory’s Pride is likely to be making the final move. The 8YO gelding has not seen the winner’s circle in a while, but gets his first chance against claiming foes. Antonio Fresu takes the call.Race 7:Grade: B-Main Ticket: 1 La SilenciosaBackups: NoneForecast: I will take a stand in this state-bred MSW event at 5.5-furlongs over the main track with second-time starter #1 La Silenciosa. The daughter of Known Agenda makes her second career start after breaking slowly on debut, but putting in a solid run against the flow to earn third. Trainer Victor Garcia adds blinkers to this $85,000 FTCAYR 2024 purchase. If she gets out of the gate in better order, she should handle a field comprised of several runners without experience. Emisael Jaramillo has had an outstanding first winter in Arcadia. He will be back onboard.Race 8: ProvidenciaGrade: BMain Ticket: 3 Inbox; 5 Lilo LilBackups: 1 DaryaForecast: #3 Inbox makes her second start in the States for trainer Phil D’Amato and first against stakes foes in the closing day feature. The British-bred was impressive besting a field of maidens in late January and has seemingly been pointed to this spot since by the best turf trainer on the west coast. She should make it 2 for 2 over this surface if she gets enough pace to chase. That is the big question though, so I will also use a price horse that I expect to make the lead. #5 Lilo Lil enters the Providencia as a maiden, but gets an important rider change to Emisael Jaramillo. Jaramillo is one of the best in the game at getting his horse into the race early and that could be exactly what this filly needs to be at her best. With a clean break, expect this daughter of Caravaggio to be prominently placed in a race where that very well could be the key to victory.Race 9:Grade: BMain Ticket: 7 Chasin Munny; 4 Four O Six CreedBackups: 2 Broadway UnionsForecast: There should be an honest early tempo in this optional claimer over the main track, which hopefully can help get us some separation from the public within the sequence. That’s because the two ML favorites are two of the runners I hope to duel each other into defeat. #1 Dirty Words and #6 Captain Sparrow both should take money and should be involved early. I prefer #7 Chasin Munny. Trainer Librado Barocio has had an outstanding Classic Meet. He sends this 9YO gelding out for his second start off a one-year layoff after tackling much better in his return race on March 21. He should find a perfect stalking trip off the early leaders. I will also use #4 Four O Six Creed. The Jeff Mullins trainee also gets class relief after a pair of poor efforts to kick off his 6YO season. The rider upgrade to Juan Hernandez and the decrease in competition has a big chance to wake him up.Race 10:Grade: C+Main Ticket: 8 Precision; 4 Tribal; 5 Milbo Baggins; 6 Six Magpies; 7 DynodaveBackups: NoneForecast: The finale is a head scratcher, but a race where I will take a stand against a favorite that is likely to be over bet due to his competition. #3 Goodfella is listed as the 5-2-ML choice and should take at least that much money. The Irish-bred gelding comes in having run second in 3 of his last 4 starts, but has struggled to win races evidenced by his 1 for 17-record. A deeper dive into the Michael McCarthy trainee shows his only win came via DQ as the 1-9-favorite two-back at Turf Paradise. He is as capable as anyone of winning the final race of the meet, but the tote will suggest he has a much stronger chance than most others. I will fade the underlay and use several in hopes of closing things out with a solid price.Good luck on Closing Day!

Gulfstream joins Santa Anita and Sunland Park on a limited Easter Sunday lineup of Thoroughbred tracks in action. Local handicapper Ron Nicoletti gets you set for Gulfstream. Races 8-10 are part of the Sunset 6 with Santa Anita (also Races 8-10 today) and note a $54,824 carryover.Race 1:6 No More War11 Freaky8 Swamp FoxRace 2:2 Horseplay5 La Dinamita3 Bee N DeeRace 3:7 The Other One4 The Coromoto3 Khozy Me UpRace 4:2 Skedaddling Home (BB)6 Il Principado7 Captain OatsRace 5:7 Cairo Comedy8 Social Triumph2 Souffle On FireRace 6:7 Sneak Preview1 Brother Brad2 Gallant KnightRace 7:1 Del Mar Surprise (Ire)6 More Applause2 Come On PoppiRace 8:2 Bold Advance7 Full Nelson1 Dixie PreachRace 9:4 Con Compania (CHI)3 Mish5 RolandoRace 10:8 First Empire (LS)9 Boat’s a Rockin2 Xy SpeedBest Bet: R4:2 Skedaddling Home--Drops a rung on the competition ladder.--Set swift fractions when 2nd last out.--Aggressive rider P Lopez & trainer M Trombetta are 3 for 6 together at GP.Longshot: R10: 8 First Empire--Returns looking to flaunt her graded stakes speed.--Mark Casse has the Woodbine shipper training well in S Fla.--Miguel Vazquez rides.

EXTRA INCENTIVES$10 Money-Back Special | Blue Grass (Kee), Santa Anita Derby (SA), Wood Memorial (Aqu)$2,500 Late Pick 4 Hit & Split | Santa Anita | today$2,500 Late Pick 4 Hit & Split | Keeneland | todaySPECIAL WAGERSSunset Pick 6 | Gulfstream Races 8-9-10; Santa Anita Races 10-11-12Coast-to-Coast Pick 5 | Gulfstream Races 9-10; Santa Anita Races 5-6-8TOURNAMENT TIME$1,500 Santa Anita Derby Challenge | details$500 Keeneland Grade One Gamble Qualifier | details$100 Keeneland Feeder | details$40 Santa Anita Feeder | detailsNOTABLE CARRYOVERSSunset 6 | Gulfstream/Santa Anita | $16,197 | begins GP Race 8 | 4:31 pm ETSuper Hi 5 | Keeneland | $12,594 | Race 11 | 6:22 pm ETKEY RACESAqueduct | Race 3 | 1:38 pm ET | Excelsior StakesLaurel | Race 7 | 3:03 pm ET | Heavenly Cause StakesAqueduct | Race 6 | 3:16 pm ET | Carter StakesLaurel | Race 8 | 3:36 pm ET | Whiteley StakesLaurel | Race 9 | 4:08 pm ET | Primonetta StakesLaurel | Race 10 | 4:40 pm ET | Native Dancer StakesKeeneland | Race 7 | 4:12 pm ET | Commonwealth StakesSanta Anita | Race 4 | 4:38 pm ET | Echo Eddie StakesKeeneland | Race 8 | 4:44 pm ET | Appalachian StakesKeeneland | Race 9 | 5:16 pm ET | Madison StakesAqueduct | Race 10 | 5:25 pm ET | Distaff StakesSanta Anita | Race 6 | 5:42 pm ET | Santa Anita OaksKeeneland | Race 10 | 5:49 pm ET | Shakertown StakesAqueduct | Race 11 | 5:56 pm ET | Gazelle StakesKeeneland | Race 11 | 6:22 pm ET | Blue Grass Stakes | Meet the ContendersAqueduct | Race 12 | 6:34 pm ET | Wood Memorial | Meet the ContendersOaklawn | Race 10 | 6:42 pm ET | Rainbow StakesSanta Anita | Race 8 | 6:46 pm ET | Evening Jewel StakesSanta Anita | Race 10 | 7:46 pm ET | Santa Anita Derby | Meet the ContendersSanta Anita | Race 11 | 8:18 pm ET | Monrovia StakesEvangeline | Race 9 | 10:07 pm ET | Evangeline Mile StakesLONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIXTampa Bay | Race 6 | 2:50 pm ETKeeneland | Race 5 | 3:08 pm ETAqueduct | Race 12 | 6:34 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHBob Baffert | Santa Anita | all 7 entrants 5-1 or less odds (5 at 5-2 or less)DID YOU SEE?Yesterday | Tampa Bay | jockey Samuel Marin | 3 wins, 3 seconds, 2 thirds from 9 mountsPUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAMScott Shapiro: Santa Anita Derby Day Full-Card PicksJeremy Plonk: Keeneland Late Pick 4 Hit & Split AnalysisScott Shapiro: Derby Prep Money-Back Special Promo PicksJeremy Plonk: Race of the Week – Madison at KeenelandFrank Carulli & Brian W. Spencer best bets today in Xpressbet.com member’s section

The Meadowlands has a 14-race card with the 0.50 Early Pick 4 starting in Race 6. The sequence has a $50,000 guaranteed pool with a 15% takeout, and it will be my focus.Race 6 (8:40 PM EDT)4-Rockme Rollme (3-1)-This will be the 1st race in the Soldano barn and the 1st time this outfit has claimed a horse in the past 365 days. Topped this kind last week, comes right back at the same level and Jason Bartlett is at the controls again. Beat 5 from this field in last and will string along.5-Order One To Go (4-1)-Finished 2nd and was placed 4th on a Dq after racing well. Came off cover with a 55.1 and 27.1 last panel to lose by a length. Mohawk shipper is coming off a big effort and will look for another similar try.6-Gallie Getaway (9/2)-Hasn't sealed the deal in the last 2 races. Missed a start 2 back after winning and was used off the gate in the last 2 races. Will take a swing at what should be a square price and could have an easier path off the gate to the top this time.Race 7 (9:05 PM EDT)4-Funtime Bayma (2-1)-Raced well from post 8 considering was hung the mile and it was the 1st start since 11-24. Dexter Dunn steers again, was over bet last week and finished 4th. Went off at 4/5, will be another small price and is 0-8 at M1. Almost faded but comes off a good try and gets post relief, so will use and hope for the better value below.5-Major Hothooves N (3-1)-This 6-year-old got the pocket after leaving from post 6 and finished 2nd. Has hit the board in both races coming off the bench. Could be better in the 3rd race since 9-6 and should be a fair price.Race 8 (9:30 PM EDT)2-Seasideescape (7/2)-Won 2 back at M1 versus softer than went back to Yonkers and was in tall cotton. Beaten chalk didn't leave, raced from the backfield, and rallied to come 3rd. Burned money last week, and now drops. Could be better on this track and Bartlett will provide an aggressive steer this time.6-Effingham (8-1)-Won and then was scratched sick. Then went off at 50-1 last time in a needed race from the 9-hole, now starts from a choice post and might be overlooked. Did pace the back half in .54 and could surprise but needs a smooth trip.7-Hurrikane Cheyenne (6-1)-Outraced its odds in last against a well-meant winner who got away with a soft opening quarter. The post helps the price, and this race could set up for someone coming off cover. Jordan Stratton knows how to tackle the leader down the lane.Race 9 (9:55 PM EDT)3-Stellar Yanker (10-1)-Team Stratton entry can dance with this kind but needs the right set-up. The veteran does its best work stalking close to the leader. That trip can work here and with Yannick Gingras and Joe B on the outside the pace could be hot.8-Southwind Gendry (5-1)-Took a picture at PcD then returned to M1 and drew the 10-hole. Was off 11-days and was used hard from post 10. Landed in the pocket and cashed a 3rd place check. Gets some post relief, this will be the 4th race since 12-13 and the pedal will be down. Using and fading the 3-1 program chalk #4 Water Sports Teen who is looking for its 3rd straight.$1 Early Pick 44,5,6/4,5/2,6,7/3,8Total Bet=$36Check me out on X!

Saturday’s Keeneland late pick 4 has a $2,500 Hit & Split promotion when you bet with 1/ST BET and Xpressbet. The all-stakes sequence begins in Race 8 and concludes with the $1.25 million Blue Grass. Also note the $10 money-back special on the Race 11 Blue Grass. Get up to $10 back if your win bet finishes second or third.Let’s get to work.Race 8: Appalachian Stakes#01 Imaginationthelady was 1 of an incredible 6 stakes winners last Fall Meet alone at Keeneland sired by Not This Time. Expect her to come back running over a course she’s liked. Her Brendan Walsh stablemate Lion Lake has the best BRIS late pace figures in the field and nailed #9 Sister Troienne on the line last time over a Gulfstream turf course that plays speedier than Keeneland’s. Give me the Walsh duo with Lion Lake the likely better price for intra-race bets.Race 9: Madison StakesAgainst the favorites here who project into a strong pace and heavily backing #4 Ragtime (5-1 ML) and Clicquot (6-1 ML). The series of triple-digit BRIS late pace figures for Ragtime should shine in the final yards. Speaking of pace figures, no less than 6 of these Madison entrants ran 100-plus BRIS early pace figs in their most-recent start, ensuring we will get a ton of pace to tackle.Race 10: Shakertown StakesMy least confident of the late pick 4 races, I’ll get some coverage in this full-field turf sprint. #4 Yellow Card is well-drawn and has been on the road before with a strong second at Kentucky Downs last year. The Californian can play here at 10-1 ML. Also at a price is 15-1 ML offering #9 No Nay Hudson. You just don’t see that kind of price on Wesley Ward and Joel Rosario in Keeneland turf sprints, where they’re absolutely dominant, so expect the price to shorten. No Nay Hudson’s last 2 BRIS late pace figures are strong in this race comparatively. #2 My Boy Prince is equally good late on figs, a super-classy sort who will try not to get buried inside but is a major threat at 6-1 ML. Finally, #8 Litigation, the 4-1 lukewarm ML choice may be best of all on late pace figures, has won 3 of his last 4 for Brian Lynch, who won here opening day and is a stalwart in turf sprints. I wasn’t bullish on #12 Usually Wrong even with his string of victories of late, but the Fair Grounds sprinters were highly effective here opening day and I’m not going to spread this deep without using him.Race 11: Blue Grass StakesThe favorites have total run of this race as #4 Reagan’s Honor will be up top with every chance to underscore his impressive allowance win at Fair Grounds. Morning line chalk #6 Further Ado would be absolutely no surprise for a Brad Cox barn that’s been on fire with 3YOs in recent weeks and this colt ran a career-best his only trip to Lexington. I just can’t see anyone else winning the Blue Grass. I was tempted to single Reagan’s Honor, but given the prices we have in the sequence, we can still get a strong return with Further Ado winning. Playing multiple tickets, use Reagan’s Honor on more of those.The Ticket:8,10 with 4,3 with 9,4,8,2,12 with 4,6 = $20 for each $0.50.

SCHEDULE NOTESKeeneland | opening day | first post 1 pm ETSPECIAL WAGERSSunset Pick 6 | Gulfstream Races 7-8-9; Santa Anita Races 7-8-9Coast-to-Coast Pick 5 | Gulfstream Races 8-9; Santa Anita Races 3-4-5TOURNAMENT TIME$300 Santa Anita Derby Challenge | details$100 Keeneland Feeder | details$40 Santa Anita Feeder | detailsNOTABLE CARRYOVERSPick 6 | Aqueduct | $17,241 | begins Race 3 | 2:11 pm ETKEY RACESKeeneland | Race 5 | 3:08 pm ET | Lafayette StakesKeeneland | Race 7 | 4:12 pm ET | Beaumont StakesKeeneland | Race 8 | 4:44 pm ET | Transylvania StakesKeeneland | Race 9 | 5:16 pm ET | Ashland StakesOaklawn | Race 9 | 6:06 pm ET | Rainbow Miss StakesEvangeline | Race 3 | 7:24 pm ET | Acadiana StakesEvangeline | Race 8 | 9:40 pm ET | Spotted Horse StakesLONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIXKeeneland | Race 4 | 2:36 pm ETTampa Bay | Race 9 | 4:26 pm ETOaklawn | Race 10 | 6:38 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHVictor Barboza Jr. | Gulfstream | 5 of 6 entrants 4-1 or less oddsDID YOU SEE?Yesterday | Aqueduct | jockey Flavien Prat | 3 wins, 2 thirds from 6 mountsPUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAMJeremy: Keeneland Opening Day Late Pick 4 AnalysisScott Shapiro: Santa Anita Friday Spot PlaysFrank Carulli & Brian W. Spencer best bets today in Xpressbet.com member’s section

After an early start to the racing week in Arcadia, CA, they are back it at again on Friday afternoon at Santa Anita Park for a 9-race card that kicks off at 4PM eastern/1PM local time. The slate features five turf events, including the $3 All-Turf Pick 3, which kicks off in Race 5. Here are a few horses I plan to lean on later today at The Great Race Place.Race 3:My first play comes in this $71,000 allowance that looks a lot like a Grade 3 over the grass where I like #3 Cabo Spirit. The 7YO gelding drops out of graded stakes company after a pair of speed and fade efforts to kick off his 2026 season. It is usually pretty simple with this George Papaprodromou trainee. If he makes the lead and can control the early tempo against a realistic group, he is tough to catch. That should be the case against this bunch that has a lack of early zip outside of my top choice. Look for Hall of Famer Mike Smith to aggressively get him to the front, attempt to back down the second quarter, and have enough left late to get to the wire first.Play: #3 Cabo Spriit (4-1 ML)Race 7:This state-bred MSW event for fillies and mares over the grass kicks off the $3 Late Pick 3, which of course has a 15% takeout. I will build my late Pick 3 around #2 Jennys Wine Girl. The daughter of Richard’s Kid makes her third consecutive start at this surface/distance/level for trainer Richard Baltas. She draws favorably along the inside this start after an outside post last time led to a different voyage than I expect from the 4YO filly later today. Either jockey Edwin Maldonado gets aggressive and tries to take it to this bunch or lets #7 All in the Game go and opts to sit a favorable trip just off a horse trying a route of ground for the first time. If Maldonado plays it right, it should lead to this gal’s first lifetime score.Play: #2 Jennys Wine Girl (3-1 ML)Race 9:With #1 Joint Venture looking like a likely winner in the eighth, it looks like a very hittable late Pick 3 heading into this allowance event down the hill. I will try to close it out cold with #5 Proof He Rides. The son of Idiot Proof makes his third start off the claim for trainer Jeff Mullins. Mullins claimed the 8YO gelding for $50k at Del Mar in early November and the transaction has paid dividends already. Hopefully, jockey Kyle Frey can angle him outside of likely speed #8 Virat, stalk that one intently early, and make a similar move to the one he did in late February. If so, they are running for second.Play: #5 Proof He Rides (4-1 ML)

Hoosier Park has a 14-race card with the 0.50 Late Pick 4 starting in Race 11. The sequence has a low 12% takeout, and it will be my focus. Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.Race 11 (9:20 PM EDT)6-Ilikeitlikethat (2-1)-Rolled home with a 55.2 back half, and a 27.1 last panel to come 2nd in the 1st start since 7-11. Did have breaking issues last year but stayed flat last time, and the preceding qualifier went without a hitch in 155.3. This will be the 3rd lifetime start, Brandon Bates steers again, and this looks like picture time if minds its manners.Race 12 (9:43 PM EDT)1-Noblesville (5/2)-Dropped and popped in last, went off at 9/5 and looked the part. Comes right back versus the same kind and has a chance to double dip. Draws the rail, likes to race on the point and new pilot Kyle Wilfong can work that game plan.3-Brigade (3-1)-The Burke 4-year-old beat the NW4 here, then shipped to MVR and missed doubling up by a nose against the same. Now takes on older but still fits and this time comes back in sequence.Race 13 (10:06 PM EDT)5-Backstreet Gambler (3-1)-Ryan Bellamy entry is still looking for the 1st win in 2026 and meets a beatable field. Couldn't connect against the $15k claimers and in both tries a tepid pace didn't help chances. Drops to a spot to shine and Wilfong should have in striking range at the head of the stretch.8-Leiter (6-1)-Dropped in last but drew the 9-hole, didn't make a move, and had no shot versus a well-meant winner. Now gets further class relief and like the one above should relish the company. Luke Plano has some gate speed to use and despite the post draw is worth a swing at this price.Race 14 (10:29 PM EDT)5-ER Rookie (7/2)-Comes off 2 dull races against better. Now drops and the last time in at this level came 2nd. That night got on the engine and faded. Has only 1 win in 9 starts this year and is in a spot to wake up meeting a field without a standout.6-Joker Rockwell (9/2)-Like the one above is off to slow start (5-0-1-2) after posting 8 wins last year and banking over $88k. Gets some post relief and John DeLong should be aggressive when the wings fold.$2 Late Pick 46/1,3/5,8/5,6Total Bet=$16Check me out on X!