EXTRA INCENTIVES1 Million 1/ST Rewards Points Hit & Split | Parx Late Pick 4NOTABLE CARRYOVERSJackpot Pick 5 | $204,900 | Parx | begins Race 1 | 12:40 pm ET1/ST BET AI MOST LIKELY PARX LATE PICK 4 WINNERParx | Race 8 | 3:53 pm ET | #1 Majestic Jo (29%)KEY RACESWill Rogers Downs | Race 7 | 4:57 pm ET | TRAO Classic Sprint StakesLONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIXParx | Race 2 | 1:07 pm ETMahoning Valley | Race 5 | 2:07 pm ETWill Rogers Downs | Race 8 | 5:24 pm ETTurf Paradise | Race 8 | 7:21 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHAnthony Farrior | Mahoning Valley | all 4 entrants 9-2 or less morning line oddsDID YOU SEE?Yesterday | Turf Paradise | Race 8 | nation’s highest-paying exacta ($159), trifecta ($1,086) and superfecta ($11,155)PUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAMFrank Carulli & Brian W. Spencer Tuesday best bets available in Xpressbet.com member’s section

While its history dates to 1936, the last 20 years of the Arkansas Derby have given us some epic performers – Smarty Jones (2004), Curlin (2007) and American Pharoah (2015) chiefly among those. Saturday’s $1.5 million Grade 1 test matches local winners of the Smarty Jones, Southwest and Rebel against an upstart from the all-too-familiar Bob Baffert barn.The Arkansas Derby includes a $10 money-back special from 1/ST BET and Xpressbet. Get up to $10 back if your win bet finishes second or third.Let’s meet the contenders for the Arkansas Derby (Race 13):#1-BRERETON’S BAYTOWN: Eighth in the Rebel at 188-1 odds, this well-traveled colt from Kentucky makes a return trip to Arkansas. Owns wins at Charles Town and Laurel with Charles Town-based jockey Marshall Mendez and reunites with that rider Saturday for Paul McEntee.#2-FIRST DIVISION: Last year’s duo with Arkansas Derby third-place finisher and next-out Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan – trainer Kenny McPeek and jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. – look for a return ticket. Son of 2019 Arkansas Derby winner Omaha Beach makes his stakes debut after a win, a second and a third from 3 starts at the current OP meeting.#3-PUBLISHER: Late-running fourth-place finisher from the Rebel Stakes adds blinkers for the first time on Saturday. Trainer Steve Asmussen won last week’s Louisiana Derby with fellow Rebel Stakes alumnus Tiztastic. Asmussen’s 4 Arkansas Derby victories all-time trails on Bob Baffert and Todd Pletcher with 5 apiece. Flavien Prat won this race 2 years ago aboard Angel of Empire. Son of 2015 Arkansas Derby winner and Triple Crown hero American Pharoah has yet to win in 6 starts.#4-BESTFRIEND ROCKET: Back-to-back allowance winner at Laurel and most recently at Oaklawn since moving to D. Wayne Lukas’ barn. Lukas won the Virginia Derby 2 weeks ago at Colonial Downs with American Promise (with Nik Juarez also riding) and looks for a second potential Kentucky Derby qualifier. Lukas’ 2 Arkansas Derby wins came in 1984-’85 with Althea and Tank’s Prospect. Son of 2007 Arkansas Derby winner Curlin.#5-SPEED KING: Front-running Southwest Stakes winner in January gets a third matchup vs. Arkansas Derby rival Coal Battle. Ran second to that one in Remington Park’s Springboard Mile by a half-length, but was no match when 15 lengths back when 10th last out in the Rebel. Ron Moquett teams again with Rafael Bejarano, who piloted Arkansas Derby winners Papa Clem (2009) and Overanalyze (2013).#6-SANDMAN: The Southwest runner-up added a third-place finish in the Rebel Stakes, beaten a total of 2-3/4 lengths in races won by Arkansas Derby re-matched rivals Speed King and Coal Battle. $1.2 million Tapit colt was an allowance winner over the Oaklawn track in December and has won 2 of 7 overall. Mark Casse trained 2017 Arkansas Derby winner Classic Empire and changes riders here to Jose Ortiz, coming off a runaway leading jockey title at Fair Grounds.#7-MONET’S MAGIC: Fifth in the Southwest at 44-1 odds, the Good Magic colt bypassed the Rebel and enters freshened with a light workout tab for trainer Ben Colebrook. Local allowance winner in December over a wet track. Jockey Luan Muchado won last week’s Jeff Ruby at Turfway on the Kentucky Derby trail.#8-COAL BATTLE: Riding a 4-race winning streak – all in stakes – the Smarty Jones and Rebel winner looks to remain perfect at Oaklawn. Trainer Lonnie Briley’s horse of a lifetime is comfortably in the Kentucky Derby field on points and has had 3 workouts with an extended, 9-day spacing between heading into the Arkansas Derby. He’s won 5 of 7 for more than $1 million and regular rider Juan Vargas returns from Louisiana.#9-CORNUCOPIAN: Smashing debut sprint winner at Oaklawn on Feb. 23 during the Rebel Day undercard, where stablemate Madaket Road would later finish second. Madaket Road heads to the Florida Derby this week while this $1.1 million Into Mischief colt gets his class and distance test. Five-time Arkansas Derby winner Bob Baffert looks to follow Muth’s win last year and a sixth victory would surpass Todd Pletcher as the race’s all-time leader. Hall of Fame jockey John Velazquez aims for his first Arkansas Derby win.

Saturday’s 14 race mega-card at Gulfstream Park culminates with the most historically important Kentucky Derby prep race of them all. The Florida Derby has springboarded 25 horses to wear the roses in Louisville, most of any national lead-in – remarkable total for a race that didn’t debut until 1952.The Florida Derby includes a $10 money-back special from 1/ST BET and Xpressbet. Get up to $10 back if your win bet finishes second or third. What’s more? Also get a 15% winnings boost – up to $20 – on successful win bets in the Florida Derby.Major multi-race pools throughout the card include estimated pools of $750,000 in the early pick 5, $1 million in the all-stakes late pick 4 and $2 million in the all-stakes late pick 5.Let’s meet the contenders for the Florida Derby (Race 14):#1-NEOEQUOS: Pacemaker held for third in the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth at 13-1 odds in his first start around 2 turns. Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. won the 2022 Florida Derby with White Abarrio. Edgard Zayas rides for the first time as FoY pilot Irad Ortiz Jr. opts for Disruptor.#2-COOL INTENTIONS: Two-time local winner did not factor when fifth in the Mucho Macho Man Stakes and comes off that Jan. 4 layoff while trying 2 turns for the first time. Jockey Javier Castellano won this race with Constitution (2014) and takes the call for Jorge Delgado.#3-SMOKEN BOY: Recent $62,500 claim for trainer Cheryl Winebaugh likely will be the field’s longest price. Hasn’t replicated anything close to his Puerto Rican success in 2 starts in Florida, including an eighth-place effort in the Sam F. Davis Stakes.#4-DISRUPTOR: Dominated maidens in his second start Marc 1 on the Fountain of Youth Stakes Day undercard by more than 9 lengths. $1.15 million colt by Pegasus World Cup winner Gun Runner. Trainer Todd Pletcher looks to pad his Florida Derby all-time record with a ninth win in this race, having won 3 of the last 4 and 2 straight. Jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. was aboard 2 of those (Known Agenda ’21 and Forte ’23).#5-INDECISIVENESS: Ruben Sierra-trained longshot has 1 win from 4 starts and was a no-threat fourth in the state-bred Juvenile Sprint last November in his only prior stakes attempt. Recent third in 1-1/8 miles allowance behind Florida Derby return rival Jimmy’s Dailys.#6-JIMMY’S DAILYS: Trainer Brian Lynch has Tampa Bay Derby winner Owen Almighty also on the Derby trail and gets a chance to see this local maiden winner and allowance runner in stakes company for the first time. Jockey Irad Ortiz hops saddles to Disruptor on Saturday, putting Joel Rosario aboard for the first time on this son of Vekoma.#7-ENTERDADRAGON: Most experienced member of the field makes his 10th lifetime start, but just his second on dirt. Pulpit Stakes winner and Colonel Liam Stakes runner-up on turf didn’t factor when fifth on dirt last September in the Aventura Stakes. Jose D’Angelo trains and Dylan Davis takes the return mount on this $17,000 purchase who has bagged more then $103,000.#8-MADAKET ROAD: Bob Baffert juggles 6 or 7 legitimate Kentucky Derby threats at this juncture, giving the Rebel runner-up and Lewis Memorial third-place finisher a rare roadtrip to Gulfstream. Blinkers come off this 3-time, stakes-placed colt by 2009 Florida Derby winner Quality Road. Tyler Gaffalione piloted 2022 Florida Derby winner White Abarrio.#9-TAPPAN STREET: Trainer Brad Cox punched a Kentucky Derby ticket last Saturday with longshot Jeff Ruby winner Final Gambit and looks to further his hand. Lightly raced colt won his debut over this track Dec. 28 and was a good second as the favorite in the Grade 3 Holy Bull while tested for class and distance on February 1. $1 million son of Into Mischief skipped the Fountain of Youth by design to be fresh for the Florida Derby. Luis Saez won the 2019 Florida Derby aboard Maximum Security.#10-SOVEREIGNTY: Back-to-back stakes wins, the Street Sense at Churchill Downs in September and the Fountain of Youth locally on March 1, have put this Bill Mott trainee on the doorstep of the Kentucky Derby as one of the favorites. Godolphin home-bred by Into Mischief will need a new rider. Junior Alvarado, the only jockey he’s known in 4 prior starts, is sidelined by injury.

Yonkers Raceway begins the week with a 10-race card. The $1.00 Pick 5 rolls in Race 5, and it has a $10,000 guaranteed pool. The $2.00 Late Pick 4 starts in Race 7, and it will be my focus.Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.Race 7 (8:45 PM EDT)1-Blue Lou (2-1)-Wasn’t used off the gate, then needed to deal with a wide trip and finished a beaten 6th last time. Jason Bartlett sticks over #2 and will look for a more aggressive steer starting from the rail.2-Soho Dow Jones (5/2)-Has raced well in the 3 starts here and won last time. Has been bet but now bumps up, Bartlett is off and Gingras gets the call. The driver change shouldn’t hurt but could help the price. Still fits and is in line for an efficient trip.Race 8 (9:05 PM EDT)2-Priceless Beach (8/5)-Won 2 in a row, then bumped up and didn’t get a great trip into fast fractions. Willing to toss the last start, gets a new pilot in Scott Zeron and drops in for a tag. The 9-year-old could be dialed on high and drawing inside should help its chances.Race 9 (9:25 PM EDT)5-Night Hawk (5/2)-Raced evenly versus this kind in the first start since 12-31. Did pace the back half in 55.2 and the Burke trainee could be ready for a big try in the 2nd start back after a rest.6-Smiffy’s Terror (9/2)-Won its 1st start of the year at this level and then kept bumping up. Did hit the board 3 times since and recent form has been good but didn’t win again. Wasn’t used off the gate last time and had a wide trip but rallied to come 3rd. This could be the spot to blast out and race at the top of the stack at a nice price.Race 10 (9:45 PM EDT)1-Blank Stare (3-1)-The Cullipher veteran has hit the board 28 of 59 at YR with 10 pictures. This will be the 2nd start since 10-12, and put in a needed race at M1. Lands in a good spot to get a win if tight enough.4-Janelle Granny (7/2)-The De Domenico pupil banked over $191k last year but things get a lot tougher for some in their 4-year-old season. Zeron steers, and this is the 1st time driving for this outfit. Drops should fit and it could be wake-up time.8-Layton Hanover (7/2)-Ships in from PcD, the Alexander trainee likes to win here and has beaten better as recently as last month. This field isn't loaded with early speed and Matt Kakaley could land in a close-up seat. Will respect chances, might be overlooked with the outside draw and has won 11 of 32 starts at Yonkers.$2.00 Late Pick 41,2/2/5,6/1,4,8Total Bet=$24Check me out on Twitter!

NOTABLE CARRYOVERSJackpot Pick 5 | $186,696 | Parx | begins Race 1 | 12:40 pm ET1/ST BET AI MOST LIKELY TURF PARADISE WINNERTurf Paradise | Race 4 | 5:20 pm ET | #2 Irish Heatwave (27%)KEY RACESWill Rogers Downs | Race 7 | 4:57 pm ET | Miranda Diane StakesLONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIXMahoning Valley | Race 6 | 2:35 pm ETParx | Race 9 | 4:20 pm ETWill Rogers Downs | Race 8 | 5:24 pm ETTurf Paradise | Race 6 | 6:18 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHTim Hamm | Mahoning Valley | all 3 entrants 5-1 or less morning line oddsDID YOU SEE?Yesterday | Oaklawn | this Saturday’s Arkansas Derby drew a field of 9, led by Cornucopian, Coal Battle and SandmanPUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAMFrank Carulli & Brian W. Spencer Monday best bets available in Xpressbet.com member’s section

There are two Sundays left in March to take advantage of Xpressbet and 1/ST BET’s Late Pick 4 Hit/Split at Santa Anita Park. Two million 1/ST Rewards Points are up for grabs to those who opt in and successfully piece together the sequence that starts in Race 6 at The Great Race Place. I am hoping to grab my share.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 6:Grade: B-Main Ticket: 7 Uncle Evco; 5 Santa BarbarianBackups: NoneForecast: A pair of class-droppers are likely to take a lions’ share of the money in this $32k maiden claimer at two-turns over the main track. #9 Cano for the Win was made the slight 9-5-favorite after 3 consecutive off the board finishes racing on the turf against protected maidens for Doug O’Neill. They only spent $75k for this son of Omaha Beach, so the drop makes sense after seven starts against better, but his lack of speed and outside draw make him tough to trust.I prefer 2-1-second choice #7 Uncle Evco. The Smiling Tiger gelding makes his third start off the layoff for trainer Michael McCarthy. McCarthy opts to put the blinkers back on after removing them last out. The presence of Flavien Prat for the first time should benefit. I will also include #5 Santa Barbarian. The Ryan Hanson trainee makes just his third start career start after stalking early and tiring late in a turf race against special weight company on February 17. He has the speed to find a good early spot on the surface switch and is 10-1 on the morning line.Race 7:Grade: B+Main Ticket: 1 Suntory TimeBackups: 5 Less Is MoreForecast: I am expecting a big move forward this afternoon from #1 Suntory Time. The Richard Baltas trainee showed zero speed in what clearly looked like a race they were giving her first out. That said, she put in a solid late run from well out of it and galloped out best. Baltas is 3 for 11 in turf routes for a $3.00 ROI over the last 30 days and this gal is out of a Lucky Pulpit mare that earned $160k herself over the lawn. She appears very live at second asking.#5 Less Is More is the 5-2-morning line favorite. She drops in class after showing the way and tiring late in the Cal Cup Oaks in mid-January. She gets Lasix and has every right to move forward as well on the move back into the MSW ranks.Race 8:Grade: C+Main Ticket: #1 Rousing Jewel; #2 Raising Silver; #5 Big PopBackups: NoneForecast: There is not a ton of early speed signed on in this 6-furlong dash over the main track for Cal-bred fillies and mares, which probably benefits #1 Rousing Jewel most. The Rousing Sermon mare underwhelmed as the 8-5-favorite in her first start since returning to Southern California for trainer Dean Pederson, but was not ridden aggressively at all out of the gates. Pederson turns to Martin Garcia. With the inside draw, expect her to be sent with intent this time out.#2 Raising Silver intrigues at a bit of a price. She ran well in all three of her dirt starts for Carla Gaines, shook off the rust in a turf sprint last out, and has the best chance of springing a significant upset. #5 Big Pop also failed as the public choice when we saw her last. Her inability to put races together is concerning, but she obviously fits well against these.Race 9:Grade: C+Main Ticket: 8 Whatmakessammyrun; 5 Simplexity; 2 Mega Moon; 10 Don’t Swear DaveBackups: NoneForecast: #2 Mega Moon is the 3-1-morning line favorite in the Sunday finale. He is going to get over bet with Flavien Prat taking the call for Ron Ellis in his first try off the claim, but is tough to leave off against these given his success in the past over the grass. #5 Simplexity aims to make it two in a row for the white-hot Dan Blacker barn. He has to prove himself out of the conditional claiming ranks, but it is hard to knock his current form. #8 Whatmakessammyrun merits serious respect dropping back down in class for Mark Glatt. He is my top choice given his affinity for this surface, but I am worried he may have too much to do late. #10 Don’t Swear Dave took advantage of a favorable flow to finish second on February 23 against several of his rivals in here. He is unlikely to get that fast of pace to run at, but theoretically he should move forward after shaking off the rust last out.

Northfield Park has a 15-race card with the $1.00 Late Pick 4 starting in Race 11. The sequence has a $10,000 guaranteed pool with a 14% takeout, and it will be my focus.Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.Race 11 (9:40 PM EDT)2-Midwind Beach Boy (2-1)-Raced well coming off the bench but couldn't last in the late going. Comes back against the same kind and gets a positive driver change. Ron Burke has Ronnie Wrenn doing the steering and looks like a player at a small price.4-Uncle Jord A (12-1)-Price shot tries hard but needs a suck around trip to win versus this kind. That could happen as Greg Grismore has the gate speed to land in a close-up seat when the wings fold.6-Zanetti (4-1)-Took the really long way around last time and that trip could only work for a 2nd place check. It was a brave effort, now steps up and this will be a test. But Aaron Merriman should work a smoother trip tonight and will respect chances.Race 12 (10:02 PM EDT)2-Lous Gambler (4-1)-Has been in sharp form the last 5 starts and notched 2 wins including last week. This level will be a challenge. But will use from the inside and this isn't the deepest Open Handicap field.3-Heavensdor Hanover (7/2)-Similar profile as the one above, except came a nice 3rd last week in the 1st start versus this kind. Should be racing at the top of the stack and is a threat for a picture with a sharp steer.8-Tequila Talkin (5/2)-The Burke veteran is a player but not so much a winner at this level these days. Will need the right set up with this post draw. Wrenn could leave, if not has the ability to rally off cover. Using and hoping the 10-year-old won't be bet hard.Race 13 (10:24 PM EDT)3-Liteningonthebeach (7/2)-This is a regular member of the Open Handicap club and does good work winning its share. Recent form has been dull in the last 2 starts, but with the inside draw this could be wake up time.4-Makin Some Noise (6-1)-Put in a needed race leaving from post 8 after a sick scratch. Did win 3 back getting on the engine. The price is right to look for another gate to wire attempt.Race 14 (10:46 PM EDT)5-Daenerys Dream (7-1)-AMac takes the lines and he has won 3 of 9 starts for the Jeff Maletz barn. Fits, gets post relief, and should be put in play early on. The veteran knows how to win at Nfld and will hope the morning line price holds up.8-Cool Man Dude (4-1)-Put in a no-move mile in a needed race after being on the bench since 10-5. Drops to a very soft spot and should be a main player if breaking problems have been solved.$1.00 Late Pick 42,4,6/2,3,8/3,4/5,8Total Bet=$36Check me out on Twitter!

EXTRA INCENTIVES2 Million 1/ST Rewards Points Hit & Split | Santa Anita Late Pick 4SCHEDULE NOTEFair Grounds | closing day of the meetingTOURNAMENT TIME$40 Gulfstream Feeder | details$40 Santa Anita Feeder | detailsNOTABLE CARRYOVERSMandatory Payout Pick 6 | $62,343 | Fair Grounds | begins Race 7 | 4:45 pm ETCOAST-TO-COAST PICK 5Gulfstream Races 8,10 | Santa Anita Races 3,4,51/ST BET AI MOST LIKELY SANTA ANITA WINNERSanta Anita | Race 2 | 4:32 pm ET | #1 Gray Frost (31%)KEY RACESGulfstream | Race 8 | 4:20 pm ET | Melody of Colors StakesSanta Anita | Race 3 | 5:04 pm ET | China Doll StakesFair Grounds | Race 10 | 6:15 pm ET | Star Guitar StakesFair Grounds | Race 11 | 6:45 pm ET | Page Cortez StakesFair Grounds | Race 12 | 7:15 pm ET | Shantel Lanerie Memorial StakesLONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIXGulfstream | Race 2 | 1:20 pm ETTampa Bay Downs | Race 9 | 4:35 pm ETFair Grounds | Race 11 | 6:45 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHSteve Asmussen | Oaklawn Park | 4 of 6 entrants 5-2 or less morning line oddsDID YOU SEE?Yesterday | Gulfstream | next Saturday’s Florida Derby drew 10, led by Sovereignty, Distruptor, Madaket RoadPUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAMFrank Carulli & Brian W. Spencer Sunday best bets available in Xpressbet.com member’s section