The Meadowlands has a 15-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. Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.Race 6 (8:40 PM EDT)2-Sonofanutckracker (5/2)-Comes off a sharp mile on an off track leading from start to finish. This is the 2nd start on Lasix, and the 3-year-old has won 4 of 7 at M1. Tim Tetrick is at the controls, and this is a logical use.3-Rocknacious (8-1)-Here is an interesting play that will probably be bet down in its 3rd start on Lasix. In the last 3 races, two were on a sloppy track and sandwiched in between is a 10-hole starting slot. Has only 1 win in 12 starts, but Jason Bartlett will have in play early on.5-Bookie J (2-1)-The Chris Ryder trainee has the best resume (14-6-2-3) and will be driven today by usual driver Dexter Dun. Should be a player at a small price.Race 7 (9:05 PM EDT)3-Practical Man (5-1)-Jordan Stratton steers for trainer Tom Fanning and this colt knows how to cash checks (12-3-3-3). Comes off a solid win off an efficient trip with today's pilot between the pipes. Will look for a similar game plan, at a square price.5-Gabes Luck (7/2)-Stayed inside in the 1st race since 8-27 and came 2nd despite a 26.4 last panel. Nancy Takter trainee lost to a tough customer last time and it isn't in this field. Lightly raced colt could be ready for the wrapper to come off.Race 8 (9:30 PM EDT)1-Whoa Black Betty (2-1)-This is a big track horse who does good work at M1 (5-3-1-0). The entire field has only 5 wins at the Big M and the Ron Burke trainee comes off a nice score in its 2nd start for the new barn. Likes to be sitting on the point or close to it and Yannick Gingras shouldn't have an issue working that trip. Will be a small price and could have its way with this crew.Race 9 (9:55 PM EDT)6-David Seaman S (3-1)-The Ake Svanstedt pupil seems to have trouble passing foes but will cut some slack because it has been facing some tough customers. Could take advantage of a beatable field and will look for an aggressive steer.7-King Of The Wind (4-1)-On 5-15 they went to the half in 54.1 and Joe B couldn't get the top. Will look for a kinder trip and will use on the assumption the Walner 3-year-old could be overlooked.8-Never Say Die (7/2)-Did get bet in last and got the top but couldn't seal the deal missing by less than a length. Did win 4 of 8 last season and should be ready to bring a big try in the 3rd race off the bench. Will need a smooth trip because there are others who will be leaving. But will rely on Dunn to work out the details.$1 Early Pick 42,3,5/3,5/1/6,7,8Total Bet=$18Check me out on X!

EXTRA INCENTIVES$2,000 Late Pick 4 Hit & Split | Santa Anita | today through MondaySCHEDULE NOTESCanterbury Park | opening night | first post 6:10 pm ETCharles Town | cancelled due to local water main breakSPECIAL WAGERSCoast-to-Coast Pick 5 | Gulfstream Races 8-10; Santa Anita Races 3-4-6Sunset 6 | Gulfstream Races 9-10-11; Santa Anita Races 8-9-10TOURNAMENT TIME$500 Santa Anita Challenge | details$100 NYRA Feeder | details$40 Santa Anita Feeder | details$40 Canterbury Feeder | detailsNOTABLE CARRYOVERSJackpot Pick 6 | $141,322 | Churchill Downs | begins Race 6 | 3:19 pm ETJackpot Pick 6 | $54,689 | Gulfstream | begins Race 6 | 3:30 pm ETJackpot Pick 6 | $64,238 (CAN) | Woodbine | begins Race 6 | 3:53 pm ETSunset 6 | $35,779 | Gulfstream / Santa Anita | begins GP 9 | 5:05 pm ETJackpot Super Hi 5 | $70,986 (CAN) | Woodbine | Race 11 | 6:23 pm ETKEY RACESAqueduct | Race 7 | 4:09 pm ET | Paradise Creek StakesChurchill Downs | Race 9 | 4:56 pm ET | Keertana StakesSanta Anita | Race 3 | 5:00 pm ET | Thor’s Echo StakesSanta Anita | Race 4 | 5:33 pm ET | Fran’s Valentine StakesGulfstream | Race 10 | 5:37 pm ET | Game Face StakesSanta Anita | Race 6 | 6:37 pm ET | Crystal Water StakesSanta Anita | Race 7 | 7:07 pm ET | Melair StakesSanta Anita | Race 8 | 7:37 pm ET | Snow Chief StakesLONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIXGulfstream | Race 5 | 2:58 pm ETSanta Anita | Race 1 | 4:00 pm ETEvangeline Downs | Race 4 | 7:51 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHMark Casse | Aqueduct, Gulfstream | 3 of 4 entrants 9-2 or less oddsDID YOU SEE?Yesterday | Santa Anita | trainer Doug O’Neill | 2 wins, 1 second from 6 startersPUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAMJeremy Plonk: Santa Anita Cal Gold Rush Day Stakes & Late Pick 4 AnalysisJeremy Plonk: Race of the Week - Gulfstream's Game Face StakesFrank Carulli & Brian W. Spencer best bets today in Xpressbet.com member’s section

Five stakes races are featured Saturday for the California Gold Rush Day at Santa Anita, starring top state-breds across several racing divisions. Horseplayers at Xpressbet and 1/ST BET also can take part in a $2,000 Late Pick 4 Hit & Split Promotion on the final 4 races each day through Memorial Day Monday. Saturday’s late pick 4 includes the Melair Stakes and the Snow Chief Stakes.Let’s get to work.Race 3: $100,000 Thor’s Echo StakesFour last-out winners are among the 7 sprinters, while 2 others were recent runners-up in photo-finish defeats. Current form abounds, but the lightly raced 7-year-old #5 Big City Lights (6-5 ML odds) still manages to stand out. He’s 6 of 8 locally, including an open-company allowance May 2 in his first start of the year. Trainer Richard Mandella’s runners have won 3 of 6 starts locally since the start of May heading into this important racing weekend and are trending the right direction. Since The Chosen Vron’s retirement, his former rival has assumed the baton as best sprinter among the Cal-breds. He’ll be a single for me in early multi-race bets. As for exactas, consider #3 Uncle Chilly (10-1 ML odds) a late-moving threat in a race with plenty of tempo as he steps up in class after 3 straight wins since coming to the barn of Jeff Mullins.Race 4: $100,000 Fran’s Valentine StakesFilly and mare turf milers try to come up with an answer for #3 Grand Slam Smile (1-1 ML odds), who is a head shy of winning her last 5 starts in the Cal-bred ranks. The Sean McCarthy gets right into the race and throws down the challenge, and a 20: 11-6-3 career mark indicates just how salty she can be. While turf hasn’t been her calling card, #8 Om N Joy (5-1 ML odds) should be considered the late threat. She rattled off 5 straight wins last year, including the Melair on this Gold Rush Day card, and has been taking on graded stakes company since last summer. Sire Om was a spectacular turf miler, so perhaps she’s ready to take to the grass better than she did early in her career when finishing third or fourth in 3 local grass bids. Hard to see this race getting beyond that pair. At 5-1 or more, taking a shot on Om N Joy would have appeal.Race 6: $100,000 Crystal Water StakesThe Cal-bred turf mile scene for the colts and geldings attracted 9 entrants, including #7 Flyover (1-1 ML odds), an all-or-nothing pace player with a 10: 5-0-0 lifetime mark, mostly in turf sprints. He’s obviously the horse to catch, but his ledger and this 2-turn trip give you reason to entertain shopping. Anyone short on stamina or distance will pay the price against his speed, so think late-runners if wanting to pull the upset. #1 Santa Barbarian rallied to win the 9-furlong Snow Chief on this card last year and should have benefitted from a well-placed allowance return April 26 after 10 months away. The blinkers removed from #3 Cali Cat (6-1 ML) could help awaken Santa Barbarian’s 2025 Snow Chief closest pursuer and I expect him to be heard from late. Give me the well-drawn 1-3 duo intra-race and multi-race in the Crystal Water.Race 7: $125,00 Melair StakesSprint-bred #4 Mohaven (3-5 ML odds) obviously is the most accomplished in this lineup with wins in the Golden State Juvenile Fillies and Evening Jewel Stakes. But the John Sadler trainee is questionable around 2 turns based on pedigree and lack of experience, and she has yet to score consecutive victories despite 3 wins in 6 starts. Respect, but don’t concede this race to her. The 2-turn record for #5 Cecilia Street (12-1 ML odds) impresses at 5: 1-2-2 with dirt sprint races really soiling her form. I like the rider change to Antonio Fresu here. Given the struggles of the Leonard Powell barn, demand a fair price, but I’d like her at 6-1 or more. And prices? How about #6 Lino’s Angel (30-1 ML odds). She’s bred to run long but has just been an even-steven sprinter in all 12 starts. She could really appreciate the stretchout and notice a very fast uptick in her workouts since that last start. Why not at that number?Race 8: $125,000 Snow Chief StakesIt’s a long way from turf sprints to 1-1/8 miles for favorite #3 He’s a Knockout (6-5 ML odds). He’s been brilliant in 2 wire-to-wire scores, but he’s never run 2 races in a form cycle and we don’t know he’ll respond to that comeback sprint win April 19. Won’t take a short price, but tip the cap if he beats me. #7 Third Beer (6-1 ML odds) has been facing tougher and is 2-for-2 when dropped into the state-bred ranks. This colt is bred for the distance and has been solid-enough late in turf miles to think the additional furlong is within his grasp. Moved too soon last time under Florent Geroux and could get a more patient ride from Kazushi Kimura. #1 Unrivaled Time adds blinkers, saves ground from the rail and drops in class after facing tougher in each of his last 3. Could be a wakeup day for the Leonard Powell barn as he has a couple of live chances.If you’re looking at playing the Late Pick 4 Hit & Split promotion, I like the post, turf-to-dirt move, stretch-out and hot George Papaprodomou barn with #2 Known Idea (7-2 ML odds) in Race 9. And deuces wild for me in the Race 10 finale as #2 Tight Daily (20-1 ML odds) gets a real longshot look for a Peter Eurton barn having a strong run in May at Santa Anita. This is the classic Jeff Siegel “2 sprints and then a route” form cycle that could be ready for a breakout maiden score.

EXTRA INCENTIVES$2,000 Late Pick 4 Hit & Split | Santa Anita | today through MondaySCHEDULE NOTESCharles Town | cancelled due to local water main breakSPECIAL WAGERSCoast-to-Coast Pick 5 | Gulfstream Races 8-9; Santa Anita Races 3-4-5Sunset 6 | Gulfstream Races 7-8-9; Santa Anita Races 7-8-9TOURNAMENT TIME$40 Santa Anita Feeder | detailsNOTABLE CARRYOVERSJackpot Pick 6 | $55,324 (CAN) | Woodbine | begins Race 2 | 1:52 pm ETJackpot Pick 6 | $134,094 | Churchill Downs | begins Race 4 | 2:13 pm ETSunset 6 | $12,381 | Gulfstream / Santa Anita | begins GP 7 | 4:04 pm ETJackpot Super Hi 5 | $63,154 (CAN) | Woodbine | Race 7 | 4:28 pm ETPick 6 | $60,494 | Santa Anita | begins Race 4 | 5:32 pm ETLONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIXLaurel Park | Race 6 | 2:24 pm ETChurchill Downs | Race 7 | 3:50 pm ETGulfstream | Race 9 | 5:06 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHDoug O’Neill | Santa Anita | 5 of 6 entrants 5-1 or less oddsDID YOU SEE?Yesterday | Churchill Downs | jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. | 3 wins from 6 mountsPUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAMJeremy Plonk: Santa Anita $60K Pick 6 Carryover Analysis for FridayFrank Carulli: Gulfstream Late Pick 3 Play for FridayFrank Carulli & Brian W. Spencer best bets today in Xpressbet.com member’s section

Hoosier Park has a 14-race card with the 0.50 Late Pick 4 starting in Race 11. The sequence has a $10,000 guaranteed pool with 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)1-Some Great Deal (5-1)-Erv Miller pupil drew off by 7-lengths in a 5-16 qualifier at HoP. This barn posts 23% winners coming off a layoff, and usual pilot Atlee Bender is at the controls. Should get an efficient trip and can be there at the wire.5-Timber Man (5/2)-Meets a field full of new faces and should fit well. Shouldn't have a problem landing on the point or be no worse than in the pocket. Either could work for the camera-shy Rucker trainee to take a picture.8-Canttouchmethere (9/2)-Will fade #6 the program chalk that has finished 2nd in 4 straight and hope it finds a way to lose again. John DeLong steers for Roger Welch and when those 2 combine it leads to 31% winners. Went the 2nd half in 55.2 in last and will look for big try in the 2nd start off the bench.Race 12 (9:43 PM EDT)5-Shooting In Place (7/2)-Left for the lead into 27.2 opening quarter on 5-15. Worked to get on the point but faded to finish a beaten 2nd. Has a 0-7 record in 2026 but has been in the hunt in the last 4 races and may have met a beatable field. Getting an early lead wasn't typical, and may not follow that plan again. Should get a close-up seat and could prove to be the best down the lane.Race 13 (10:06 PM EDT)2-JB's Crystalbullet (4-1)-The last few against better have been dull but has beaten this kind before. Needs a ground saving journey and this race could set up that way.3-Jocker Rockwell (8/5)-Beat the NW3000L4 on 4-3, then stepped up and the water was too deep. This is bounce time, facing the basement condition, should wake this 6-year-old up.Race 14 (10:29 PM EDT)3-Evening Slippers (15-1)-The Stickney shipper was a top of the class freshman filly in 2025 at Haw that should be a hefty price here. Had a good effort and was handled cautiously in its season debut at HoP. Stayed inside, was shuffled back and rallied nicely to come 3rd. Could be sitting on big try.10-Princess In Pink (7/2)-Took a picture 2 back in the slop from post 10 against this kind. Came 2nd against the same in a fast track and raced well. Beaten favorite did bring a 26.4 last quarter to finish 2nd, could make amends with a smooth trip.$2 Late Pick 41,5,8/5/2,3/3,10Total Bet=$24Check me out on X!

Monday’s Memorial Day holiday card at Santa Anita wraps up 4 consecutive days featuring $2,000 Late Pick 4 Hit & Split promotions when you bet with 1/ST BET and Xpressbet. The extended weekend’s most important card boasts the Grade 1 Shoemaker Mile, Grade 1 Gamely and Grade 2 Hollywood Gold Cup on the Monday marquee. The Shoemaker is part of the late pick 4 sequence, and I’ll include some insights on the other pair of stakes before tackling the final 4 races.Race 5: Grade 2 Hollywood Gold CupThe early pick 5 concludes with a 5-horse edition of the $200,000 Hollywood Cup Cup at 1-1/4 miles. The distance remains key anytime you talk 10F on dirt as only #5 British Isles (pictured) has negotiated the trip successfully. This arguably is a similar-quality field as was the Santa Anita Handicap he won in March, but that it took 2:05.17 to do so doesn’t demand complete trust. He carries 7 more pounds than that race and spots this field 4 pounds across the lineup. #3 Subsanador will be the play as he narrowly missed in the Big ‘Cap over this trip in 2024 to a tougher rival (Newgate) in a faster time (2:03.49). He’s had some gate issues in 2 starts this year, but a small field and massive run to the first turn helps over 10 furlongs. Coming into the holiday weekend, trainer Richard Mandella’s barn is 3-for-6 to start May at Santa Anita and this one’s working bullets.Race 6: Grade 1 Gamely StakesWith obvious key contenders #5 Thought Process and #7 Rashmi expected near the front, this 1-1/8 miles turf test for the fillies and mares could see those outstanding milers stretched beyond their best. I’m all in on the late-running California transplant #8 May Day Ready. She could put Richard Mandella right back into the winner’s circle after the Gold Cup. She didn’t get any pace help in the Royal Heroine at a mile and now makes the second start off the layoff while firing bullets in the morning. Expect a big more forward, especially if #3 A Thousand Miles can mix is up a bit on the front with the others from an inner draw.Race 7: claimingIt’s a major gear shift to start the late pick 4 with $12,500 claimers dashing 5-1/2 furlongs. #9 Dirty Words looks trustworthy off a narrow runner-up in a similar spot May 3, and this race is laden with cheap speed to set it up enough to deliver his rally. #4 Blue Grass Go Go is the early speed runner I’m most interested in after spending most of his last start in make-up mode after a troubled break. But he doesn’t win often and needs a lot to go right, so demand a price. I’ll reluctantly avoid adding #3 One Smokin Dude but would include in the event of a scratch of the top pair.Race 8: Grade 1 Shoemaker MileThe 9-runner $300,000 Shoemaker Mile splits about in half for me in terms of win contenders. Several in here are nursing 7-race losing streaks that will remove them from pick 4 consideration while exotics contenders. It should run through #2 Formidable Man, defending champ #3 King of Gosford and #5 Almendares in order of preference. That Flavien Prat lands on Formidable Man is significant, but this 5-year-old has no history of coming off a layoff like this back to the Breeders’ Cup Mile so I’m inclined to spread a bit with quality options for coverage.Race 9: allowance/optional claimingFive-time winner #11 Supernal is offered for the $20,000 optional claiming price and lands against a field of less-accomplished runners. He won here last March in a turf-to-dirt surface change and comes off a solid return bid in a similar spot when fourth. Expect him from midpack, while #8 The G M should be in the hunt throughout. His return try April 24 from a July layoff was very promising and he’s got a quick work for this for a Mike Puype barn that won with all 3 starters at Santa Anita last week. Let’s make two do.Race 10: maidenA capacity field of 12 Cal-bred maiden special weights sprints 6-1/2 furlongs on the main turf course (not down the hill). Three of them were defeated at 2-1 or less last out while 3 more will make their career debuts. #2 Throwin Heat benefits from a better draw this time than last when losing ground. Rookies #6 Moment of Valor and #12 Owl go for barns doing good things right now. Peter Eurton trains the former and he’s 10-15 in the exacta (4 wins) at Santa Anita since the start of May as this racing week begins; Neil Drysdale trains the latter and he’s 4-7 in the exacta locally under the same timeframe. Add in logical player #9 Royal Rumor and I’ll settle on this quartet in a race that could go deeper if your opinions differ.Late Pick 4 Ticket9,4 with 2,3,5 with 11,8 with 2,6,12,9 = $24 for 50 cents

A 4-day holiday racing week kicks off Friday at Santa Anita with a $60,494 pick 6 carryover at The Great Race Place. The Memorial Day weekend opening card also features a $12,381 Sunset 6 carryover in conjunction with sister track Gulfstream Park. And horseplayers at Xpressbet and 1/ST BET can take part in a $2,000 Late Pick 4 Hit & Split Promotion on the final 4 races each day through Memorial Day Monday.Let’s get to work on Friday’s Santa Anita pick 6 races.Race 4: maidenWe’re poised with a single-or-spread situation right off the bat as 6 maidens match up over a mile on dirt. #5 Decisive Win debuted fourth in a highly productive race in which winner Crude Velocity has gone on to be a Grade 2 Pat Day Mile winner and runner-up / Doug O’Neill stablemate Civil Liberty (who was last year’s Grade 1 Del Mar Futurity third-place finisher) came back to easily win next out at Keeneland. If Decisive Win handles 2 turns as he’s bred to do, he should graduate. None of the other 5, despite hailing from power barns like Baffert, Glatt, McCarthy and Yakteen offer much appeal to date nor much separation from one another. Single is the right play.Race 5: starter allowanceEight turf sprinters (plus 1 also-eligible) go 6 furlongs as morning line favorite #1 Money Makes Money hits a second-off-the-layoff spot in his form cycle that’s been good to him in the past. He doesn’t need a move forward off his April 30 return try for Mark Glatt, just to avoid a bounce. You could arguably single but I’m giving #5 News At Ten a big chance in his first start in 11 months. He should be highly sharpened for the return sprint and a threat from the opening bell under Emisael Jaramillo. Trainer Peter Eurton’s barn has been on point in May at SA with 4 wins and 6 seconds from 15 starters this month. I’ll focus on this pair, but in the event of scratches #9 Liam Smith would be a major consideration from the also-eligible list.Race 6: claimingThe $12,500-level dash at 5-1/2 furlongs on dirt is laced with early speed. #5 Outrageous, who has won back-to-back starts, can sit a patient and perfect trip here if she’s as good as she was when she left. She appears to have missed 2 workouts in late April, resulting in her absence since mid-March. I get the feeling of not wanting to single Marcia Stortz in a pick 6, a trainer with 3 wins all year, but 2 of them came with this mare. #2 Miz Clubcall would be the other option to punch home late and she’s better on dirt like this than the turf races that have soiled her form. Difficult for me to see 1 of the (at least) 4 early pace burners turning them all away. Don’t forget the $2,000 Late Pick 4 Hit & Split promo with 1/ST BET and Xpressbet begins here.Race 7: allowance / optional claiming#6 Mythical Reel and #7 Crazy Cavalier are the pair I ended up with after considering #4 Catch the Breeze and #5 Poor Connection as well. Some fashion of current form and projection for the 1-1/4 miles turf trip whittled in down for me in the end. #6 Mythical Reel exits a promising third-place return bid over a tough 9F trip for the layoff and note this one showed significant improvement off a similar form cycle to start 2025. His runner-up last out, City Exile, came back here May 16 to win a similar allowance as the 3-2 chalk. #7 Crazy Cavalier has been effective from 6 furlongs to 1-1/4 miles like this and was simply overmatched when placed above his head last out. He won a similar turf mile 2 starts back in terms of class and is eligible here because Doug O’Neill put him in for the $50,000 optional claiming tag.Race 8: claimingA trio of logical contenders are difficult to separate: #6 Makenarita, #8 Bear’s Board and #9 A Fleet Ride. This cast of non-winners of 2 lifetime claimers at the $10,000 level will be tested over a mile on dirt. #9 A Fleet Ride won a Cal-bred maiden special weight that stacks up very favorably to the other winners in this race. She should be in the mix from the opening bell and has proven in recent starts to fit at this class and level. #8 Bear’s Board is most interesting among the quartet of 3-year-olds taking on elders in this cast of 10 and her $32,000 maiden claiming score is among the best wins on paper in the lineup. She gets a 6-pound weight break taking on elders. #6 Makenarita goes for a George Papaprodromou barn that last week posted a sharp 9: 3-2-0 mark in local starts. Filly has made positive strides in recent starts after a long string of uninspired initial efforts.Race 9: maidenAnother 8-runner max turf sprint wraps the action and includes a trio of also-eligibles. Trainer Mike Puype’s barn went 3-for-3 last week and that’s got me honed-in on rookie #7 Helping Hand as a live longshot (12-1 ML). Puype also has rookie #10 Miss Hellfire on the AE list to consider if she were to draw into the mix. Experienced runners #3 Sacred Sound and #6 Zip Me Up both return from August layoffs but showed some ability at Del Mar last summer for Peter Miller and Carla Gaines, respectively. They are 4-year-olds lined up against a bevy of shorter-priced sophomores on the morning line that have failed several times at short prices. I’ll try to avoid those types and find something juicier.The Ticket5 with 1,5 with 5,2 with 6,7 with 9,8,6 with 7,6,3 = $144 for $2 play

SCHEDULE NOTESCharles Town | racing canceled due to local water main breakNOTABLE CARRYOVERSJackpot Pick 6 | $62,362 | Thistledown | begins Race 3 | 1:50 pm ETJackpot Pick 6 | $121,789 | Churchill Downs | begins Race 3 | 5:58 pm ETLONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIXHorseshoe Indianapolis | Race 4 | 3:43 pm ETChurchill Downs | Race 8 | 8:23 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHBrandon Kulp | Penn National | all 6 entrants 4-1 or less oddsDID YOU SEE?Yesterday | Parx | jockey Yedsit Hazlewood | 5 wins from 9 mountsPUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAMFrank Carulli & Brian W. Spencer best bets today in Xpressbet.com member’s section