The Kentucky Derby 1-2 rematch between Golden Tempo and Renegade is set after a field of 9 was drawn today for Saturday’s 158th Belmont Stakes, final jewel in the Triple Crown. Saratoga will be the backdrop for a third straight year as Renegade opens as the 2-1 morning line favorite from post 4. Golden Tempo begins the mile and one-quarter journey from post 9 and looks to follow Sovereignty’s path from a year ago as bookend winners in the Triple Crown series.Check out the 1/ST Belmont Stakes Wager Guide for all your handicapping needs leading up to a huge weekend in upstate New York. Play with 1/ST BET and Xpressbet in our $20,000 Exacta-Thon on Friday and Saturday for your share of bonus cash.The moderate field size and extended run through the entire stretch the first time makes post positions less important than in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness. The big question Saturday in terms of positioning will be where the Belmont Stakes early speed comes from and how that might impact the running. Of the 9 runners in the field and their 41 combined races, only once has any of these runners been sent to the early lead – Ottino in a New Year’s Eve maiden race (he’s been far back early in both stakes attempts since). Ottinho breaks from post 5. Powershift, Growth Equity and Chief Wallabee may be best-equipped to attack the front if jockey intent and a cooperative racehorse matches that strategy. With Powershift in post 2 and Chief Wallabee in post 3, their likelihood to show more early tempo perhaps increased with the draw. Growth Equity in post 6 should be able to find a place outside some of the other potential speed if they go for the front. The drop-back style of Golden Tempo is optimal for the widest draw as he’ll let the field flow out in front of him and be able to save ground as Jose Ortiz sees fit. Renegade is no worse for the draw as well and I could see him bet lower than the 2-1 morning line estimate.Fields for all races Wednesday through Saturday at the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival are now set. Saturday’s Met Mile tops the undercard with a clash of 2025 Preakness winner Journalism and last year’s Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile victor Nysos. Advance wagering on the complete Belmont Stakes Saturday card at Saratoga will be available both Thursday and Friday at 1/ST BET and Xpressbet.Belmont Stakes | Saratoga | Saturday Race 13 | 7:04 pm ET1-Vitruvian Man (Doug O’Neill / Antonio Fresu) 30-12-Powershift (Todd Pletcher / Luis Saez) 12-13-Chief Wallabee (Bill Mott / Junior Alvarado) 3-14-Renegade (Todd Pletcher / Irad Ortiz Jr.) 2-15-Ottinho (Chad Brown / Dylan Davis) 20-16-Growth Equity (Chad Brown / Manny Franco) 12-17-Commandment (Brad Cox / John Velazquez) 6-18-Emerging Market (Chad Brown / Flavien Prat) 6-19-Golden Tempo (Cherie DeVaux / Jose Ortiz) 9-2Special WagersAll Dirt Two Day Pick 6 (20-cent minimum, 15% takeout)- Friday’s Acorn & Phipps to Saturday’s True North, Woody Stephens, Met Mile and Belmont Stakes.All Turf Two Day Pick 5 (50-cent minimum, 15% takeout)- Friday’s Wonder Again, New York to Saturday’s Just a Game, Jaipur and Manhattan.Daily Doubles ($5 minimum, 18.5% takeout)- Friday’s Acorn to Saturday’s Belmont Stakes- Friday’s New York Stakes to Saturday’s Belmont Stakes- Saturday’s Woody Stephens to Saturday’s Belmont Stakes- Saturday’s Met Mile to Saturday’s Belmont Stakes

BELMONT STAKES COVERAGEBelmont Stakes Post Position Draw | 5 pm ETFree 1/ST Belmont Stakes Wager Guide | Launches TodayNOTABLE CARRYOVERSJackpot Pick 5 | $307,415 | Parx | begins Race 1 | 12:40 pm ETJackpot Pick 6 | $90,953 | Thistledown | begins Race 3 | 1:50 pm ETJackpot Pick 5 | $64,461 (CAN) | Assiniboia Downs | begins Race 3 | 9:25 pm ETLONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIXFinger Lakes | Race 5 | 2:56 pm ETPresque Isle Downs | Race 2 | 3:57 pm ETMountaineer | Race 8 | 9:55 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHJerry Gourneau | Assiniboia Downs | all 7 entrants 4-1 or less oddsDID YOU SEE?Yesterday | field drawn for Saturday’s Met Mile at Saratoga | 7 enter, including Journalism, NysosPUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAMFrank Carulli & Brian W. Spencer best bets today in Xpressbet.com member’s section

Yonkers Raceway has a 9-race card to begin the week. The $1.00 Pick 5 with a $10,000 guaranteed pool rolls in Race 5. The $1.00 Late Pick 4 starts in Race 6, and it will be my focus. Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.Race 6 (8:25 PM EDT)1-Ima Perfect Choice (3/2)-This is the 3rd start after the Borgata Series and not much was accomplished there. Drew the 8-hole 2 back against better, then faced NW 15000L5 and came 3rd in a decent effort. Now dops again and should have its way with this field but usually likes to come off cover. That’s fine unless Matt Kakaley doesn’t work a smooth trip.Race 7 (8:45 PM EDT)1-I know better (7/2)-Joe B beat this kind from the rail 2 starts ago, then drew post 7 and raced from way back but did close in 55.1 Draws the rail again, should be able to land on top or in the pocket and either could work for a win.2-Verdun (5/2)-Classy veteran has only 1 win this year but is in a good spot to add to the total. Won 2 back and then rallied to finish 2nd against this kind. Pat Lachance could look to take control early on but either way will be driven more aggressively than last week.Race 8 (9:05 PM EDT)4-Ameritric (9/5)-The 1-17 record is cause for pause but this isn’t a field full of picture takers. Dropped to this level in last and was parked 9 lengths back at the half that went in a soft 56.3. Will look for Jordan Stratton to be forwardly placed off the gate and to be the best down the lane.Race 9 (9:25 PM EDT)1-Peace Out Posse (5/2)-Claimed by the Adamczyk barn on 5-25 after easily beating the $30k claimers. Comes right back versus the same kind and Colin Kelly could work a winning trip from the rail.7-All Alone (20-1)-Will take a swing for a big price in a sequence that could use one. Comes off a dull effort after leaving from post 8 in the first start in 21 days. Now drops and could be put in play early on. George Brennan and long shots are not synonymous. But has enough gate speed to get a good early seat and can pass foes down the lane.$2.00 Late Pick 41/1,2/4/1,7Total Bet=$8Check me out on X!

SCHEDULE NOTESNYRA | no racing this weekendSPECIAL WAGERSCoast-to-Coast Pick 5 | Gulfstream Races 8-9; Santa Anita Races 3-5-7Sunset 6 | Gulfstream Races 7-8-9; Santa Anita Races 7-8-9TOURNAMENT TIME$40 Santa Anita feeder | details$40 Canterbury Park feeder | detailsNOTABLE CARRYOVERSMandatory Payout Pick 6 | $143,021 | Gulfstream | begins Race 4 | 2:24 pm ETJackpot Pick 6 | $107,872 | Churchill Downs | begins Race 5 | 2:46 pm ETSunset 6 | $15,887 | Gulfstream/Santa Anita | begins GP Race 7 | 4:06 pm ETKEY RACESFort Erie | Race 5 | 2:12 pm ET | Summer Solstice CupFort Erie | Race 8 | 3:36 pm ET | Sprint Into Summer StakesSanta Anita | Race 8 | 7:32 pm ET | Triple Bend StakesLONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIXLaurel | Race 3 | 1:04 pm ETChurchill Downs | Race 10 | 5:27 pm ETMountaineer | Race 8 | 9:55 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHJose Silva Jr. | Canterbury Park | all 8 entrants 7-2 or less oddsDID YOU SEE?Yesterday | Gulfstream Park | jockey Samy Camacho | 3 wins, 1 second from 9 mountsPUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAMScott Shapiro: Gulfstream Mandatory Payout Pick 6 AnalysisBrian W. Spencer best bets today in Xpressbet.com member’s section

Gulfstream Park’s Sunday afternoon slate is headlined by a mandatory payout in the Rainbow 6. The 20-cent minimum wager has a carryover of over $143K entering the card that kicks off at 12:50 PM eastern. The pool estimated by track officials to be around $1.25M when Race 4 breaks from the gate at 2:24 eastern is led by an allowance event that includes Steal Sunshine and Alexander Helios.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 4:Grade: C+Main Ticket: 2 Backonthechaingang; 7 Oasis PrinceBackups: NoneForecast: I will try to beat the two ML favorites in this open $12,500 claimer at 6.5-furlongs with a pair of mid-priced geldings, including top choice #2 Backonthechaingang. The son of Tonalist drops back down in class and cuts back in distance after a stalk and fade against allowance foes going one-mile. His race two-back puts him squarely in the mix. #7 Oasis Prince also cuts back. If they go at it early, I like his chances to make the final move.Race 5:Grade: C+Main Ticket: 6 Street Belle; 2 SonnynpeachesBackups: 10 Would I Lie to YouForecast: #2 Sonnyandpeaches was made the 9-5-ML favorite by oddsmaker Brian Nadeau on the class drop for trainer Jose D’Angelo. The Uncle Chuck filly drops to the lowest level of her career, but lacks early speed and will have to work out a trip from the inside. She is tough to toss versus this bunch, but equally tough to fully trust. #6 Street Belle seems like an intriguing alternative. The daughter of Street Boss makes her first start as a 3YO after taking on better competition as a juvenile for Joel Santiago. She should have the speed off the layoff with the addition of blinkers to make the lead in this 5.5-furlong dash over the all-weather.Race 6:Grade: BMain Ticket: 1 Alexander HeliosBackups: NoneForecast: The aforementioned feature appears to lack early speed on paper. This should benefit #1 Alexander Helios. The son of Cairo Prince makes his first start since a pair of efforts where he was not on the screen during the stretch drive against Grade 3 foes. The Saffie Joseph Jr. trainee did not finish off the year well after a strong start in the winter, but gets significant lass relief for his return. I expect him to be a bit keen off the significant layoff, which should allow jockey Micah Husbands to make the lead against these. From there, he should be tough to deny if close to the horse he was in the early part of 2025.Race 7:Grade: XMain Ticket: 3 Happy RideBackups: NoneForecast: I have little desire in trying to beat 7-5-ML favorite #3 Happy Ride in this optional claimer at 5-furlongs over the all-weather. The Ride on Curlin mare has found a new gear since entering trainer Joe Orseno’s barn via claim earlier this year. She has won two in a row and should have no issue cruising to the front and making it three after taking heat from the co-favorite on May 1 and turning that one away with relative ease. A repeat and they are running for second.Race 8:Grade: C+Main Ticket: 4 It’s Only WordsBackups: 6 FlowkoForecast: The penultimate leg to the Rainbow 6 carryover is likely to be bet like a three-horse race with #5 Frosty Belle and #6 Flowko expected to go off as the top two choices. Of the two I prefer Flowko since she appears to have a pace advantage, but I like #4 It’s Only Words most. The 5YO mare is a six-time winner taking on ladies with mostly one victory on their resume. Her affinity to win races compared to her competition should bode well for the daughter of Khozan who makes her first start off a near three-month break for owner/trainer Heather Smullen. Hopefully, she gets a favorable mid-pack trip under jockey Jose Morelos.Race 9:Grade: B-Main Ticket: 5 GhostlightBackups: NoneForecast: I will close things out with a single in this maiden claimer over the all-weather where it looks like either #5 Ghostlight will triumph in her first start for Saffie Joseph or anyone can win. The Ghostzapper filly drops in class and makes her debut for a barn that is 11 for 37 with an ROI of $2.07 at Gulfstream Park over the last 30 days. Ghostlight is not a cinch given her lack of early speed thus far, but she may need to find a new circuit, if unable to get to the wire first in the Sunday finale.

Woodbine Mohawk Park wraps-up the weekend with a 10-race card. The 0.20 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 (9:01 PM EDT)3-Smiles For Miles (7/2)-Wasn't a match for the one below when bumped up to face this kind after winning 2 straight. This looks like a 2-horse race and may need the chalk to get a bumpy trip. But will respect with this post draw and the last line was better than it looked.8-Stickeminlethimgo (3-1)-Comes off a dominate win from the 9-hole against this company. The trip wasn't kind, that effort should win here, and the post helps the price.Race 8 (9:24 PM EDT)1-What About Elmo (5/2)-This is the 4th race off the bench, and so far it hasn't been pretty. Broke in its season debut, then was handled cautiously, and put 2 in no-move miles against tougher foes. Could have its way with this crew if brings a top try but can't completely trust.2-Mastercraft (3-1)-This is the other big dropper, and the 5-year-old has good gate speed. Will look for Jonathan Drury to take control and could be tough to tackle with a well-rated mile.Race 9 (9:47 PM EDT)7-Miraculous Desbi N (3-1)-There are reasons to not use this horse but in a formless field the veteran may have dropped low enough to win. The rubber hits the road with the trip and could be the best down the lane if it doesn't have too much work left to do.8-Bet The BB (9/2)-Made its 1st start of the year at FlmD, drew post 7 and basically put in a tune up. Should be competitive if tight enough and can offer a square price. Gets a positive driver change in Travis Cullen and to win probably has to fire out. Anticipating that to be the case and should be racing near the top of the stack if dialed on high.Race 10 (10:10 PM EDT)6-Djimon (3-1)-Went gate to wire from this post 2 back and then stepped up and drew the 9-hole. Left, was used to get the top but faded. Draws the choice post and that could be a winning difference. Has won 6 of 29 at Mohawk and shouldn't blush at this group.9-All Gas No Brakes (7/2)-The switch to Louis Roy won't help the price but can make it interesting. Needs to be used off the gate and could take a picture if on top or close to it at the head of the stretch. The veteran has won 22 of 93 starts at Mohawk and its last win was at Wbsb against better back in March.$1 Late Pick 43,8/1,2/7,8/6,9Total Bet=$16Check me out on X!

EXTRA INCENTIVES$3,000 Exacta-Thon | Woodbine | today’s races2 Million 1/ST Rewards Points Hit & Split | Churchill Downs | Late Pick 4SCHEDULE NOTESNYRA | no racing this weekendRemington Park | closing night of AQHA meetingSPECIAL WAGERSCoast-to-Coast Pick 5 | Gulfstream Races 8-10; Santa Anita Races 3-5-7Sunset 6 | Gulfstream Races 9-10-11; Santa Anita Races 7-8-9TOURNAMENT TIME$40 Santa Anita feeder | details$40 Canterbury Park feeder | detailsNOTABLE CARRYOVERSSuper Hi 5 | $10,775 | Churchill Downs | Race 1 | 12:45 pm ETJackpot Pick 6 | $116,736 | Gulfstream | begins Race 6 | 3:30 pm ETPick 5 | $79,180 | Churchill Downs | begins Race 7 | 3:53 pm ETPick 6 | $51,261 | Santa Anita | begins Race 4 | 5:33 pm ETJackpot Pick 6 | $90,424 | Charles Town | begins Race 4 | 8:32 pm ET--Gulfstream mandatory payout scheduled for SundayKEY RACESMonmouth | Race 3 | 1:49 pm ET | Miss Liberty StakesChurchill Downs | Race 5 | 2:47 pm ET | Audubon StakesChurchill Downs | Race 6 | 3:19 pm ET | Shawnee StakesWoodbine | Race 6 | 3:50 pm ET | Bell Mahone StakesChurchill Downs | Race 7 | 3:53 pm ET | Mint Julep StakesMonmouth | Race 7 | 3:58 pm ET | Cliff Hanger StakesDelaware | Race 8 | 4:04 pm ET | Rehoboth StakesWoodbine | Race 7 | 4:20 pm ET | Eclipse StakesChurchill Downs | Race 8 | 4:25 pm ET | Aristides StakesMonmouth | Race 8 | 4:30 pm ET | Jersey Derby StakesChurchill Downs | Race 9 | 4:56 pm ET | Regret StakesWoodbine | Race 9 | 5:20 pm ET | Jacques Cartier StakesChurchill Downs | Race 10 | 5:28 pm ET | Blame StakesChurchill Downs | Race 11 | 5:59 pm ET | Arlington StakesRemington Park (AQHA) | Race 3 | 6:56 pm ET | RP Distance ChampionshipSanta Anita | Race 8 | 7:37 pm ET | Santa Margarita StakesPrairie Meadows | Race 6 | 9:15 pm ET | John Wayne StakesRemington Park (AQHA) | Race 10 | 10:23 pm ET | Heritage Place DerbyCharles Town | Race 8 | 10:32 pm ET | Original Gold StakesRemington Park (AQHA) | Race 11 | 10:54 pm ET | RP Invitational ChampionshipRemington Park (AQHA) | Race 12 | 11:25 pm ET | Heritage Place FuturityLONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIXDelaware Park | Race 7 | 3:32 pm ETChurchill Downs | Race 9 | 4:56 pm ETLaurel | Race 11 | 5:16 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHMac Robertson | Canterbury Park | all 7 entrants 4-1 or less oddsDID YOU SEE?Yesterday | Delaware Park | jockey Paco Lopez | 5 wins from 8 mountsYesterday | Delaware Park | favorites won all 8 races on the cardPUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAMJeremy Plonk: Race of the Week – Mint Julep at ChurchillScott Shapiro: Churchill Downs Late Pick 4 Hit & Split AnalysisJeremy Plonk: Woodbine Exacta-Thon PlaysJeremy Plonk: Remington Park Night of Champions | 12 Stakes in 12 SentencesFrank Carulli & Brian W. Spencer best bets today in Xpressbet.com member’s section

Northfield Park has a 15-race card featuring Ohio Sires Stakes 3-year-old fillies. The $1.00 Late Pick 4 starts in Race 11. The sequence has a $10,000 guaranteed pool with 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-KB Wreaking Ball (9/5)-Comes in with 6 wins in 8 starts and has been off for over 3 weeks. Tuned up with a 54.4 back half on 5-26 and looks ready to roll for Dan Noble.4-Seaside Shuffle (5/2)-The Burke pupil won its 1st start off the bench and then appeared short versus tougher fields. Has won its only race at Nfld and will look for a big try in the 4th start since 11-15.Race 12 (10:02 PM EDT)1-Queen Of Fear (5/2)-Came off the bench and faded versus tougher and now goes back on Lasix. Draws the right post to bounce back and should take control early on. Needs to be used and could make every call a winning one if Lasix kicks in.6-Rumor Has It (10-1)-This veteran mare gets the services of Jordan Stratton and that shouldn't hurt. This is the 2nd start off a sick scratch and will look for it to be in play in the late going.7-Uptown Hanover (5-1)-Noble steered 4 back and beat this kind going gate to wire. Has the gate speed to get the top and this pilot will have the pedal down. This a player if clears to the top around the 1st turn.Race 13 (10:24 PM EDT)1-Tiffany Blue (2-1)-Noble steered in last against this company but started from the 2nd tier and got a wide trip. The best plan is likely to get the top, steal a quarter, and then stand tall down the lane.9-Jamie Amanda (9/5)-Not loving the 2 short prices but this filly could benefit from a 2-hole trip behind Noble. Comes off a big 2nd place finish in the slop after being 11-lengths back at the 1st call. Likes to gobble up ground in the late going and will look for Chris Page to have in striking range down the lane. Hasn't missed the board at Nfld (6-2-3-1) and is a major player.Race 14 (10:46 PM EDT)9-Mynameswainey (7/2)-This filly has won from the 2nd tier at Nfld before and will rely on AMac working his way to the front. Should drop in and then make a move to get the top. If the button is pushed at the right time, it could be picture time.$2 Late Pick 42,4/1,6,7/1,9/9Total Bet=$24Check me out on X!