EXTRA INCENTIVES2 Million 1/ST Rewards Points Hit & Split | Keeneland | late pick 4SCHEDULE NOTESSanta Anita | dark this weekend as scheduledTOURNAMENT TIME$100 Keeneland Feeder | details$40 Laurel Feeder | detailsNOTABLE CARRYOVERSJackpot Pick 6 | $127,717 | Gulfstream | begins Race 5 | 2:57 pm ETPick 6 | $18,587 | Oaklawn| begins Race 4 | 3:26 pm ETKEY RACESKeeneland | Race 7 | 4:12 pm ET | Giant’s Causeway StakesLONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIXLaurel | Race 5 | 1:59 pm ETTampa | Race 5 | 2:15 pm ETKeeneland | Race 7 | 4:12 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHMark Casse | Tampa Bay Downs | 2 entrants 5-1 or less oddsDID YOU SEE?Yesterday | Aqueduct | trainer Rick Dutrow | 3 wins from 5 startersPUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAMScott Shapiro: Keeneland Late Pick 4 Hit & Split Analysis for Sunday Brian W. Spencer best bets today in Xpressbet.com member’s section

It is Sunday, April 12, which means it is the second of five chances at our month long Keeneland Late Pick 4 Hit & Split promotion. If you missed it Wednesday no worries. Just register for the promotion, connect on the late Pick 4 later today in Kentucky, and collect your share of 2 million 1/ST Rewards Points. Here are my thoughts on today’s very playable sequence.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: C+Main Ticket: 1 Take Charge OmahaBackups: 2 LandedForecast: The Sunday late Pick 4 commences with a second-level allowance at 1 1/8-miles over the main track where #2 Landed was made the 7-5-ML favorite by oddsmaker Nick Tammaro. The NY-bred has won 5 of 11, possesses early speed, and has hit the board in all three tries over this surface, but is far from a cinch. The Wesley Ward trainee is likely to take pressure throughout, which should set things up for #1 Take Charge Omaha. The 4YO filly makes her first start since New Year’s Day when she was beaten handily in a restricted stake in Arkansas. Trainer Matthew Sims has given her time and pointed her to the spring. The Omaha Beach filly has a win and a third in two starts over the Keeneland main track and should get a favorable ground saving voyage off the honest early pace.Race 7: Giant’s Causeway (G2)Grade: C+Main Ticket: 1 Movin’ On Up; 8 Big Trouble; 4 Egyptian MauBackups: 5 GratefullyForecast: There is no doubt that scratches will play a key role in this year’s oversubscribed field for the Giant’s Causeway since one of the favorites is not in the main body of the field. #13 Shining Star needs a defection to get into the Grade 2 turf sprint, but if she gets in, she is a serious contender coming off three dominant wins against lesser for trainer Brad Cox. She changes the math for me if in, because if not I am going to hope to separate from the public by using three prices equally. #1 Movin’ On Up cuts back to a sprint for the first time in ages for Saffie Joseph. The pace should be contentious, so I am giving this mare a chance to save ground throughout and come with a big run on the turnback. #4 Egyptian Mau is a bit of a reach, but has had not a chance in either of her two races back off the break. She finally should get an honest pace to chase. #8 Big Trouble was beaten handily by Shining Star last out, but comes in fresh and draws more favorably off the inside. She could be sitting on a big one at a big price. If Shining Star gets in, she will create more pace, but also be the clear one to beat.Race 8:Grade: B+Main Ticket: 8 Civil Liberty; 7 Mo the MerrierBackups: NoneForecast: A strong MSW at 7-furlongs over the main track is up next where I will go two deep with confidence. #8 Civil Liberty exits the best maiden race for 3YOs at the Classic Meet at Santa Anita Park where he was beaten a neck by next out winner Crude Velocity. The Doug O’Neill runner has taken on high-quality competition in all four career starts and looms the cone to beat on the ship east. That said, the tote will show it, so I will also use second-time starter #7 Mo the Merrier. The son of Uncle Mo debuted at Fair Grounds at the tail end of their meet in New Orleans and put in a solid second from well off the pace. It appeared to be exactly what McPeek/Hernandez like to get out of the first start of horses they believe in. Expect improved speed and a strong run in career start number two.Race 9:Grade: C+Main Ticket: 1 End of Romance; 5 Capitol Hill; 7 Tough Little Nut; 10 Tenacious LeaderBackups: 9 PitkinForecast: The favorites in this second-level allowance over the sod to close the week of racing all drew to the outside, which presents challenges for all of their riders making this more wide-open than it might seem on paper. 3-1-ML favorite #11 Iron Man Cal was flat as a pancake in his first start off the bench and against older runners in Southern California last out. He is difficult to get excited about from his outside draw. #9 Pitkin and #10 Tenacious Leader are a bit easier to make cases for if their ML’s stuck, but I still am not in love with their chances. I will get some coverage here in another race that could produce a price.

EXTRA INCENTIVES$10 Money-Back Special | Lexington Stakes (Keeneland) | up to $10 back if win bet finishes 2nd, 3rdSCHEDULE NOTESSanta Anita | dark this weekend as scheduledTOURNAMENT TIME$3,500 Keeneland Grade One Gamble | details$100 Keeneland Feeder | details$40 Laurel Feeder | detailsNOTABLE CARRYOVERSJackpot Pick 6 | $104,829 | Gulfstream | begins Race 5 | 2:56 pm ETPick 6 | $154,006 | Keeneland | begins Race 6 | 3:40 pm ETKEY RACESAqueduct | Race 6 | 3:49 pm ET | Mind Your Biscuits StakesAqueduct | Race 7 | 4:21 pm ET | Fourstar Crook StakesKeeneland | Race 9 | 5:16 pm ET | Jenny Wiley StakesOaklawn | Race 8 | 5:36 pm ET | Count Fleet Sprint HandicapKeeneland | Race 10 | 5:48 pm ET | Lexington StakesOaklawn | Race 10 | 6:47 pm ET | Apple Blossom HandicapEvangeline Downs | Race 8 | 9:40 pm ET | Stemmans Memorial StakesCharles Town | Race 8 | 10:32 pm ET | Fancy Buckles StakesLONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIXGulfstream | Race 1 | 12:50 pm ETLaurel | Race 5 | 2:00 pm ETOaklawn | Race 12 | 7:52 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHBrad Cox | Keeneland, Aqueduct | all 9 entrants 4-1 or less oddsDID YOU SEE?Yesterday | Laurel | favorites won 6 of 8 racesPUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAMScott Shapiro: Keeneland Spot Plays for SaturdayJeremy Plonk: Race of the Week – Jenny Wiley Stakes at KeenelandJeremy Plonk: Oaklawn Park Late Pick 5 AnalysisFrank Carulli & Brian W. Spencer best bets today in Xpressbet.com member’s section

The Meadowlands has a 14-race card, and the 0.50 Early Pick 4 starts 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)1-Spirit Of Truth (8-1)-This is a TM taffy pull, and against this kind leaving from the 1-hole the 14-year-old could trip out. The price is right and gets a ++ driver change in Jason Bartlett. This is a field full of horses that don't like to take pictures and adding Bartlett could be the winning difference.6-Lou On The Beach (10-1)-Came 2nd in a MADC race 2 back then faced this kind, suffered an interference break, and lost all chance. AMac sticks, wasn't bet last time, should be a big price here and faces a beatable field.8-Bee Alert (5-1)-Dropped to this level in last, drew the 10 hole and got a bumpy trip but did rally to finish a beaten 3rd. Went off at 126-1 and should be a solid price here. The lightly raced 5-year-old could be up to the challenge with a smooth steer.Race 7 (9:05 PM EDT)2-Build The Wall (8-1)-Needs to prove itself at this level but isn't alone. Can finish well, did so last week, and Vinnie Ginsburg should find some live cover. Came home with a 54.2 back half to lose by a neck and the fractions could be spicier this time.4-Hurrikane Cheyenne (7/2)-Can also close in a hurry and recent form has been sharp. Jordan Stratton has options and this should be a main player that could seal the deal.7-Outer Banks (10-1)-Bumps up after winning from the 10-hole in the 1st start off the bench. This looks like a live price shot and will bank on the Burke trainee having more to give.Race 8 (9:30 PM EDT)2-Saba Rock (4-1)-Its last start was on 11-29 but comes off double qualifiers at M1. Broke in the 1st tune-up and then drew off by more than 5 lengths in 152.3. Trainer Per Engblom posts 21% winners off a layoff and will respect chances of firing hot off the bench.4-Oakwood Ardan IR (9/2)-Has been on vacation since 11-28 but did put in a nice qualifier at M1 on 4-4. Has won 13 of 18 at the Big M, and the Cleary barn post 33% winners off a layoff.5-Wish You Well (3-1)-The 5-year-old is looking for his 1st win in 2 years (0-7) but has banked over $181k at M1. Should relish the company and when Tim Tetrick steers for Linda Toscano, that duo posts 45% winners.Race 9 (9:55 PM EDT)2-Taranki (3-1)-Drops after coming off the bench with a nice effort. Dexter Dunn sticks and closed with a 54.1 back half. Left from the 8-hole, cashed a small check, and looks like a main player tonight.5-Caviart Lotus (5-1)-Drops after cashing small checks versus $40-$45K claimers. Gets a positive driver change in Scott Zeron, fits well with group and with a fair trip could be posing.7-Effingham (6-1)-Used the Lambert trainee last week but was worried about the trip. Ended up going off as the chalk and should be a better price this time unless video watchers bet it down. Got the pocket and looked ready to roll but was trapped inside. Will take another swing, gets a positive driver change in AMac and hopefully won't be bet down.0.50 Early Pick 41,6,8/2,4,7/2,4,5/2,5,7Total Bet=$40.50Check me out on X!

Hoosier Park begins the weekend with a 14-race card. The 0.50 Late Pick 4 starts 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)4-Bam Bam (5/2)-Erv Miller 3-year-old raced from the backfield in its debut. Closed with a 54.1 back half with a 25.3 last panel and lost by less than 2 lengths. Has a good chance to post its maiden win, probably won't be 6 lengths back at the top of the lane this time.5-F Thirty Five (7/5)-Started from post 7, left and was hung out until the 1/4 pole got the lead and then had to retake right before the half. Then stayed on top and was strong to the wire. This was a well-meant winner, and the same effort probably leads to another picture.7-Practical Joke (7-1)-Will look for a solid price and the Tom Tetrick pupil got on the engine and didn't look back drawing off by over 4 lengths. That was quite a season debut and the mark of 154.1 is much better than its freshman campaign mark of 1.57. Will look for Kyle Wilfong to work a smooth trip and should offer a solid price despite coming off a win.Race 12 (9:43 PM EDT)2-Echo Canyon (2-1)-There isn't much form to chew on in this affair, but this 3-year-old went 3 seconds faster in the 2nd start this year. Finished a beaten 3rd but did improve down the lane and the mile went in a quick 153.2. Using at a small price, as the 26.4 last quarter was a plus too.4-Ilikeitlikethat (4-1)-Beaten odds on chalks was hung the mile after racing well in its season debut to finish 2nd. Gets a good post and could make amends at a better price.Race 13 (10:06 PM EDT)2-Dash Of Luck (4-1)-Drops to a spot to shine and should be able to get a cozy top of the stack trip. The P'Pool barn is ice cold but should be in the hunt versus this crew with Trace Tetrick at the controls.4-Sevens Sins (5/2)-Cullipher trainee had 8 wins last year and is 0-4 in 2026. But this is the level where a win could happen. Atlee Bender steers for his 3rd straight and has kept the 6-year-old flat in the last 2 races. Should be a main player if minds its manners.Race 14 (10:29 PM EDT)5-Big Law (7/2)-Tried to wire this kind on 4-1 but faded down the lane and cashed a 3rd place check. Will use the beaten chalk and fade the 9/5 morning line choice #2-Knights Templar A who has 1 win in the last 20 races.7-Pete And Repeat (9-1)-The 0-17 record at HoP is cause for pause but lands in a soft spot. Rolled the back half in .56 but was 16 lengths back at the 1st call. Had a win against similar at Haw, Tetrick gets the call tonight, and with a smooth trip could post an overdue win.$1 Late Pick 44,5,7/2,4/2,4/5,7Total Bet=$24Check me out on X!

The Keeneland Spring Meet is in full gear now as we approach the second Saturday of the meeting. The card is not quite as strong as last weekend’s stakes-laden Blue Grass card, but it has a pair of graded stakes events (G3 Lexington, G1 Jenny Wiley) and still offers plenty of great wagering opportunities throughout. Here are a few horses I plan to build my day around tomorrow in Kentucky.Race 5:I am not in love with the chances of 5-2-ML favorite #3 Comprehensive in this MSW for 3YOs at two-turns over the turf. The Hard Spun colt had four chances this winter for trainer Brian Lynch at Gulfstream Park and was unable to get home in any of them. My biggest issue with that is Lynch was white-hot most of the Championship Meet in Hallandale Beach and now this colt ships north to take on one of the stronger fields he has encountered. He is almost certain to be an underlay. I will try to beat him with #6 Minotaur. The Raging Bull gelding has lacked early speed in both starts, including last out on March 1 when he went off the 5-2-public choice. He failed to make a serious impression late that afternoon in Florida, but that is because he lost all momentum when attempting to put his run in before they reached the far turn. He now makes his second start off the bench and should have a big shot to run this group down with a cleaner voyage under jockey Joel Rosario.Play: #6 Minotaur (4-1 ML)Race 8:My top play of the day comes in this 7-furlong MSW event for 3YO fillies over the main track where I have been waiting for the return of #12 Al Ghadeer. The Gun Runner filly took noticeable public support for a barn that is not known for winning with first-time starters in her debut at Churchill Downs in late November ’25. The Andrew McKeever trainee broke from the inside that afternoon in Louisville in an 11-horse field and held her own finishing third beaten less than a length. McKeever opted to give her the winter off and point her to the spring where she gets a rider upgrade to Tyler Gaffalione and moves to a more favorable outside draw. Al Ghadeer has talent and upside. Hopefully she illustrates that in her 3YO debut.Play: #12 Al Ghadeer (8-1 ML)Race 10: Lexington (G3)The last chance at our ongoing “Triple Crown Prep Races Money Back Special” offer is tomorrow when they go to post for the Lexington (G3). The final crack at earning points on the Kentucky Derby leaderboard is not a factor this year in a race where trainer Brad Cox holds a strong hand. Cox sends out 2-1-ML favorite #9 Exum and 7-2-second choice #10 Confessional with a chance to continue his hot start to the meet. Exum failed to fire on debut in Florida, but dominated a field of maidens on the Virginia Derby undercard at Colonial Downs. He has the upside to crush this field, but did not beat much. Confessional is more battle tested, but has yet to get back to the winner’s circle since his debut win over this racetrack in August. I prefer him as a wager because he should offer more value and is likely to get a favorable setup, but this is a race where I am willing to take a far bigger swing.#3 Decisive Win ships east from Southern California off of one start where he finished fourth for trainer Doug O’Neill. On the surface, he is up against it in this spot, but his speed and fade in the strongest MSW race of the winter at Santa Anita for 3YOs is better than it looks. Not only did he battle early before yielding late, but he took a ton of action in a live group going off at 3-1. The winner of that maiden race Crude Velocity came back and won impressively for Bob Baffert in March and this colt clearly has upside. At his likely off-odds, he is worth a gamble, especially with the Money Back Offer insurance. Antonio Fresu will make the trip to Keeneland and be aboard.Play: #3 Decisive Win (15-1 ML)

SCHEDULE NOTESSanta Anita | dark this weekend as scheduledTOURNAMENT TIME$500 Keeneland Grade One Gamble Qualifier | details$100 Keeneland Feeder | details$40 Laurel Feeder | detailsNOTABLE CARRYOVERSMandatory Payout Pick 6 | $40,008 | Mahoning Valley | begins Race 3 | 1:11 pm ETPick 6 | $138,226 | Aqueduct | begins Race 3 | 2:11 pm ETJackpot Pick 6 | $90,315 | Gulfstream | begins Race 4 | 2:23 pm ETPick 6 | $25,792 | Keeneland | begins Race 5 | 3:08 pm ETPick 6 | $18,499 | Oaklawn | begins Race 5 | 3:56 pm ETSuper Hi 5 | $15,975 | Keeneland | Race 10 | 5:48 pm ETKEY RACESKeeneland | Race 7 | 4:12 pm ET | Limestone StakesKeeneland | Race 9 | 5:16 pm ET | Maker’s Mark MileEvangeline Downs | Race 8 | 9:40 pm ET | Bon Temps StakesLONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIXKeeneland | Race 2 | 1:32 pm ETTampa Bay Downs | Race 5 | 2:16 pm ETOaklawn | Race 6 | 4:30 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHBrad Cox | Keeneland | 3 of 4 entrants 9-2 or less oddsDID YOU SEE?Yesterday | Oaklawn | jockey Cristian Torres | 3 wins, 1 second, 2 thirds from 8 mountsPUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAMScott Shapiro: Keeneland Turf Pick 3 Play for FridayFrank Carulli: Oaklawn $3 Get Out Pick 3 Play for FridayFrank Carulli & Brian W. Spencer best bets today in Xpressbet.com member’s section

Saturday’s Oaklawn card is one of the biggest of the long Hot Springs season, featuring the Grade 3 Count Fleet Sprint and the Grade 1 Apple Blossom. Those co-features make up two spots in the late pick 5 sequence that spans Races 8-12.Let’s get to work.Race 8: Count Fleet Sprint HandicapA fantastic pace should give closers #8 Dreaminblue and #7 Tejano Twist every chance, but it’s behind quality speed that doesn’t have to wilt. I’ll trust #5 Roll On Big Joe and #4 Mad House most amongst the early pace players. Intra-race I’ll lean to value with Dreaminblue on the class rise.Race 9: maiden special weight#9 Munnings Challenge ran a strong debut second for Brad Cox and should graduate in her second start as a single. The Munnings filly is out of the outstanding local sprint mare Amy’s Challenge. She catches 8 rivals that include 6 first-time starters, mostly for barns with rather unthreatening debut stats. #1 No More Kings would be the alternative but has already had 5 attempts, several for claiming tags.Race 10: Apple Blossom HandicapThe long series of Oaklawn preps emptying into the Apple Blossom Handicap have shown a consistent and strong local cast. The new faces showing up in the $1.25 million main event are primarily adding more speed to the fold. That won’t hurt #3 Regaled (3-1 ML) and #2 Majestic Oops (9-2 ML), who actually may move up with the additional pace. They ran 1-2 in the same-trip Azeri Stakes, but Regaled gets the nod Saturday with this being her second start off a layoff and a sharper-than-usual work at Churchill Sunday before hitting the road. I don’t like to go 2-deep and double the cost of a ticket when those horses both have the same running style. If it sets up for a closer like I project it will, then I am riding with Regaled.Race 11: allowanceDeep group of 11 allowance milers requires some coverage. #1 Favorite Day (5-2) stacks up with these nicely but may be overbet after coming out of a very fast race against loose-leading Reagan’s Honor, a 3-year-old who bombed next out in the Blue Grass Stakes. Ron Moquett’s barn has been struggle city this season at Oaklawn, so you have to upgrade a horse with 2 wins and a third in 3 starts for the ice-cold operation like #6 Expect the Best (7-2). #9 Bourbon Society has led nearly every step in 2 starts (wins) at the current meet. There’s other pace competition, but the price is right at 12-1 ML.Race 12: maiden claimingThe process of handicapping elimination in the finale left me with three morning line choices simply by default of not disliking them as much as the others. Beyond #6 El Chavo (7-2) for Steve Asmussen, #7 Conway (3-1) for Ron Moquett and #10 Ripples Rocket (4-1) for Allen Milligan, there’s very little embraceable form in this capacity field of 12. But that trio has had 16 tries between them and 3 exacta finishes while trying to graduate at the bottom level. Instead of creating false confidence, let’s spread our wings, wheel the field and shoot for a longshot. The budget play is to reduce to the short-priced trio and concede that your new best-case scenario is a smaller return.The Ticket:8,4,5,7 with 9 with 3 with 1,6,9 with ALL = $72 for 50 cents.