Local handicapping guru Ron Nicoletti has your analysis for Sunday's mandatory payout in the Rainbow 6 at Gulfstream Park. It has a carryover of $110,621 and gets underway at 2:57 pm ET with the day's fifth race.RACE 5: 2 NESHUME moves to the Laura Cazares barn via the claim and turns back to three-quarters of a mile after making a middle move to get the lead before fading to finish fifth at seven furlongs. The barn, 18% with newclaims, has leading jock Edgard Zayas named to ride. 3 ENDRICK is stepping up the competition after splashing through the mud to defeat $12,500 two lifetime claimers going seven furlongs. Note that the barn is 3 for 7 (43%) winning consecutive races. 6 AEGON TARGARYEN will drop into the maiden claiming ranks after with Lasix added after the interesting two-race campaign as a two-year old in which he was second in his maiden special weight debut on Tapeta and then sent into the state bred Juvenile Sprint where he came up empty. Gerald Bennett has go-to jock Jose Ferrer atop this intriguing possibility.SELECTIONS: 2-3-6//RACE 6: 12 RISK is a newly gelded son of Twirling Candy debuting for trainer Nolan Ramsey with the breeding needed to negotiate the mile distance and beyond. Miguel Vazquez rides the longshot special. SELECTIONS: 6-1-4 4 COACH KAIN is stretching out to a mile after the promising turf debut in which he finished second going 7 1/2 furlongs. Trainer Mark Casse, 20% with maidens making their second start, has Luca Panici in the saddle. 7 ESCAPE FROM HOME, a half-brother to stakes winner Ceci Valentina, is another trying a mile after closing to finish third behind Coach Kain last out. Jose Lopez rides for Angel Rodriguez.SELECTIONS: 12-4-7 * BEST LONGSHOT PLAY *//RACE 7: 8 GIMMIE SOME LUCK is stepping up to the next level after the three-year-old beat older horses when both breaking her maiden two starts back and following that with an $8,000 two lifetime score going 5 1/2 furlongs on the Tapeta last out. Gerald Bennett has Edwin Conzalez going for the hat trick. 4 DEMAR’S LEGACY is dropping and turning back after returning from the layoff to finish third vs $25,000 conditioned claimers going 5 1/2 furlongs on the all weather surface. Jose Morelos rides for Jose Castro. 6 CAP FERRAT is turning back to a sprint distance after following her $8,000 two lifetime victory at 5 1/2 furlongs with a set the pace second – as the odds-on choice - going around two turns on the Tapeta. Saffie 22% with the turnback move, has Edgard Zayas atop the probable off time favorite.SELECTIONS: 8-4-6//RACE 8: 6 LOVE ACTUALLY, an ultra-fast daughter of Caravaggio, is stepping up to face winners after totally dominating a field of special weight maidens going five furlongs on the turf. Joe Orseno has Edwin Gonzalez going for two in a row. 5 SUPER FREAKY GIRL is going back to the turf with the ideal stalking style needed to reel in what looks like a swift pace scenario that’s going to materialize, especially with Love Actually in the race. Carlos David has Reylu Gutierrez atop the daughter of Bucchero. 8 TRAVEL HAPPY is a consistent daughter of Gone Astray who loves the Tapeta but has run well in her two previous grass races. Her ability to stalk the sizzling pace expected can be her biggest asset.SELECTIONS: 6-5-8//RACE 9: 2 BATTLE OF DOVER moves to the Mark Passley barn via the claim and steps up after finishing third vs $8,000 conditioned claimers going this distance on the Tapeta. The barn, having a productive summer (14-3-2-2 – 21%), is one for four with recent claims. 7 DIXIE PREACH is turning back slightly after following the $12,500 two lifetime score at the distance with a third place finish vs this level of competition going a mile and a sixteenth on the Tapeta. Trainer Kathryn Davey has Jesus Rios returning on the consistent son of Mohaymen. 6 DREAMS OF MYFATHER moves to the Rachel Olmeda Lopez barn via the claim after drawing clear to wallop a field of $12,500 conditioned claimers going a mile on the dirt. The colt debuts on Tapeta with Jose Leon in the saddle.SELECTIONS: 2-7-6//RACE 10: THE WARRIOR’S PRIDE 6 REEF RUNNER was freshened after posting a string of frustrating defeats vs stakes caliber competition, including the third-place finish behind Extendo and next-out Harvey Pack Stakes winner Bring the Band Home on May 1st. Trainer David Fawkes readied him for the return with a bullet half mile drill on Tapeta. Aforementioned 8 EXTENDO is an interesting proposition because his only previous turf victory in 11 races was the score over Reef Runner during May. Joe Orseno has Edwin Conzalez quarterbacking the long awaited rematch. 4 ABIR CAMINOS (CHI), who was a sharp second on the turf to swift Xy Speed two races back, returns to the grass after failing to fire on the Tapeta. He's worth a flyer at a price.SELECTIONS: 6-8-4 * BEST BET * /b>

Day 2 of Kentucky Downs Preview Weekend at Ellis Park features a quartet of stakes races over the lawn led by the Grade 3 $400,000 Pucker Up. The 9-furlong test for 3YO fillies goes as Race 9 on a ten-race card that includes three other turf stakes over the back half of the card. In fact, if you want to leverage your opinions on these stakes horizontally, you can opt to dive into either the all-stakes Pick 4 that kicks off in Race 7 or the $3 All Turf Pick 3 that gets started in Race 8. Here are a few horses I plan to lean on late this afternoon at the Pea Patch.Race 7: Turf Cup PreviewThis 1 1/4-mile event over the Ellis sod lacks early speed, so I will lean on runners that should avoid leaving themselves with too much to do late. #2 Verstappen is one of those that is likely to benefit from a modest early tempo. The son of War Front is winless on the 2025 campaign, but just missed in the Connelly at Sam Houston and finished second to Utah Beach in the Louisville (G3) in mid-May. The Brendan Walsh trainee has the tactical speed to find a favorable forward position. Expect jockey Tyler Gaffalione to take advantage of the race shape and his inside draw on this $800k+ earner.Play: #2 Verstappen (4-1 ML)//Race 8: Ladies Turf Mile PreviewThe pace should be far more contentious in the second stake of the afternoon with #4 Summerintahoe and #5 Irish Maxima almost certain to set an honest pace. #1 Simply in Front is the likeliest to take advantage. The Summer Front filly had been up against the track profile and/or the race flow in several of her races leading up to Derby Day when she finally got a fair shot and crossed the wire first at 15-1 in the Distaff Turf Mile (G2). Trainer Eddie Kenneally understandably took a shot next out in the Just A Game (G1) where his trainee was outclassed, but did not disgrace herself finishing fifth. Kenneally has given her time and she draws beautifully along the inside as she gets back to softer competition. She should be tough with a clean voyage under Luan Machado.Play: #1 Simply in Front (3-1)//Race 10: Ladies Turf Sprint PreviewThe card concludes with a fascinating turf sprint since 3 of the top 4 choices on the morning line all have serious early speed. #1 Coppola and #3 Joe Shiesty are all but certain to get involved early from their inside draws with #4 Go Captain and favorite #7 Nobals drawn to their outside. I am hopeful they go at it early setting things up for #11 Charcoal. The 9YO son of English Channel has just 1 win in 9 starts dating back to the start of 2024, but the victory came in this race last year. I like his chances to avoid a wide voyage with the likelihood this field separates quickly given all of the speed to his inside. Hopefully, the Tracey Wisner trainee is ready for one more big run in his third start of the form cycle.Play: #11 Charcoal (15-1 ML)

Sunday's Del Mar week-ender includes the CTBA Stakes for the state-breds and the featured La Holla Handicap for 3-year-old turfers. I've got picks for the Race 7 La Jolla, as well as the $23,952 Super Hi 5 carryover in Race 11.Del Mar - Race 5#8 Magical Miss: Debuter isn't meeting a ton of super serious form on paper outside of the filly listed next, so take a look at her ahead of this one the track and tote with an appealing enough pedigree for this short turf trip.#12 Godavri: She's probably not going to be an appealing price on the board, but she's got an obvious claim on this with a couple of sharp Santa Anita turf sprints under her belt. Should get a great run while keeping tabs on everything throughout. Wouldn't argue with you.#1 Trickifult: Pace will have to go from the fence here, but I wonder if she has enough upside in the second start back to stick around for a piece of this at a nice price.Race Summary: Magical Miss is a fresh face in a race where I don't trust a ton of them who have run so far, and the price is likely to get short on Godavri with sharp enough form to be the clear choice.//Del Mar - Race 7#6 The Padre: He was competitive with some of these last time out, and the race came back well when Game Warrior landed the Oceanside here at 19/1 last month. Seems like he has enough upside to land this.#3 Freedom's Not Free: Forward player has been very tough since being sent long on the turf, and he can shut off just enough to get a first-over trip if needed. Dangerous.#4 Artislas: Reliable finisher can get the jump on the deeper threats, and that could put him in a really great spot if the pace can't stay. Spies for at least a share.Race Summary: I like The Padre's effort last time out, and that should set him up for something even better today in the second start off the break.//Del Mar - Race 11#2 What's a Good Name: Not totally sold that she's the best one in here, but I think she'll be right on the engine from the start with maybe only the cheaper one inside of her to clear. The others may stack up, but she could be in control most of the way here.#3 Tapatia Mia: She looked good in the debut when scoring in an early season race at Santa Anita, and I am going to guess that the form from that one will hold up here. Want her on the tickets.#6 Liberation: She's probably head of the class on paper coming into this, but I wouldn't want to take a short price in what feels like a fun race.Race Summary: What's a Good Name came forward nicely at second asking to score here a couple weeks back, and I'm hoping an early hustle will let her control this one from the turn.

EXTRA INCENTIVES20% Win Payout Boost (up to $20) | Mountaineer | today’s racesWoodbine Mile VIP Trip Sweepstakes | $20 bet today earns 1 entryTOURNAMENT TIME$500 Mountaineer WV Derby PWCBC Qualifier | details$40 Del Mar feeder | details$40 Woodbine feeder | detailsNOTABLE CARRYOVERSJackpot Pick 6 | $89,252 | Ellis Park | begins Race 5 | 2:44 pm ETMandatory Payout Pick 6 | $110,621 | Gulfstream Park | begins Race 5 | 2:57 pm ETJackpot Pick 5 | $233,333 | Prairie Meadows | begins Race 7 | 7:33 pm ETSuper Hi 5 | $23,942 | Del Mar | Race 11 | 10:01 pm ET1/ST BET AI MOST LIKELY SARATOGA WINNERSaratoga | Race 1 | 1:10 pm ET | #4 Baron of Sealand (29%)KEY RACESSaratoga | Race 4 | 2:52 pm ET | Adirondack StakesEllis Park | Race 7 | 3:42 pm ET | KD Turf Cup PreviewMonmouth | Race 7 | 3:44 pm ET | Incredible Revenge StakesEllis Park | Race 8 | 4:12 pm ET | KD Ladies Turf Mile PreviewEllis Park | Race 9 | 4:42 pm ET | Pucker Up StakesSaratoga | Race 8 | 5:10 pm ET | Troy StakesEllis Park | Race 10 | 5:12 pm ET | KD Turf Sprint PreviewMountaineer | Race 7 | 7:40 pm ET | WV Governor’s StakesDel Mar | Race 7 | 8:03 pm ET | La Jolla HandicapMountaineer | Race 8 | 8:15 pm ET | West Virginia DerbyDel Mar | Race 10 | 9:32 pm ET | CTBA StakesLONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIXGulfstream | Race 6 | 3:37 pm ETWoodbine | Race 10 | 5:57 pm ETDel Mar | Race 6 | 7:33 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHPeter Miller | Del Mar | all 9 entrants 6-1 or less oddsDID YOU SEE?Yesterday | Saratoga | jockey Flavien Prat | 4 wins (G1 Whitney), 3 seconds from 13 mountsPUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAMRon Nicoletti: Gulfstream Park Mandatory Payout Pick 6 AnalysisScott Shapiro: Ellis Park Spot Plays for SundayBrian W. Spencer: Del Mar Spot Plays for SundayDustin Fabian: Mountaineer WV Derby Day Spot Plays

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 the sequence will be my focus. Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.Race 11 (9:40 PM EDT)2-Not Today (7-1)-Schillaci trainee gets needed post relief and must prove itself at this level as does almost the entire field. Should benefit with this post draw and looks a suck-around trip out possibility.8-Alta Engen A (7/2)-From the inside the Kreiser entry would be an odds-on chalk, beat the $30k claimers from post 8 two starts back. This field could be more of a challenge, maybe. But has enough gate speed to land on top and could be a smooth journey away from a picture.Race 12 (10:02 PM EDT)3-Cornstar (5-1)-Drew post 3 on 6-29 and beat this kind at 17-1. Broke stride on a sloppy track in last and could offer a solid price here. Needs a close-up seat to win and that can happen when the wings fold.8-Kildare King (7/2)-Couldn't catch the leader last week and finished 2nd. Was bet down to 6/5 on a sloppy track, and that effort came against this company. Merriman stays aboard, will look for an aggressive steer and will probably be bet down again.Race 13 (10:24 PM EDT)2-Pet My Rock (2-1)-Not sure the 2-1 morning line fits but won the last time in this condition. Comes off a sick scratch, but this is a soft bunch. If all systems are go Kurt Sugg could land on the engine and not look back.7-Easy Cam Wiggle (6-1)-Left from post 9 on 6-23, landed in the pocket and finished 2nd. Now comes back against the same, draws better, and gets a ++ driver change as Merriman takes the lines. In 9 starts for the Beeler barn, Merriman has taken 4 pictures.Race 14 (10:46 PM EDT)4-Highland Mowgli (5/2)-The camera-shy Burke entry is only 1-16 this year. But has cashed checks against this kind and better. Gets a ++ driver change in Chris Page and draws well, that could be reason enough to cash the top check.5-Globe Master (15-1)-Will take a swing for a big price and the 4-year-old tries but has had outside posts in the last 3 races. If Tyler Angus can get off the gate and into a close-up seat good things could happen in a race without a standout.7-Donato Patriot K (9/2)-Comes off a dominant win against much easier. Has 3 wins this year in 15 races and 2 of those happened at Nfld. This will be a test but can't dismiss against this group. Merriman is between the pipes and when driving for the Wengerd stable he wins 27% of the starts.$1 Late Pick 42,8/3,8/2,7/4,5,7Total Bet=$24Check me out on Twitter!

The 100th Edition of the $1,000,000 Hambletonian is the prestigious headliner of the 16-race card at the Meadowlands. The entire lineup is loaded with talent and big purses. The Hambo rolls in Race 12 and kicks-off the 0.50 Late Pick 4. The sequence has a $100,000 guaranteed pool with a 15% takeout, and it will be my focus.Don't forget to register for the Bet $150 Get $20 Promo on Saturday's Meadowlands card.Comments and selection below are based on a fast track.Race 12 (4:47 PM EDT)4-Maryland (3-1)-This year the son of Chapter 7 has second-itis but comes off a sharp effort in its Elimination. The connections were probably happy with the result, finishing a close 2nd and not going a taxing mile. Didn't earn over $1.2 million last year with mirrors and has 3 wins and 3 second place finishes in 7 starts at M1. This was Dexter Dunn's choice over Super Chapter the program chalk and looks ready to take its 1st picture of the year at a most opportune time.5-Maximus Mearas S (6-1)-Rallied in a big way in its Elim and finished the mile with a .26 last panel. Scott Zeron steers for trainer Lucas Wallin and this colt has made only 2 starts this season, which is the least in the field. Will look for a more aggressive steer with 2 races under its belt and has a pilot who is trying for a Hambo Grand Slam.6-Nordic Catcher S (9/2)-In each of the 4 races this year the team Svanstedt pupil has gone faster. In its Elim went gate to wire and stood tall down the lane. The 150.3 was a new mark, also the fastest Elimination time on the card. Best to respect, could win with another top effort and doesn't need to lead every step of the way.Race 13 (5:34 PM EDT)1-Diabolic Hill (9/5)-The Annie Stoebe trainee has a perfect 3-0 record this season and won handily last week from the 10-hole. Has been the chalk in all 3 outings and will be a small price once again. Many will single and does deserve the respect. But it won't get as much respect from its foes as last week. So, will use one more that might be able to catch the speed down the lane.9-I'm Kronos S (6-1)-The Walner 2-year-old is looking for its 1st win of the season but has hit the board in both starts. Tim Tetrick takes over for Dexter Dunn and will rely on a sharp steer. If the fractions are spicy and the Svanstedt entry is within striking range at the top of the lane it could be upset time.Race 14 (6:02 PM EDT)4-Sabonis (5-1)-Won the Graduate Final and then raced big in the Haughton to just miss leaving from post 11. Came first over last week and was overtaken late by the winner he towed up and another coming from the backfield. This is a tough race, but offers value at the morning line price and only needs a fair trip to be there at the wire.5-Ken Hanover (3-1)-Ken was going to lose at some point and had its 5-race win streak snapped on 6-12. That loss came with the help of post 9 and getting hung early in the mile. Should be more than odds-on today and will look for a rebound.Race 14 (6:29 PM EDT)5-Sylvia Hanover (8/5)-Sylvia has been very sharp since shipping in from Mohawk. Took advantage of some hot fractions at Plainridge in last to win. But her burst down the lane looked like a champion mare who has banked over $2 million. Looking for another big effort and to double up at a short price.$2 Late Pick 44,5,6/1,9/4,5/5Total Bet=$24Check me out on Twitter!

EXTRA INCENTIVES$5,000 Hit & Split | Saratoga | late pick 4 ($2,500) & pick 5 ($2,500)Bet $150, Get $20 | The Meadowlands | today’s racesWoodbine Mile VIP Trip Sweepstakes | $20 bet today earns 1 entryTOURNAMENT TIME$125 Fun in the Sun Week 3 (Saratoga/Del Mar) | details$500 Monmouth/Saratoga Whitney Day Challenge | details$40 Del Mar feeder | details$40 Woodbine feeder | detailsNOTABLE CARRYOVERSJackpot Pick 6 | $84,050 | Ellis Park | begins Race 5 | 2:44 pm ETJackpot Pick 6 | $95,597 | Gulfstream Park | begins Race 6 | 3:25 pm ETJackpot Pick 5 | $224,686 | Prairie Meadows | begins Race 6 | 9:08 pm ET--Gulfstream will have mandatory payout Sunday1/ST BET AI MOST LIKELY SARATOGA STAKES WINNERSaratoga | Race 3 | 1:09 pm ET | #6 Obliteration (30%)KEY RACESSaratoga | Race 3 | 1:09 pm ET | Saratoga Special StakesColonial Downs | Race 3 | 1:30 pm ET | Keswick StakesColonial Downs | Race 4 | 2:00 pm ET | Hickory Tree StakesThe Meadowlands (harness) | Race 12 | 3:40 pm ET | Hambletonian Stakes | video previewWoodbine | Race 6 | 3:40 pm ET | Sweet Brian Too StakesMonmouth | Race 7 | 3:47 pm ET | Tyro StakesSaratoga | Race 8 | 3:52 pm ET | Fourstardave Stakes | Meet the ContendersEllis Park | Race 8 | 4:12 pm ET | Nashville Derby PreviewGulfstream | Race 8 | 4:34 pm ET | Bear’s Den StakesEllis Park | Race 9 | 4:42 pm ET | KD Ladies Turf Sprint PreviewWoodbine | Race 8 | 4:48 pm ET | Niagara StakesSaratoga | Race 10 | 5:04 pm ET | Test StakesEllis Park | Race 10 | 5:12 pm ET | Mint Millions Turf Mile PreviewWoodbine | Race 9 | 5:21 pm ET | Seagram CupSaratoga | Race 11 | 5:41 pm ET | Whitney StakesDel Mar | Race 9 | 9:03 pm ET | California Dreamin StakesEvangeline Downs | Race 8 | 9:04 pm ET | Louisiana Stallion StakesEvangeline Downs | Race 9 | 9:31 pm ET | Shine Young FuturityDel Mar | Race 10 | 9:32 pm ET | Clement Hirsch StakesLONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIXColonial Downs | Race 10 | 5:10 pm ETSaratoga | Race 12 | 6:16 pm ETCharles Town | Race 6 | 9:32 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHJose D’Angelo | Gulfstream | all 8 entrants 5-1 or less oddsDID YOU SEE?Yesterday | Ellis Park | trainer Steve Asmussen | 2 wins ($18, $29), 1 third from 5 startersPUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAMScott Shapiro: Saratoga Hit & Split Pick 5 Analysis for SaturdayJeremy Plonk: Race of the Week – Whitney at SaratogaAl Cimaglia: Hambletonian Pick 4 Analysis for The MeadowlandsBrian W. Spencer: Del Mar Spot Plays for SaturdayFrank Carulli & Brian W. Spencer Saturday best bets available in Xpressbet.com member’s section

Saturday's Del Mar card includes the California Dreamin' Stakes as well as the featured Clement Hirsch, the latter a key steppingstone to the Breeders' Cup Distaff, which will return to Del Mar this year. It's among my 3 key plays on the program.Del Mar - Race 7#1 Oakley's Smile: He'll be a decent price again here, and I wonder if a slightly easier run of things might help him get in the frame while overlooked. Cozy inside trip could be waiting. Why not?#4 Jack Fish: He flashed good pace before settling for second in the Los Al debut, and that kind of speed is going to keep him in the mix throughout while trying turf. Tough if it all transfers.#8 Glorious Life: Perfect spying run could be in the cards for him from here, but I'm still just a little shy about the way he has gone one-paced in the final yards of his starts.Race Summary: Oakley's Smile comes out of a couple spots I liked a little bit, and I could see him getting a really nice run of things from the fence if he can relax just a bit better.Del Mar - Race 10#7 Kopion: She established herself as one of the best distaff sprinters in the country, and they'll give her another chance around two turns today. Wonder if she's just a lot better now than the last time she tried a route?#1 Seismic Beauty: Nothing wrong with the way she has punched home in the last couple scores, but there are a couple of other new forward faces to deal with this time around, and her best game has come on the engine. Respect, but wonder if the race flow does her in?#2 Royal Spa: She might find a decent spot while tucked in on the fence behind the quicker players, and she's probably a good fit with this crew if you try to use Thorpedo Anna as the measuring stick.Race Summary: Kopion has been really good this year and deserves another chance going long. Could see her finding a perfect, patient, first-over trip while just stacked outside a couple more committed types.Del Mar - Race 11#6 Prince Dolce: His turf form has been solid enough, and he's worth a look while trying a turf route outside of stakes company for the first time. Dangerous if he's ready.#12 Miles Finch: Reliable type has run OK going long before, but she has also been a bit flat late in both of those tries. She might have to use just a touch of pace to find a spot from out here. One of the ones, but think she needs a few things to go her way today.#1 Winning Patriot: Think he might still have some upside after showing a bit of talent through two starts, and he's meeting a lot of horses who are pretty established at this point. Could be fun at a midrange price.Race Summary: #13 Brazenly is a must-use on vertical plays here with reliable underneath form, but Prince Dolce has the most appeal for me. He can probably work out a good spying trip while returning fresh on the drop.