EXTRA INCENTIVESKing’s Plate Flyaway Sweepstakes | Woodbine | earn up to 4 entries todaySCHEDULE NOTESColonial Downs | early first post 10:45 am ETEllis Park | makeup day | first post 12:50 pm ETWoodbine | makeup day | first post 1:00 pm ETTOURNAMENT TIME$40 Horseshoe Indianapolis Feeder | detailsNOTABLE CARRYOVERSJackpot Pick 5 | $97,011 | Parx | begins Race 1 | 12:40 pm ETJackpot Super Hi 5 | $68,425 (CAN) | Woodbine | Race 10 | 5:34 pm ETJackpot Pick 5 | $130,977 | Prairie Meadows | begins Race 6 | 7:07 pm ETLONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIXEllis Park | Race 2 | 1:19 pm ETHorseshoe Indianapolis | Race 6 | 4:45 pm ETMountaineer | Race 1 | 7:00 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHDavid Jacobson | Ellis, Horseshoe Indy | 5 of 6 entrants 5-1 or less oddsDID YOU SEE?Yesterday | Woodbine | favorites won 1 of 12 on the cardPUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAMScott Shapiro: Ellis Park Monday Spot PlaysFrank Carulli & Brian W. Spencer best bets today in Xpressbet.com member’s section

A rare Monday of racing in the Blue Grass is upon us due to the excessive heat last week forcing Ellis Park to postpone their first two cards of the summer. The card originally scheduled for Opening Day was moved to later today when they kick things off for Day 3 of the 2026 season in Henderson at 12:50 pm ET. The nine-race card is headlined by a trio of allowance races and the $3 All-Turf Pick 3 that gets started in Race 5. Here are a few horses that are double-digits on the morning line that I give a serious chance of springing the upset.Race 4:A full field of 2YO fillies is set to travel 5.5-furlongs in this MSW event over the main track. The field consists of a lot of first-time starters, but I like one of the gals with experience. #6 By Her Decree debuted on May 28 at Churchill Downs where she broke fine and was sent aggressively from there to the front from her rail draw. The Jeremiah O’Dwyer was no match for late for off-the-pace winner Epic Reign, but that Steve Asmussen runner came back to run a good second in the Debutante as part of the closing day card in Louisville. Her speed is a weapon and she is likely to benefit with the move off the inside. Adam Beschizza was aboard in her first start and returns to ride this afternoon.Play: #6 By Her Decree (10-1 ML)Picks: 6-4-7Race 5:This non-winners of two claimer at one-mile over the Ellis sod kicks off the All-Turf Pick 3 and appears wide-open. The pace is likely to be honest if not contentious in this spot, which I am hoping sets things up for Henry Hinkle homebred #3 Got Gone. The 3YO filly makes her first start over this course after an even fifth-place finish against better at Churchill Downs on June 21. Trainer John Ennis keeps regular rider Alex Achard aboard the Hit It a Bomb filly that certainly has been no world beater thus far through seven starts, but should get a dream run along the inside. Trip is likely to make the difference in this one. I am hopeful that Got Gone gets the right one at a juicy price.Play: #3 Got Gone (12-1 ML)Picks: 3-9-1Race 9:The finale is a MSW event for fillies and mares at one-mile over the turf where I like #1 Marcheline. The $125,000 FTS October ’24 purchase makes her third lifetime start for trainer Vickie Oliver after a pair of turf sprints to kick off her career. The daughter of Not This Time broke slow and did little running in mid-April at Keeneland, but took a noticeable move forward with a solid finish and gallop out at 5.5-furlongs in Louisville on June 4. She is bred to want more ground and gets it along with a favorable inside draw at 4:42 eastern time. The pace should be honest, which should allow jockey Axel Concepcion to save ground early and come with a strong run late. Hopefully, we get the ML offering.Play: #1 Marcheline (12-1 ML)Picks: 1-8-9

Yonkers Raceway has a 9-race card with the $1.00 Pick 5 starting in Race 5, and the sequence has a $10,000 guaranteed pool. The Spot Plays for tonight are in Race 1, Race 3, and Race 5. Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.Race 1 (6:45 PM EDT)4-Better By Seaside (7/2)-Won 2 straight at this level then stepped up to face $50k claimers and drew post 8. Comes off a no-move mile and now faces the same kind it beat. Has the gate speed to land on the point and could start a new win streak as the 3rd morning line favorite. (4-1-6)Will use #4 Better By Seaside in a Win Bet.Race 3 (7:25 PM EDT)5-Optical Illusion N (9/2)-Bumps up after a win and a 2nd place finish at the condition below. Has only 1 win in 15 races this year and could be overlooked. Will look for an honest pace as there is gate speed inside. Brent Holland could find some live cover and then be the best down the lane as in the last start. (5-3-1)Playing #5 Optical Illusion to WinRace 5 (8:05 PM EDT)2-The Ideal Dancer A (9/2)-Gets another swing at the same level after coming a good 2nd on 6-30. Will looks for some value with a veteran that knows how to win but doesn't have big gate speed. Broke slowly from the gate, was 10-lengths back last time and then rolled the back half in 55.3 to miss by a length. Should be racing closer to the lead tonight. Comes back quickly versus the same as 3 of 4 horses drawing inside are stepping up. Pat Lachance knows his trainee and will bank on him being in striking range down the lane at a square price. (2-5-1)Playing #2 Ideal Dancer A to WinCheck me out on X!

EXTRA INCENTIVES$2,500 Hit & Split Late Pick 5 | Saratoga | Friday-Saturday-Sunday offered$5,000 Hit & Split Triple Tri | Los Alamitos | Friday-Saturday-Sunday racesKing’s Plate Flyaway Sweepstakes | Woodbine | earn up to 4 entries todaySCHEDULE NOTESLos Alamitos | closing day of meetTOURNAMENT TIME$500 Los Alamitos Challenge | details$40 Monmouth Feeder | details$40 Canterbury Feeder | detailsNOTABLE CARRYOVERSPick 6 | $185,091 | Saratoga | begins Race 4 | 2:56 pm ETMandatory Payout Pick 6 | $58,051 | Los Alamitos | begins Race 6 | 6:19 pm ETJackpot Super Hi 5 | $63,059 (CAN) | Woodbine | Race 12 | 6:56 pm ETJackpot Pick 5 | $121,892 | Prairie Meadows | begins Race 6 | 7:07 pm ETKEY RACESGulfstream | Race 7 | 3:38 pm ET | Proud Man StakesSaratoga | Race 6 | 4:04 pm ET | Kelso StakesEllis Park | Race 8 | 4:12 pm ET | Pea Patch StakesMonmouth | Race 7 | 4:16 pm ET | Monmouth County StakesWoodbine | Race 8 | 4:50 pm ET | Pink Lloyd StakesSaratoga | Race 8 | 5:12 pm ET | Harvey Pack StakesWoodbine | Race 10 | 5:56 pm ET | Ballade StakesLONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIXEllis Park | Race 4 | 2:16 pm ETWoodbine | Race 7 | 4:17 pm ETSaratoga | Race 9 | 5:46 pm ETLos Alamitos | Race 8 | 7:17 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHChad Brown | Saratoga | 4 of 5 entrants 7-2 or less oddsDID YOU SEE?Yesterday | Saratoga, Ellis | trainer Brendan Walsh | 3 wins, 2 seconds from 8 startersPUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAMScott Shapiro: Saratoga Sunday PicksJeremy Plonk: Los Alamitos Triple Tri Hit & Split Promo Plays | Friday thru SundayBrian W. Spencer best bets today in Xpressbet.com member’s section

The first Sunday of the Saratoga summer includes a carryover in the Pick 6 of $185,090 after the wager went unsolved on Saturday afternoon. The nine-race card kicks off at 1:10 PM eastern with the first steeplechase of the meeting followed by eight thoroughbred races. The Pick 6 commences in Race 4. Here are a few horses I like most over the course of the afternoon.Race 4:I will single #7 Holy Seven to kick off the first Pick 6 carryover of the meet. The $700k son of Into Mischief debuted at Churchill Downs back in mid-September for Hall of Famer Steve Asmussen. The FTS August ’24 purchase broke mid-pack before being four-wide during the middle stages of that 6-furlong dash over the main track. He moved into second as they turned for home, but tired chasing the winner to the wire and ended up finishing fourth beaten a little over a length. Asmussen opted to give Holy Seven lots of time after his solid debut before a long series of works this spring in Louisville. He has looked very good in the morning and returns in a 6.5-furlong dash in upstate New York. He should handle this compact field of seven without much issue assuming a move forward off his 2YO debut.Play: #7 Holy Seven (2-1 ML)Picks: 7-2-3Race 6: Kelso (G3)The pace should certainly be contentious in the first of two stakes races conducted over the grass to close the first week of the summer. #1 Zulu Kingdom may opt to try to stalk instead of show speed from the rail with #2 Maycocks Bay, #3 My Boy Prince, #7 Itsallcomintogetha, and #8 Mi Bago all drawn to his outside. The 5-2-ML favorite disappointed at odds-on in his return race and appears to have a much tougher task shortly after 4PM eastern this afternoon. I prefer backing a runner who should benefit off the probable race shape. Hall of Famer Bill Mott has a two-horse uncoupled entry that should be in the position to take advantage of an honest to fast first half mile. #11 Capitol Hill came with a strong run at a big price in the Poker (G3), but was unable to get to #5 Pass the Hat. Capitol Hill has a great kick and enters in the best form of his life. He might have been my play if he was not done so dirty at the draw, but the 11-hole makes his task that much tougher. On the other hand, Pass the Hat drew well giving him a big chance to make it three wins in a row. The son of Collected was forced to keep Zulu Kingdom honest in his win last month, but should be able to settle mid-pack off a brisker first half mile in the Kelso. The Pin Oak Stud runner has one of the best kicks in the field and proved he can handle this course just a month ago. Johnny V sticks was aboard for the first time last out. He is back aboard for the Sunday feature.Play: #5 Pass the Hat (6-1 ML)Picks: 5-11-8Race 8: Harvey PackMy final play of the day comes in this $200k turf sprint for 4YOs+ where I will try #3 Possiblemente. The son of Tale of Ekati makes his third start of the form cycle for trainer Joe Sharp after a Grade 3 win over the all-weather at Woodbine on May 30. Prior to that, the 6YO gelding ran better than looks when taking on some of the best in the division on Derby Day in the Turf Sprint (G2). He found himself last early, but came with a solid run late to split the field and lost by a little over a length at odds of 21-1. He galloped out with a ton of interest, which should set him up for a big run in his first start over the Saratoga sod. The fact trainer Joe Sharp attracts Jose Ortiz does little to hurt his chances in a race named for one of the most iconic folks in New York Racing Association history.Play: #3 Possiblemente (4-1 ML)Picks: 3-7-1

\ Northfield Park begins the week with a 15-race card and the $1.00 Late Pick 4 with a $10,000 guaranteed pool starts in Race 11. My Spot Plays are in Race 2, Race 9, and Race 13. Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.Race 2 (6:22 PM EDT)9-Don't Take My Keys (5/2)-Recent races versus better including Open company have been dull. Has started with an outside post draw in the last 5 races and now drops to the lowest level in quite a while. This is a spot to wake up and did beat better on 4-12 from the 9-hole. Regular pilot Chris Lems returns after missing the last race and that should help chances. Plus, there is some gate speed inside, that won't hurt and this is a beatable field. Will likely be bet and will use on top in Exactas with a 7/2, 6/1 and 7-1 horse underneath.#9-Don't Take My Keys in Exactas 9/3,5,79-3-5Race 9 (8:56 PM EDT)7-Looks Like Moni (12-1)-Meadows shipper was hung the mile last week against Open Handicap company. Makes the 2nd start in the Jason McGinnes barn and the Stable.ca entry did miss a race before the last outing. Now, comes back in sequence, Dan Noble takes the lines, has gate speed, and will look for a smoother trip from start to finish. There are other droppers in this field but could be sitting on big try in the 2nd race in town. Banked over $147,000 in 2025 and its Nfld record is (3-1-0-0). Noble doesn't usually steer for this barn, so not thinking the morning line holds up but still should be a solid price.Playing #7 Looks Like Moni in a Win Bet7-3-4Race 13 (10:24 PM EDT)2-Racing Rampage (3-1)-Makes its season debut after 2 sharp qualifiers at Dela. Yonkers shipper was cashing checks against stronger competition before being put away in mid-December. Has hit the board in 4 of 6 at Nfld with 2 pictures. Qualified without Lasix and will race that way tonight. Could get on the point or land in the pocket and either can work for a picture. Will use on top in Exactas with a 9/2, 7/2 and a 5-1 shot.2-4-7Playing Racing Rampage on top in Exactas 2/4,7,9Check me out on X!

Happy Independence Day! Good luck on the holiday cards today.EXTRA INCENTIVES$2,500 Hit & Split Late Pick 5 | Saratoga | Friday-Saturday-Sunday offered$5,000 Hit & Split Triple Tri | Los Alamitos | Friday-Saturday-Sunday racesKing’s Plate Flyaway Sweepstakes | Woodbine | earn up to 4 entries todaySCHEDULE NOTESBelterra | early 11:15 am ET first postColonial Downs | cancelledMonmouth Park | cancelledTOURNAMENT TIME$1000 Saratoga BCBC Qualifier | details$40 Horseshoe Indianapolis Feeder | details$40 Canterbury Feeder | detailsNOTABLE CARRYOVERSPick 6 | $17,051 | Los Alamitos | begins Race 4 | 5:32 pm ETJackpot Super Hi 5 | $56,288 (CAN) | Woodbine | Race 11 | 6:41 pm ETJackpot Pick 5 | $113,476 | Prairie Meadows | begins Race 6 | 7:07 pm ETKEY RACESSandown | Race 4 | 10:35 am ET | Coral-Eclipse StakesSaratoga | Race 5 | 2:54 pm ET | Sanford StakesSaratoga | Race 7 | 4:06 pm ET | Belmont OaksEllis Park | Race 8 | 4:12 pm ET | Dade Park DashSaratoga | Race 8 | 4:42 pm ET | SuburbanGulfstream | Race 9 | 4:47 pm ET | Soldier’s Dancer StakesGulfstream | Race 10 | 5:16 pm ET | Smile Sprint StakesSaratoga | Race 9 | 5:20 pm ET | Belmont DerbyPrairie Meadows | Race 4 | 6:15 pm ET | Prairie Meadows Gold Futurity (AQHA)Los Alamitos | Race 8 | 7:43 pm ET | Great Lady M StakesEvangeline Downs | Race 8 | 9:40 pm ET | John Henry StakesLONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIXSaratoga | Race 6 | 3:29 pm ETEllis Park | Race 9 | 4:42 pm ETLos Alamitos | Race 5 | 6:03 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHKevin Attard | Woodbine | all 8 entrants 4-1 or less oddsDID YOU SEE?Yesterday | Saratoga | jockey Jose Ortiz | 4 wins, 1 second from 9 opening day mountsPUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAMTimeform/GBI: Sandown’s Coral-Eclipse Day Wager GuideScott Shapiro: Saratoga Full-Card PicksJeremy Plonk: Los Alamitos Triple Tri Hit & Split Promo Plays | Friday thru SundayScott Shapiro: Ellis Park Opening Day Turf Pick 3 PlayJeremy Plonk: Race of the Week – Smile Sprint at GulfstreamFrank Carulli & Brian W. Spencer best bets today in Xpressbet.com member’s section

They had to wait a couple of extra days due to mother nature, but later today Henderson, Kentucky celebrates the start of the Ellis Park meeting. The stand runs on a Friday-Sunday schedule through August 23 with a daily first post of 12:50 PM eastern time. The wagering menu is similar to past years with the $3 All-Turf Pick 3 being my favorite wager of the summer at the “Pea Patch.” Here are my thoughts on the first one of the meet, which kicks off with a first-level allowance and includes the featured Dade Park Dash.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: 1 Doctrine; 3 Exonerate; 2 Patrol Squad SixBackups: NoneForecast: The sequence gets started with a competitive 1 1/16-mile event where I will oppose the two colts expected to take the most money based on the morning line. #4 Zakinthos added blinkers for the first time on June 5 at Churchill Downs for Brian Lynch and showed strong speed from the gate under jockey Rafael Bejarano. The shades stay intact and Bejarano stays in the saddle, but I will try to beat the Amerman Racing Stables colt that has burnt a good deal of money already. I also expect #9 Prepped to take a lot of public support for trainer Cherie DeVaux. He showed a strong turn of foot to break his maiden two months ago, but bypassed a stake last weekend in Louisville and lacks early speed. I will use the three inside horses equally in hopes of besting the ML favorites to kick things off. Both #1 Doctrine and #2 Patrol Squad Six have the tactical speed to find favorable forward position, while #3 Exonerate should be able to save ground throughout under Jaime Torres. Hopefully, one of them springs the upset to get things started.Race 8: Dade Park DashGrade: B-Main Ticket: 4 Tiz Mary’s Comet; 5 Trouble CallingBackups: NoneForecast: The first stakes race of the summer at the “Pea Patch” is a 5.5-furlong turf dash for 3YOs where Donamire Farm homebred #5 Trouble Calling aims to make it two wins in a row for Greg Foley after handling an allowance field at Churchill Downs on June 7. The son of Dialed In saved ground early and pulled away late suggesting the move to the grass was not an issue. He got a good trip that day and took advantage. I have no real knocks other than his likely off odds, but the longest shot on the board also intrigues. #4 Tiz Mary’s Comet makes his first start for trainer Joe Sharp after six starts over the main track. The Louisiana-bred could have chose other roads, but Sharp opts to give her a shot on the grass versus stakes foes to see what he has. I will take the decision and more so his gate speed as positives. There is a shot the son of Good Samaritan finds himself loose on the lead under Axel Concepcion. He offers to much intrigue to not take a small swing with if he stays at double-digit odds.Race 9:Grade: B-Main Ticket: 2 SumoodBackups: 1 Master ControllerForecast: The card and first All-Turf Pick 3 of the meeting conclude with this second-level allowance event at 1 1/8-miles over the Ellis grass where there is not much speed signed on. I am hopeful that benefits the two inside runners. #2 Sumood is my top choice. The Shadwell Stable gelding has been consistent, but a bit camera shy through eight starts. He should get a favorable voyage under jockey Ben Curtis given the draw and the field he competes against. The stretch out to 9-furlongs benefits his chances as much as anyone. #1 Master Controller is more of a wild card. The son of Tapiture has only raced over the grass once and it came at 7-furlongs at Kentucky Downs on debut, so the move back to the sod is a question. That said, he draws the rail and has more speed than most in this group. Perhaps jockey Chris Emigh can use both to his advantage and get the jump on his rivals. At his price, he is absolutely worth including at some level.