1/ST KENTUCKY DERBY WAGER GUIDEFree Access | link Friday Wager Guide Updates:-- Jeremy Plonk Oaks Day Stakes Picks / Derby Day Picks-- 1/ST Handicappers Consensus Oaks & Derby Picks **-handicappers continually adding as availableDERBY DOINGS FOR FRIDAY-- Right to Party: scratched by regulatory veterinarians-- Robusta: draws into the field, wears #23 and currently breaks from post 20; Cristian Torres to rideDERBY ON DECKScott Shapiro: Friday Oaks Day Full-Card PicksFrank Carulli: Friday Oaks Day All-Stakes Pick 3Scott Shapiro: Saturday Derby Day Full-Card PicksJeremy Plonk: Race of the Week – Saturday’s Turf Classic from Churchill DownsNEW Horse Cents Podcast: Bailey Armour & Scott Shapiro | Kentucky Derby PreviewNEW 1/ST Call Podcast: Jeremy Plonk & Scott Shapiro | Essential Kentucky Derby & Oaks Day Stakes HandicappingIT PAYS TO PLAYBet Kentucky Oaks Friday and Derby Saturday with 1/ST BET and take part in the $20,000 Exacta-Thon for your share of bonus cash.

Yonkers Raceway has a 9-race card. 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)4-Strutsville (3-1)-Has been in the deep end of the pool in the last 4 starts and now drops to a comfortable level. Its last win was back on 2-20 and that was a step up from this condition. Hasn't shown any gate speed in the last 2 races but George Brennan should provide an aggressive steer against this kind.6-Staywiththewind (2-1)-Exits the UM Series and in those races didn't do better than a 4th place finish. Jason Bartlett drives for Doug Dilloian and those 2 combine for 39% winners. This is 1st time Bartlett as well and could be ready for the 1st win in 2026.Race 7 (8:45 PM EDT)1-Tachyon (3-1)-Tried 4 times to qualify and finally put in a flat mile on 4-24. Bartlett steered in the last 2 races and now he sticks here despite breaking issues. This will be the 1st race since 2-27 and hopefully won't be over bet. Will use against this crew and when Bartlett and the Bucci barn combine they win 24% of their races.2-Energy King (7/2)-Camera shy 6-year-old drops to a spot where a win could happen. Jordon Stratton is at the controls, at this level he could look to get on the engine and not look back.5-Cactustotheclouds (5-1)-Dropped to this level in last and showed improvement. Did finish 3rd, the 2 that were ahead aren't in this field, and will use in a race without a standout.Race 8 (9:05 PM EDT)4-Sunday Shoes (9/5)-Comes off an easy win as an odds-on choice and now bumps up. Mohawk shipper has won 2 of 3 at YR and took 8 pictures last year. This is a competitive 4-year-old and will string along despite facing tougher.6-Scudo Hanover (6-1)-Dropped to face this kind in last and wasn't handled aggressively when the wings folded. Fits, but will look for a more alert start and to be in play down the lane.Race 9 (9:25 PM EDT)4-Over The Horizon (4-1)-Won 2 and 3 back versus this kind, then moved up and was a sick scratch on 4-2. Last raced on 4-22 at this level, faded to finish 2nd and was off a month between starts. Scott Zeron gets the call and will look for a bounce back effort.5-Full Support (6-1)-Has gotten the job done, is 0-11 this year but has showed some life in the last 3 starts. Doesn't like to take pictures but should be no worse than 2nd around the 1st turn and could be overlooked.6-Smooth Lou (5/2)-Beaten 8/5 chalk got the services of Bartlett in last and did improve to come 2nd. Will look for an even better effort and is another who should be forwardly placed.$1 Late Pick 44,6/1,2,5/4,6/4,5,6Total Bet=$36Check me out on X!

1/ST KENTUCKY DERBY WAGER GUIDEKentucky Oaks Day team coverage, featuring Michelle YuFree Access | link EXTRA INCENTIVES$20,000 Exacta-Thon | Churchill Downs | Friday & Saturday cardsSCHEDULE NOTESKentucky Oaks Day | Churchill Downs | first post 12:30 pm ETBelterra Park | opening day | first post 1:35 pm ETSanta Anita | twilight racing | first post 6:15 pm ETSPECIAL WAGERSPreakness Future Wager | open now through Saturday 6 pm ETSunset 6 | Gulfstream Races 6-7-8; Santa Anita Races 6-7-8Coast-to-Coast Pick 5 | Gulfstream Races 7-8; Santa Anita Races 1-2-3TOURNAMENT TIME$40 Santa Anita Feeder | detailsNOTABLE CARRYOVERSJackpot Pick 5 | $58,345 | Parx | begins Race 1 | 12:40 pm ETJackpot Pick 6 | $54,067 | Tampa Bay Downs | begins Race 4 | 1:55 pm ETSunset 6 | $14,790 | Gulfstream/Santa Anita | begins GP Race 6 | 3:53 pm ETPick 6 | $157,177 | Santa Anita | begins Race 3 | 7:20 pm ETKEY RACESAqueduct | Race 6 | 4:12 pm ET | Sheepshead Bay StakesChurchill Downs | Race 7 | 3:48 pm ET | Unbridled Sidney StakesChurchill Downs | Race 8 | 4:30 pm ET | Eight Belles StakesChurchill Downs | Race 9 | 5:12 pm ET | Alysheba StakesChurchill Downs | Race 10 | 6:01 pm ET | Modesty StakesOaklawn | Race 9 | 6:32 pm ET | Bachelor StakesChurchill Downs | Race 11 | 6:56 pm ET | La Troienne StakesChurchill Downs | Race 12 | 7:40 pm ET | Edgewood StakesOaklawn | Race 11 | 7:46 pm ET | Lake Hamilton StakesChurchill Downs | Race 13 | 8:40 pm ET | Kentucky OaksEvangeline | Race 6 | 8:45 pm ET | Evangeline Distaff StakesLONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIXOaklawn | Race 1 | 1:45 pm ETAqueduct | Race 9 | 5:51 pm ETCharles Town | Race 5 | 9:02 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHSaffie Joseph Jr. | Gulfstream, Aqueduct | all 4 entrants 9-2 or less oddsDID YOU SEE?Yesterday | Churchill Downs | jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. | 3 wins, 2 thirds from 7 mountsPUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAMScott Shapiro: Churchill Downs Kentucky Oaks Day Full-Card PicksFrank Carulli: Kentucky Oaks Day All-Stakes Pick 3 Play for ChurchillFrank Carulli & Brian W. Spencer best bets today in Xpressbet.com member’s section

1/ST KENTUCKY DERBY WAGER GUIDEFree Access | link Thursday Wager Guide Updates:-- Scott Shapiro Friday and Saturday Churchill Full-Card Picks-- 1/ST Call Podcast and Horse Cents Podcast: new editions inserted-- Updated 1/ST Handicappers Consensus Oaks & Derby Picks **-handicapper adjustments as scratches warrantDERBY DOINGS FOR THURSDAY-- Fulleffort: scratched with what trainer Brad Cox said to be an ankle chip-- Ocelli: draws into the field (wears #22, post position currently 20)-- Friday Oaks Note: scratch Bella Ballerina, (#17 Resist draws in, post position currently 14)DERBY ON DECKScott Shapiro: Friday Oaks Day Full-Card PicksFrank Carulli: Friday Oaks Day All-Stakes Pick 3Scott Shapiro: Saturday Derby Day Full-Card PicksJeremy Plonk: Race of the Week – Saturday’s Turf Classic from Churchill DownsNEW Horse Cents Podcast: Bailey Armour & Scott Shapiro | Kentucky Derby PreviewNEW 1/ST Call Podcast: Jeremy Plonk & Scott Shapiro | Essential Kentucky Derby & Oaks Day Stakes HandicappingIT PAYS TO PLAYBet Kentucky Oaks Friday and Derby Saturday with 1/ST BET and take part in the $20,000 Exacta-Thon for your share of bonus cash. Details.

We made it! Kentucky Derby Day is upon us and I am sure everyone is excited as I am. I will get right to the card, but just a reminder about the $20,000 Exacta-Thon promotion we are running on Friday and Saturday. 10k is up for grabs both days with the goal of connecting on the most $2-exactas as possible. Each day, those who hit 6 will equally split $8,000 with the customer(s) who hit the most taking down the other $2,000. Register and have yourself a day!Grade Descriptions: A= Highest Degree of Confidence, B= Solid Play, C= Least Preferred or Pass, X= Likely Winner but at odds probably too short to wager on.Race 1:Grade: C+Use: 11 Powershift; 8 Bourbon Dream/3 Silent WayForecast: The Derby Day card gets started with a two-turn MSW event over the main track where I am logical other than being against #9 Winston Ave. Bob Baffert runners are likely to get bet on the big day and this colt has underwhelmed through 4 starts out west. #11 Powershift is the likeliest winner, but a tough read after the poor effort in the Tampa Bay Derby (G3).Race 2:Grade: B+Use: 8 TaptasticForecast: The second is another 1 1/16-miles affair, but for first-level allowance foes where it appears #8 Taptastic should be tough to beat. The Tapit colt showed professionalism winning at two-turns with an inside trip to kick off his career. Hall of Famer Steve Asmussen thought enough of the effort to give him a shot 20 days later in the Arkansas Derby and was rewarded with a solid third-place run. He gets a rider upgrade to Irad Ortiz, drops in class, and is one of my top plays on the day.Race 3:Grade: B-Use: 5 John Hancock; 6 Who Dey; 10 VibeForecast: I will try to beat 3-1-ML favorite #12 Praetor in this second-level allowance at one-mile over the main track. The Chad Brown runner has posted solid efforts in all six career starts, but comes in off of 3 consecutive losses at 2-1 or lower. There are three runners I like equally that have the upside to beat the chalk. #5 John Hancock has not been seen since last year’s Louisiana Derby (G2), but showed strong talent as a 3YO. He is a tough read, but has serious upside still. #6 Who Dey is probably the most trustworthy of the bunch, but is just 1 for 5 over this oval. #10 Vibe should get a great trip and is more than capable if his Florida form transfers to Louisville.Race 4: Derby City Distaff (G1)Grade: C+Use: 6 R Disaster/4 Ways and Means; 5 Splendora; 1 UshaForecast: This year’s Derby City Distaff (G1) is a bit tough for me to get excited about wagering on because the two favorites #4 Ways and Means and #5 Splendora beat this field with their best. That said, I am not sold we see that from either of them, so I will take a small swing here with #6 R Disaster. If the two chalks get beat, it is likely because the speed forgets to stop. This Florida-bred mare tired in the lane last out in the Madison (G1), but the top two ran huge in there. The price should be worth it to take a little shot.Race 5: Turf Sprint (G2)Grade: BUse: 10 Joe Shiesty; 9 LitigationForecast: #3 My Boy Prince was made the 5-2-ML favorite off his win in the Shakertown (G2), but the son of Cairo Prince had a dream run in early April. He may get the trip again, but I prefer two runners drawn to the outside. #9 Litigation finished fourth to Cairo Prince last out, but did not have the trip the winner did. Trainer Brian Lynch turns to Irad Ortiz. It is hard to overstate the upgrade. I did land on #10 Joe Shiesty in the end though, in large part because of price. The Air Force Blue gelding tried harder than looks on paper last out when he finished fifth in the aforementioned Shakertown. He easily disposed of the other speed and lost by less than two lengths in the end. I expect him to have things his way on the front end in his third start of the form cycle.Race 6: Knicks GoGrade: B-Use: 4 Be YouForecast: I like #4 Be You in this one-mile race over the main track for restricted company. The son of Curlin won nicely two-back and then put forth a solid third when racing against the flow in early April in the Carter (G2). The class relief and likely race shape should benefit the Repole Stable runner.Race 7: Distaff Turf Mile (G2)Grade: B-Use: 4 Temptable; 3 Portfolio DurationForecast: I will take on 5-2-ML favorite in this Grade 2 at over the grass. The American Pharoah mare won both of her first two starts for trainer Brendan Walsh this winter in Florida. Her tactical speed is a weapon that allows her to work out favorable trips, but they were ideal at Gulfstream Park. I prefer the upside of both #3 Portfolio Duration and #4 Temptable. Temptable was outrun in her lone start in the States last fall, but fits well with these. At 8-1, I made her my top choice.Race 8: Pat Day Mile (G2)Grade: C+Use: 7 Crown the Buckeye; 1 Englishman; 6 Crude VelocityForecast: #1 Englishman and #6 Crude Velocity appear to be serious 3YO sprinters. Both come into this $750k event 2 for 2. One of them is likely to win this, but they may not get ideal trips in a race that should see an honest pace. #1 Englishman will win if he breaks well from his rail draw and makes an easy lead, but that is a big if. #6 Crude Velocity has a huge chance if the pace is honest and Florent Geroux is able to avoid traffic and get in the clear when they turn for home. The problem is their price may not account for those legitimate concerns, so I semi-reluctantly will side against both with #7 Crown the Buckeye. The Ohio-bred battled to the wire with Iron Honor in the Gotham, attracts Flavien Prat for the first time, and could get a perfect stalking trip. We will see if he is up to the challenge.Race 9: American Turf (G1)Grade: B+Use: 4 Stark Contrast/12 Remember Mamba; 2 Let’s Be Frank; 10 VasyForecast: #4 Stark Contrast looks like a potential single in horizontals in this year’s American Turf (G1). The Amerman Racing Stables colt finished a strong second to Fulleffort in the Jeff Ruby (G3) and showed a very strong turn of foot over the grass two-back in the Eddie Logan. He gets one of the best in the game onboard and looks tough. Take a peek at #2 Let’s Be Frank if you are playing trifectas or supers. His effort in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf (G1) is a complete toss due to his traffic issues and his loss last time was to a colt loose on the lead at Santa Anita. He is likely to be a massive price.Race 10: Churchill Downs (G1)Grade: B-Use: 2 Cornucopian/5 Disruptor; 1 Disco Time; 7 ImaginationForecast: #6 Knightsbridge comes in with the fastest races, but he has had things easy in his last three wins at Gulfstream Park compared to what he encounters today. I am willing to tip my cap to him if he handles this task at his likely price. #2 Cornucopian has unlimited talent. The question is what kind of trip will he work out along the inside. With a clean one, I like his chances. If not, there are a few others I will include in hopes of besting favorite.Race 11: Turf Classic (G1)Grade: C+Use: 6 Rhetorical; 3 Asbury ParkForecast: 5-2-ML favorite #6 Rhetorical has never travelled the 9-furlong distance he encounters in the Turf Classic, so he has questions to answer at a relatively short price. That said, there is not a lot of speed in here, which should have him on the lead or in a perfect stalking spot off a moderate early pace. I like his chances, but not enough to rush to the windows to wager on the Will Walden trainee. #3 Asbury Park takes on older runners for the first and does so off the bench, but trainer Chad Brown must love the way he is training to send him right to the wolves. He can finish at the distance, draws favorably, and gets Prat. He has to overcome a lot, but has a high ceiling.Race 12: Kentucky Derby (G1)Grade: B+Use: 12 Chief Wallabee; 18 Further Ado/6 Commandment/15 Emerging Market; 8 So Happy/10 Wonder Dean; 7 Danon Bourbon; 22 OcelliForecast: I did a lot of Derby focused content, so I am hopeful you have checked out the “1/ST Call Podcast” with Jeremy Plonk, “Horse Cents” with Bailey Armour, and my spaces recorded on Wednesday with Pete Denk. For those looking to get my last thoughts for the entire day, check out my 7:30 AM spaces on X (twitter) with Doug Nachman. I can’t wait!Race 13:Grade: B-Use: 8 Gilded Bandit; 11 Noble Affair/1 Small TownForecast: I will go two-deep in late horizontals against 5-2-ML favorite #10 Buetane in this first-level allowance over the main track. Bob Baffert cuts the colt back in distance after a trio of underwhelming runs on the Derby Trail. #8 Gilded Bandit beats these if he works out a trip from off-the-pace. He had to work to get by a Brad Cox runner that ran fast and hard to the wire in his maiden score. He can finish. If not, #11 Noble Affair has the edge. He lost a tough one last out by a neck, but should be set for his best second off the bench.Race 14:Grade: B-Use: 3 Interrogator/7 Act of Parliament; 10 Chianti TownForecast: I will hope to close the Derby card down with first-time starter #3 Interrogator. The Omaha Beach colt commanded $500k at the Keeneland Sept ’24 sale and has shown ability in the morning. Plus, it is probably a positive if Steve Asmussen had him spar with Hall of Fame in his final breeze before his debut. I expect a big run.

Thursday's action at Santa Anita and Gulfstream gets boosted by a series of carryovers.SPECIAL WAGERSCoast-to-Coast Pick 5 | Gulfstream 7-8; Santa Anita 1-2-3Sunset 6 | Gulfstream 6-7-8; Santa Anita 6-7-8Pick 6 | Santa Anita 4-5-6-7-8-9NOTABLE CARRYOVERSSunset 6 | $7,388 | begins GP Race 6 | 3:53 pm ETCoast-to-Coast Pick 5 | $68,707 | begins GP Race 7 | 4:23 pm ETPick 6 | $44,113 | Santa Anita | begins Race 4 | 5:39 pm ETHANDICAPPING HELPRon Nicoletti GP picks Handicappers' SA pick 6 video preview

1/ST KENTUCKY DERBY WAGER GUIDEFree Access | link EXTRA INCENTIVESBet $100, Get $10 | Churchill Downs | today’s racesSPECIAL WAGERSPreakness Future Wager | open now through SaturdayCoast-to-Coast Pick 5 | Gulfstream 7-8; Santa Anita 1-2-3Sunset 6 | Gulfstream 6-7-8; Santa Anita 6-7-8TOURNAMENT TIME$40 Santa Anita Feeder | detailsNOTABLE CARRYOVERSSuper Hi 5 | $8,635 | Churchill Downs | Race 1 | 12:45 pm ETSunset 6 | $7,388 | Gulfstream/Santa Anita | begins GP Race 6 | 3:53 pm ET | Ron Nicoletti GP picksCoast-to-Coast Pick 5 | $68,707 Gulfstream/Santa Anita | begins GP Race 7 | 4:23 pm ETPick 6 | $44,113 | Santa Anita | begins Race 4 | 5:39 pm ET | Handicappers' Video PreviewKEY RACESChurchill Downs | Race 9 | 5:14 pm ET | Opening Verse StakesChurchill Downs | Race 10 | 5:50 pm ET | St. Matthews StakesOaklawn | Race 9 | 6:02 pm ET | Natural State Breeders’ StakesChurchill Downs | Race 11 | 6:22 pm ET | Mamzelle StakesLONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIXChurchill Downs | Race 4 | 2:18 pm ETOaklawn | Race 10 | 6:36 pm ETCharles Town | Race 9 | 10:45 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHSaffie Joseph Jr. | Gulfstream, Oaklawn, Churchill | 5 of 6 entrants 7-2 or less oddsDID YOU SEE?Yesterday | Churchill Downs | jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. | 3 wins, 2 seconds from 8 mountsPUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAMScott Shapiro: Churchill Downs Thursday Bet $100, Get $10 Promo PlaysFrank Carulli & Brian W. Spencer best bets today in Xpressbet.com member’s section

The first of two massive days of racing are upon us at Churchill Downs where the Kentucky Oaks will be run at night in 2026. The 13-race card is great from start-to-finish and gets started at 12:30 PM eastern time with the featured event set to go to post at 8:40 PM. In terms of promotions, 1/ST BET and Xpressbet are happy to bring back are popular Exacta-Thon. $10,000 will be up for grabs on both Friday and Saturday with the goal of connecting on as many $2 exactas over the course of the card. Those who connect on 6 earn an equal split of $8,000 each day with the remaining funds going to the player(s) who hit the most throughout the card.The stakes action gets started in Race 7, but my strongest opinions come early. Let’s dive into what should hold up as one of the best of the year.Grade Descriptions: A= Highest Degree of Confidence, B= Solid Play, C= Least Preferred or Pass, X= Likely Winner but at odds probably too short to wager on.Race 1:Grade: BUse: 5 Mass; 1 Phantom BlueForecast: #1 Phantom Blue was made the odds-on ML favorite in this two-turn MSW event over the main track after battling early and tiring late sprinting over the off going at Keeneland on April 3. She cost seven-figures and did nothing to disgrace herself on debut, but I prefer the value #5 Mass should offer. The Not This Time filly moves back to the main track after being bet hard going a route of ground on debut, but failing to fire. Trainer Michael McCarthy adds the blinkers and turns to Flavien Prat. Hopefully it is go- time for a barn that is willing to be patient with some of their top runners.Race 2:Grade: B+Use: 5 Quantum BurstForecast: One of my strongest opinions of the day comes in this second-level allowance at one-mile over the main track where I love the chances of #5 Quantum Burst. The daughter of Munnings makes her third start off the bench after a pair of races this winter for trainer Eddie Kenneally. The 4YO filly ran a solid second to stablemate Evanescence two-back off the bench before being caught four-wide on a day where the rail was best at Oaklawn Park. The freshening, success over the surface, and rider upgrade to Jose Ortiz all give this gal a huge shot in the first leg of the early Pick 4.Race 3:Grade: B-Use: 9 Leilani; 10 Star Actress/3 Krissy’s Star; 2 Measure; 4 Miss Call; 6 Maximum OfferForecast: The two best fillies in this first-level allowance at 1 1/16-miles over the main track are drawn to the outside, which could make it more wide-open than it would be otherwise. #10 Star Actress held her own in the Ashland (G1) after earning her first win at Gulfstream Park in mid-March. She has a huge chance if able to avoid a wide voyage throughout, as does top choice #9 Leilani. The Walmac Farm runner finished strong when racing against the flow on debut at Gulfstream before crushing a field on March 1. She has unlimited upside and comes in off a strong series of works at Payson Park before a maintenance drill in Louisville. I expect a big run if she gets a clean voyage.Race 4:Grade: BUse: 7 Bella Ella; 9 Lexi V./11 Tammy’s Kiss; 10 Rose of San Antone; 13 TramuntanaForecast: I hope to be counting my money after this 7-furlong dash over the main track for fillies and mares yet to earn their first win. I am high on two prices and will be hoping to connect on the exacta to separate potentially a bit from the pack in the Exacta-Thon promotion. #7 Bella Ella is well-bred and finished stronger in her debut sprinting than it may appear on paper. She had plenty left in the tank that day and should relish getting back to one-turn. #9 Lexi V is another price I will be using equally as much as my top choice. The Calumet Farm homebred faced stronger fields in Florida this winter than she does in this spot. The daughter of Lexitonian was down on the inside when the outside was the place to be on debut and then ran third in a solid heat in early March. Hopefully, she gets overlooked in the wagering.Race 5:Grade: BUse: 11 Royal Guard; 6 ExecutiveForecast: The early Pick 5 concludes with the first turf race of the day. I will use a pair in of logicals in hopes of beating the 3-1-ML favorite #10 Prepped. The promising Lael Stables colt looked serious immediately, but has struggled to win races he was supposed to win evidenced by his four defeats at 5-2 or less thus far. I prefer both #11 Royal Guard and #6 Executive. Royal Guard draws outside, but gets Irad Ortiz aboard after being caught three wide most of the way in his lone turf start last summer. She comes in fresh, but Brad Cox is more than capable of having her ready to fire off the long break. #6 Executive has had 6 chances, but showed his strongest energy late when we saw him last in mid-February. He should be finishing well once again.Race 6:Grade: B+Use: 5 Paige Turner/4 Color Comin’ In; 9 Steer Clear; 14 Heaven’s BoltForecast: My other strongest opinion on the Oaks Day extravaganza comes in this first-level allowance at 6.5-furlongs over the main track where #5 Paige Turner makes her first start as a 3YO for trainer Cherie DeVaux. The $350k OBS March 2025 purchase ran three good races as a juvenile, including a runner-up effort to On Time Girl in her lone start versus winners. The daughter of Army Mule has been training forwardly for her return and draws nicely. She should be tough. Do not leave #4 Color Comin’ In out underneath. The Norm Casse trainee showed talent as a 2YO and then needed her comeback race in Arkansas in late February. She has been training far more like herself since and adds blinkers.Race 7: Unbridled Sidney (G2)Grade: C+Use: 9 Shoot It True; 6 Shisospicy/ 4 Creed’s Gold; 1 Mae TownForecast: There is no doubt the first stakes of the afternoon goes through #6 Shisospicy. The daughter of Mitole makes her first start since a dominant gate-to-wire win in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint. Her speed and her best make her the clear one to beat and tough to toss, but the tote will show that. Perhaps she is not at 100% off the layoff. #9 Shoot It True is worth a look at least. She had everything go wrong when failing at Keeneland versus lesser in early April. Shaking off the rust in Lexington and the move to an outside draw should have her more relaxed in this one.Race 8: Eight Belles (G2)Grade: C+Use: 8 Goodall; 4 Paradise; 6 Sippin Pretty; 3 River WindForecast: #8 Goodall is my top choice in this 7-furlong dash for 3YO fillies. The Spendthrift Farm gal had a strong winter finishing second in a field of 12 on debut and followed it up with a pair of solid wins. She meets a group that has speed, but does not break nearly as well as her. This could allow Flavien Prat to get the jump and settle into a good stride in the clear. If they go at it upfront a bit, do not be surprised if #4 Paradise is involved late. The Gun Runner filly has tactical speed, but cuts back out of a 9-furlong race. I expect her to finish much stronger on the turn back to 7-panels.Race 9: Alysheba (G2)Grade: C+Use: 7 Skippylongstocking, 2 Baeza/1 Navajo WarriorForecast: I am looking forward to this Grade 2 event for the older handicap horses, but it is not a race I plan to dive into head first. #2 Baeza is obviously capable off the layoff and in Bill Mott’s barn, but is not a great bet. A 1 1/16-miles might be sharper than he prefers, plus last year’s 3YO crop has yet to prove they deserve to be over bet against older runners. Therefore, I landed on #7 Skippylongstocking. He has the recency edge and appears to be in as good of form as ever. He is 0 for 2 over this surface though, which makes backing at him at his likely price underwhelming too.Race 10: Modesty (G3)Grade: XUse: 6 GezoraForecast: I have little desire in trying to beat the heavy favorite in this 1 1/8-miles excursion over the grass. #6 Gezora makes her first start since springing a 9-1-upset in the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf last fall. She comes in off a steady work tab and gets Flavien Prat. There are no free squares in racing, particularly at this level, but taking her on is not something I plan to do.Race 11: La Troienne (G1)Grade: C+Use: 1 Bless the Broken; 8 Dry PowderForecast: This year’s La Troienne (G1) is far more wide-open than the last couple of years when Thorpedo Anna and Idiomatic both went off at odds-on. I like #1 Bless the Broken most. The daughter of Laoban spent the early part of her career in the Will Walden barn, but was purchased last November for $950,000 by the current connections. She ran well in her first two starts for her new barn, including a runner-up effort to the extremely talented Splendora on her turf in the Beholder Mile (G1). Irad getting the call should ensure a good trip from the rail in her third start off the bench.Race 12: Edgewood (G2)Grade: C+Use: 3 Imaginationthelady; 9 DandonaForecast: This year’s Edgewood is also wide-open on paper, but I am not overly creative unfortunately. #9 Dandona is the best finisher in the field, but may not get the pace she needs to be at her best. If they go quick, I love her chances, but if not #3 Imaginationthelady should get the trip. The Not This Time filly makes her second start off the bench after being part of a blanket finish in the Appalachian (G2). She has more tactical speed than most and draws favorably along the rail.Race 13: Kentucky Oaks (G1)Grade: B-Use: 10 Prom Queen, 2 Zany; 9 Always a Runner/12 Bella BallerinaForecast: The featured event really opened up with the results of the last preps. I ended up liking three fillies equally in the end. #10 Prom Queen is my lukewarm top choice. The Gary and Mary West homebred needs to avoid getting caught up in a potential early battle, but has done little wrong thus far. The daughter of Quality Road has been pointed to two-turn races all along and has won both of them thus far for fun. Trip will be everything in this race, but all things equal I like Prom Queen to run well in her first start outside of Florida. #2 Zany lost to #11 Percy’s Bar in the Ashland (G1), but did not have nearly the trip the Ben Colebrook runner did. With the move to an inside draw, Zany should get a great trip if she is able to relax in the early going. She has been a handful and green at times still as a 3YO. #9 Always a Runner is my third “A”. The Gun Runner filly finished extremely well in the Gazelle in her first start against winners. She has unlimited upside at this point.Best of luck on the first of two fantastic cards!