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2.8.2026:

1/ST POST: Why Play Today? Sunday, February 8, 2026

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2.8.2026:

Al Cimaglia: Miami Valley Early Pick 4 Analysis | Sunday, February 8, 2026

By Al CImaglia

Miami Valley has a Super Bowl Sunday card with the 1st post at noon ET. The 0.50 Early Pick 4 starts in Race 5, and it will be my focus. Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.Race 5 (1:20 PM EST)1-Better Way To Rock (9/2)-Tried to go gate to wire in last and faded to come a close 3rd. Comes back in sequence this time and looks ready for a picture. Got the top from post 5 and my reservation was with drawing the rail. Likes to get on the point and in this case may not get squeezed at the start as there isn't much gate speed in this field.4-Let's Go Jude (6-1)-Trevor Smith has some gate speed to use with the 6-year-old and also comes back in sequence. Got a shuffle off the car after leaving from the 2-hole. Did rally with a 56.4 back half to lose by a nose. This race could set up differently and should get a close-up seat, maybe a pocket ride.Race 6 (1:40 PM EST)3-The Bird Dance N (9-1)-Raced gamely in last and was just nipped for 2nd place. Didn't have a smooth trip after going 1st over for about 5/8's of a mile. Drew the rail in last and might be better off with this post draw. The 11-year-old could be rounding into winning form. Does need a trip, and won't be 30-1 today, but could still offer a healthy price.8-Downbythedanceclub (5-1)-Lost to this kind by a head 2 back and then was trapped on the rail and rallied to come 4th. Could be overlooked here and did have pace down the lane. Will rely on Brett Miller to provide a more aggressive drive and could pop at a nice price.Race 7 (2:00 PM EST)2-Trip Hammer (7-1)-Looking for a price and this is a veteran who has chance to improve with an inside draw. Beat cheaper 2 back from the rail and now gets some class relief. Should get on the engine without burning much gas and could be difficult to tackle.7-Rockin N Talkin (5/2)-Left alertly from post 7 into a 26.3 opening quarter and landed 3rd. Raced parked out soon after and finished 2nd by a nose in a nice effort. Chris Page steers again, faces the same from the same post, and the last winner is not in the field.Race 8 (2:20 PM EST)1-Montana Chief A (5/2)-Beaten chalk left from the rail last week but the water was too deep. Drops to a more comfortable spot where success is more likely. Gets Chris Page at the controls this time and doesn't have much gate speed. Will need a trip, could be bet down but should be a player against this bunch.3-Beau's Best (20-1)-Took the long way around on 2-1 and cashed a 3rd place check versus this kind. Went off at 17-1 and may not get much play here but has done good work at MVR (22-6-3-5). Has the gate speed to land right behind #1 and benefit from a suck-around trip.7-Checkers Legacy (7/2)-Raced twice at MVR and won last week off a bumpy trip in a determined effort. The time before finished 2nd but was D'qd. Could be even better with a couple of local starts under its belt. Will need a smooth trip and is a logical contender.$1 Early Pick 41,4/3,8/2,7/1,3,7Total Bet=$24Check me out on X!

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2.8.2026:

Scott Shapiro: Santa Anita Spot Plays | Sunday, February 8, 2025

By Scott Shapiro

Happy Super Bowl Sunday, racing fans! A big day of course is on the horizon, and it gets started with plenty of great action at 1/ST BET and Xpressbet. Gulfstream Park gets their day going at its normal 12:20 pm ET, while Santa Anita Park has an early start time of 2 pm ET / 11 am PT. Here are a few horses I like most on the final card of the week at the Great Race Place.Race 1:The card commences with this optional claimer for fillies and mares at 6.5-furlongs over the lawn and I landed on the cutback #5 Wildfire Princess. The son of First Samurai makes her second start of the form cycle for trainer Bob Hess, Jr. after stalking early and tiring late in a similar spot going two-turns on January 16. There is not a ton of early zip signed on, which should allow jockey Juan Hernandez to avoid being too far out of it in the early going. I like this gal’s chances to take to the 6.5-furlong distance and out finish this bunch in her second start of 2026.Play: #5 Wildfire Princess (9-2 ML)Race 5:This optional claimer over the grass at one mile kicks off the late Pick 5 and All Turf Pick 3 and is one of the better betting races on the card. A number of those entered exit an open $25k claimer won by the veteran #4 Jimmy Blue Jeans. A repeat of that sharp break and strong performance from the 8YO gelding puts him squarely in the mix again, but I prefer #8 One of These Days. The Victor Garcia trainee drops in class after having just about everything go wrong in his first start of the year on January 18. The 6YO has earned 2 of his 3 career wins over this course and retains the services of Juan Hernandez. He should be finishing full of run.Play: #8 One of These Days (5-1 ML) Race 7: Clocker’s Corner The Super Bowl Sunday co-feature is this $100,000 sprint over the sod for runners that have not won a graded stake dating back to the start of 2025. The pace should be honest in this 6-furlong dash, which should work out perfectly for #2 Yellow Card. The son of Lost Treasure makes his third start of the form cycle after being stopped along the inside when attempting to make his run in the Joe Hernandez (G2) in late December. Despite the trouble, the Michael McCarthy trainee galloped out well after the wire suggesting he should have plenty more to give this afternoon. I love his chances later today with a cleaner voyage.Play: #2 Yellow Card (7-2 ML)

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2.7.2026:

1/ST POST: Why Play Today? Saturday, February 7, 2026

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2.7.2026:

Scott Shapiro: Santa Anita Late Pick 4 Hit & Split Analysis | Saturday, February 7, 2026

By Scott Shapiro

The racing week continues Saturday after an extremely busy Friday afternoon. Silent Tactic stole the day with his win in the Southwest (G3), but there is still plenty of great action left to be had throughout this early February weekend. Part of that great action is a new promotion for the month starting this afternoon that involves Saturday late Pick 4 Hit & Split opportunities. Just head to the promotional landing page, register, and you are set to earn your share of $2M rewards points if you can connect on the weekly sequence. This week’s sequence takes place in Southern California and includes three stakes races. Let’s see if we can get the month started strong at the Great Race Place before we head to the “Big Easy” next weekend for the Risen Star (G2).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: D. Wayne Lukas (G2)Grade: XMain Ticket: 5 SplendoraBackups: 3 Me and Molly McGeeForecast: This 7-furlong event over the main track now named for one of the best to ever do it absolutely goes through 2025 Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint winner #5 Splendora. The Maryland-bred got really good over the second half of last year and appears to be training forwardly for the start of her 5YO season. If you can find a way to beat her to the wire, you have a chance at a serious payday, but she looks extremely formidable. That said, I will play a backup ticket with #3 Me and Molly McGee. This filly impressed me mightily in Kentucky last spring before being cooked up and taken off the track at Saratoga in early August. It is great to see her back. She is quick. Perhaps she gets the jump on the chalk and has enough left to spring the upset. The value is there to take a mini shot, but otherwise Splendora looks extremely tough.Race 7:Grade: C+Main Ticket: 4 Strait Up CountryBackups: 2 Sir PercivalForecast: #7 Warm Sun and Brew is also likely to be a common single in this state-bred first-level allowance at one mile over the grass. He certainly can win, but I expect him to get over bet, so I will use two in hopes of gaining some much-needed separation from the public. The runner I like most is #4 Strait Up Country. This son of Smiling Tiger was extremely live on the tote throughout the wagering on January 15 and ran to the money dominating a field of 9 in gate-to-wire fashion. Obviously, the task gets tougher in his first start versus winners, but he is capable with a move forward in career start #3. #2 Sir Percival is my other use. He comes in off a solid second last out against similar and draws favorably along the inside.Race 8: Robert B. Lewis (G3)Grade: B-Main Ticket: 3 Cherokee Nation; 1 Desert GateBackups: 4 IntrepidoForecast: As I am sure most of you have heard throughout the week, trainer Bob Baffert has dominated this 8-furlong event for 3YOs over the main track. The Hall of Fame conditioner has won the race a record 13 times, including the last 7 and to no one’s surprise holds another strong hand in 2026. He sends out #1 Desert Gate, #2 Plutarch, and #3 Cherokee Nation with Desert Gate likely to take by far the most money of the three. He has been training well and is the absolute horse to beat, but I also like Cherokee Nation. This colt has yet to win, but Baffert thought enough of him to ship into Louisville last November for the Kentucky Jockey Club (G2). Things did not go his way that day and the same could be said for his first start of 2026 when he broke terribly yet still almost ran down #6 Robusta. The $1.15M purchase is likely to get overlooked in the wagering despite being a part of Team Baffert. Hopefully he can get out of the gate in better order later this afternoon.Race 9: Sweet LifeGrade: BMain Ticket: 1 HypergamyBackups: 2 La Ville Lumiere; 3 Yours Sincerely; 9 Bourbon and GingerForecast: The finale for 3YO fillies down the hill is an intriguing race because those expected to take the most public support all lack turf experience. Perhaps some will make pedigree cases for their chances, but I like a horse that should offer good value and already has proven form over the sod. #1 Hypergamy does not have much early speed, but her last race should set her up for a big effort on the cutback to a sprint. The daughter of American Pharoah made a wide move into a slow pace and understandably tired in the final strides going one mile on December 29. If Hypergamy gets any pace to chase, she should be absolutely rolling late under jockey Emisael Jaramillo.

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2.7.2026:

Al Cimaglia: Northfield Park Late Pick 4 Analysis | Saturday, February 7, 2026

By Al CImaglia

Northfield Park has a 14-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 it will be my focus. Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.Race 11 (9:40 PM EST)3-Jumpingjoy N (10-1)-Raced better last week at this level after coming back in sequence. Chris Lems could be no worse than in the pocket after the 1st turn. Fits with this field, should offer a healthy price and can be put in play off the gate.6-Uptown Hanover (9-1)-Hasn't been a recent winner against this kind but is coming off two 2nd place finishes. Will look for an honest pace and that should help the cause.7-High Flyin'Filly (2-1)-Beat the Open II company at MVR last time going gate to wire. That was a nice ship in-ship out payday. The post draw helps the price some and has the gate speed to get a good early seat. Ronnie Wrenn could look to work the same game plan tonight.Race 12 (10:02 PM EST)1-Molly's Ace N (7-1)-Meadows shipper came 2nd on a sloppy track 2 back versus this kind. Its off-track record is 1-11 and drops back to a competitive level with the rail. Camera shy mare could be overlooked and has a win and a 2nd place finish in 2 starts at Nfld.3-Lilly Grace Hill (8/5)-Has won 5 straight and this field might be a bit stronger but is razor sharp. Dan Noble has landed on the point in the last 4 starts and didn't look back. The opportunity should be there to follow the same exact script at a small price.Race 13 (10:24 PM EST)-1-Marced Fox (5/2)-Stepped up in last and was beaten by #9 who was a well-meant winner. Does well racing on the engine or at the top of the stack. Lems should work a smooth trip leaving from here and has hit the board in 9 of 11 with 4 pictures at Nfld.9-Premier Fine Wine (6-1)-At 6-1 this mare has to be used with the rail horse leaving. Should benefit with a good seat off the gate and can come off cover like last week to be the best down the lane.Race 14 (10:46 PM EST)4-Chipper Daisy (5/2)-Finished 2nd and 3rd in both Nfld starts after shipping in from the East Coast. The issue is starts slowly and leaving too much work to do at the end of the mile. This will be the 3rd straight steer for Braiden Rhoades and this time he should be closer to the leader at the 3/4 pole.9-Odds On Omaha (8-1)-Comes off a string of dull efforts over an off-track and now gets class relief. Camera shy mare has Aaron Merriman at the controls, and he posts 27% winners when driving for the Wengerd barn. This looks like a spot to wake up with a sharp steer.$1.00 Late Pick 43,6,7/1,3/1,9/4,9Total Bet=$24Check me out on X!

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2.6.2026:

1/ST POST: Why Play Today? Friday, February 6, 2026

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2.6.2026:

Scott Shapiro: Santa Anita $52K Pick 6 Carryover Analysis | Friday, February 6, 2026

By Scott Shapiro

The racing week in Arcadia starts with a bang later this afternoon when there is not only a Sunset Six carryover of nearly $44k, but also a $2 Pick 6 carryover of $52,044 after tough sledding on Sunday afternoon. The sequence kicks off with an open claimer on the dirt in Race 4 and concludes at 4:33 PM local time with a conditional claimer over the sod. Here is how I plan to attack the carryover.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: B-Main Ticket: 6 Leyvas Candy; 2 ResemblanceBackups: NoneForecast: The Pick 6 gets started with this $16k claimer at one mile over the main track where pace is likely to make the race given the lack of early speed signed on. This should benefit #6 Leyvas Candy most. The 7YO gelding drops in class after being beaten to the lead in mid-January for trainer Andrew Harris. Edwin Maldonado should have no issue making the front from his outside draw and is the likeliest to get to the wire first. If he fails to seal the deal late, #2 Resemblance is the one I expect to take advantage. The son of Nyquist was claimed off a win against similar by trainer Doug O’Neill. O’Neill stays realistic and keeps Tyler Baze aboard. He should be in a perfect stalking spot not too far off the likely pace of Leyvas Candy.Race 5:Grade: BMain Ticket: 3 TahiniBackups: 4 Young LoveForecast: #2 Certitude is listed as the 8-5-ML favorite in this second-level allowance down the hill. The Hronis Racing mare has not competed in the afternoons since a pair of two-turn tries this fall for John Sadler. Sadler has struggled of late winning with just 3 of 32 over the last 30 days for a $0.39 ROI and this European import is far from a cinch on the turnback. I will use two runners in hopes of besting the ML choice, including top pick #3 Tahini. The blinkers go back on this American Pharoah mare who battled early and tired late in a similar spot a month ago. She should have things easier on the front end this afternoon.Race 6:Grade: CMain Ticket: 4 Liam Smith; 6 Straight BuzzinBackups: 3 Sendit MoForecast: I lack creativity in this optional claimer at 6.5-furlongs over the main track where I landed without serious conviction on #4 Liam Smith. The son of Midshipman is wheeled back quickly off the claim by trainer Jeff Mullins on January 23 and makes sense, but certainly has questions still to answer after a wire-to-wire neck score in his second try. Therefore, I will use a couple of others, including #6 Straight Buzzin. The Cal-bred speed burnt a field of fellow state-breds on January 18 and gets off the rail for his first start versus winners.Race 7:Grade: B-Main Ticket: 2 Tessuto; 6 Enterdadragon; 5 SpearfishBackups: 3 Smart CodeForecast: I am against 5-2-ML favorite #1 Vancougar in this starter over the sod. The 7YO gelding was underwhelming late in a similar spot a month ago for Peter Eurton and is hard to get excited about at his likely off odds/value in the sequence. I will use three runners I expect to offer much better value on all tickets, including #2 Tessuto and #5 Spearfish. Both have the speed to be involved early in a race that lacks serious early zip. Tessuto has not competed on the grass since last spring, but I like that trainer Jeff Mullins moves him right to the lawn after claiming for $50k in late December. Spearfish ran hard last out, but was run down late. Jockey Mirco Demuro has a positive ROI on the turf since arriving in the States. I will also include a wild card in #6 Enterdadragon. No doubt, the son of Outwork needs to run better than he has since entering the Phil D’Amato barn, but he has kept stronger company than he encounters this afternoon. Perhaps he takes to the cutback and makes the final move.Race 8:Grade: C+Main Ticket: 4 RunamileinmyshoesBackups: 3 Time to ShineForecast: 6-5-ML favorite #4 Runamileinmyshoes is the clear horse to beat in this first-level allowance over the main track given the lack of early speed. The Street Boss mare moves back to the main track after being claimed yet again out of his last start by trainer Peter Miller. Miller legs up Emisael Jaramillo. Jaramillo is strong from the gate and should get this one in a prominent spot early. I expect her to be tough to catch late. If she gets caught, I will hope it is by price horse #3 Time to Shine. The Mark Glatt trainee moved back to the main track last time and ran a solid second at odds of 15-1. She shouldn’t be too far off the early pace in the second start of her 4YO campaign.Race 9:Grade: BMain Ticket: 6 Prince Dolce; 2 PrecisionBackups: NoneForecast: I hope to get to the finale and be live to a pair of runners on the class drop in this conditional $25k claimer over the grass. #2 Precision is the wild card since he has not raced since the Pasadena last March. Trainer Michael McCarthy drops him in for a tag for the first time off a 180+ day break, a move he has won with 3 of 15 over the last 5 years. He obviously can run better than he did when we saw him last, but #6 Prince Dolce is the clear horse to beat. The Carla Gaines trainee is just 1 for 10, but he can finish. He should find his friends at this level.

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