The start of closing week to the spring meeting at Churchill Downs begins on Wednesday afternoon with a nine-race card that gets started at 12:45 PM eastern. The slate features a pair of solid allowance races late in the day and gets a big five days in Louisville started capped off by two great wagering cards. Here are a few horses I like most.Race 1:My first play of the week comes in the opener, which is an open $20k claimer at 1 1/16-miles over the main track where I like #7 Great Escape. The two most recent efforts from this 7YO gelding leave a lot to be desired, but they both came over a sloppy track for his former barn. Trainer Joe Sharp claimed the son of Midnight Storm for $20,000 on May 22 and legs up Irad Ortiz Jr. for his first start under his care. Sharp takes the blinkers off of Great Escape, a move which he has only done six times over the last five years with horses he has raced first off the claim. He has won with two of those and comes in hot having tallied four wins over the final three days of racing in Louisville last week. Do not be surprised if the veteran conditioner has a big final week of the spring under the twin spires with this new acquisition getting things started.Play: #7 Great Escape (7-2 ML)Picks: 7-1-4Race 6:This MSW event for fillies and mares at one-mile over the grass is wide-open based on Nick Tammaro’s morning line with a lukewarm 4-1-ML favorite. I like #3 Conquering Marin. The Irish-bred returns to a two-turn trip after a pair of turf sprints in the Blue Grass this spring. She tried a route of ground back in February in her first start in the States for Brendan Walsh, but was headstrong early and caught wide throughout. She was also caught extremely wide most of the way in her first race over this turf course on May 14. Now, she moves inside and attracts Flavien Prat. Hopefully, Prat can do what he does best and find a way to relax this daughter of Ghaiyyath early, so she can run her race late. If so, I like her chances to breakthrough for career victory number one.Play: #3 Conquering Marin (5-1 ML)Picks: 3-6-8Race 9:The card concludes with a second-level allowance at one-mile over the grass where the pace should be honest with #1 Johny’s Rendezvous and #2 Barb likely to show early zip from their inside draws and perhaps #9 Joejoe Go from the outside. This should set things up enough for 5-2-ML favorite #3 Love’m Or Liam. There is no doubt this son of Liam’s Map got a much stronger setup in his win on May 9 than he is likely to get in the Wednesday finale, but he has shown a strong turn of foot in all starts since moving to the grass. Despite the rise in class, Love’m Or Liam does not meet that much tougher of a group than he encountered in his most recent score. In fact, the horse that finished second that day came back to win in Louisville in his next start flattering the Bill Mott trainee’s three-length victory. He will not be 5-1 like last time, but should be tough to hold off once again under jockey Jaime Torres.Play: #3 Love’m Or Liam (5-2 ML)Picks: 3-6-7

EXTRA INCENTIVESBet $100, Get $10 | Thistledown | today’s racesNOTABLE CARRYOVERSJackpot Pick 5 | $62,657 | Parx | begins Race 1 | 12:40 pm ETPick 5 | $8,733 | Louisiana Downs | begins Race 3 | 6:01 pm ETJackpot Pick 5 | $191,306 (CAN) | Assiniboia Downs | begins Race 3 | 9:25 pm ETSuper Hi 5 | $39,382 (CAN) | Assiniboia Downs | Race 7 | 11:05 pm ET--Aqueduct will have $139,950 pick 6 carryover for ThursdayKEY RACESAssiniboia Downs | Race 3 | 9:25 pm ET | Golden Boy StakesAssiniboia Downs | Race 5 | 10:15 pm ET | Free Press StakesLONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIXHorseshoe Indianapolis | Race 5 | 4:14 pm ETPresque Isle Downs | Race 7 | 6:12 pm ETMountaineer | Race 1 | 7:00 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHScott Becker | Fairmount Park | 5 of 6 entrants 5-1 or less oddsDID YOU SEE?Yesterday | Louisiana Downs | jockey Rey Williams | 2 wins ($10, $18), 1 second from 5 mountsPUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAMFrank Carulli & Brian W. Spencer best bets today in Xpressbet.com member’s section

NOTABLE CARRYOVERSJackpot Pick 5 | $67,505 | Prairie Meadows | begins Race 7 | 7:33 pm ETJackpot Pick 5 | $168,151 (CAN) | Assiniboia Downs | begins Race 3 | 9:25 pm ETKEY RACESPresque Isle Downs | Race 7 | 6:12 pm ET | Malvern Rose StakesLONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIXFinger Lakes | Race 5 | 2:51 pm ETHorseshoe Indianapolis | Race 6 | 4:45 pm ETMountaineer | Race 2 | 7:25 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHRon Potts Jr. | Presque Isle Downs | 5 of 6 entrants 4-1 or less oddsDID YOU SEE?Yesterday | Parx | favorites won 6 of 9 races on the cardPUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAMFrank Carulli & Brian W. Spencer best bets today in Xpressbet.com member’s section

Yonkers Raceway has a 10-race card, and the $1.00 Pick 5 with a $10,000 guaranteed pool starts in Race 5. The Spot Plays are in Race 1, Race 2, and Race 10. Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.Race 1 (6:45 PM EDT)4-I'm Some Graduate (3-1)-Looking for Jordan Stratton to be no worse than in the pocket around the opening turn. The veteran can show enough gate speed to get a cozy trip. Beat 4 from this field in last after finishing 2nd and the winner isn't in this group. This is a beatable field, will rely on Stratton to push the button at the right time and then stand tall until the wire.4-1-5Playing #4-I'm Some Graduate (3-1) to WinRace 2 (7:05 PM EDT)3-Topville Somebeach (9/5) gave up the lead late in the mile and was claimed out of that race by the Laterza barn. Brent Holland steers and in the 1st race after a claim this outfit posts 37% winners. 7-Lyons Benjamin (9/2) won the last start edging out #3, and comes right back against the same for trainer Deb Daguet. Her stable wins 25% of their races following a claim. Ben has the gate speed to get a close-up seat off the car, and has hit the board in 11 of 18 races in 2026. Has taken 4 pictures and finished 2nd in 7 starts. The outside post draw will add some pop to the exacta. The 9/5 program chalk could be racing near the top of the stack off the car. If Ben rounds the opening turn in a close-up seat he is a threat for top honors too, and driver Colin Kelly can provide an aggressive steer.3-Topville Somebeach (9/5) and 7-Lyons Benjamin in a 3-7 Exacta Box7-3-1Race 10 (9:45 PM EDT)3-Hammering Hank (7/2)-Has been cashing checks against $40k claimers and now drops to a spot to shine. Lands in a condition where it has been a main player this spring against similar. Gets post relief and beat better than this with this same post draw at YR on 5-4. Could reward connections with the top check once again.Using #3 Hammering Hank (7/2) in a Win Bet3-2-4Check me out on X!

EXTRA INCENTIVES10X 1/ST Rewards Points | Woodbine | today’s races10X 1/ST Rewards Points | Emerald Downs | today’s racesTOURNAMENT TIME$100 NYRA feeder | details$40 Canterbury feeder | detailsNOTABLE CARRYOVERSSuper Hi 5 | $8,823 | Churchill Downs | Race 1 | 12:45 pm ETPick 4 | $35,743 | Monmouth Park | begins Race 2 | 1:20 pm ETMandatory Payout Pick 6 | $25,262 | Gulfstream | begins Race 4 | 1:47 pm ET | Nicoletti Picks Pick 6 | $37,784 | Aqueduct | begins Race 4 | 2:36 pm ETJackpot Pick 6 | $114,476 | Churchill Downs | begins Race 5 | 2:47 pm ETPick 6 | $19,860 | Los Alamitos (TB) | begins Race 3 | 5:03 pm ETPick 5 | $14,685 | Emerald Downs | begins Race 6 | 7:20 pm ETJackpot Pick 5 | $59,287 | Prairie Meadows | begins Race 8 | 7:57 pm ETKEY RACESMonmouth | Race 3 | 1:49 pm ET | Lady’s Secret StakesMonmouth | Race 6 | 3:24 pm ET | Get Serious StakesWoodbine | Race 7 | 4:02 pm ET | Lake Huron StakesWoodbine | Race 9 | 5:06 pm ET | Georgian Bay StakesEmerald Downs | Race 6 | 7:20 pm ET | Budweiser StakesEmerald Downs | Race 7 | 7:50 pm ET | Hastings StakesEmerald Downs | Race 8 | 8:20 pm ET | Auburn StakesEmerald Downs | Race 9 | 8:50 pm ET | Seattle StakesLONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIXLaurel Park | Race 6 | 2:41 pm ETChurchill Downs | Race 7 | 3:53 pm ETGulfstream | Race 9 | 4:36 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHChad Brown | Aqueduct, Monmouth | all 7 entrants 7-2 or less oddsDID YOU SEE?Yesterday | trainer Steve Asmussen | 5 wins from 13 national starters, including Ohio Derby (Chip Honcho)PUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAMScott Shapiro: Churchill Downs Sunday Spot PlaysTom Harris: Emerald 10X 1/ST Rewards Points Sunday PicksBrian W. Spencer best bets today in Xpressbet.com member’s section

With a 10X 1/ST Rewards Points Promotion today at Emerald Downs -- as well as Woodbine -- here are local handicapper selections to help you tackle the card that features 4 stakes races in Auburn, WA.Emerald Downs | track announcer Tom HarrisRace-1: 2-Make Mo Mine, 3-Eileen, 4-TwitchingRace-2: 2-Calmcoolncollected, 3-Yeti Lute, 2-Sir ArgentoRace-3: 5-Stratojet, 4-Tiz Dynamic, 8-Harbor BuddyRace-4: 1-My Vino, 9-Jullian In Paris, 7-Benny BucketsRace-5: 5-Creative Om, 6-Jin Tong, 3-Seas of NormandyRace-6: 4-Slews Tiz Whiz, 6-Si That Tiger, 3-BaladiRace-7: 3-Aloha Breeze, 7-Precise Timing, 2-Saleen GTRace-8: 7-Robin Racer, 5-Ole’s Surprise, 6-Blackberry JamRace-9: 2-Too Sassy, 1-Bewitching Joy, 4-Subtle ShimmerRace-10: 4-Doyouhearyourself, 2-Circle of Fire, 3-Denada

The racing week in Kentucky concludes with a solid 11-race card that kicks off at 12:45 PM eastern. It marks the final card before Churchill Downs hits their final week of racing until September. Next weekend should be a banger with the Stephen Foster (G1) headlining a massive card in Louisville on Saturday and mandatory payouts in all pools on Sunday. However, first things first. Let’s see if we can keep a bit of momentum going with a few spot plays this afternoon.Race 4:My first play on the Sunday slate comes in this $75k maiden claimer at 1 1/16-miles over the grass where #4 Daring Madison was made the understandable 3-1-ML favorite. The Rigney Racing filly stretched out to a route of ground and moved to the sod for the first time on May 29 and ran pretty well on just 20 days rest. That said, she is likely to get over bet considering the runner that cruised by her easily in the lane came into that race 0 for 18. She retains Jose Ortiz and should be prominent early on, but I cannot swallow her likely off odds. Instead, I will try #8 Babysitter. The daughter of McKinzie debuted for her original barn on the grass at Saratoga last summer and tired badly after being mid-pack early. She did not return to the races until she was in the hands of Brendan Walsh and at Turfway Park in late February. None of her three starts in Kentucky are overly impressive, but they have all come against MSW competition. Plus, she has the pedigree on the dam side to love the grass being out of a Kitten’s Joy mare that won 2 of her 3 races on the turf and a younger sister to $270k+ earner over the lawn Be My Sunshine. A move forward is well within the range of outcomes.Play: #8 Babysitter (5-1 ML)Picks: 8-4-2Race 7:My next play comes in this $80k non-winners of two at one-mile over the grass where I am hopeful the pace is honest. If so, I love the chances of #10 Plot. The Tommy Drury Jr. trainee has turned a corner since Drury added blinkers and put him back into two-turn turf races this spring. He was out of the gates poorly on April 30, but rallied nicely to finish second versus $50k maiden claimers and then broke a bit cleaner and was given an overall better ride by Christian Torres in his first career victory less than three weeks ago. Torres took over in the saddle that afternoon and is back again. If he can avoid, a wide trip into the first turn, this daughter of Blame should be rolling late in her first start against winners. I need the ML price at least though to go to the windows given the outside draw, her running style, and the step up in class.Play: #10 Plot (9-2 ML)Picks: 10-1-9Race 9:My final play of the week comes in this first-level allowance for 3YOs+ travelling 7-furlongs over the main track where #8 Bold Strength is expected to take a lot of public support. The Juddmonte colt comes in off a pair of runner-up efforts in New York for Brad Cox and lures Irad Ortiz Jr. He is obviously capable, but that will almost definitely be reflected on the tote. Therefore, I will look elsewhere to the lightly-raced #2 Envision. The son of Into Mischief is out of the LNJ Foxwoods beautiful white mare Dreamologist. I got to see her run multiple times during my time in Southern California and she had some serious talent. She has been solid as a broodmare as well producing three-time winner Striker and a few other winners and this guy did nothing wrong on debut winning despite drawing the rail at Turfway Park back in late December. He obviously moves up in class and has to prove himself over the dirt, but comes in off a strong series of drills for one of the hottest trainers around. The upside is there to take a swing, assuming he does not take much money at the windows.Play: #2 Envision (6-1 ML)2-7-6Good luck! I am looking forward to a big closing week!!

Running Aces wraps up the weekend with a 10-race card. The Spot Plays come in Race 2, Race 6, and Race 7. Comments and sections below are based on a fast track.Race 2 (6:22 PM CDT)4-Ashton Hill Dave (9/2)-My guess is the veteran could offer more than the 9/2 morning line and finally lands an inside post. Has been stuck with outside draws 8-9-8 and has taken the long way around in the last 3 races. This will be the 4th race at Aces this season and should get an up-close seat tonight. Luke Plano sticks and will look for an aggressive drive. Has been trying hard and could get rewarded tonight.4-Ashton Hill Dave (9/2) playing to Win4-6-7Race 6 (7:50 PM CDT)8-Inferno DK (5/2)-Left from post 5 last time, tried to go gate to wire but fell a head short and finished 2nd. Rosecroft shipper was facing Open company there and hit the board in 9 of 17 races but had only 1 win. Went off at 8/5 last time and will look for a better price leaving from post 8. This is the 2nd start in town and doesn't have to be leading every step of the way to beat this field. Brady Jensen entry should be a main player.8-Inferno DK (5/2) playing to Win8-1-3Race 7 (8:12 PM CDT)7-K T Part E (7/2)-This is an Elim for a upcoming Stakes Race and should have no problem qualifying for the Final. The question is how much effort will be put into this start? This is the sharpest horse, comes off a win 2 back, then a 2nd place finish in 151.4 in last, and the winner isn't in this field. The post draw helps the price. This is another Team Jensen entry, and should be racing at the top of the stack before the last turn. Could beat this crew without emptying the tank despite leaving from the outside post.7-K T Part E (7/2) playing to Win7-3-5Check me out on X!