A big Saturday at Gulfstream includes 3 stakes, the featured Grade 3 Princess Rooney at the head of the class. The undercard includes the Bob Umphrey Turf Sprint as well as the Ginger Punch.Race 1:The aptly-named 9 EXPECTATIONS gets the call in the opener, as she cost a pricey 240k as a yearling, debuts for a Biancone barn that is 32% first-turf and 22% on debut, and meets a crew there for the taking. The speed and experience of 6 AMERICAN REIGN gives her an edge, so if the pick isn’t ready (or isn’t bet), she figures the one to catch after a close 3rd last time. Look for an improved effort from 7 FIB after a duel-and-tire 6th in her debut at Cnl. SELECTIONS: 9-6-7-4Race 2:Tough to see big dropper 4 SPY NOVEL losing to a group like this, as his best dominates, he’ll be close throughout, and enters off a slew of works to suggest he’s simply here to pick up a win. If the heavy favorite does stub his toe, then both 2 DIMANCHE GRAS and 5 BLUE SLIDE PARK have recent wins to put them next in line. SELECTIONS: 4-2-5-7Race 3:Taking the short price with 5 SENTA SAYS, who lays over these off her Tapeta comeback, is bred for the main, and has a big recency edge too. You get EX value from 6 HURRICANE OPUS adding Lasix, though a 12/2 layoff hurts, as does one from 11/27 with 3 DIAMOND’S HONOR, who was a voided claim that day too. SELECTIONS: 5-6-3-2Race 4:There’s a chance that 7 MAGIC HEART regresses off a good 2nd, but he’ll offer the right risk/reward, a good combo in a race with an iffy favorite. Which leads to 3 BAKERS STREET, who bombed at 8-5 on turf and now drops off-the-claim for Fawkes, and while that’s a wild 20-for-50 move, this seems fishy. There’s no speed here, so first-time gelding 6 SHERMAN FURY could get brave in his return. SELECTIONS: 7-3-6-4Race 5: Bob Umphrey Turf SprintIt’s a bold Best Bet in the Bob Umphrey Turf Sprint, as 1 MATTINGLY ran (and was bet) like a short horse in his return, yet ran well, will be tighter here for Orseno, and has the perfect stalking style in a race loaded with speed. Stablemate 6 REZASROLEX will take all the beating on the G2 drop and a 3-2-1-0 local mark, though he’ll be overbet off a Saratoga chase-and-fade, so he’s worth trying to beat on top. Not sure about 8 THOUGHT CONTROL, who freaked trying turf, but hasn’t been seen since that 5/10 win, and meets a world of other speed too. SELECTIONS: 1-6-8-2Race 6:A stalking gear in a race with a hot pace says the in-form 2 FINAL PAYMENT can get first run on dropping 6 LETHAL SPEED, so let’s play it that way to the hoop, in a race that may fall apart late. Can’t see 5 SMOKE AN A PANCAKE pressing early and lasting late, so use him underneath only. SELECTIONS: 2-6-5-4Race 7:If the money shows—and it should—then 8 EARTHLY DELIGHTS will be tough in his debut, as he’s a 410k son of Union Rags (stands for 10k) who is kin to a G1 winner, and has worked big for this too. There’s some pedigree power with 2 ARABIAN CROWN as well, though his half brother was a graded winner going long on turf, so he may need this, grass, and/or an extra turn. The “other Saffie” has already popped at the meet, so don’t ignore 1 TAILBREEZIN JOKE, though the rail for a firster going 7Fs is never easy. SELECTIONS: 8-2-1-7Race 8: Ginger Punch StakesIt’s Longshot time in the Ginger Punch with 2 LETS GO KOKO, who needed her 8/16 comeback when 6th behind several here, but is former local stakes winner who has speed, and looks primed for a big move up off the tightener. No doubt 9 MISS MARY NELL ran best on the 16th, even though she was a tiring 3rd, as she middle moved into a hellacious pace and paid the price, while other laid back and took advantage late. Including winner 6 FANTASY PERFORMER, and while it’s never easy to dismiss a horse who beat many she meets again, a different flow says you should make her back it up. SELECTIONS: 2-9-6-3Race 9: Princess Rooney StakesA starting berth into the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint is on the line in the G3 Princess Rooney, and California invader 3 SIMPLY JOKING seems to hold a class edge off solid G1 form, and her route speed suggests she’ll sit a dream trip off an expected hot and contested pace on the cutback to 7Fs. You can’t knock 2 KERRY’S KISS, who is clearly the best of the locals off back-to-back stakes wins since moving to Saffie’s barn, though she won both on the lead, and figures to face pace pressure on both sides today. The stalking style of 5 INDY BAY could allow her to turn the tables on stablemate ‘Kiss after running 2nd to her in her last two, but she’s been beaten soundly in both, and may just be a cut below at this point of her career. SELECTIONS: 3-2-5-4Race 10:Lots to like with 2 MYTHICAL MAN, as he returns to turf, drops in class, and moves to Barboza, not to mention he’ll be a decent price with heavily favored 8 MISTER ABARRIO. ‘Abarrio will be a short price on a stiff drop for Saffie, but his lack of speed and the rails out at 73’, and meek recent form (seven straight losses) don’t entice. The top-2 do have knocks, so you could do worse than 5 RASHID, who has run well in back-to-back locals runs. SELECTIONS: 2-8-5-3Best Bet: R5: #1 Mattingly (6-1)* Will be tighter off needed comeback* Stalker can sit off expected wild pace* Perfect inside draw with rails at 59’Longshot: R8: #2 Lets Go Koko (8-1)* Clearly a short horse in comeback race* Tactical speed to lay close throughout* Former stakes winner over the GP turf

The Woodbine Mile is always an important stepping stone en route to the Breeders’ Cup Mile, as it’s seen winners parlay their success in Canada to Breeders’ Cup glory on multiple occasions in recent years. Dating back to 2012, the Woodbine Mile winner went on to win the Breeders’ Cup Mile six times: Wise Dan in 2012 and 2013, World Approval in 2017, Modern Games in 2022, Master of the Seas in 2023, and Notable Speech in 2025. Notable Speech will look to defend his title at Woodbine en route to a Breeders’ Cup Mile defense, but he faces a stiff challenge from America’s best hope on Saturday in Deterministic. Below you’ll find my fair win odds for each of these runners, as well as the rest of the field scheduled to tackle the mile distance over the E.P. Taylor turf course.1 – Deterministic / 24% / 3-12 – Gas Me Up / 6% / 15-13 – Notable Speech / 28% / 5-24 – Archivist / 20% / 4-15 – Irish Aces / 3% / 32-16 – Silius / 14% / 6-17 – Itsastormymonday / 2% / 49-18 – Pierre / 3% / 32-1I found it extremely difficult to separate the top four in the wagering for Saturday’s Mile. I’ll be stunned if one of the four don’t win, and I could even stretch and say three of the four are in a pack of their own with the fourth meriting consideration.Let’s begin on the inside with DETERMINISTIC (1), who has been nothing short of spectacular for trainer Miguel Clement. A multiple grade one winner, the son of Liam’s Map hasn’t lost a race on turf since October of 2024. He certainly loves Saratoga, having won both the G1 Manhattan and G1 Fourstardave for each of the past two seasons; it’s not as though Saratoga is the only place he can perform, however. Deterministic is also a graded stakes winners at Aqueduct and Colonial Downs, making me less concerned about his ability to handle the one-turn mile at Woodbine. On paper he looks to be the clear speed of the race – but if I can see that, so can everyone else in the field. I can’t imagine they’ll let him walk on the front, but in the event they do, he’ll have this group in a world of trouble.NOTABLE SPEECH (3) is such an admirable horse. The homebred for Godolphin and Charlie Appleby is a true globetrotter, having earned G1 success in three different countries around the world. As the defending champion of this race he figures to go off as the slight favorite over Deterministic, but I’m not convinced he holds a massive edge on his main rival – especially when factoring in the pace scenario. It’s worth noting that William Buick did have the son of Dubawi closer to the front in his most recent G1 success at York last month, so perhaps Notable Speech will be the one to ensure Deterministic doesn’t walk on the front end.He’s yet to show himself as a true grade one type, but the graded stakes victory from ARCHIVIST (4) at York last month was spectacular. Another son of Dubawi, this four-year-old gelding settled toward the rear of the field in the Strensall Stakes before sidling up alongside his main rivals in mid-stretch. Once the rider gave him his cue, Archivist scooted clear in the blink of an eye, drawing off to win by more than seven. He’s now won two races in a row and seems to be in career form. He’s likely to settle toward the rear of the field again in this spot, but he loves the one-turn configuration and possesses a potent late kick; if he gets a bit of pace to run at, he’s dangerous as the third-choice.The fourth of the quartet of main players would be SILIUS (6), who dug in gamely to take the G3 Prix Messidor at Chantilly in July. Not only did the son of – you guessed it – Dubawi prevail in the group stakes event, he defeated a runner named Erdenali. Erdenali may well end up being Europe’s best shot at winning the Breeders’ Cup Mile after setting a track record in the Prix du Moulin over the weekend at Longchamp, so to say his subsequent effort flattered Silius’ win would be an understatement (it’s also worth noting that Erdenali was very unlucky in the Messidor, as he was hemmed in behind runners for the duration and didn’t find a seam until the final jumps).With such an evenly matched group, it boils down to price – as it always does. With his sparkling performance in his most recent start and the likely price he’ll offer, I’m siding with Archivist to get the best of both Notable Speech and Deterministic on Saturday.THE PICKS: 4-3-1-6THE PLAY: WIN – 4) ARCHIVIST to WIN at odds of 4-1 or greater

After a summer focus on Del Mar, it’s been a while since we have ridden the stakes express. Let’s hop aboard this Saturday for the fastest preview – with bottom-line choices – for 20 of North America’s most-important stakes races.Bet with 1/ST BET and Xpressbet Saturday and take advantage of a 15% win bonus (up to $25) on all Churchill Downs win bets. Plus, the $5,000 Exacta-Thon returns for Woodbine Mile Day. Take down winning $2 exactas in at least 4 races on the card to stake your share of the additional prize money.2:11 pm ET | Delaware Park | Race 4 | DTHA Governor’s Day Handicap | Picks 3-1-6Favorite #1 Cadet Corps (7-5 ML) smoked #3 Majorca (7-2 ML) last out at Colonial, but the latter is the play over a Delaware track she loves and preferring the trip that’s 150 yards shorter.2:25 pm ET | Gulfstream | Race 5 | Umphrey Turf Sprint Stakes | Picks 2-6-5-8Tough call here, but among the 3 Joe Orseno trainees entered, it’s jockey Edwin Gonzalez’s presence on #2 Extendo (12-1 ML) that interests me most at the price.2:40 pm ET | Laurel | Race 6 | Sensible Lady Turf Dash | Picks 3-10-1-4Longshot look to #3 Obstreperous (15-1 ML), who projects to sit a dream trip inside third early with a chance to pounce on duelers for an upset.3:05 pm ET | Woodbine | Race 5 | Natalma Stakes | Picks 7-4-6#7 Ebouteillage (5-1 ML) had no business winning at 5-1/2 furlongs in her debut with that route pedigree, so don’t be surprised if she can swat away no less than 5 contenders from Mark Casse’s barn after trainer Graham Motion went 14: 5-0-3 in August stakes.3:21 pm ET | Churchill Downs | Race 6 | Open Mind Stakes | Picks 1-3-2Captain Obvious says the inside trio dominate this 6-runner affair as #1 Usha (5-2 ML) has the class edge on #2 Cash Call and the recency edge on #3 Look Forward.3:37 pm ET | Woodbine | Race 6 | Vigil Stakes | Picks 4-1-7For a synthetic sprint stakes, there’s only 1 true synthetic sprint specialist in the lineup and that’s top choice #4 Souped Up (5-1 ML), winner of the Bold Venture last out at 10-1 odds.3:42 pm ET | Laurel | Race 8 | Laurel Dash | Picks 3-4-2A real lack of pace in this turf sprint could see #3 Senbei (6-1 ML) fire fast early while freshened 11 months, but don’t take a short price just because it’s Miguel Clement from NY.3:54 pm ET | Churchill Downs | Race 7 | Louisville TB Society Stakes | Picks 2-5-1Classy value play #2 Here Mi Song (12-1 ML) was second in this race last year to Bentornato, and while beatable 6-5 chalk #5 Built is good, he’s not Bentornato.4:04 pm ET | Gulfstream | Race 8 | Ginger Punch Stakes | Picks 9-8-2Saffie Joseph Jr. takes 3 swigs from the punch bowl here, but it’s the ridiculously fast middle splits that #9 Miss Mary Nell (7-2 ML) nearly survived last time that empties this group for Carlos David.4:12 pm ET | Woodbine | Race 7 | Summer Stakes | Picks 9-11-8The European 2-year-old route colts typically are best at the Breeders’ Cup and this Juvenile Turf prep runs through #9 Al Hudaiba (2-1 ML) with longshot #11 Speaker’s Speech (12-1 ML) the price key underneath in exotics.4:26 pm ET | Churchill Downs | Race 8 | Pocahontas Stakes Picks: 7-9-6-2As these 2-year-old fillies stretch out to a mile, #7 Miss Anna (7-2 ML) finished with the most flair last out with an 88 BRIS late pace figure, while #9 Tahaluf (15-1 ML) outsprinted her route pedigree in her debut and should improve with distance.4:33 pm ET | Gulfstream | Race 9 | Princess Rooney Stakes | Picks: 5-2-1-3More details available in the Xpressbet Race of the Week analysis, but some additional pace pressure on #2 Kerry’s Kiss (5-2 ML) might allow #5 Indy Bay (3-1 ML) to turn the tables in a third rematch of stablemates.4:44 pm ET | Delaware Park | Race 9 | Rosenberger Memorial Stakes | Picks 10-9-7-6Conditions of this race are the key read and Paco Lopez-piloted #10 Super Willawaw (3-2 ML) cruised locally in the 1 race attempt that made her eligible for this spot.4:45 pm ET | Woodbine | Race 8 | Ontario Matron Stakes | Picks: 1-7-3Hotter pace than you’d think for a 7-runner synthetic route, which sets the table nicely for logical #1 Fantastical (8-5 ML) to notch his second straight local stakes win for Joe Sharp.4:58 pm ET | Churchill Downs | Race 9 | Locust Grove Stakes | Picks: 1-4-3With star mare Nitrogen skipping this race and #2 Simply Joking scratching to run elsewhere, #1 Splendora (3-5 ML) should chalk-out and top #4 Immersive just like she did in May’s Shawnee at CD.5:20 pm ET | Woodbine | Race 9 | Woodbine Mile | Picks: 1-3-4Mass respect for defending champ #3 Notable Speech (1-1 ML), but a modest pace projection, rail draw and speed jock Kendrick Carmouche all put top-pick #1 Deterministic (2-1) on a no-excuse mission as he seeks 7 wins in a row.5:29 pm ET | Churchill Downs | Race 10 | Iroquois Stakes | Picks 2-7-1-6#2 Blessed Flyer (9-2 ML) scoffed at doubters winning his first 2 starts at 13-1 and 31-1 and appears to have been pointed for this spot all summer while training sharp.5:55 pm ET | Woodbine | Race 10 | E.P. Taylor Stakes | Picks: 3-4-8-2Sign me up for price play #3 Jancis (12-1 ML) after facing one of the world’s best milers, Blue Bolt, twice in the UK, and knowing her easily best Timeform rating lifetime was when getting additional ground.7:45 pm ET | Louisiana Downs | Race 7 | Super Derby | Picks: 7-4-5-8#7 Trendsetter (6-5 ML) stands over a tap-in putt against a field far beneath those he’s faced this spring and summer.8:17 pm ET | Los Alamitos | Race 9 | Becca Taylor Stakes | Picks 3-6-4Over the past 3 years, Bob Baffert (#3 Dainey, 9-5 ML) is a 40% Los Al winner while John Sadler (Mohaven, 2-1 ML) hits 35% locally, making it very difficult to see this 6-runner affair getting beyond the obvious top contenders.

The Meadowlands has a 14-race stakes loaded card featuring 2-and-3-year New Jersey breds. The Spot Plays are in Race 6, Race 7, and Race 12, and can be used in Win Bets as well as Gimmicks. Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.Race 6 (8:25 PM EDT)1-Dandelion Wire (9/2)-Willing to take a swing here with an Ake Svanstedt pupil that seems to be improving at the right time. The Andy Miller trainee #2 Wall of Fame the 9/5 chalk is a perfect 7 of 7 and has been dominant so this will be a challenge. But at the morning line price this filly should get an up-close seat when the wings fold and appears to have the speed to be in the mix at the wire. Looked a bit short last time and was off almost a month between starts. Tonight, comes right back and could be in line for a pocket ride behind the chalk. That would make the team Svanstedt entry a live upset candidate.1-2-5Race 7 (8:50 PM EDT)3-Liftetime Dreamer (5/2)-Topped a couple from this field on 8-8 and that included tonight's program choice #2 Wrong Sounds Right (2-1). Then on 9-9 drew post 9 and took the long way around. Even with the wide ride trotted the back half in 55.3 and finished with a 27.3 last panel. Comes back quickly this time and could be sitting on a big race. With the post relief should be bet but hopefully not too hard.3-4-2Race 12 (10:55 PM EDT)6-Real Choice (5-1)-Put in a dull effort in NYSS race at Btva 2 back. Then on 9-4 beat 4 for this crew and was dismissed going off at 14-1. Rolled home with a 54.4 back half and drew off with a 27.1 last quarter. The Nick Drennan pupil draws a choice post, comes off its best effort and this will be the 2nd straight drive for Jason Bartlett. It won't be a layup but there is no reason to doubt a double up possibility.6-2-4Check me out on X!

SCHEDULE NOTESLaurel Park | opening day of meet | first post noon ETLos Alamitos | opening day of Thoroughbred meet | first post 4:00 pm ETSPECIAL WAGERSSummer Sweep Pick 5 | Gulfstream Races 8-9, Horseshoe Indy Races 5-7-8--$1 minimum, 15% takeout, no CAWTOURNAMENT TIME$250 Woodbine Mile Challenge Qualifier | details$40 Los Alamitos (TB) Feeder | detailsNOTABLE CARRYOVERSSuper Hi 5 | $8,330 | Churchill Downs | Race 2 | 1:14 pm ETJackpot Pick 6 | $107,732 (CAN) | Woodbine | begins Race 3 | 2:02 pm ETJackpot Super Hi 5 | $134,739 (CAN) | Woodbine | Race 8 | 4:40 pm ETKEY RACESDelaware Park | Race 2 | 1:06 pm ET | Tax Free Shopping Distaff StakesDelaware Park | Race 3 | 1:37 pm ET | Small Wonder StakesDelaware Park | Race 5 | 2:33 pm ET | First State Dash StakesDelaware Park | Race 7 | 3:34 pm ET | Lewes HandicapDelaware Park | Race 8 | 4:07 pm ET | Ogletown HandicapDelaware Park | Race 9 | 4:37 pm ET | New CastleHorseshoe Indianapolis | Race 7 | 5:16 pm ET | Hoosier Heartland HandicapHorseshoe Indianapolis | Race 8 | 5:47 pm ET | Empire HandicapHorseshoe Indianapolis | Race 9 | 6:18 pm ET | Indiana First Lady HandicapHorseshoe Indianapolis | Race 10 | 6:49 pm ET | Governor’s HandicapRemington Park | Race 5 | 9:22 pm ET | Cliff Berry Turf Sprint StakesRemington Park | Race 7 | 10:18 pm ET | Shawn Bergquist Memorial StakesRemington Park | Race 9 | 11:14 pm ET | Red Earth HandicapLONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIXHorseshoe Indy | Race 7 | 5:16 pm ETLaurel | Race 5 | 2:06 pm ETChurchill Downs | Race 4 | 2:13 pm ETRemington Park | Race 9 | 11:14 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHPaul Barrow | Finger Lakes | 6 of 8 entrants 5-1 or less oddsDID YOU SEE?Yesterday | Delaware Park | jockey Paco Lopez | 3 wins, 1 second, 1 third from 6 mountsPUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAMFrank Carulli: Gulfstream Park $3 Players Pick 3 Analysis for FridayFrank Carulli & Brian W. Spencer best bets today in Xpressbet.com member’s section

Saturday’s $1 million Woodbine Mile figures to have major Breeders’ Cup Mile implications as the defending champ in both races, Notable Speech, returns from his home base in Newmarket, England. Eight runners, including America’s top turfer Deterministic, will battle in what has become Canada’s most important international race. The supporting card is loaded with stakes in the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf, Juvenile Turf and Juvenile Fillies Turf divisions.Horseplayers with 1/ST BET and Xpressbet take advantage of a $5,000 Exacta-Thon promotion for Saturday’s Woodbine card. Hit exactas on 4 or more races on the program to earn your share of the $5,000 in bonus money ($2 wager minimum per exacta).Let’s meet the contenders for the Woodbine Mile (Race 10):#1-DETERMINISTIC: Saratoga summer star has won 6 straight races, including 4 Spa Grade 1s, over the past 16 months. The Miguel Clement trainee successfully cut back in distance to win the Fourstardave at a flat mile and is 3: 2-1-0 at the trip in limited attempts. Regular rider Kendrick Carmouche will be back aboard this leading contender who has been prominently placed early in his races regardless of distance. Handicapper Matt Bernier’s #4-rated Breeders’ Cup Mile prospect in this week’s edition of Bernier’s Best rankings, exclusively at 1/ST BET and Xpressbet.#2-GAS ME UP: Scored the local prep, the Grade 2 King Edward, by a nose last out as the favorite for his fourth Woodbine grass win in 6 bids. Third-place finisher in last year’s Woodbine Mile makes a return appearance. The 6-year-old Hard Spun gelding has split time with Peter Eurton in California and Kevin Attard at Woodbine over the years. Attard won this race in 2020 with Starship Jubilee. Jockey Fraser Aebly is riding high having won the middle jewel in the Canadian Triple Crown, Fort Erie’s Price of Wales Stakes, on Monday.#3-NOTABLE SPEECH: The reigning Woodbine Mile champ (pictured) bids to join Hall of Famer Wise Dan as the only 2-time winners of this race. The Godolphin blue has been in the winner’s circle 3 of the last 4 years (Modern Games ’22, Master of the Seas ’23, Notable Speech ’25) for the Charlie Appleby-William Buick tandem – all 3 sired by Dubawi. Exits a win in the Group 1 City of York, adding to his Group 1 Lockinge victory in a 2-for-4 campaign so far this year. Ranked the #3 Breeders’ Cup Mile contender this week by handicapper Matt Bernier in his latest edition of the Bernier’s Best rankings, exclusively at 1/ST BET and Xpressbet.#4-ARCHIVIST: Wathnan Racing’s middle east and Newmarket raider takes a big step up in class for his first Grade 1 attempt. The Dubawi gelding won the Group 3 Strensall at York last out in his first group-level bid and has now won 3 of his last 4 starts. Qatari trainer Hamad Al Jehani shipped to Woodbine to win the Grade 1 Canadian International with Silawi last October, a month after winning Woodbine’s Singspiel with Haunted Dream. The Magic Man, legendary Hong Kong jockey Joao Moreira, will ride for the first time.#5-IRISH ACES: Kentucky-based Brendan Walsh trainee makes a third straight trip to Woodbine to see action, following narrow defeats in the Grade 2 Connaught Cup (second) and Grade 2 King Edward (third). This $40,000 Mshawish bargain has bagged more than $650,000, but his only stakes win has come in the 2024 Tapit at Kentucky Downs. Local jockey Pietro Moran has been aboard both recent invasions and returns to the saddle in search of his first Woodbine Mile victory.#6-SILIUS: French colt won the Group 3 Prix Messidor at Chantilly in July for the biggest score of his career. He’s 10: 1-4-2 in group stakes races, but was eighth in the 2025 Prix Jean Prat in his only Group 1 attempt to date. Trainer Christophe Ferland travels this one outside France for the first time; the barn sent Lyneham to Saratoga on Monday when finishing seventh in the Gio Ponti Stakes (his first North American starter). Jockey John Velazquez holds the Woodbine Mile record with 5 victories in this race, most recently World Approval in 2017. This is a third offspring of super-sire Dubawi in this 8-horse field.#7-ITSASTORMYMONDAY: Rank outsider in the field for local trainer Don MacRae will be making his stakes debut. The 4-year-old Get Stormy gelding has won 2 straight at the meet and is 5-for-9 lifetime, all at Woodbine. Regular rider Rafael Hernandez will be aboard.#8-PIERRE: Sold for $100,000 in June at a Fasig-Tipton digital sale and purchased by Lawrence Roman, who transferred the 5-year-old to trainer David Jacobson. The 2-time Woodbine meet allowance winner ran a strong second by a nose at Saratoga in the allowance ranks for his new connections August 27 and wheels back on 16 days’ rest. Joins Gas Me Up as the only Canadian-breds in the Woodbine Mile cast. This Tapiture gelding makes his first stakes attempt since finishing off the board in a pair of 2024 Canadian Triple Crown bids. Jockey Javier Castellano takes the mount for the first time in search of his first Woodbine Mile trophy.For more coverage of the Woodbine Mile, check back Friday for Matt Bernier's "One for the Money" weekly big-race analysis.

EXTRA INCENTIVESBet $100, Get $10 | Churchill Downs | today’s racesSCHEDULE NOTESChurchill Downs | opening day of meet | first post 5:00 pm ETTOURNAMENT TIME$40 Canterbury Park Feeder | detailsNOTABLE CARRYOVERSJackpot Pick 6 | $345,598 | Thistledown | begins Race 3 | 1:50 pm ETJackpot Pick 6 | $97,209 (CAN) | Woodbine | begins Race 3 | 4:12 pm ETJackpot Super Hi 5 | $119,403 (CAN) | Woodbine | Race 8 | 6:49 pm ETLONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIXHorseshoe Indy | Race 7 | 5:16 pm ETAlbuquerque | Race 8 | 6:25 pm ETChurchill Downs | Race 6 | 7:28 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHJose Silva | Canterbury Park | all 5 entrants 5-1 or less oddsDID YOU SEE?Yesterday | Kentucky Downs | jockey Flavien Prat | 6 wins, including 2 stakesPUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAMJeremy Plonk: Churchill Downs Opening Day $100, Get $10 Promo PicksFrank Carulli & Brian W. Spencer best bets today in Xpressbet.com member’s section

Churchill Downs' opening day of the September meet on Thursday pairs nicely with this month's Fall Into Fortune promotion. Bet $100, Get $10 on the card this Thursday from Louisville when you play with 1/ST BET and Xpressbet. Keep a close eye on the weather with a forecast for rain.Churchill Downs: Race 1 | 5:00 pm ET#1 Shinobu (9-2 morning line odds) is shrewdly placed on the class drop for trainer Joe Sharp, whose 2YO maiden claimers during the Churchill September Meets the past 5 years are 9: 4-0-2 with winners at $11, $12, $12 and $22. He's won with his last 3 such bids -- all with Tyler Gaffalione aboard like today. Win bet #1. Picks 1-7-9-12Churchill Downs: Race 4 | 6:30 pm ET#6 Flip Flop Freak (4-1 morning line odds) didn't get any breathers with the trip at Ellis in his Aug. 2 unveiling when hammered to 4-5 on the tote. Bullet work since over the CD strip is a big positive. Trainer Brian Lynch has been a September Meet maestro at CD the past 5 years with 22% wins, nearly 44% in the exacta and a nearly $1.40 return on every $1 bet to win. Only opening day starter for the barn. Win bet #6. Picks 6-8-2-4Churchill Downs: Race 8 | 8:26 pm ET#1 Contrary Chieftain (12-1 morning line odds) gets a longshot look with rail speed. Yes, he exits a race at Lone Star (a race won by a horse on a current 3-race win streak), but he was Southern California speed prior to that June start, his first for Robertino Diodoro. This high-octane barn often moves horses up and note Diodoro's claiming runners are 23% winners and 43% in the exacta during the Churchill September Meet the last 5 years. Win-place 1. Picks 1-2-10-6