The $1 million Louisiana Derby tests Triple Crown hopefuls over 1-3/16 miles and provides a mix of the local stakes establishment against some of the most successful national outfits from Florida and California. It’s the last of 7 stakes on a 14-race program that begins at 1 pm ET.Horseplayers with 1/ST BET and Xpressbet take advantage of up to a $10 money-back special promo on Triple Crown prep race win bets, featuring Saturday’s Louisiana Derby at Fair Grounds as well as the Jeff Ruby at Turfway Park. Get up to $10 back if your win bet finishes second or third when you bet with 1/ST BET and Xpressbet. Also play the $3,000 Exacta-Thon involving both full cards.Let’s meet the contenders for the Louisiana Derby (Race 12):#1-PAVLOVIAN: Santa Anita-based road warrior exits a nose victory in the Sunland Derby in New Mexico last month. That win snapped a 7-race losing streak for the Reddam Racing home-bred who competes for 2-time Kentucky Derby winner Doug O’Neill. Edwin Maldonado has the return mount on the California-bred son of Pavel.#2-AUTOBAHN: Third-start maiden braker stretched out nicely to 1-1/8 miles at Gulfstream Park on Feb. 21 and makes his stakes debut Saturday. Brad Cox trained 2024 Louisiana Derby winner Catching Freedom, adding to his 2020 victory by Wells Bayou. Marcellino Pedroza gets the mount as Irad Ortiz Jr. opts to ride at Turfway on Saturday. Son of 2016 Kentucky Derby winner Nyquist.#3-CHIP HONCHO: Gun Runner Stakes winner will be the only horse to compete in all 4 Louisiana Derby series races, adding a fourth in the Lecomte and second in the Risen Star most recently. Trainer Steve Asmussen won this race last year with Tiztastic, his record fifth Louisiana Derby score. Luis Saez returns to ride the Connect colt, who rematches a third time here with Golden Tempo, splitting previous decisions.#4-UNIVERSE: Saratoga debut winner has dropped 5 straight, including a no-threat fourth in the Risen Star over this track last month. The $75K son of Global Campaign has kept top-class running lines and posted a bullet local workout for this on Saturday. Kenny McPeek saddled 2002 Louisiana Derby winner Repent. Brian Hernandez guided Girvin to Louisiana Derby glory in 2017.#5-GOLDEN TEMPO: Lecomte Stakes winner and Risen Star third-place finisher will add blinkers for the first time. Trainer Cherie DeVaux had her Curlin colt working in company with Blue Grass-bound stablemate Reagan’s Honor while experimenting with the hood. Jockey Jose Ortiz comes into the week a runaway leader in the standings as he defends his title as leading jockey. He’s also won a current meet-best 8 stakes races with 13-27 in the exacta.#6-SPIRIT OF ROYAL: Trainer Dallas Stewart won the 1999 Louisiana Derby with Kimberlite Pipe. He’ll be a big longshot to end that 27-year drought when this 62-1 Southwest Stakes ninth-place finisher takes another big bite of the apple. Francisco Arrieta comes in from Oaklawn to ride this 1-for-7 son of Global Campaign (same sire as Universe in this field).#7-BLACKSMITH: The Los Alamitos Futurity runner-up took 5 tries to break his maiden, getting the job done Feb. 20 at Santa Anita as the 3-5 chalk. Bob Baffert’s lone Louisiana Derby success came with Wimbledon in 2004. Florent Geroux, who left Fair Grounds earlier this year to tack up at Santa Anita, rode him to the west coast win and makes a homecoming of sorts Saturday. The $525K son of Liam’s Map makes his first start on the road.#8-EASTERLY: Gulfstream Park maiden breaker Feb. 7 in his second start gets his first stakes test, but note he debuted second to Class President, who exited that race to win an allowance and Oaklawn’s Rebel Stakes. Trainer Brad Cox’s second chance in this field at notching a third Louisiana Derby score since 2020. Gulfstream rider Edgard Zayas retains the mount and makes a rare road appearance.#9-EMERGING MARKET: Fast and determined debut winner Feb. 7 at Tampa Bay Downs on the Sam F. Davis Stakes undercard. Outlasted promising Powershift for Todd Pletcher, though that one bounced badly next out when sixth in the Tampa Bay Derby on 2 weeks’ less rest. Chad Brown seeks a first Louisiana Derby score, finishing third here in 2024 with Tuscan Gold. He’s raided Fair Grounds to win the Risen Star in ’24 with Sierra Leone and last month with Paladin. Flavien Prat won this race in 2003 with Kingsbarns and 2024 aboard Catching Freedom.

NOTABLE CARRYOVERSJackpot Pick 5 | $140,760 | Parx | begins Race 1 | 12:40 pm ETJackpot Pick 6 | $131,090 | Turf Paradise | begins Race 3 | 5:11 pm ETLONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIXFair Grounds | Race 3 | 2:45 pm ETWill Rogers | Race 8 | 5:34 pm ETTurf Paradise | Race 6 | 6:39 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHBret Calhoun | Fair Grounds | 3 of 4 entrants 4-1 or less oddsDID YOU SEE?Yesterday | Sunland | trainer Todd Fincher | 3 wins, 1 second, 2 thirds from 6 startsPUT 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. The $1.00 Pick 5 with a $10,000 guaranteed pool rolls in Race 5. The $1.00 Late Pick 4 starts in Race 7, and it will be my focus. Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.Race 7 (8:45 PM EDT)1-Mossdale Ben N (2-1)-Did win 2 back versus the Invites. faced the same again, drew the 8 hole and finished 5th by a length. The rail may not best suit its race style but meets easier and is the best horse in the field. Should be good enough to go 1st over, if necessary, and still take a picture.Race 8 (9:05 PM EDT)1-Captain Moore A (7/2)-Drops, gets post relief and Yannick Gingras sticks. Doesn’t usually show big gate speed but has a pilot that will put in a position to win. Fits and can beat the 4 foes by coming off the pace.3-Verdun (8-1)-This will be the 3rd race off the bench and put in a strong try last week. Was blocked down the lane and that probably cost it a 2nd place finish. Came 3rd right behind Jumpingjackmac. Pat Lachance could show some gate speed and be on top or in the pocket after the opening turn. If so, he could work a winning trip and hopefully won’t be bet down.4-Jumpingjackmac N (5/2)-The veteran raced well in both starts versus Invites after the Holiday break. That was a bit of surprise and finished 2nd both times and was 31-1 in the 1st start. Could be the chalk tonight and will respect chances in a competitive affair.Race 9 (9:25 PM EDT)2-Jett Star N (8-1)-It’s fair to say this is a good group of $30K claimers trying to establish themselves as winners at the $40k claiming level. Makes the first start for the Grasso barn off a claim and in the past 365 days that outfit is 1 for 2 after a claim. Went off at 9/5 and beat the $30K claimers in last, with a 54.2 back half. Will string along, especially at the program price and look for another win, up a claiming level.7-Lyons Benjamin (5-1)-The 5-tear-old likes winning, took 10 pictures in 34 races in 2025 and this season has 3 wins in 6 starts. Comes off 3 straight victories, and this post draw helps the price. Matt Kakaley has gate speed to use and could post another win with a smooth steer.Race 10 (9:45 PM EDT)2-All Alone (7/2)-This will be the 3rd start since 11-17 and does well when racing near the top of the stack. Brent Holland should be able to get a good early seat and be the best down the lane.4-American Dealer N (2-1)-The 9-year-old makes its 2nd start for new owners the Burke brigade. Out raced its 19-1 odds last time and finished 3rd by less than a length. Draws well and Gingras will probably look to be aggressive off the gate. The veteran doesn't win as often these days but should have a big chance for a picture here.$1 Late Pick 41/1,3,4/2,7/2,4Total Bet=$12Check me out on X!

SPECIAL WAGERSKentucky Derby Future Wager | closes 6 pm ET through SundaySunset Pick 6 | Gulfstream Races 8-9-10; Santa Anita Races 7-8-9Coast-to-Coast Pick 5 | Gulfstream Races 7-9-10; Santa Anita Races 5-7TOURNAMENT TIME$40 Gulfstream Feeder | details$40 Santa Anita Feeder | detailsNOTABLE CARRYOVERSJackpot Pick 6 | $57,617 | Tampa Bay Downs | begins Race 4 | 2:09 pm ETMandatory Payout Pick 6 | $214,154 | Gulfstream | begins Race 5 | 2:49 pm ETPick 6 | Oaklawn | $25,432 | begins Race 4 | 3:05 pm ETPick 5 | Fonner | $29,376 | begins Race 3 | 3:24 pm ETCoast-to-Coast Pick 5 | $119,874 | Gulfstream/Santa Anita | begins GP Race 7 | 3:52 pm ETSunset Pick 6 | $47,000 | Gulfstream/Santa Anita | begins GP Race 8 | 4:23 pm ETSuper Hi 5 | Gulfstream | Race 10 | 5:25 pm ETPick 6 | $32,101 | Santa Anita | begins Race 4 | 5:36 pm ETKEY RACESSanta Anita | Race 7 | 7:06 pm ET | Santa Ana StakesLONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIXTampa Bay | Race 7 | 3:41 pm ETFair Grounds | Race 5 | 3:45 pm ETSanta Anita | Race 7 | 7:06 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHRon Moquett | Oaklawn | 5 of 6 entrants 9-2 or less oddsDID YOU SEE?Yesterday | Gulfstream | jockey Edgard Zayas | 3 wins, 1 second, 1 third from 9 mountsPUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAMScott Shapiro: Gulfstream Mandatory Payout Pick 6 Analysis for SundayScott Shapiro: Carryover Pick 6 Santa Anita Sunday AnalysisBrian W. Spencer best bets today in Xpressbet.com member’s section

March 15 has turned out to be a massive day of carryovers at 1/ST Racing tracks. Not only are there are carryovers in both two track retail only wagers, a carryover in Santa Anita Park’s traditional $2 Pick 6, and a Super High-5 carryover of over $10k in Florida, but there is huge pool expected for a mandatory payout in Gulfstream Park’s Rainbow 6. Coming into this afternoon there is over $214k of carryover money with track officials estimating today’s pool at $2M. The sequence kicks off at 2:49 PM eastern.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 5:Grade: C+Main Ticket: 1 Mom’s MartiniBackups: 2 Phoenix of Wit; 3 CheekiestForecast: Things get rolling with this beaten claimer at 1 1/16-miles over the turf where I am expecting an honest pace. This bodes well for #1 Mom’s Martini. The daughter of Liam’s Map moves back to the turf after being caught wide in a starter over the all-weather on February 12. She has had far more success in terms of wins over the synth, but finished well two-back over this course. She should get the right trip under Tyler Gaffalione.Race 6:Grade: B-Main Ticket: 9 Pharoah’s Affair; 7 Joyful Justice; 4 Miss ComplicatedBackups: NoneForecast: #7 Joyful Justice was made the 5-2-ML favorite in this MSW for 3YO fillies at 7-furlongs over the main track. The Juddmote homebred was an underwhelming third on debut and is almost certain to get over bet, but does not meet the strongest group. I will include her, as well as a pair of others. First-time starter #9 Pharoah’s Affair intrigues. The Ontario-bred is a three-quarters sister to 2021 Gotham Stakes winner Weyburn and attracts Luis Saez. She appears live at double-digits to kick off her career.Race 7:Grade: B-Main Ticket: 4 Bembridge Ledge; 1 Pretty ShyBackups: 6 Acheron; 2 American PopstarForecast: I had a hard time getting past the logicals in this non-winners of two event over the grass, but do prefer a pair of fillies to 3-1-ML favorite #2 American Popstar. #4 Bembridge Lane should make the lead. She did two-back in Tampa and lost by a nose. Luis Saez was aboard her lone victory and is back for the first time since. #1 Pretty Shy also makes her second start of the form cycle. She chased a lone speed winner to the wire in her 2026 debut and should benefit from her inside draw.Race 8:Grade: B-Main Ticket: 3 Sound of the Beast; 6 EndrickBackups: NoneForecast: I will go two-deep in this open $6250 claimer that lacks early speed. #3 Sound of the Beast could be the one to take advantage. The Florida-bred has been popular at the claim box of late. He was claimed out of his last race at this level by trainer Ronald Coy after finishing second at 6.5-furlongs. The son of Big Beast was beaten to the lead that day by the eventual winner, but should make the front here under jockey Edwin Gonzalez. If he is unable to shake loose early, I like the chances of 5-2-favorite #6 Endrick to run him down late. The 4YO gelding should appreciate getting off the inside and taking on lesser after setting the pace from his rail draw on February 14. The outside post should give Edgard Zayas options after the break.Race 9:Grade: BMain Ticket: 7 MintyBackups: NoneForecast: I will take a stand in this second-level allowance event at 7.5-furlongs over the grass with 7-2-second choice #7 Minty. The Mark Casse trainee has found a home going long evidenced by her big improvement since stretching out to a route of ground last year. She returned off a freshening on February 7 and put in a strong run to finish second beaten just a neck by gate-to-wire winner Wrigleyville. She won her only start over this course and should get a favorable voyage under jockey Dylan Davis.Race 10:Grade: C+Main Ticket: 9 Battle of Dover; 1 Corta Fuego; 2 Jim’s Hope; 7 JayhawkBackups:Forecast: This open $20k claimer at two-turns over the grass is a challenging way to close things out. I will use more than a couple in a race where it is easy to see at least half the field finding their way to the wire first. #9 Battle of Dover deserves respect after overcoming being wide throughout in a similar spot on February 15. He will have to do likely to that again though given his outside draw making him hard to fully trust. That said, he is my lukewarm top selection to close the racing week out in Hallandale Beach.

Sunday March 15 is a day for the horizontal horseplayer to attack at 1/ST Racing tracks. There are a pair of carryovers at Gulfstream Park, including a mandatory payout in the Rainbow 6, as well as carryovers in both retail only two track horizontals. In addition to all of this, Santa Anita Park has a $32,101 carryover in the traditional $2 Pick 6. The sequence kicks off in Race 4 at 5:36 PM eastern time/2:36 local time and includes the featured Santa Ana (G3). Here are my thoughts.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: XMain Ticket: 4 Contrary ChieftainBackups: NoneForecast: The sequence commences with an open $6250 claimer that was scratched down to just three. So regardless of opinion, taking a stand is almost always going to be the correct strategy. I will do so with the chalk #4 Contrary Chieftain. He ran poorly versus better competition last out, but two-back crushed #1 Mother’s Prayer in a race at this level. He draws outside and should be a tough customer.Race 5:Grade: B-Main Ticket: 7 Beef WinslowBackups: 1 Kokosan; 9 Sir PercivalForecast: 2-1-ML favorite #7 Beef Winslow was a much the best winner in his 2026 debut going 6.5-furlongs on January 15. The 7YO gelding has rattled off two straight and has been at his best going a route of ground. He should be tough to hold off late, but I will also include a pair of up-and-coming 4YOs that should get the jump at far bigger prices. #9 Sir Percival will have to overcome the outside draw, but has done very little wrong thus far, while #1 Kokosan should get a far different trip than last out given his inside draw and less early speed signed one. Both can spring the upset with a favorable race shape.Race 6:Grade: XMain Ticket: 2 Cash CallBackups: 3 OotyForecast: Trainer Bob Baffert holds the keys in this $71k allowance at 6.5-furlongs over the main track. The Hall of Fame conditioner has 4-5-ML favorite #2 Cash Call and long shot #3 Ooty. I much prefer the returning Cash Call to clear second choice #5 Thermal making her an easy key on most tickets. That said, the “other Bob” scares me a touch. Ooty cuts back to a sprint after racing last in the two-turn La Canada (G3). If the pace is lively early, this gal should be rolling late.Race 7: Santa Ana (G3)Grade: B-Main Ticket: 9 ResolveBackups: 10 Mrs. AstorForecast: The Sunday feature goes through 5-2-ML favorite #10 Mrs. Astor. The 6YO mare has won 4 of 6 over this course, including her first start of the year back in mid-January. She is the class of the field, but has beaten up on mostly shorter fields than she encounters later today. I respect her chances against this bunch, but I will try to beat her with #9 Resolve. The daughter of Midnight Lute needs to avoid spotting the field too many lengths, but comes in off a pair of head defeats to kick off her 4YO season. She is just 1 for 16 in her career, but belongs in this spot and could get overlooked in the wagering.Race 8:Grade: C+Main Ticket: 2 Cash in Toknight; 7 Big MissBackups: 4 Southern RiffForecast: Two fillies are likely to take the lions’ share of the money in this state-bred maiden claimer over the main track. I will use #2 Cash in Toknight on the class drop, but toss #6 Twisted Humor. The Jeff Bonde trainee has burnt a good deal of money thus far and has struggled to seal the deal despite finding good spots in the early going. Instead, I will use a pair of prices, including #7 Big Miss. The daughter of Mr. Big was the best of the off the pace runner in her return to the races on February 15. If the pace is lively, she should have some energy in the lane.Race 9:Grade: BMain Ticket: 9 Rosa ParksBackups: 1 Miyako; 6 Eiffel; 10 TequillaandtherapyForecast: The finale is a first-level allowance event for fillies and mares at 6-panels where #9 Rosa Parks looms large. The Nick Alexander homebred moves off the rail to a more favorable outside draw after putting forth a strong second off the bench in mid-February. She should get a perfect stalking trip under regular rider Antonio Fresu. For those looking to beat the likely favorite, #1 Miyako could be dangerous if left alone on the front, but it is more likely the race falls apart. Perhaps #6 Eiffel is the one that can benefit. The City of Light filly had no chance given race dynamics in her first start off the bench. A different flow and a race after shaking off the rust could prove highly advantageous.

Miami Valley begins the week with a 14-race card. The 0.50 Late Pick 4 starts in Race 11, and it will be my focus. Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.Race 11 (7:30 PM EDT)1-Higher Ground (2-1)-Took over early on in last and looked the part of an 8/5 favorite controlling the mile to the wire. David Miller should be in good shape around the opening turn and then will look to push the button at the right time. Gets a post edge that could be the winning difference.4-Johnny Up (6-1)-This will be the 3rd race in the Ed Miller barn and didn't get a smooth trip in the first 2 starts. Lather Up 4-year-old has some gate speed to use and can land on the point or in the pocket. Either trip could work and will look for 6-1 or better.7-Scares Me (7/2)-The Burke trainee is in sharp form. Moves up after a dominant win from the inside and will need a smooth steer from Chris Page. Likes to race near the top but may have to leave and get a decent seat. Could do its best work late in the mile. Should offer a fair price with this post draw.Race 12 (7:51 PM EDT)5-Boozer (5-1)-Won 2 back versus this kind. Then came back against the same, the trip was bumpy and faded to come 4th. Looks to be worth a swing for a bounce back win at a square price. Will use and fade the morning line chalk (2) General Idea.6-The Devils Own (N) (4-1)-Starts in a good slot, was just nipped in the last 2 races and finished 2nd. This looks likes a main player, and should be out and rolling. This is another that can offer a square price and with a smooth trip could be posing.Race 13 (8:12 PM EDT)2-Regal Escape (3-1)-Won 2 back, then stepped up to face this kind and drew the 9-hole. Will toss last because of being too far back early on. But did finish well, now gets significant post relief, and has good speed.6-Wicked Character (2-1)-Did make up ground leaving from the 7-hole and moving in on spot should help. Before the last start was stuck with the 9 and 8 posts. Not loving the short price but will look for an aggressive steer by Chris Page and could get on the engine.Race 14 (9:33 PM EDT)1-Bars And Notes (3-1)-Beaten odds-on chalk raced better than the line looked. Was 2nd over from the 3/8's on following a longshot. Then had to go 3 wide on the last turn and the trip took its toll. Should have finished 2nd behind a trip out winner but was nipped at the wire. Will look for a stronger effort in the 3rd race after shipping in from Yonkers.10-Dearming Of Lou (6-1)-Bounces between MVR and HoP and when here has been facing tougher. Needs a trip and doesn't have big gate speed. So could get a better journey than from the 8-hole the last time in town, and might be overlooked. The class relief should make a difference and with a sharp steer could can the leader down the lane.$1 Late Pick 41,4,7/5,6/2,6/1,10Total Bet=$24Check me out on X!

EXTRA INCENTIVES2 Million 1/ST Rewards Points | Colonial Downs Late Pick 4$10 Money-Back Special | Virginia Derby at Colonial | up to $10 back if win bet finishes 2nd, 3rdSCHEDULE NOTESLaurel | cancelled due to insufficient entriesSPECIAL WAGERSKentucky Derby Future Wager | opens noon ET through SundaySunset Pick 6 | Gulfstream Races 10-11-12; Santa Anita Races 7-8-9Coast-to-Coast Pick 5 | Gulfstream Races 9-12; Santa Anita Races 3-5-7TOURNAMENT TIME$300 Florida/Santa Anita Derby Challenge Qualifier | details$40 Gulfstream Feeder | details$40 Santa Anita Feeder | detailsNOTABLE CARRYOVERSJackpot Pick 6 | $52,960 | Tampa Bay Downs | begins Race 4 | 2:09 pm ETJackpot Pick 6 | $161,071 | Gulfstream | begins Race 7 | 3:52 pm ETJackpot Pick 6 | $76,773 | Turfway | begins Race 5 | 7:55 pm ETSunset 6 | $11,950 | Gulfstream/Santa Anita | begins GP Race 10 | 5:25 pm ET--Gulfstream will have a mandatory payout SundayKEY RACESGulfstream | Race 3 | 1:51 pm ET | Any Limit StakesColonial Downs | Race 5 | 2:20 pm ET | Royal New Kent StakesColonial Downs | Race 6 | 2:55 pm ET | Sandy Bottom StakesColonial Downs | Race 7 | 3:30 pm ET | Sandy Bottom Stakes (second division)Aqueduct | Race 7 | 4:17 pm ET | Jimmy Winkfield StakesColonial Downs | Race 8 | 4:25 pm ET | Virginia OaksGulfstream | Race 9 | 4:54 pm ET | Hutcheson StakesSanta Anita | Race 3 | 5:05 pm ET | San Simeon StakesColonial Downs | Race 9 | 5:10 pm ET | Virginia Derby | Meet the ContendersOaklawn | Race 8 | 5:12 pm ET | Purple Martin StakesOaklawn | Race 10 | 6:21 pm ET | Whitmore StakesGulfstream | Race 12 | 6:25 pm ET | Captiva Island StakesTurfway | Race 8 | 9:25 pm ET | Queen StakesLONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIXGulfstream | Race 8 | 4:23 pm ETFair Grounds | Race 6 | 6:49 pm ETSanta Anita | Race 9 | 8:10 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHLinda Rice | Aqueduct | 7 of 8 entrants 4-1 or less oddsDID YOU SEE?Yesterday | Fair Grounds | 20-cent jackpot pick 6 scooped by 1 ticket for $251,468.10PUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAMScott Shapiro: Saturday Santa Anita Spot PlaysScott Shapiro: Colonial Downs Late Pick 4 Hit & Split AnalysisFrank Carulli & Brian W. Spencer best bets today in Xpressbet.com member’s section