Last year’s Grade 2 Remsen Stakes exacta (pictured) eventually produced Fountain of Youth, Belmont Stakes and Haskell winner Dornoch as well as Blue Grass and Breeders’ Cup Classic hero Sierra Leone. What’s in store for this $250,000 co-feature on Saturday’s Cigar Mile Day card at Aqueduct? The Remsen is one of several 2-year-old stakes of note this week around the country, including Oaklawn’s Advent on Friday, and Saturday’s Inaugural at Tampa Bay Downs and Maryland Juvenile at Laurel Park. Let’s meet the contenders for the 1-1/8 miles Remsen (Race 7): #1-TUX: Most lightly raced member of this year’s Remsen won his only start, a November 9 Aqueduct sprint over 6-1/2 furlongs. The Tapit colt is out of Fancy Dress Party, who won 5 of 6 starts (Beaumont et al) as a pure sprinter. Rail speed is beneficial in this race to stretch his game as far as it will go. Trainer Bill Mott is a 2-time Remsen Winner (Court Vision 2007 and To Honor and Serve 2010). Jockey Junior Alvarado won this race in 2015 aboard Mohaymen. #2-AVIATOR GUI: A winner in 1 of 3 starts, he broke his maiden over a mile at the Big A in September. Sire Uncle Mo also was responsible for 2021 Remsen winner Mo Donegal and 2016 champ Mo Town. Trainer Chad Brown was runner-up in this race last year with Sierra Leone and won it in 2014 with Leave the Light On. Manny Franco piloted 2017 Remsen winner Catholic Boy, who was also the last winner in this race to prep on turf like Aviator Gui bids. #3-POSTER: Unbeaten Kentucky raider brings a 2-for-2 turf mark into his first stakes chance and first bid on dirt. Munnings colt is out of a half-sister to 2006 Preakness and Travers winner Bernardini. Trainer Eoin Harty and Godolphin won last Saturday’s Kentucky Jockey Club at Churchill Downs, already putting First Resort squarely on the Triple Crown trail. Jockey Flavien Prat’s 53 graded stakes wins in 2024 lead the nation and are just 2 off the all-time, single-season record of 55 set by Jerry Bailey in 2003. #4-STUDLYDORIGHT: Nashua and Tremont winner is the most seasoned Remsen entrant with 3 victories from 6 starts, which include 4 previous road trips to New York venues. The last Maryland-based Remsen winner was Jeremiah O’Dwyer’s Shotski in 2019. Veteran trainer Jerry Robb keeps his Laurel Park A-rider Xavier Perez aboard this son of Breeders’ Cup Juvenile and Kentucky Derby winner Nyquist. That sire’s current 2-year-old crop also includes Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies winner Immersive. #5-KEEWAYDIN: Instagrand colt is the highest-priced auction buy in the field at $140,000 amongst an economical cast. Debuted a solid third at Saratoga before an Aqueduct graduation score October 12. Earned field’s top Beyer Speed Figure (91) in his 7-furlong victory. Should be on or near the pace while trying to extend miler’s pedigree under Dylan Davis, who has won more races on the NYRA circuit this year than any other rider. Trainer Chad Brown was runner-up in this race last year with Sierra Leone and won it in 2014 with Leave the Light On. #6-SURFSIDE MOON: Delaware Park turf mile winner in August holds a 1-for-5 record, but is 3: 0-0-1 on dirt. Trainer James L. Lawrence II flirted with the Triple Crown in 2016 with Jerome and Withers runner-up Vorticity. Finished 2 lengths behind Remsen rival Studydoright in the Laurel Futurity when fifth. Kendrick Carmouche rode him last out when fifth on grass in the Awad Stakes and returns in the saddle. Catholic Boy (2017) was the last Remsen winner to exit a turf prep. #7-GUN TRADER: $8,000 bargain purchase took 6 starts to break his maiden, punching home as the 3-2 favorite on November 4 at Parx. Maximus Mischief successfully took the Parx path to the Remsen winner’s circle in 2018. From the first crop to race by Tom’s d’Etat, who won the Fayette, Clark and Stephen Foster over the Remsen’s 9-furlong trip. Apprentice jockey Francisco Martinez retains the mount and looks for his first graded stakes score. Trainer Uriah St. Lewis is best known for Discreet Lover’s 45-1 upset in the 2018 Grade 1 Jockey Club Gold Cup in a previous NYRA raid.

Yonkers Raceway has a 9-race card. The 0.50 Pick 5 with a $10,000 guaranteed pool begins in Race 5. 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 (8:40 PM EST) 1-Peace Out Posse (5/2)-Took the long way around in last, and went the back half in .57 to get up in time. Matt Kakaley will look to make every call a winning one with this post draw. 2-Orlando Blue A (7/2)-Has been trying hard and finally connected for a win with a .56 back-half. Left from the rail last time and could be put into play the same way here. 6-Surfside Beach (9/2)-Came close against the $50k claimers, likes to come off cover and did so last week to fall short by a neck. Raced well last time and the line was better than it looked as the Team Stratton entry sped home in 55.2. Mike Lachance was between the pipes and now Jordan Stratton returns and that could make a winning difference. Race 7 (9:00 PM EST) 2-Backstreet Shadow (5/2)-Finished a close 3rd and was impressive in defeat after switching barns and being off for 3 weeks. Gets the jump on tough foes and should land on the point easier after moving in from post 6, both factors can be difference makers. 7-Hemsworth N (5-1)-Post 7 could be its undoing but comes off a win, has been racing well and the price is right to use. Yannick Gingras takes over for Austin Siegelman and the start will be interesting. It's doubtful Gingras can out-leave Backstreet Shadow but with a good early seat he could fly down the lane and roll by late. 8-Aardies Flash N (4-1)-Not sure how good the New Zealand bred will end up being but so far has done nothing wrong. Deserves respect, has drawn off in both local starts, steps again and now starts from post 8. This might be too much to ask but wouldn't want the ticket to come apart by selling the Engblom pupil short. Race 8 (9:20 PM EST) 1-Carabao A (5/2)-This looks like the battle will be between the two inside post draws. Raced well after a sick scratch to come 2nd and now the Hudson trainee leaves from the 1-hole and faces basically the same kind. ANap should have the veteran forwardly placed throughout. 2-Finvarra A (7/2)-Finished 2nd at this level and then took on the Invites and was stuck with post 7. Now drops and looks like a main player. Comes back in sequence and will see a more aggressive steer from Brent Holland in this spot. Race 9 (9:40 PM EST) 1-Euphoria N (5/2) Won versus this kind back in August and went gate to wire. This is 1st time Lasix which isn’t my preferred angle but it could work at this level starting from the rail. Plus, Matt Kakaley makes a rare appearance for the Shaun Valle Barn and that formula has produced 40% winners. 3-Jahan Hanover (2/1)-Not liking the short price but this is a soft spot. Hasn’t been sharp but this should be a wakeup call but won’t offer any value. 4-Italian Lad N (9/2)-Will look for an aggressive steer from ANap in a race without much gate speed. Drops and Lad could blast out and land in the pocket behind Euphoria. That trip could set up nicely for the camera-shy veteran. $1.00 Late Pick 4 1,2,6/2,7,8/1,2/1,3,4 Total Bet=$54 Check me out on Twitter!

EXTRA INCENTIVES Cyber Weekend 1/ST Rewards Points Sale | details 1/ST BET AI MOST LIKELY TURF PARADISE WINNER Turf Paradise | Race 4 | 4:12 pm ET | #7 Amaretto Di Amore (30%) LONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIX Parx | Race 10 | 4:08 pm ET Zia Park | Race 7 | 4:53 pm ET Mountaineer | Race 4 | 8:15 pm ET TRAINERS TO WATCH Dick Cappellucci | Zia Park | 8 of 9 entrants 5-1 or less morning line DID YOU SEE? Yesterday | Churchill Downs | trainer Bill Mott | 3 wins, 1 third from 5 starters on closing day PUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAM Frank Carulli & Brian W. Spencer Monday best bets available in Xpressbet.com member’s section

EXTRA INCENTIVES $10,000 Turkey Bowl | weekend stakes races | details Cyber Weekend 1/ST Rewards Points Sale | details SCHEDULE NOTE Churchill Downs & Del Mar | closing day of the meet at both tracks TOURNAMENT TIME $200 SA Opening Day Challenge Qualifier (Del Mar) | details NOTABLE CARRYOVERS Mandatory payout pick 6 | $240,017 | Churchill Downs | begins Race 7 | 3:49 pm ET Jackpot pick 6 | $123,451 (US) | Woodbine | begins Race 6 | 3:57 pm ET Mandatory payout 3x3 | $9,922 | Del Mar | begins Race 7 | 6:28 pm ET 1/ST BET AI MOST LIKELY MATRIARCH WINNER Del Mar | Race 7 | 6:28 pm ET | #5 Aussie Girl (15%) KEY RACES Del Mar | Race 3 | 4:28 pm ET | Stormy Liberal Stakes Del Mar | Race 5 | 5:28 pm ET | DeMille Stakes Churchill Downs | Race 11 | 5:48 pm ET | Cherokee Mile Stakes Del Mar | Race 7 | 6:28 pm ET | Matriarch Stakes LONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIX Gulfstream Park | Race 1 | 12:20 pm ET Churchill Downs | Race 8 | 4:18 pm ET Del Mar | Race 7 | 6:28 pm ET TRAINERS TO WATCH Phil D’Amato | Del Mar | all 5 entrants 5-1 or less morning line DID YOU SEE? Yesterday | Aqueduct | favorites won just 1 of 10 races on the card PUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAM Jeff Siegel: What You Need to Know – Del Mar | Sunday, December 1, 2024 Scott Shapiro: Churchill $240K Carryover Pick 6 Analysis Frank Carulli & Brian W. Spencer Sunday best bets available in Xpressbet.com member’s section

The next time there will be live racing at Churchill Downs after today, it will be one week from the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby. However, a strong 12-race closing day card awaits that includes a $240,017 carryover in the Derby City 6 that must go. 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 7: Grade: C+ Main Ticket: 6 Grand Job; 3 East Shore Backups: None Forecast: #6 Grand Job is likely to be a popular single to kick off the Pick 6 after winning by six lengths in her first start in the States on Halloween for Hall of Famer Bill Mott. The Justify filly will easily handle this first-level allowance field if she replicates her effort at Aqueduct off the 13-month layoff, but I am not willing to single her. She took advantage of a good rail in her wire-to-wire score in New York and this barn is 0 for their last 22 in Louisville. That said, she projects to potentially be loose on the lead as the fastest horse, so I will keep it thin adding just #3 East Shore. The Dale Romans trainee is one of just two runners in the field with multiple lifetime victories. If they go at it early, she is the one likeliest to run them down. Race 8: Grade: B- Main Ticket: 4 Tickled Quist; 2 White Whale Backups: 7 Burning Glory Forecast: #7 Burning Glory and #2 White Whale are the morning line choices in this MSW event for 2YOs at one-mile over the main track. Burning Glory was caught wide throughout in his second career start, but still fought on to finish second that day. The track did favor off the pace types though and as already mentioned, this barn has been chilly of late in the Blue Grass. I will include as a backup. White Whale I like a bit more. The Calumet Farm homebred ran second to the good-looking Disco Time back on November 1. Disco Time came right back to win in an allowance event yesterday. White Whale was not exactly full of run late, but should move forward here against a bit softer bunch. I like #4 Tickled Quist most. Brad Cox means business when he takes the blinkers off a 2YO for the initial time clicking at 28% over the last five years for an ROI of $2.15. Last out, this colt was part of a contentious early pace in a similar spot, but at two-turns. He has been given 2.5 months since the fifth-place effort and attracts Luis Saez. He appears ready to roll off the freshening.   Race 9: Grade: B Main Ticket: 5 Disco Ball Backups: 7 Tejano Twist Forecast: There is very little speed signed on in this $148k allowance event at six panels, which benefits #5 Disco Ball immensely. The son of Orb does have to prove himself over the Churchill main track, but comes in having won four consecutive at three different venues for trainer David Jacobson. Jacobson has won 3 of his last 10 and brings this gelding in off the break. He should have no issue making the lead under Samy Camacho Jr. Hopefully he handles the ship and the class hike. #3 Angkor is a tough read as the 2-1-morning line choice. He projects to get a favorable voyage off the moderate early tempo. This could be the winning trip for a horse that obviously fits well, but he just is not a runner that has a will to win making him difficult to get excited about at 2-1. #7 Tejano Twist is unlikely to get the setup he needs to run this field down, but that was also the case when we saw him last in the Bet On Sunshine. He ran fourth in a race dominated by those on the front end. I will use him as a backup. Race 10: Grade: C+ Main Ticket: 11 Piroli; 4 San Siro Backups: None Forecast: #11 Piroli was entered in Friday’s Clark (G2), but trainer Michael McCarthy opted to scratch the son of Battle of Midway for this second-level allowance event at 1 1/16-miles. The Don Alberto homebred should get a contentious pace to run at in his first start over this surface. Jockey Florent Geroux will have a bit of a difficult task early to avoid a wide voyage into the first turn from his outside draw, but if he can he should be able to handle this group. If you are looking for a bigger price from off the pace perhaps #4 San Siro can make the last move. The Classic Empire gelding was caught wide in his first try at this level last out, but battled to the wire at 7-1 to finish fourth. The slight cutback and likely contentious first-half mile should benefit the Brendan Walsh trainee. Race 11: Cherokee Mile Grade: C+ Main Ticket: 2 Three Technique (pictured); 5 Frosted Departure; 3 Injunction; 1 Brunacini; 9 Call Me Fast Backups: None Forecast: The closing day feature appears as wide-open as any race within the sequence. The morning line favorite #3 Injunction merits respect and has shown an affinity for this surface, but draws towards the inside, which could make things a bit tricky for jockey Edgar Morales. The second choice #1 Brunacini was really good when wide much of the way in his victory in the Perryville (G3), but now moves from the far outside to the rail in his first try over Churchill Downs’ one-turn mile configuration. The bottom line is this is a spread race for me where unfortunately I am not against the likely public choices, but give some price horse some shots as well. Hopefully we get lucky. I would handle it differently if it were not a six-figure carryover situation. Race 12: Grade: C+ Main Ticket: 5 Eddie M; 6 Keen Cat; 12 Ram Backups: None Forecast: #3 Global Sensation returns quickly after a disappointing run in the Claiming Crown on November 16. Prior to his mid-pack finish, the 5YO gelding had been on quite a run finishing in the top two in six straight, including four wins but I am concerned he is a bit of a tired horse coming back on too short of rest. At his 3-1-morning line price, I am willing to let him beat me. I prefer his stablemate #5 Eddie M who is protected in his first start off the claim for Juan Cano after a three-length win as the even-money choice on the Claiming Crown undercard. I like that his connections opt to protect him off the claim and his 4 for 5 record over this surface certainly do not hurt his chances. I will also include #6 Keen Cat and #12 Ram. If this falls apart late, these are the two I expect to take advantage. Good luck!

RACE 5: Post: 2:30 PT Grade: A- Top Selection/Prime Play: 4-Scipio Back-ups:: none. Forecast: Scipio finished fourth, beaten two lengths, in a valuable listed stakes at Del Mar on Breeders’ Cup weekend and with any kind of clean trip this talented two-year-old would have won. Racing in heaving traffic and forced to check and steady several times, the son of Caravaggio finally secured clear sailing and flew home but was simply too late. In this year’s renewal of the Cecil B. DeMille S.-G3 over a mile on turf, the R. Baltas-trained ridgling needs only to settle somewhere in mid-pack and then - if he has to - take the overland route under F Plat to outkick his rivals close him. With rising numbers and a wicked turn of foot, he’s going places – hopefully to the winner’s circle today – while offering excellent wagering value as the logical post time favorite. ______________________________________________________________________________ RACE 7: Post: 3:30 PT Grade: B+ Top Selection/Prime Play: 3-Ag Bullet Back-ups: 11-Gina Romantica Forecast: With the scratching of the speedy front runner Kehoe Beach (who remained in Kentucky and wired the field in the Mrs. Revere Stakes at Churchill Downs on Friday), the pace scenario in this year’s edition of the Matriarch S.-G1 changes dramatically, and that’s good news for Ag Bullet, who surely will inherit the role as the controlling speed. A gate-to-wire winner of the listed Osunitas Stakes over this course and distance last summer, the daughter of Twirling Candy should prove to be difficult to catch based on the projected race flow, and on her best day she’s good enough to take control early and never look back. Beaten a neck when third in the Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint-G1 last time out, she’s back with fillies and mares today, has breezed well in the interim, and retains regular pilot U. Rispoli, who knows her well and fits her perfectly. ______________________________________________________________________________

Northfield Park begins the week with a 16-race card. The $1.00 Late Pick 4 starts 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) 2-Eveninstarzrapsody (8-1)-This is the 2nd start after a sick scratch and draws an inside post which could make a difference. Needs to be on the point or racing at the top of the stack. That trip is possible with a sharp steer from Keith Kash. 4-Legend N Cress (3-1)-Was used a couple of times in a win and this filly likes to take pictures. Steps-up but could get an efficient trip and Justine Irvine should have in play at the top of the lane. 5-Lady Holly (8-1)-Raced from the back in a needed start after shipping in from DTN. That was a nice tune-up and should be better tonight. This will be a test but best to not over overlook, does good work at Nfld (8-3-2-1). Race 12 (10:02 PM EST) 1-Saddle Up N Cruise (2-1)-This mare is on a nice roll, beat the $6k claimers in the beginning of October after a claim by the Ver Hage barn and keeps improving. Rallied off a determined effort and wide trip to win in this series last week and is the one to beat here. 6-Elysium Seelster (25-1)-Comes off an even effort on a short turn-around after shipping in from Btva. Recent form has been dull but competes and this isn't a salty group. Has hit the board in 7 of 9 at Nfld with 3 pictures. Race 13 (10:24 PM EST) 5-Think Of Galaxies (7-1)-Beat this kind 2 back and will toss the last start. Raced from the back and took the long way around, and this post draw should work better. 6-Majors Miracle (5/2)-Steps-up after a sharp gate to wire score. Aaron Merriman gets the nod again and that will keep the price down. Knows how to beat this kind plus the mare likes to win (32-8-3-5) and deserves respect. 9-Be My Rose N (7/2)-The Burke veteran is often handicapped with an outside post and does more than hold her own with this company. May offer some value and there is a bit of gate speed to the inside. Ronnie Wrenn knows how work a trip from the 2nd tier and this post draw is not as bad as others have been. Race 14 (10:46 PM EST) 1-Pirate's Loot (7/2)-The Muscle Hill colt hasn't taken a picture in a long time and has no excuse for not being a main player here. Chris Lems should be at the top of the stack when the wings fold and that hasn't happened in the last 5 starts. Looking for a big try and will need the pilot to do his part. 4-Rankin (3-1)-Hit a wall in last after being used hard off the gate on a "good" track at DTN. Comes back in sequence and has won 3 of 8 at Nfld and 9 of 23 this year. Justin Irvine could be on top off the gate or no worse than in the pocket. $1.00 Late Pick 4 2,4,5/1,6/5,6,9/1,4 Total Bet=$36 Check me out on Twitter!

EXTRA INCENTIVES $10,000 Turkey Bowl | weekend stakes races | details Cyber Weekend 1/ST Rewards Points Sale | details$10 Money-Back Special | Gulfstream Park Races 6 & 10 | up to $10 back if win bet finishes 2nd, 3rd TOURNAMENT TIME $40 Del Mar Feeder | details NOTABLE CARRYOVERS Pick 6 | $13,529 | Fair Grounds | begins Race 4 | 3:15 pm ET Jackpot pick 6 | $113,983 (US) | Woodbine | begins Race 5 | 3:23 pm ET Jackpot pick 6 | $217,937 | Churchill Downs | begins Race 7 | 3:49 pm ET Jackpot pick 6 | $81,388 | Charles Town | begins Race 3 | 8:02 pm ET 1/ST BET AI MOST LIKELY LAUREL STAKES WINNER Laurel | Race 7 | 3:19 pm ET | #3 Dazzling Move (27%) KEY RACES Gulfstream | Race 6 | 2:45 pm ET | FSS My Dear Girl Stakes Laurel | Race 7 | 3:19 pm ET | Safely Kept Stakes Churchill Downs | Race 6 | 3:21 pm ET | Ed Brown Stakes Aqueduct | Race 9 | 3:38 pm ET | Comely Stakes Laurel | Race 8 | 3:51 pm ET | City of Laurel Stakes Gulfstream | Race 10 | 4:43 pm ET | FSS In Reality Stakes Churchill Downs | Race 9 | 4:48 pm ET | Golden Rod Stakes Woodbine | Race 8 | 4:55 pm ET | Princess Elizabeth Stakes Fair Grounds | Race 8 | 5:15 pm ET | Pan Zareta Stakes Churchill Downs | Race 10 | 5:18 pm ET | Fern Creek Stakes Woodbine | Race 9 | 5:25 pm ET | Coronation Futurity Del Mar | Race 5 | 5:27 pm ET | Jimmy Durante Stakes Churchill Downs | Race 11 | 5:48 pm ET | Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes Del Mar | Race 7 | 6:27 pm ET | Seabiscuit Stakes Pleasanton | Race 8 | 6:42 pm ET | Livermore Valley Stakes Del Mar | Race 9 | 7:27 pm ET | Hollywood Derby Stakes LONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIX Tampa Bay Downs | Race 3 | 1:33 pm ET Churchill Downs | Race 4 | 2:24 pm ET Del Mar | Race 5 | 5:27 pm ET TRAINERS TO WATCH Brad Cox | Aqueduct, Churchill Downs, Fair Grounds, Gulfstream, Laurel | 10 of 15 entrants 5-2 or less morning line DID YOU SEE? Yesterday | Churchill Downs | jockey Luis Saez | 4 wins, 2 seconds, 1 third from 9 mounts PUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAM Jeff Siegel: What You Need to Know – Del Mar | Saturday, November 30, 2024 Scott Shapiro: Turkey Bowl Weekend Stakes Promo Picks Scott Shapiro: Churchill Downs Spot Plays | Saturday, November 30, 2024 Jeremy Plonk: Race of the Week – Gulfstream’s Florida Sire Stakes In Reality Frank Carulli & Brian W. Spencer Saturday best bets available in Xpressbet.com member’s section