EXTRA INCENTIVESBet $100, Get $10 | Parx | today’s racesBet $100, Get $10 | Red Shores-Charlottetown (harness) | today’s races$5,000 Trifecta-Thon | Los Alamitos (TB) | Friday-Saturday-SundaySCHEDULE NOTESParx | early first post 10:35 am ETSPECIAL WAGERSSummer Sweep Pick 5 | Gulfstream Races 7-9, Parx Races 12-13-14--$1 minimum, 15% takeout, no CAWTOURNAMENT TIME$500 Canterbury NHC Qualifier | details$40 Los Alamitos (TB) feeder | detailsNOTABLE CARRYOVERSJackpot Pick 5 | $165,435 | Parx | begins Race 1 | 10:35 pm ETPick 6 | $11,787 | Los Al (TB) | begins Race 4 | 5:37 pm ETKEY RACESParx | Race 7 | 1:27 pm ET | Philly Special StakesParx | Race 8 | 1:56 pm ET | Stable Recovery StakesParx | Race 9 | 2:26 pm ET | Liberty Bell StakesParx | Race 10 | 2:57 pm ET | Greenwood CupParx | Race 11 | 3:30 pm ET | Parx Dirt MileParx | Race 12 | 4:03 pm ET | Gallant Bob StakesLaurel | Race 9 | 4:15 pm ET | Weather Vane StakesBelmont | Race 9 | 4:45 pm ET | Floral Park StakesParx | Race 13 | 4:58 pm ET | Cotillion StakesWoodbine | Race 8 | 5:01 pm ET | Sweet Briar Too StakesLouisiana Downs | Race 3 | 5:31 pm ET | first of 6 LA Cup stakesWoodbine | Race 9 | 5:36 pm ET | Durham CupParx | Race 14 | 5:48 pm ET | Pennsylvania DerbyLos Alamitos (TB) | Race 8 | 7:50 pm ET | EB Johnston StakesCanterbury | Race 7 | 8:10 pm ET | Shakopee Juvenile StakesChurchill | Race 6 | 8:30 pm ET | Harrods Creek StakesChurchill | Race 8 | 9:39 pm ET | Dogwood StakesCharles Town | Race 7 | 10:02 pm ET | Mercer Memorial StakesChurchill | Race 10 | 10:40 pm ET | Seneca Overnight StakesLONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIXLaurel Park | Race 6 | 2:41 pm ETBelmont Park | Race 6 | 3:00 pm ETParx | Race 12 | 4:03 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHSteve Asmussen | Remington Park | all 5 entrants 5-1 or less odds (4 at 5-2 or less)DID YOU SEE?Yesterday | Belmont Park | jockey Manny Franco 3 wins from 7 opening day mountsPUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAMScott Shapiro: Parx PA Derby Day Spot PlaysJeremy Plonk: Race of the Week – PA Derby at ParxMatt Bernier: One for the Money – Cotillion at Parx AnalysisScott Shapiro: Belmont Park Spot PlaysJeremy Plonk: Los Alamitos Trifecta-Thon Weekend PlaysFrank Carulli & Brian W. Spencer best bets today in Xpressbet.com member’s section

After an Opening Day at the newly renovated Belmont Park that saw Forever Young win the Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1) by more than three lengths, they are back at it in Long Island for the first Saturday of the meeting. The ten-race card is headlined by the $175k Floral Park at six-furlongs over the grass. Here are a few horses I will build my day around, including my top choice in the feature.Race 5:My first play of the day comes in this MSW for 2YOs over the Inner Turf at 6.5-furlongs that kicks off the Pick 6. The second and third place finishers in the Skidmore in late August at the Spa return here with oddsmaker David Aragona expecting #8 Titan Ready to take the most public support. Titan Ready was no match for the gate-to-wire winner he chased at the Spa last month, but did easily out finish #5 River of Deceit. They stretch out a furlong and move to a new venue, so I am not in love with the chances of either of the two colts exiting the merry-go-round race up north, but they are the clear ones to beat on paper.Instead, I will take a bigger swing with #7 Songbird Prince. Trainer Tom Morley won a couple on Opening Day and holds a strong hand here with River of Deceit and my top choice second-time starter that did not do much running at first asking. That said, he did break at least a half step slow from his inside draw in a race where there was virtually no change in the running order throughout. I expect a big move forward in career start number two. Hopefully, it is good enough to get the money.Play: #7 Songbird Prince (12-1 ML)Picks: 7-4-5Race 6:A state-bred MSW at two-turns over the grass is up next where I am not in love with any of the juveniles that have made a start thus far. 3-1-ML favorite #7 Equilibrate is likely to take money given his barn, but took no money on debut and is likely to be an underlay just based on the human connections. It feels like a good spot to try a first-time starter and I like the look of #5 Falconer. The son of Mo Donegal commanded $180k at the Keeneland September ’25 sale and has some precocity in the blood despite not a lot of turf route influence on the bottom side. Trainer Miguel Clement is highly capable of having them ready to fire in a turf route at first asking. Hopefully, this colt is ready for a big late run with veteran Joel Rosario taking the call.Play: #5 Falconer (6-1 ML)Picks: 5-10-7Race 9: Floral ParkThe feature on the first Saturday at the newly renovated Belmont Park is a competitive one for fillies and mares sprinting over the Widener Turf Course where I like the chances of #10 Leslie’s Humor. The LSU Stables mare has only raced once this year, but it was a victory at this same distance over the Aqueduct grass in late June. Clearly, the daughter of Kantharos has some sort of soundness issue since she has won three in a row, but only raced four times dating back to last August. That said, she appears to be getting better with age and since entering the barn of trainer Chad Brown. Her victory last out was not only her third straight, but it came after losing a ton of ground midway through the race. She appears well poised for her first start against stakes foes.Play: #10 Leslie’s Humor (5-1 ML)Picks: 10-3-8

It's Night of Champions at Running Aces and Minnesota breds are center stage. They will be competing in 12 Championships each with a $65,000 purse. The Spot Plays are in Race 3, Race 6, and Race 9. Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.Race 4 (7:06 PM CDT)3-My Little Maverick (4-1)-Most of the money will be bet on the rail horse who has won 11 of 16 starts this year. But 4-back in the 1st start on Lasix it did post a win over tonight's program chalk, Bang Bang Boogie. That time it started outside from post 6 and the favorite left from post 7. Now, they both leave from the inside and Casey Leonard shouldn't be far behind the program chalk. Plus, this is a $65,000 purse, a large check for Aces races, and the choice may not get to control the entire mile unchallenged. Leonard is a top pilot and he could land in the pocket and pull off a trip out win at a solid price.3-1-9Race 6 (7:50 PM CDT)2-Spiceitupwithoil (6-1)-The 6/5 chalk is #3 JR'S Starburst, it has won the last 2 starts handily and will likely be bet down. This filly hit the board in 6 of 8 at Aces and has taken only 1 picture. Broke in the last start, which was unusual, and could be overlooked. Was in the hunt 2 and 3 back and now starts inside. Has been tossing hints but does need its best race to win. Luke Plano should be aggressive, and a cozy trip could be coming at a juicy price.2-3-7Race 9 (8:56 PM CDT)3-Miss May Bell (9/2)-This is a competitive mare that has won 10 of 21 starts at Aces and should be a square price. Got on the engine in last and was caught from behind. That's not its usual style and this time could sit a 2 or 3-hole trip. Will count on Nick Roland to have in play at the top of the lane and this time won't be denied.3-1-7Check me out on X!

The biggest day of the year on the racing calendar at Parx is nearly upon us. Yes, that’s right, Pennsylvania Derby Day is here and the racing office in Bensalem has a monster 15-race card on tap headlined by the two $1M Grade 1 events. To celebrate the big day in the city of Brotherly Love, 1/ST BET and Xpressbet have yet another no-brainer promotion to take advantage of. This time it is as simple as 10% back on your first $100 bet. Just register on the promotional landing page, bet $100 on the Saturday card at Parx, and get a $10 bonus for doing so. Of course, I will be diving in myself on the promo. Here are three horses in graded stakes races I will be wagering on assuming their morning line prices stick.Race 12: Gallant Bob (G2)This six-furlong affair for 3YOs over the main track should see a lively early tempo with serious speed horses drawn both down on the inside and to the far outside. This should set things up for a runner that can settle early and finish with energy. Hopefully, that is New York-bred #4 Bravaro. The Upstart colt returned off a two-month freshening at Colonial Downs in early August missing by a neck at odds-on, but bounced back last out cutting back to seven-panels and winning a $500k stakes at Charlestown four weeks later. Trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. keeps Paco Lopez aboard in this colt’s third start of the form cycle where he appears to be drawn well and set for a big effort in his second start going three-quarters of a mile. He won the first won going away at Aqueduct on debut.Play: #4 Bravaro (8-1 ML)Picks: 4-8-6Race 13: Cotillion (G1)The first of two $1M Grade 1 events is this 1 1/16-mile race for 3YO fillies over the main track where Kentucky Oaks (G1) winner #4 Always a Runner is listed as the significant 8-5-ML favorite after a pair of runner-up efforts to Counting Stars at Saratoga since her huge win under the twin spires this spring. The Gun Runner filly has never finished worse than second through five starts and has only been defeated by one horse thus far, but I worry how she will handle getting her heart ripped out by the Mark Casse runner in back-to-back starts. Always a Runner is the likeliest winner, but not a great bet at the likely off-odds, so I will try to beat her with #3 Zany. Trainer Todd Pletcher tried blinkers for the first time in the Coaching Club American Oaks (G1). It did not lead to an improved effort, but she was caught three-wide throughout while stalking the pace under Hall of Famer John Velazquez. I am hopeful the inside draw and experience on this American Pharoah filly leads Johnny V. to be more patient early. If Zany opts to relax mid-pack along the rail early, she has a significant chance of saving energy early, yet getting the jump still on Always a Runner. This could be the trip that leads the Repole Stable gal back to the winner’s circle for the first time since February.Play: #3 Zany (9-2 ML)Picks: 3-4-5Race 14: Pennsylvania Derby (G1)The featured event did not come up quite as strong as some years’ past, but it is a really interesting analytical puzzle nonetheless. Brad Cox conditioned #7 Further Ado was made the 2-1-ML choice, but has yet to win outside of the Blue Grass State making him a tough proposition from a wagering perspective. #6 The Puma is a bit more intriguing in his third start since scratching just days before the Kentucky Derby. He came with a solid late run in the Travers (G1), but ended up hanging a bit late in his fourth-place finish to Leading Change. He adds blinkers and makes sense, but is another one I lack full trust in at this point of the campaign.I will instead roll with the pricey Louisiana-bred #3 Our Moneyman (pictured). The $2M son of Mr. Money competed in five sprints to start his career for trainer Bret Calhoun before stretching out to a route of ground for the first time against fellow state-breds in the Crescent City Derby at Fair Grounds last spring. He has been unable to solidify a win going two-turns against open company since then, but has run a pair of bang-up seconds in the Matt Winn (G3) and Indiana Derby (G2). Like many, the nine-furlongs could be stretching his stamina a bit, but he nearly overcame serious traffic issues at the start to beat the aforementioned Travers winner at Horseshoe Indy in July. He has been given time and could be sitting on a career best for veteran conditioner Bret Calhoun. Hot-riding Manny Franco will be in to ride the colt for the first time.Play: #3 Our MoneymanPicks: 3-6-7

The G1 Cotillion has become one of the most important events on the racing calendar – a statement which, at first, may seem a bit hyperbolic. Upon further review, though, it’s hard to argue with the race’s merits. Not only is it a grade one, but it’s the final grade one opportunity for three-year-old fillies going a route of ground (on dirt) in an age-restricted event. Going hand in hand, the Cotillion has also become one of the key prep races for the Breeders’ Cup Distaff, largely due to the attractiveness of staying the course and not throwing three-year-old fillies into the deep end against their elders when they don’t really need to.For context, here are some of the fillies over the past 25 years to win the Cotillion en route to strong showings in the Distaff:2004 – Ashado (won the Distaff)2014 – Untapable (won the Distaff)2024 – Thorpedo Anna (won the Distaff)2012 – My Miss Aurelia (2nd in the Ladies’ Classic / Distaff)2013 – Close Hatches (2nd in the Distaff)2016 – Songbird (2nd in the Distaff)2010 – Havre de Grace (3rd in the Ladies’ Classic / Distaff)2018 – Midnight Bisou (3rd in the Distaff)2021 – Clairiere (4th in the Distaff)2025 – Clicquot (4th in the Distaff)This isn’t to say that this year’s Cotillion winner is destined for a big effort at Keeneland on Halloween, but history would seemingly indicate the winner of this race on Saturday will have a big shot in the Breeders’ Cup.Below you will find my fair win odds for each of the fillies scheduled to compete in the G1 Cotillion as well as my thoughts on some of the key contenders.1 – My Miss Mo / 7.5% / 12.3-12 – Bodacious Bay / 6.5% / 14.4-13 – Zany / 7.5% / 12.3-14 – Always a Runner / 38% / 8-55 – Iron Orchard / 8.5% / 10.8-16 – Savor It / 0.5% / 199-17 – Ms Sophistication / 5% / 19-18 – Measure / 20% / 4-19 – Tap to Open / 6.5% / 14.4-1The analysis of this race begins with the pace scenario, as that dramatically alters my assessment of some of these contenders. On paper, it looks as though things may get hot and heavy during the opening half mile. If that’s the case, the chances of contenders like MY MISS MO (1), IRON ORCHARD (5), and TAP TO OPEN (9) may be compromised.Conversely, if you believe the pace will indeed be a rapid one, it becomes difficult to see past the Kentucky Oaks winner, ALWAYS A RUNNER (4), and the Alabama runner-up, MEASURE (8).Let’s begin with Always a Runner, who enters the Cotillion after back-to-back losses at Saratoga. Trainer Chad Brown had wondered if the daughter of Gun Runner simply didn’t care for Saratoga, which is entirely possible. I believe she ran into a very talented filly in Counting Stars who was in raging form for both the G1 Acorn and G1 CCA Oaks, resulting in the pair of runner-up efforts for Always a Runner over the summer. Now, off a bit of a freshening and with what should be an advantageous pace scenario, there are no excuses for the Oaks winner. She should have every opportunity to win the Cotillion, assuming she’s good enough.As far as Measure is concerned, her recent races would lead one to believe she’s approaching a peak effort at Parx on Saturday. The Mark Casse trainee finished well behind Always a Runner when they tangled in the CCA Oaks, but the daughter of Essential Quality followed that effort up with an extremely promising second in the G1 Alabama, coming up a neck short of My Guns Loaded for all the money. She’s paired up 90 Beyer Speed Figures in each of her last two starts, a pattern that I believe often precedes a forward move. If she jumps up on Saturday, she may spoil the party for the Always a Runner backers.It’s hard for me to make any obvious excuses for ZANY (3) in her last two starts, and I’m beginning to wonder if she never improved off her two-year-old form. As the likely third choice in the wagering, she offers little appeal in my eyes.I’m fine letting the local horses coming out of the Cathryn Sophia (both TAP TO OPEN (9) and MS SOPHISTICATION (7)) if they’re good enough, but it’s worth pointing out that the fillies exiting the Monmouth Oaks (both Saffie Joseph, Jr. runners in MY MISS MO (1) and BODACIOUS BAY (2)) earned giant figs on Thorograph (1.5 and 2.25). Either of those figs repeated would trounce this field, but I’m willing to make them prove that the numbers from New Jersey are legitimate.THE PICKS: 4-8-2-3THE PLAY: STRAIGHT EXACTA – 4) ALWAYS A RUNNER with 8) MEASURE

EXTRA INCENTIVES$5,000 Trifecta-Thon | Los Alamitos (TB) | Friday-Saturday-Sunday2 Million 1/ST Rewards Points Hit & Split | Presque Isle | Late Pick 4 & Late Pick 5SCHEDULE NOTESBelmont Park | grand opening of new facility | first post 1:30 pm ETSPECIAL WAGERSSummer Sweep Pick 5 | Gulfstream Races 6-8-9, Woodbine Races 5-6--$1 minimum, 15% takeout, no CAWTOURNAMENT TIME$40 Los Alamitos (TB) feeder | detailsNOTABLE CARRYOVERSJackpot Pick 5 | $151,042 | Parx | begins Race 1 | 12:40 pm ETPick 5 | $19,635 | Laurel | begins Race 6 | 2:34 pm ETSuper Hi 5 | $10,699 | Belterra | Race 8 | 4:05 pm ETKEY RACESBelterra | Race 4 | 2:05 pm ET | Miss Southern Ohio StakesBelterra | Race 7 | 3:35 pm ET | Loyalty StakesBelmont | Race 5 | 4:14 pm ET | Jockey Club Gold Cup | featuring Forever YoungPresque Isle Downs | Race 3 | 5:54 pm ET | PID Debutante StakesPresque Isle Downs | Race 5 | 6:48 pm ET | Power By Far StakesPresque Isle Downs | Race 7 | 7:42 pm ET | Fitz Dixon Memorial StakesPresque Isle Downs | Race 8 | 8:09 pm ET | PID Mile StakesPresque Isle Downs | Race 9 | 8:36 pm ET | PID Masters StakesCharles Town | Race 7 | 10:02 pm ET | John McKee Memorial StakesLONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIXChurchill Downs | Race 4 | 2:13 pm ETBelmont Park | Race 4 | 3:15 pm ETParx | Race 10 | 4:08 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHChad Brown | Belmont, Churchill | 7 of 8 entrants 9-2 or less oddsDID YOU SEE?Yesterday | Remington Park | jockey Stewart Elliott | notched career win 6,000 (23rd North American jockey all-time to do so)PUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAMScott Shapiro: Belmont Opening Day Middle Pick 5 AnalysisFrank Carulli: Presque Isle Masters Day Late Pick 5 AnalysisJeremy Plonk: Los Alamitos Trifecta-Thon Weekend PlaysFrank Carulli & Brian W. Spencer best bets today in Xpressbet.com member’s section

Yonkers Raceway starts the weekend with a 10-race card. The Spot Plays go in Race 4, Race 7, and Race 9. Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.Race 4 (7:45 PM EDT)6-Jesses Doll (10-1)-Not feeling strongly about the two program chalks (4,1) and will lean toward a price. Posted 1 win in 6 races at Yonkers but has been taking pictures this year (24-5-1-1). The 1-2-4 could leave, so there should be solid fractions to close into. Will look for Dan Dube to improve position when the wings fold. Could come off cover and be the best the down the lane.6-1-2Race 7 (8:45 PM EDT)7-Louies Girl N (2-1)-My take is this is the time to take a swing. This is the 1st start in town and draws outside, which will help provide some value. Rallied from the backfield in the Milton Final at Wbsb and couldn't catch #6 tonight's 8/5 chalk who got the jump. Could get revenge this time, has won 10 of 12 at Yonkers and can leave as fast as the gate car. Jordan Stratton gets the call as Jason Bartlett isn't at Yonkers tonight and he can get the job done. Best to respect, the mare has banked over $398,000 this year.7-6-3Race 9 (9:25 PM EDT)4-Front Page Story (4-1)-This mare knows how to win but she hasn't sealed the deal in a while. Pat Lachance should make the most of starting from one of the top posts. Has beaten better at YR and could have her way with this group with a sharp steer. There should be honest fractions that could help and will look for a big try at a square price.4-2-3Check me out on X!

This Friday through Sunday, Horseplayers at 1/ST BET and Xpressbet play for extra cash in our $5,000 Los Alamitos Trifecta-Thon. Simply connect successfully on 3 trifectas over the course of the entire weekend to stake your share of bonus cash. $3,000 will be split among all players with 3 or more winning trifecta bets ($1 base) while another $2,000 will be won by the player(s) with the most trifecta wins on the weekend.I’ve gone through the Los Alamitos cards for the Sept. 18-20 window and have identified a few trifectas to kickstart your participation. For this promotion’s purposes, we’re not only looking for the best payouts parimutuelly but also a few easier spots to accrue the necessary number of winning tris.Friday: Los Alamitos Race 1 | 4:00 pm ETJust a 5-horse field makes things easier from a math standpoint and the dominance of Bob Baffert and John Sadler at Los Al cannot be overstated. Two-year-old maiden rookies #1 Mystic Ride and #5 Gallant Jack should be well-meant and we’ll try to check 1 of our 3 boxes right away in what might be the weekend’s most obvious chance.The Trifecta-Thon Play: 1,5 with 1,5 with 3,2 … 1,5 with 3,2 with 1,5 ($8 total)Friday: Los Alamitos Race 7 | 7:00 pm ETAndy Mathis’ barn was fantastic to close Del Mar and he claimed #6 Harney Lane on his way out the door Aug. 30 knowing full well this July Los Al starter allowance winner was eligible for a return spot like this right around the corner. Regular rider Ricky Gonzalez sticks through the barn change, always a positive sign. She’ll be my key in the field of 8.The Trifecta-Thon Play: Key 6 over 1,4,5,7,8 ($20 total)//Saturday: Los Alamitos Race 4 | 5:30 pm ET#3 Thirsty Rebel dominated in his only prior Los Al bid and returns in excellent form after spring stakes placings vs. state-breds and a summer second at Del Mar in open company allowance. Fits beautifully vs. state-bred allowance goes and bred to handle the mile trip.The Trifecta-Thon Play: Key 3 over 1,2,6 ($6)Saturday: Los Alamitos Race 8 | 7:30 pm ETThe featured E.B. Johnston Stakes runs through romping defending champ #3 Man O Rose, who lost all chance before and after the start of his Green Flash turf sprint at Del Mar. Stretches his legs as the one to catch, while veteran #6 None Above the Law comes off a shrewd $50K claim with past success at Los Al in tow and could be best of the rest late.The Trifecta-Thon Play: 3-6-all ($4)//Sunday: Los Alamitos Race 6 | 6:30 pm ET#7 See Through It is a Los Al horse-for-course with a remarkable 12: 8-1-3 over the track. He held good form this summer at Del Mar when placed properly and already won this condition and distance locally in July.The Trifecta-Thon Play: Key 7 over 1,5,6 ($6)Sunday: Los Alamitos Race 8 | 7:30 pm ET#6 Hurricane Way always is around the discussion but has just 1 win in 14 starts and should be well-backed in this spot. Let’s try to get this one second and work some potential prices above and below.The Trifecta-Thon Play: 1,3,4,7,8 with 6 with 1,3,4,7,8 ($20)