The start of a fantastic week of thoroughbred racing in Saratoga Springs, New York is nearly upon us. The Belmont Stakes Racing Festival kicks off in earnest on Wednesday afternoon for the first of 5 cards headlined by Saturday’s third jewel of the Triple Crown. Wednesday is for the New York-breds and the slate came up as good as one could hope. Here are a few horses I like most to get things started at one of my favorite places on the planet.‍For more Belmont Stakes coverage, check out the 1/ST Belmont Stakes Wager Guide, free, with daily updates.Race 4: KingstonThis 1 1/16-mile event over the Inner Turf is likely to be bet like a three-horse race between #2 George Briggs, #6 Mi Bago, and #7 Spirit of St Louis. Mi Bago and Spirit of St Louis have the substantial class edge, but I still prefer George Briggs. The son of Fog of War was moved into the Miguel Clement barn before his last start against allowance foes at Aqueduct on June 3. He passed the test with flying colors at odds-on pulling away late to win very easily at this same distance. He has to prove himself against better competition, but should be set for his best with Flavien Prat back to ride. A win bet at 2-1 or higher for me and a single in horizontals.Play: #2 George Briggs (2-1 ML)Race 5: Critical EyeI definitely will hope to be live with a Daily Double out of the Kingston into this 9-furlong affair over the main track to #1 Walk With Me. The Central Banker mare ran three times at one-turn this winter/spring at Aqueduct, including a win against open company allowance foes at 12-1 in February. With the two favorites #3 Landed and #7 Bernietakescharge potentially compromising each other’s chances on the front end, it is quite possible the David Duggan trainee will be in the perfect spot to take advantage. The fact she has a win at the distance and gets a major rider upgrade to Flavien Prat gives me reason to believe that with the right voyage she can out finish this group late. Duggan does not start a ton of horses, but thus far in 2026 he has won with 7 of 36. 18 have finished in the money. Hopefully, she stays at her ML price or floats slightly higher.Play: #1 Walk With Me (7-2 ML)Race 8: Mike LeeMy final spot play on the Wednesday agenda comes in a strong edition of this 7-furlong event over the main track. There are some talented runners in here, but I am going to try to beat the logicals with #2 B Thedonald. The pace should be contentious, which should bode well for those who can settle early and finish with energy. This lightly-raced son of Girvin certainly fits the bill. He comes in to his first stakes try off a pair of narrow wins in similar voyages as he encounters in his first trip to upstate New York. Trainer Horacio De Paz comes in smoking hot, winning with 8 of 27 over the last 30 days for a $3.05 ROI. The $60k EAS May ’25 purchase should be finishing well off a favorable voyage if he is up to the class test.Play: #2 B Thedonald (10-1 ML)

BELMONT STAKES COVERAGE 1/ST Belmont Stakes Wager Guide | Free Access | Daily UpdatesBelmont Stakes Post Position Draw ReactionEXTRA INCENTIVESBet $100, Get $10 | Parx | today’s racesNOTABLE CARRYOVERSJackpot Pick 5 | $330,722 | Parx | begins Race 1 | 12:40 pm ETJackpot Pick 6 | $97,643 | Thistledown | begins Race 3 | 1:50 pm ETJackpot Pick 5 | $74,335 (CAN) | Assiniboia Downs | begins Race 3 | 9:25 pm ETKEY RACESAssiniboia Downs | Race 3 | 9:25 pm ET | Corporate Shuffle StakesAssiniboia Downs | Race 5 | 10:15 pm ET | Beau Blade StakesLONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIXHorseshoe Indianapolis | Race 7 | 5:16 pm ETPenn National | Race 2 | 6:15 pm ETMountaineer | Rae 2 | 7:25 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHJonathan Wong | Louisiana Downs | all 5 entrants 3-1 or less oddsDID YOU SEE?Yesterday | Finger Lakes, Thistledown | favorites won 6 of 8 races on both cardsPUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAMJeremy Plonk: Parx Bet $100, Get $10 Spot Plays for TuesdayFrank Carulli & Brian W. Spencer best bets today in Xpressbet.com member’s section

Throughout June, Tuesdays and Thursday heat up at 1/ST BET and Xpressbet with our Summertime Scores promotion. Bet $100, Get $10 on select tracks this month. First up Tuesday will be Parx – and note Thursday’s offering will be the Belmont Stakes Festival card at Saratoga. Here’s how I’ll approach Parx with an assist from the Betmix Angler database.Parx Race 8 | 3:49 pm ET#3 Global Steve (15-1 morning line odds) looked like a good thing in winning both juvenile starts in 2024, but made only 3 starts in 2025 and 1 in February this year before going to the sideline again. Trainer Butch Reid adds first-time Lasix and note this barn has done nearly everything right the past 3 weeks at Parx going 11: 6-1-1 during that span. It’s a very tough field, so let’s work this price play with a small win bet and an exacta key-box 3 with 1,2,6 trying to pair up with 1 of the talented logical contenders.Parx Race 9 | 4:16 pm ET#2 Fast Bob (9-5 morning line odds) just missed against tougher last out and drops in class off the claim for Parx’s hottest trainer, Ernesto Padilla-Preciado. That barn has won 30% with nearly 50% in the exacta from 30 starters over the past 3 weeks locally. Well-drawn and gets the nod over Jamie Ness’ favored Walk Away Joe. Win bet. Use daily doubles from Race 8 to get to this one and single in the late-day multi-race bets.Eligible tracks and days:• Tuesday, June 2 // Parx• Thursday, June 4 // Saratoga• Tuesday, June 9 // Finger Lakes• Thursday, June 11 // Horseshoe Indianapolis• Tuesday, June 16 // Mountaineer• Thursday, June 18 // Canterbury• Tuesday, June 23 // Thistledown• Thursday, June 25 // Colonial Downs• Tuesday, June 30 // Fort Erie

The Kentucky Derby 1-2 rematch between Golden Tempo and Renegade is set after a field of 9 was drawn today for Saturday’s 158th Belmont Stakes, final jewel in the Triple Crown. Saratoga will be the backdrop for a third straight year as Renegade opens as the 2-1 morning line favorite from post 4. Golden Tempo begins the mile and one-quarter journey from post 9 and looks to follow Sovereignty’s path from a year ago as bookend winners in the Triple Crown series.Check out the 1/ST Belmont Stakes Wager Guide for all your handicapping needs leading up to a huge weekend in upstate New York. Play with 1/ST BET and Xpressbet in our $20,000 Exacta-Thon on Friday and Saturday for your share of bonus cash.The moderate field size and extended run through the entire stretch the first time makes post positions less important than in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness. The big question Saturday in terms of positioning will be where the Belmont Stakes early speed comes from and how that might impact the running. Of the 9 runners in the field and their 41 combined races, only once has any of these runners been sent to the early lead – Ottino in a New Year’s Eve maiden race (he’s been far back early in both stakes attempts since). Ottinho breaks from post 5. Powershift, Growth Equity and Chief Wallabee may be best-equipped to attack the front if jockey intent and a cooperative racehorse matches that strategy. With Powershift in post 2 and Chief Wallabee in post 3, their likelihood to show more early tempo perhaps increased with the draw. Growth Equity in post 6 should be able to find a place outside some of the other potential speed if they go for the front. The drop-back style of Golden Tempo is optimal for the widest draw as he’ll let the field flow out in front of him and be able to save ground as Jose Ortiz sees fit. Renegade is no worse for the draw as well and I could see him bet lower than the 2-1 morning line estimate.Fields for all races Wednesday through Saturday at the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival are now set. Saturday’s Met Mile tops the undercard with a clash of 2025 Preakness winner Journalism and last year’s Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile victor Nysos. Advance wagering on the complete Belmont Stakes Saturday card at Saratoga will be available both Thursday and Friday at 1/ST BET and Xpressbet.Belmont Stakes | Saratoga | Saturday Race 13 | 7:04 pm ET1-Vitruvian Man (Doug O’Neill / Antonio Fresu) 30-12-Powershift (Todd Pletcher / Luis Saez) 12-13-Chief Wallabee (Bill Mott / Junior Alvarado) 3-14-Renegade (Todd Pletcher / Irad Ortiz Jr.) 2-15-Ottinho (Chad Brown / Dylan Davis) 20-16-Growth Equity (Chad Brown / Manny Franco) 12-17-Commandment (Brad Cox / John Velazquez) 6-18-Emerging Market (Chad Brown / Flavien Prat) 6-19-Golden Tempo (Cherie DeVaux / Jose Ortiz) 9-2Special WagersAll Dirt Two Day Pick 6 (20-cent minimum, 15% takeout)- Friday’s Acorn & Phipps to Saturday’s True North, Woody Stephens, Met Mile and Belmont Stakes.All Turf Two Day Pick 5 (50-cent minimum, 15% takeout)- Friday’s Wonder Again, New York to Saturday’s Just a Game, Jaipur and Manhattan.Daily Doubles ($5 minimum, 18.5% takeout)- Friday’s Acorn to Saturday’s Belmont Stakes- Friday’s New York Stakes to Saturday’s Belmont Stakes- Saturday’s Woody Stephens to Saturday’s Belmont Stakes- Saturday’s Met Mile to Saturday’s Belmont Stakes

BELMONT STAKES COVERAGEBelmont Stakes Post Position Draw | 5 pm ETFree 1/ST Belmont Stakes Wager Guide | Launches TodayNOTABLE CARRYOVERSJackpot Pick 5 | $307,415 | Parx | begins Race 1 | 12:40 pm ETJackpot Pick 6 | $90,953 | Thistledown | begins Race 3 | 1:50 pm ETJackpot Pick 5 | $64,461 (CAN) | Assiniboia Downs | begins Race 3 | 9:25 pm ETLONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIXFinger Lakes | Race 5 | 2:56 pm ETPresque Isle Downs | Race 2 | 3:57 pm ETMountaineer | Race 8 | 9:55 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHJerry Gourneau | Assiniboia Downs | all 7 entrants 4-1 or less oddsDID YOU SEE?Yesterday | field drawn for Saturday’s Met Mile at Saratoga | 7 enter, including Journalism, NysosPUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAMFrank Carulli & Brian W. Spencer best bets today in Xpressbet.com member’s section

Yonkers Raceway has a 9-race card to begin the week. The $1.00 Pick 5 with a $10,000 guaranteed pool rolls 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 (8:25 PM EDT)1-Ima Perfect Choice (3/2)-This is the 3rd start after the Borgata Series and not much was accomplished there. Drew the 8-hole 2 back against better, then faced NW 15000L5 and came 3rd in a decent effort. Now dops again and should have its way with this field but usually likes to come off cover. That’s fine unless Matt Kakaley doesn’t work a smooth trip.Race 7 (8:45 PM EDT)1-I know better (7/2)-Joe B beat this kind from the rail 2 starts ago, then drew post 7 and raced from way back but did close in 55.1 Draws the rail again, should be able to land on top or in the pocket and either could work for a win.2-Verdun (5/2)-Classy veteran has only 1 win this year but is in a good spot to add to the total. Won 2 back and then rallied to finish 2nd against this kind. Pat Lachance could look to take control early on but either way will be driven more aggressively than last week.Race 8 (9:05 PM EDT)4-Ameritric (9/5)-The 1-17 record is cause for pause but this isn’t a field full of picture takers. Dropped to this level in last and was parked 9 lengths back at the half that went in a soft 56.3. Will look for Jordan Stratton to be forwardly placed off the gate and to be the best down the lane.Race 9 (9:25 PM EDT)1-Peace Out Posse (5/2)-Claimed by the Adamczyk barn on 5-25 after easily beating the $30k claimers. Comes right back versus the same kind and Colin Kelly could work a winning trip from the rail.7-All Alone (20-1)-Will take a swing for a big price in a sequence that could use one. Comes off a dull effort after leaving from post 8 in the first start in 21 days. Now drops and could be put in play early on. George Brennan and long shots are not synonymous. But has enough gate speed to get a good early seat and can pass foes down the lane.$2.00 Late Pick 41/1,2/4/1,7Total Bet=$8Check me out on X!

SCHEDULE NOTESNYRA | no racing this weekendSPECIAL WAGERSCoast-to-Coast Pick 5 | Gulfstream Races 8-9; Santa Anita Races 3-5-7Sunset 6 | Gulfstream Races 7-8-9; Santa Anita Races 7-8-9TOURNAMENT TIME$40 Santa Anita feeder | details$40 Canterbury Park feeder | detailsNOTABLE CARRYOVERSMandatory Payout Pick 6 | $143,021 | Gulfstream | begins Race 4 | 2:24 pm ETJackpot Pick 6 | $107,872 | Churchill Downs | begins Race 5 | 2:46 pm ETSunset 6 | $15,887 | Gulfstream/Santa Anita | begins GP Race 7 | 4:06 pm ETKEY RACESFort Erie | Race 5 | 2:12 pm ET | Summer Solstice CupFort Erie | Race 8 | 3:36 pm ET | Sprint Into Summer StakesSanta Anita | Race 8 | 7:32 pm ET | Triple Bend StakesLONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIXLaurel | Race 3 | 1:04 pm ETChurchill Downs | Race 10 | 5:27 pm ETMountaineer | Race 8 | 9:55 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHJose Silva Jr. | Canterbury Park | all 8 entrants 7-2 or less oddsDID YOU SEE?Yesterday | Gulfstream Park | jockey Samy Camacho | 3 wins, 1 second from 9 mountsPUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAMScott Shapiro: Gulfstream Mandatory Payout Pick 6 AnalysisBrian W. Spencer best bets today in Xpressbet.com member’s section

Gulfstream Park’s Sunday afternoon slate is headlined by a mandatory payout in the Rainbow 6. The 20-cent minimum wager has a carryover of over $143K entering the card that kicks off at 12:50 PM eastern. The pool estimated by track officials to be around $1.25M when Race 4 breaks from the gate at 2:24 eastern is led by an allowance event that includes Steal Sunshine and Alexander Helios.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: C+Main Ticket: 2 Backonthechaingang; 7 Oasis PrinceBackups: NoneForecast: I will try to beat the two ML favorites in this open $12,500 claimer at 6.5-furlongs with a pair of mid-priced geldings, including top choice #2 Backonthechaingang. The son of Tonalist drops back down in class and cuts back in distance after a stalk and fade against allowance foes going one-mile. His race two-back puts him squarely in the mix. #7 Oasis Prince also cuts back. If they go at it early, I like his chances to make the final move.Race 5:Grade: C+Main Ticket: 6 Street Belle; 2 SonnynpeachesBackups: 10 Would I Lie to YouForecast: #2 Sonnyandpeaches was made the 9-5-ML favorite by oddsmaker Brian Nadeau on the class drop for trainer Jose D’Angelo. The Uncle Chuck filly drops to the lowest level of her career, but lacks early speed and will have to work out a trip from the inside. She is tough to toss versus this bunch, but equally tough to fully trust. #6 Street Belle seems like an intriguing alternative. The daughter of Street Boss makes her first start as a 3YO after taking on better competition as a juvenile for Joel Santiago. She should have the speed off the layoff with the addition of blinkers to make the lead in this 5.5-furlong dash over the all-weather.Race 6:Grade: BMain Ticket: 1 Alexander HeliosBackups: NoneForecast: The aforementioned feature appears to lack early speed on paper. This should benefit #1 Alexander Helios. The son of Cairo Prince makes his first start since a pair of efforts where he was not on the screen during the stretch drive against Grade 3 foes. The Saffie Joseph Jr. trainee did not finish off the year well after a strong start in the winter, but gets significant lass relief for his return. I expect him to be a bit keen off the significant layoff, which should allow jockey Micah Husbands to make the lead against these. From there, he should be tough to deny if close to the horse he was in the early part of 2025.Race 7:Grade: XMain Ticket: 3 Happy RideBackups: NoneForecast: I have little desire in trying to beat 7-5-ML favorite #3 Happy Ride in this optional claimer at 5-furlongs over the all-weather. The Ride on Curlin mare has found a new gear since entering trainer Joe Orseno’s barn via claim earlier this year. She has won two in a row and should have no issue cruising to the front and making it three after taking heat from the co-favorite on May 1 and turning that one away with relative ease. A repeat and they are running for second.Race 8:Grade: C+Main Ticket: 4 It’s Only WordsBackups: 6 FlowkoForecast: The penultimate leg to the Rainbow 6 carryover is likely to be bet like a three-horse race with #5 Frosty Belle and #6 Flowko expected to go off as the top two choices. Of the two I prefer Flowko since she appears to have a pace advantage, but I like #4 It’s Only Words most. The 5YO mare is a six-time winner taking on ladies with mostly one victory on their resume. Her affinity to win races compared to her competition should bode well for the daughter of Khozan who makes her first start off a near three-month break for owner/trainer Heather Smullen. Hopefully, she gets a favorable mid-pack trip under jockey Jose Morelos.Race 9:Grade: B-Main Ticket: 5 GhostlightBackups: NoneForecast: I will close things out with a single in this maiden claimer over the all-weather where it looks like either #5 Ghostlight will triumph in her first start for Saffie Joseph or anyone can win. The Ghostzapper filly drops in class and makes her debut for a barn that is 11 for 37 with an ROI of $2.07 at Gulfstream Park over the last 30 days. Ghostlight is not a cinch given her lack of early speed thus far, but she may need to find a new circuit, if unable to get to the wire first in the Sunday finale.