EXTRA INCENTIVES$1,000 Hit & Split | Woodbine | Early Pick 5$3,000 Exacta-Thon | Oaklawn | today’s racesSCHEDULE NOTESWoodbine | opening day | 1:20 pm ET first postSPECIAL WAGERSCoast-to-Coast Pick 5 | Gulfstream Races 8-10; Santa Anita Races 4-6-7Sunset 6 | Gulfstream Races 9-10-11; Santa Anita Races 8-9-10TOURNAMENT TIME$500 Laurel Preakness Preview Day Challenge | details$100 Keeneland Feeder | details$40 Santa Anita Feeder | detailsNOTABLE CARRYOVERSPick 6 | $19,017 | Aqueduct | begins Race 4 | 2:44 pm ETJackpot Pick 6 | $176,774 | Gulfstream | begins Race 6 | 3:31 pm ETSunset 6 | $11,647 | Gulfstream / Santa Anita | begins GP Race 9 | 5:08 pm ETPick 6 | $44,734 | Santa Anita | begins Race 5 | 6:05 pm ETSuper Hi 5 | $21,215 | Santa Anita | Race 10 | 8:35 pm ETKEY RACESAqueduct | Race 4 | 2:44 pm ET | Bay Shore StakesLaurel | Race 7 | 2:57 pm ET | Dahlia StakesLaurel | Race 8 | 3:29 pm ET | King T. Leatherbury StakesLaurel | Race 9 | 4:01 pm ET | Weber City Miss StakesOaklawn | Race 6 | 4:27 pm ET | Bathhouse Row StakesLaurel | Race 10 | 4:34 pm ET | Henry S. Clark StakesSanta Anita | Race 3 | 5:04 pm ET | John Shear StakesLaurel | Race 11 | 5:05 pm ET | Federico Tesio StakesKeeneland | Race 9 | 5:16 pm ET | Ben Ali StakesKeeneland | Race 10 | 5:48 pm ET | Elkhorn StakesOaklawn | Race 9 | 6:07 pm ET | Valley of the Vapors StakesSanta Anita | Race 7 | 7:05 pm ET | American StakesOaklawn | Race 11 | 7:20 pm ET | Oaklawn Handicap | featuring Sovereignty, Journalism, White AbarrioCharles Town | Race 8 | 10:32 pm ET | It’s Only Money StakesRemington Park | Race 11 | 11:43 am ET | Remington Park Derby (AQHA)Remington Park | Race 12 | 12:03 am ET | Remington Park Futurity (AQHA)LONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIXLaurel | Race 8 | 3:29 pm ETAqueduct | Race 8 | 4:53 pm ETKeeneland | Race 10 | 5:48 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHMark Casse | Gulfstream, Woodbine, Oaklawn | all 9 entrants 3-1 or less oddsDID YOU SEE?Yesterday | Keeneland | Irad Ortiz Jr. | 4 wins, following 3 both Wednesday & ThursdayPUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAMJeremy Plonk: Oaklawn Handicap Day Exacta-Thon PlaysScott Shapiro: Santa Anita $44K Pick 6 Carryover AnalysisJeremy Plonk: Race of the Week – Elkhorn from KeenelandScott Shapiro: Keeneland Spot PlaysJeremy Plonk: Woodbine Early Pick 5 Hit & Split Promo PicksFrank Carulli & Brian W. Spencer best bets today in Xpressbet.com member’s section

Opening Day of the Hollywood Spring Meeting at Santa Anita Park yesterday proved challenging for horseplayers evidenced by the number of carryovers set for Saturday afternoon. Not only were the $1 Sunset Pick 6 and $1 Super High 5 unsolved, but the first $2 Pick 6 of the meet as well. This leaves $44,734 for Southern California racing fans later this afternoon. The traditional Pick 6 sequence gets started in Race 5, includes the featured American (G3), and concludes with a MSW over the grass. Best of luck starting the meet with a bang!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: B-Main Ticket: 6 Marla HoochBackups: 1 Jaclyn LucasForecast: The Pick 6 gets rolling with this state-bred MSW over the grass where #6 Marla Hooch looks like the clear one to beat. The Om filly gave up the lead in her second start on February 14 after what I thought was a promising finish to her debut in mid-January. She has been freshened up and should be set for her best against a field of a lot of first-time starters that do little for me. The closest I could come to an upset chance was with fellow Nick Alexander homebred #1 Jaclyn Lucas. The Grazen filly moves to the grass after three runs over the dirt to kick off her career. There is reason to believe based on pedigree that she could improve on the surface switch, but the rail draw is no bargain.Race 6:Grade: CMain Ticket: 12 Bitter Truth; 1 Twisted HumorBackups: NoneForecast: It is really difficult to make a serious case for anyone, but the two favorites in this rock-bottom state-bred maiden claimer over the main track. #1 Twisted Humor is likely to be the heavy favorite based on the morning line, but certainly has had her chances at short prices already. Her speed from the inside could make her tough to catch, but she is tough to push all-in on. I slightly prefer the chances of #12 Bitter Truth. The daughter of Clubhouse Ride makes her third start at this level after a pair of runs during the Classic Meet. She ran evenly in her first two tries, but will not have to move forward much to beat these.Race 7: American (G3)Grade: B-Main Ticket: 7 Genius Jimmy; 2 Sumter; 4 Captain ChoochiesBackups: NoneForecast: The Saturday feature is this one-mile Grade 3 event over the sod where I am going to lean on the runners that should be prominently placed in the early going. #2 Sumter is the logical one of those stretching back out to two-turns, but I give big looks to #4 Captain Choochies and #7 Genius Jimmy as well. Like Sumter, Genius Jimmy exits the 6.5-furlong San Simeon (G3) where he ran out of room late and finished third. The stretch back out to a route of ground should have him in a great spot early under jockey Juan Hernandez. Captain Choochies looks over his head a bit on numbers and class, but he has shown a nose for the wire of late to say the least. I am not leaving the Classic Empire gelding off my tickets in a race that feels more wide-open than it may end up appearing on the tote.Race 8:Grade: C+Main Ticket: 2 Irish Element; 1 Typhoon TommyBackups: 8 Macho ManForecast: My only real opinion in this beaten claimer at one-mile over the main track is that I am willing to let 2-1-ML favorite #9 White Mountain beat me. The Tapit gelding draws outside and has had his chances at the level. He is consistently finishing in the top four, but that does us little good in horizontals. #2 Irish Element is the likeliest to get the job done, but I will use a few others in hopes of besting the chalk.Race 9:Grade: C+Main Ticket: 7 Marian Cross; 9 TequillaandtherapyBackups: NoneForecast: There appears a major lack of early speed signed on in this first-level allowance down the hill, so I will side with the two gals that should be involved early. #7 Marian Cross showed good speed from the gate regularly before shipping west. Her first two starts for Dan Blacker did not go great, in large part because she has not gotten into races earlier. I am hopeful Emisael Jaramillo can figure that out this time around and take this field gate-to-wire. If not, it is #9 Tequillaandtherapy that should have a pace advantage. The Mrazek filly stalked off a far more contentious pace on March 15 than I expect in this one and tired late. Her best chance of making a bigger impression later today is to be a part of a modest early tempo. Edwin Maldonado should help ensure that she is involved early on.Race 10:Grade: B-Main Ticket: 9 Bright Eye Bungle; 10 Fan BaseBackups: NoneForecast: The sequence concludes with a wide-open MSW at 6-furlongs over the lawn where I like the two runners drawn to the outside. #9 Bright Eye Bungle broke slow and did not have the cleanest trip in his Stateside debut, but moves outside and should improve here. A move forward should result in his first lifetime score. If not, it is even more wide-open. I will also include first-time starter #10 Fan Base. The 3YO gelding is bred to love the turf and draws favorably for his debut. Trainer Tim Yakteen legs up the underrated Armando Ayuso.

The Meadowlands has a 14-race card with the 0.50 Early Pick 4 starting in Race 6. The sequence has a $50,000 guaranteed pool with a 15% takeout, and it will be my focus. Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.Race 6 (8:40 PM EDT)6-BB Lucky Boy (7/2)-Lost by a nostril in last and in the previous 3 starts was in the hunt but couldn't connect. The race on 4-11 was its best effort and did step up. Was used off the gate, raced close to the leader and now starts inside of the last winner (8).8-Gallie Gateway (3-1)-Rolled home with a 56.2 back half to just get up in time. Although aided by a 54.1 opening half was hung much of the mile after leaving from post 7. Deserves respect and will lean toward the 2 morning line chalks.Race 7 (9:05 PM EDT)2-Major Hothooves N (6-1)-Won its last against easier at Philly and came 2nd on 3-28 off a pocket ride. Tim Tetrick steered in last and another cozy trip could be coming at a square price.3-Build The Wall (8-1)-This 5-year-old seems to do just enough not to win. Raced at this level in the last 2 starts and finished 2nd and a close 3rd. Will probably be overlooked and could be in the hunt at the wire again.4-American Son (3-1)-Put in 2 qualifiers, came 2nd in 1.52, and then took the long way around and drew off by over 8 lengths. Dexter Dunn steers and looks ready for a top try in its 4-year-old debut.Race 8 (9:30 PM EDT)6-Typhoon Banner N (3-1)-Went off as the 8/5 chalk last time and faded down the lane to lose by a half-length. Gets a decent draw to get the top without burning much gas and this is a beatable field.Race 9 (9:55 PM EDT)2-Bookie J (3-1)-Chris Ryder pupil makes its 3-year-old debut against some older foes. As usually happens Dunn steers and does come off a nice qualifier on 4-11. Hit the board in 9 of 11 at M1, with 4 pictures. Could get an efficient trip and shouldn't blush at the competition.3-Rocknroll Gold (8-1)-Joe B steers the 7-year-old and has the gate speed to be racing at the top of the stack. Did win 3 back with the same pilot between the pipes. Got a pocket ride that night and will look for similar here at a solid price.$2 Early Pick 46,8/2,3,4/6/2,3Total Bet=$24Check me out on X!

The last Saturday of the Keeneland Spring Meet is nearly upon us with Opening Day at Churchill Downs right around the corner a week away. The 11-race card is headlined by the Ben Ali (G3) on the main track and the Elkhorn (G2) over the grass. Here are a few horses I like most on the April 18 Keeneland slate.Race 7:In a shocking development trainer Wesley Ward holds a strong hand in this second level allowance over the main track. Ward has 8-5-favorite #7 Whatchatalkinabout, who makes his first start since the Breeders’ Cup Sprint (G1) and 3-1-second choice #1 Floodlites. One of them is likely to win the race, but I prefer the longer price of the two. Sure, Whatchatalkinabout holds the class edge, but I like the trip Floodlites should get more. The son of City of Light attracts veteran John Velazquez. Johnny V. should be able to sit a comfortable voyage along the inside not too far off of likely pacesetter #6 Modus Bestia. Floodlites has won 2 in a row against lesser before a winter break and appears poised to continue his run to kickoff the late Pick 5.Play: #1 Floodlites (3-1 ML)Race 8:This $140,000 allowance turf sprint has a lack of serious early speed signed on. This could make life difficult on those that are likely to be off-the-pace early. I will take a swing with a gelding I am hopeful can make the lead and dictate pace. #2 Full Disclosure ships in from Florida after a pair of runs against stakes foes going 5-furlongs over the Gulfstream Park sod. The son of Cajun Breeze was a huge price in both races, but did not disgrace in either effort. Two-back in the Janus at odds of 41-1 he had traffic issues when losing to the talented Reef Runner and then in his last start on January 24 he missed beating Litigation by a neck at odds of 96-1. Full Disclosure did not make the lead in either of those races, but they went in under 21 seconds in the first quarter. Given the inside draw and lack of speed to his outside, I expect jockey Adam Beschizza to get aggressive in this one’s first start over this course. Hopefully, he can control things early or perhaps stalk just off #8 My Own. Either way I am expecting him to outrun his odds once again.Play: #2 Full Disclosure (12-1 ML)Race 11:Trainer Brad Cox had a fantastic Triple Crown prep season and has had an even better Keeneland spring thus far. The Louisville native is 9 for 23 overall and 4 for 5 this week heading into Friday afternoon’s card. Cox sends out second-time starter #10 Be the Light in this MSW for 3YO fillies over the main track. The Godolphin homebred debuted down at Fair Grounds in what was likely treated as somewhat of a prep. The daughter of Medaglia d’Oro broke a bit slow allowing the winner to get the jump and ended up finishing an underwhelming third. Expect a big move forward from Be the Light on Saturday given the experience gained at first asking and a significant rider upgrade to Luis Saez. A single for me in the late horizontals.Play: #10 Blue Light (3-1 ML)

Saturday’s Oaklawn card rates as must-see with an Oaklawn Handicap featuring 3 of the biggest stars in the game: Kentucky Derby hero / Horse of the Year Sovereignty, Preakness winner Journalism and Breeders’ Cup Classic / Pegasus World Cup winner White Abarrio. Be sure to play the Oaklawn card Saturday with 1/ST BET and Xpressbet to reap the rewards of the $3,000 Exacta-Thon. Cash winning exacta plays ($2 minimum) in 5 races on the card to share in the bonus cash.Here are a few Exacta-Thon looks.Race 2: claimingAdmittedly the last race was terrible from 10-1 morning line proposition JT’s Imagination, but he fits the conditions of this claiming race perfectly and has been facing tougher starter allowance competition in recent starts. He’s got a couple races at the meet that stand up very well vs. these and the price is right. Exacta key-box 8 with 1,5,9.Race 10: starter allowanceClassy sprinter Otto the Conqueror got eligible for this starter allowance at the max level last summer at Saratoga for claiming $40,000 – about the toughest place to compare any claiming level. His return try to Oaklawn in March was excellent and he doesn’t have a ton of early speed just to his outside as he leaves from the rail. Let’s work him on top of a few players. Exacta part-wheel 1 with 3,4,5.Race 11: Oaklawn HandicapThe clash of the season so far likely should see Sovereignty solidly favored. I’ve been wrong before projecting Journalism to beat him in the Kentucky Derby and Belmont, but the 1-1/8 miles trip could be a benefit to Journalism. I’ve liked the way he’s trained and the confident insertion into the lineup here even knowing Sovereignty was previously penciled in to run. Jose Ortiz kept Journalism closer to the pace in the Breeders’ Cup Classic than Umberto Rispoli had prior and that sort of tactic could play well. Exactas 5-3 mainly and 5-1 with White Abarrio as the back-up play. From a gamification perspective, promo players looking to add to their Exacta-Thon win totals to reach 5 wins obviously would benefit from turning the main exacta around with 3-5 as well.

SPECIAL 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 Laurel Feeder | details$40 Santa Anita Feeder | details$100 Keeneland Feeder | detailsNOTABLE CARRYOVERSJackpot Pick 6 | $162,765 | Gulfstream | begins Race 4 | 2:27 pm ETKEY RACESAqueduct | Race 7 | 4:21 pm ET | Plenty of Grace StakesKeeneland | Race 9 | 5:16 pm ET | Doubledogdare StakesLONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIXLaurel | Race 7 | 3:04 pm ETAqueduct | Race 5 | 3:16 pm ETTampa | Race 7 | 3:21 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHPeter Miller | Oaklawn, Santa Anita | all 8 entrants 5-1 or less oddsDID YOU SEE?Yesterday | Keeneland | Irad Ortiz Jr. | second straight 3-win dayPUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAMFrank Carulli: Keeneland Late Pick 3 Analysis for FridayScott Shapiro: Santa Anita Opening Day Spot Plays for FridayFrank Carulli & Brian W. Spencer best bets today in Xpressbet.com member’s section

Yonkers Raceway has a 10-race card to end the week. The $1.00 Early Pick 4 starts in Race 1, and it will be my focus. Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.Race 1 (6:45 PM EDT)5-Rydingtothewire (2-1)-This is one of the fastest horses in the race, but that only means so much. The issue is more about tactical speed and if Lauren Tritton keeps the 5-year-old racing near the top of the stack, good things could happen.6-Fasting (3-1)-This is the 2nd start on Lasix, the last race was at PcD, and it was very dull. But if a bounce back effort comes about the Engblom trainee could post a win. Jason Bartlett sticks and has enough gate speed to get a good early seat.7-Twin Fury (8-1)-This is the 3rd start off the bench, and the 1st race was an even effort at YR versus better. Came a good 2nd leaving from the 9-hole at M1 and now bumps up. Has hit the board in 2 of 3 starts at YR, has the gate speed to get a close-up seat and should be a juicy price.Race 2 (7:05 PM EDT)2-Silk Cloud A (6-1)-Using at a solid price in race that should have some lively fractions. Needs a sharp steer and to be close to the leader at the head of the lane. The inside draw should help as the lack of gate speed hurts and this race could set up for a closer.4-Aardie B Miki N (9/5)-Will fade #3 Coastal Babe N (3/2) and use Miki who raced big from the 7-hole to take a picture in last. Bartlett could leave and get a pocket ride and be the best down the lane.Race 3 (7:25 PM EDT)2-Energy King (4-1)-Makes the 1st start for the Grasso barn and should relish the company. The class relief can help in a contest without a standout, and Yannick Gingras sticks.3-Escaper (5/2)-Drops and gets class relief and could be a player with a smooth trip. Has been starting from the 7 hole and the post relief could make a winning difference.8-Sunday Shoes (5-1)-Engblom-Bartlett entry fired hot off the bench to go gate to wire at 8/5. The post makes the price, does step up as well, but will respect the Mohawk shipper versus this crew.Race 14 (7:45 PM EDT)3-Tarapasta (2-1)-Won Legs 2/3, and made it look easy going gate to wire. Beat 2 from this field last time at 1/9 and this race will go through the morning line chalk. This is the one to beat but there is some depth to this field.6-Bath Bomb (7/2)-Will use and bank on AMac having his foot through the floorboard. Has finished 2nd twice in this Series and will look for an aggressive try. If the start goes well a 2-hole trip behind the program chalk could work for a win.$1 Early Pick 45,6,7/2,4/2,3,8/3,6Total Bet=$36Check me out on X!

After a week off at Santa Anita Park, it is time for Opening Day of the springtime Hollywood meet at “The Great Race Place.” The 9-race slate kicks off at 4PM eastern/1PM local time and includes five races over the grass. Here are a few horses I plan to build my Opening Day around in Arcadia on Friday afternoon.Race 2:My first play of the meet comes in this state-bred MSW event at one mile over the main track where I like second-time starter #2 Blame It On Jack. The Peter Miller trainee stretches out to two turns after breaking slowly from his inside draw on debut going 6-furlongs versus similar on April 2. The Blame gelding was no match for the two betting favorites who were far more prominent early than he was two weeks ago, but he did run on to finish a well-beaten third. The softer field, added ground, and experience gained from his first start should all lead to an improved run as jockey Juan Hernandez jumps aboard this time around.Play: #2 Blame It On Jack (9-5 ML)Race 3:#1 Cyprus Moon is listed as the 7-5-ML favorite in this non-winners of three claimer at 6-furlongs over the grass, but she has had very fair chances at this level in back-to-back starts and been unable to seal the deal. The Malibu Moon mare will likely be on the lead again, but I prefer the other likely speed #4 How Lovely. The Steve Knapp trainee drops out of a conditional starter allowance into this claiming spot and should have a tactical advantage on the chalk drawing to her outside. She has not necessarily proven she can settle just off and finish with energy, but her last couple of races have come against faster horses than she meets on Friday afternoon. I like her chances to gut this out under veteran Edwin Maldonado.Play: #4 How Lovely (3-1 ML)Race 5:The pace in this $25k claimer over the grass that not only kicks off the late Pick 5, but also the $3 All Turf Pick 3 should be contentious. #1 Invincible Molly and #4 Shangrilama were prominent in their start last month at this level, but are likely to be in the second tier in this bunch given the presence of #2 Long Mayshe Reigns and #5 Ro Town. The race should really setup for a horse that can settle early and finish strong. I am hopeful that is #8 Special Flower. The 7YO mare makes her fourth start of the year after being caught very wide into the lane in the common race on March 13. She still finished with energy at nearly 9-1 to earn third. She has had all of her success over this course, draws favorably to the outside, and should relish the slight cutback to 6-panels. At 9-2 Special Flower offers fair value in a fun way to start a few of the bigger horizontals on the card.Play: #8 Special Flower (9-2 ML)