Today’s Skinny:Day 5 of 5 from the prestigious Royal Ascot stand is headlined by Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes. The stand’s final main event at 6 furlongs boasts 19 runners. Joliestar has won 3 straight in Australia this year and is the morning line favorite. Japan and Hong Kong rep Satono Reve figures to vie for favoritism in a truly intercontinental clash.The Americans are represented by trainer Wesley Ward in the day’s opener, the Grade 2 Norfolk for juvenile dashers. He has Woodbine debut winner EZ Tina, Churchill debut winner Fanshell Beach and Aqueduct second-start graduate Through the Years entered.Free Wagering Guide:Download the free Sky Sports Racing Royal Ascot Wager Guide for today’s full card. ACCESS THE GUIDEExtra Incentives:Horseplayers with 1/ST BET and Xpressbet can enjoy a 15% boost on successful win bets – up to $25 total per day per player – during each race of the Royal Ascot meeting. VIEW OFFER Today’s Lineup:9:30AM ET | Group 2 Norfolk Stakes | 5 furlongs10:05 AM ET | Group 2 Hardwicke Stakes| 1-1/2 miles10:40 AM ET | Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes | 6 furlongs11:20 AM ET | Group 3 Jersey Stakes | 7 furlongs12:00 PM ET | Worthington Stakes | 5 furlongs12:35 PM ET | Golden Gates Stakes | 1-1/2 miles1:10 PM ET | Queen Alexandra Stakes | 2-3/4 milesFeatured Races | This WeekSaturday | Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee StakesWagering Particulars | Commingled World Pool17.5% takeout Win & Place17.5% takeout Quinella17.5% takeout Omni (2 of 3 must finish top 3)19.5% takeout Exacta25% takeout Trifecta25% takeout Pick 326% takeout Place Pick 427% takeout Place Pick 630% takeout Superfecta

EXTRA INCENTIVES15% Win Boost | Royal Ascot | all races this weekSCHEDULE NOTESRoyal Ascot | meet daily through Saturday | first post 9:30 am ET | Wager GuideTOURNAMENT TIME$100 NYRA feeder | detailsNOTABLE CARRYOVERSJackpot Pick 6 | $90,759 | Churchill Downs | begins Race 4 | 2:13 pm ETKEY RACESRoyal Ascot | Race 4 | 11:20 am ET | G1 Coronation StakesLONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIXChurchill Downs | Race 3 | 1:43 pm ETAqueduct | Race 7 | 4:11 pm ETEvangeline Downs | Race 1 | 5:30 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHChad Brown | Aqueduct, Churchill | all 5 entrants 7-2 or less oddsDID YOU SEE?Yesterday | Horseshoe Indy | trainer Brad Cox won with both startersPUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAMScott Shapiro: Churchill Downs Friday Spot PlaysFrank Carulli: Gulfstream Pick 3 Analysis for FridayFrank Carulli & Brian W. Spencer best bets today in Xpressbet.com member’s section

The week continues this afternoon under the twin spires of Churchill Downs when their 9-race card kicks off at 12:45 PM eastern. The slate features a trio of allowance races over the back half of the day, including a pair of events with a $141k purse. I am looking to work my way out of a little slump. Hopefully, today is the day.Race 5:This auction-restricted MSW event for 2YOs at 5-furlongs goes through a trio of colts with experience led by 3-1-ML favorite #5 Trim Castle. The John Ennis trainee was eased on debut, but ran a lot better in his second career start. In fact, the son of Collected showed good speed from the gate, was not able to keep up with the dueling leaders early, but settled off the pace and grinded out a runner-up finish at 8-1. A move forward very easily could lead to victory for him, but I prefer #9 Bourbon Town. The son of Echo Town ran a solid second in his debut over the Keeneland slop despite traffic issues along the inside midway through before a speed and fade effort on May 25. In his Churchill debut, Bourbon Town battled with a 3-5-favorite winner for the Brian Lynch barn during the middle stages before tiring late. He drops back into the restricted maiden ranks, attracts Luis Saez, and should get the jump on his main rivals. 6-1 seems like a fair offering.Play: #9 Bourbon Town (6-1 ML)Picks: 9-3-5Race 6:The pace should be honest at the very least in this 1 1/16-mile allowance event over the Churchill lawn. This should set things up for a runner from off-the-pace. #1 Lambeth, #4 Irish Aces and #8 West Hollywood are likely to be seen as the best options for this type of race shape, but I will take a bigger swing with #7 Herchee (pictured).  The Twirling Candy gelding showed a lot of talent right away for trainer Helen Pitts winning his first starts and has captured 4 of 8 overall, but his return race off an 11-month break was underwhelming. That said, he was caught 3-wide early in his May 21 return and came into the race off a limited work tab. He should run a lot better after shaking off the rust last time out. Hopefully, he shows his strong turn of foot after an honest tempo with regular rider Edgar Morales aboard. The price should be right to take a little swing.Play: #8 Herchee (8-1 ML)Picks: 7-8-4Race 9:My final play of the day comes in this first-level allowance at 1 1/8-miles over the lawn where I will hope to take them all the way on the engine with #4 Sunshine Daydream. The 4YO filly comes into this race having made the lead in each of her two starts against winners since breaking her maiden in New Orleans this winter at the tail end of the Fair Grounds meet. Unfortunately, she has not had the stamina in either try to see it out. She may not be good enough to win at this level, but I am willing to give her one more chance since she should have things her way under jockey Ben Curtis. Last month, she made an easy lead going one-mile over this course, but was unable to come close to sealing the deal. If Curtis can harness some of the early zip a bit more in the early stages later today, this is a group Sunshine Daydream fits with. Plus, her speed looks like a serious weapon against a group that does not possess too much of it. Once again, a runner that looks like an overlay regardless of result.Play: #4 Sunshine Daydream (12-1 ML)Picks: 4-6-7

Yonkers Raceway has a 9-race card. The Spot Plays are in Race 4, Race 6, and Race 8. Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.Race 4 (7:45 PM EDT)Looking at a 2 horse box with 1-Seaside Diva (9/2) and 6-Tick A Loch A (6-1), and will play #6 to win.6-Tick A Loch A (6-1)-Popped at a very nice 8-1 last week leaving from post 6 against this kind. Shipped in from Philly and missed a start, now comes back in sequence. Did get a 2nd quarter breather last time but could be even sharper in the 2nd race in town. Likes racing on the Hilltop (12-4-3-1) and should be a main player if driver Matt Kakaley does his job.1-Seaside Diva (9/2)-The camera-shy mare has only a single win in 2026 (10-1-3-3) and at Yonkers is (21-2-8-2). But has been racing well versus Invites. Yannick Gingras will need to work a smooth trip, and if so, can be a top of the ticket candidate. Can make the most of the inside post draw.6-Tich A Loch to WinExacta Box 1-66-1-7Race 6 (8:25 PM EDT)1-Elegant A (2-1)-Won its last at Tioga and did take a picture at Yonkers against this company. Posted a win and came a good 2nd versus this kind at YR last year in the fall. This is a beatable field and can get a preferred top of the stack trip with this post draw. Was off over 3 weeks before the last start and now comes back in sequence. Colin Kelly sticks, will respect chances of doubling up and will key on top in Exactas.Exacta 1/5,61-6-5Race 8 (9:05 PM EDT)4-BJM'S Lil Man (6-1)-Won against easier on 5-15 and then stepped up to face this kind on 5-22. That night was bet down to 4/5, suffered an interference break early in the mile and lost all chance. Then, stepped up to face Invites and raced evenly. Was back in against this kind on 6-12 and raced from the backfield to come a close 5th. Did roll the back half in 56.4 leaving from post 7, and this will be the 3rd start on Lasix. Gets a new set of hands in Matt Kakaley, draws a choice post, and should be forwardly placed off the car. Will play BJM's Lil Man to win and can offer a solid price.4-BJM"S Lil Man (6-1) to Win4-1-3Check me out on X!

Today’s Skinny:Day 4 of 5 from the prestigious Royal Ascot stand is headlined by Group 1 co-features, the Commonwealth Cup and the Coronation Stakes. Sprinters are spotlighted in the Commonwealth Cup, where Venetian Sun is a standout favorite among a field of 22 that includes Wesley Ward’s Outfielder, winner of Churchill Downs’ William Walker Stakes in May. Irish 1000 Guineas winner Precise is the odds-on choice in the Coronation for 3-year-old filly milers.The Americans also will be in action the finale, the Palace of Holyroodhouse. Wesley Ward sends out Churchill turf sprint winner Bacio while George Weaver returns with Sandal’s Song, third in last year’s Norfolk at Royal Ascot.Free Wagering Guide:Download the free Sky Sports Racing Royal Ascot Wager Guide for today’s full card. ACCESS THE GUIDE Extra Incentives:Horseplayers with 1/ST BET and Xpressbet can enjoy a 15% boost on successful win bets – up to $25 total per day per player – during each race of the Royal Ascot meeting. VIEW OFFER Today’s Lineup:9:30AM ET | Albany Stakes | 6 furlongs10:05 AM ET | Commonwealth Cup | 6 furlongs10:40 AM ET | Duke of Edinburgh Stakes | 1-1/2 miles11:20 AM ET | Group 1 Coronation Stakes | 1 mile12:00 PM ET | Sandringham Stakes | 1 mile12:35 PM ET | King Edward VII Stakes | 1-1/2 miles1:10 PM ET | Palace of Holyroodhouse Stakes | 5 furlongsFeatured Races | This WeekFriday | Group 1 Commonwealth Cup, Group 1 Coronation StakesSaturday | Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee StakesWagering Particulars | Commingled World Pool17.5% takeout Win & Place17.5% takeout Quinella17.5% takeout Omni (2 of 3 must finish top 3)19.5% takeout Exacta25% takeout Trifecta25% takeout Pick 326% takeout Place Pick 427% takeout Place Pick 630% takeout Superfecta

It’s a Bet 3 bonanza at Gulfstream Park this Friday, June 19. Pick any 3 races in order, bet a dollar on a winning combination and your weekend will be off to a fast start. We picked races 4 through 6, spanning three distances, two surfaces and the featured 7F allowance. With two selections in each leg, we upped the ante to $3 for a total $24 wager listed below.Gulfstream Park 4th Race (1:56 p.m. EST)Speed abounds in this 5-1/2F sprint, so look to a pair of closers in a field that is a combined 63/13-15-8 on synthetic surfaces. HONOR HER upstaged a string of five in-the-money finishes with a winning 5F rally and career-best 77 Beyer at this level in March. She sheds 11 pounds in her second start off the re-claim by trainer Daniel Hurtak and is a tempting 10-1 on the morning line. SCHNITTKER, a steady upper-60 Beyer type nearing $100k in synthetic track earnings, fits the winning profile, but he was plagued by slow starts in better company recently, hence the equipment change to “blinkers on.”Gulfstream Park 5th Race (2:28 p.m. EST)Going price-shopping in the second leg of the Bet 3. ANTILLEAN steps up off the claim and is 3-for-46 with a slow-starting habit. But he has two wins and three seconds on fast tracks at one mile since October and can’t be discounted in this 7F test. CAPTURE THE TIME backed off a fast pace from the rail on a day when 3 of 6 winners on the dirt track went wire-to-wire. He ranged up on the turn and seemed poised to strike in the stretch, only to tire badly. He met three next-out winners and a pair of winners with $200,000 bankrolls in his two previous starts for a higher tag.Gulfstream Park 6th Race (3:00 p.m. EST)Four of the six entrants in the featured optional claimer test the Tapeta track for the first time. BOJACA BLESSING is a deserving favorite off her race two back, when she raced 3- to 5-wide throughout, drifted in the lane and was disqualified from an upset victory against several proven synthetic-track rivals. STARSHIP MELODY has two wins and two seconds in six starts on Tapeta. She will have to step it up a notch in here but could do so for a red-hot barn.Suggested $3 Bet 3GP 4th Race: 3, 5GP 5th Race: 5, 8GP 6th Race: 2, 4Cost for a $3 Ticket: $24

Saturday afternoon marks the biggest day on the racing calendar at Thistledown Race Track. The 12-race card is headlined by the $500,000 Ohio Derby (G3). The 1 1/8-miles event over the main track is one of five stakes races slated for the back half of the afternoon with the main event scheduled to go to post at 6:20 PM local time.In addition, to the many wagering opportunities offered on the Ohio Derby slate, 1/ST BET and Xpressbet customers will earn 10x rewards points on all wagers made on Saturday at Thistledown. Just register for the new promotion and you will automatically earn the bonus points. Here are a few of my plays in the stakes races, including my long shot play in the feature.Race 8: George Lewis MemorialThe first of three stakes for Ohio-breds is this 1 1/16-mile event where the pace should be fast, as well as contentious. With a number of sprinters stretching back out to two turns, it is hard to imagine things not being a bit chaotic during the first half mile. This should set things up beautifully for #9 Villian. The son of National Flag has won 12 of 27 throughout his career, including 9 of 13 over this surface, and should get a perfect setup with the best rider on the continent into ride. Jockey Jose Ortiz has been aboard the Tim Hamm trainee twice with both resulting in wins, including this race a year ago. He will not be a big price, but makes for a potential single to kick off the All-Stakes Pick 5 sequence.Play: #9 Villian (9-5 ML)Picks: 9-8-7Race 11: Lady JacquelineThe biggest race of the summer for fillies and mares comes right before the Ohio Derby and drew a competitive field of nine. I like #2 Nerazurri most in this 9-furlong affair. The daughter of Protonico had an outstanding winter at Oaklawn Park for trainer Mark Casse, including a pair of restricted stakes scores and a runner-up finish to stablemate Nitrogen in the Bayakoa (G3). Casse tried Grade 1 competition in both the Apple Blossom (G1) and La Troienne (G1), but the 4YO filly was in over her head, so the veteran conditioner opts to get a bit more realistic in this spot. I like that she was given a legitimate freshening after taking on the best of her division, especially since she raced in the La Troienne off of relatively short rest. Expect to see Nerazurri get back to her best with Flavien Prat set to take the call for the first time.Play: #2 Nerazurri (7-2 ML)Picks: 2-3-1Race 12: Ohio Derby (G3)This year’s featured event in the state of Ohio drew a solid field led by a pair of colts from big barns. This includes the first Bob Baffert trainee set to compete in the Ohio Derby since Whiskey Ticket in 2015.#1 Desert Gate brings one of the strongest resumes into North Randall, as well as Preakness third-place finisher #3 Chip Honcho for North America’s all-time leading trainer. Both Desert Gate and the Steve Asmussen trainee loom large in this prospective group of 10 and are not tosses for me, but I like 30-1 shot #6 Zihnal enough to build a few wagers around the lightly-raced gelding. The Augustin Stable runner has not encountered anything close to the level of competition he will in the Saturday feature, but has been entered ambitiously and scratched already by trainer Jonathan Thomas. Some barns are more than willing to get aggressive with their flesh early in stakes races, especially given the current landscape, but this barn does not strike me as one that spots their horses in over their heads too often. Being entered in a stake on Preakness Day before being scratched turn my head and despite a poor turf run in late May, Thomas presses on with this son of Quality Road who raced just ten days ago at Horseshoe Indianapolis. The win came despite being three-wide, it was more than 11 lengths back to third, and now he is entered in a Grade 3 event. He very well could be overmatched against this level of competition, but the price will be right to take a swing. I will bet on him to win and tie him up with Desert Gate, Chip Honcho, and #4 Trendsetter.Play: #6 Zihnal (30-1 ML)Picks: 6-3-8

The Lead:Saturday’s Gulfstream Park feature is the $100,000 Azalea Stakes for 3-year-old filly sprinters. It’s a survivor of the former Summit of Speed program that stands alone these days. The 7-furlong test goes as Race 10 and has attracted 7 sprinters, including a pair each for trainers Joe Orseno and Saffie Joseph, Jr.​​Field Depth:All 7 runners seek their first stakes wins, while FLOWKO and WIN BET ONLY are stakes-placed. Prime race for a rise in class.​Pace:Early speed should come from the inside grouping of FLOWKO, WINPLACEANDSHOW and LATE NIGHT NEXT. The tempo seems reasonable to all running styles.​Our Eyes:Here are my horse-by-horse notes.1-WINPLACEANDSHOW: Sharp break last out and allowed to settle from an outside draw but should be capable of continuing that early interest here from the rail. Her late margin increase last out was more a product of her dueler stopping than it was her solid, but not spectacular visual and 88 BRIS late pace figure. Sire Win Win Win’s progeny score 21% in GP 7-furlong sprints with a $1.15 ROI for every $1 bet, so she’s built for this.2-FLOWKO: Florida-bred is 0-7 in open-company races but does exit a state-bred allowance score. That she was hammered to 1-2 odds in that one signifies a weak bunch based on just 1 victory in 11 prior starts. May be fastest of these in the initial stages but has been more effective at shorter trips.3-LATE NIGHT TEXT: Failed to find the finish line first in 5 tries with Nolan Ramsey but immediately got the right script for Saffie Josephn when breaking her maiden April 23. That win came over this track and distance and notable earned a boastful 96 BRIS late pace figure. Pressed 3-wide in that last outing and could get an identical trip just outside a pair of speed horses in the 1-2 posts. Runner-up was promising $550K Brad Cox trainee who came back to break her maiden next out. Sire Into Mischief is 16: 4-2-3 in 7-furlong Gulfstream stakes races the last 5 years – right in his offspring’s wheelhouse. Biggest concern is 3-week break in the workout tab late May into early June. One to beat if she’s fit.4-SOROKIN: Most lightly raced filly in the field won her second outing March 27 and hasn’t been seen since. Her graduation runner-up has come back to run out of the money twice at Churchill Downs for Chad Brown and is now an 0-4 maiden. Second of 2 Saffie Joseph Jr. trainees in the entries and the barn’s A-rider Micah Husbands winds up on Late Night Text.5-WIN BET ONLY: Tough record for a horse with this name, offering just a 1-for-13 mark. The Florida-bred had a stiff, 9-race juvenile campaign but hasn’t shown anything at age 3 against open company or state-breds to indicate a big move forward here. Second of 2 Joe Orseno trainees entered (both by Win Win Win) but looks to be the least-talented of the pair.6-PERMIAN BASIN: Tampa Bay Downs shipper exits a 7-furlong allowance win across the state and is 2-for-2 at the specialist’s distance in play Saturday. Finishes up well in her starts, posting 89-96-91 BRIS late pace figures in his last 3 starts. The worst start of her career came in her debut at Gulfstream in October, so there’s some concern about transferring her solid Tampa form. Trainer Chad Stewart is 0-9 on the Tampa to Gulfstream move the last 5 years, but did have a third-place stakes finisher last year. Jockey Diego Herrera has been riding lights-out locally and picks up the mount.7-WANDER WOMAN: Owner-trainer Tareq Moubarak tried this one twice at Saratoga last summer to minor placings before going to the sidelines. Her return May 24 at Gulfstream netted an easy maiden score over 6 furlongs. But she didn’t come home fast (92 BRIS late pace figure) and adds an additional furlong while facing stronger competition. Probably looks like a threat with a move on the turn but could flatten out through the lane.Most Likely Exotics Contender:LATE NIGHT TEXT just won over the track and distance and looks the part with a great trip.Best Longshot Contender:No major prices expected with a 7-horse field.Sending it in ($100 bankroll):$100 win LATE NIGHT TEXT.