EXTRA INCENTIVESBet $100, Get $10 | Saudi Cup Day card from King Abdulaziz Racecourse$10 Money-Back Special | Saudi Derby & Risen Star (Fair Grounds) | up to $10 back if win bet finishes 2nd, 3rd2 Million 1/ST Rewards Points Hit & Split | Fair Grounds Late Pick 4SPECIAL WAGERSSunset Pick 6 | Gulfstream Races 10-11-12; Santa Anita Races 7-8-9Coast-to-Coast Pick 5 | Gulfstream Races 9-12; Santa Anita Races 3-4-5Kentucky Derby Future Wager | now through Sunday 6 pm ETTOURNAMENT TIME$500 Santa Anita Challenge | details$500 Laurel Park Challenge | details$100 Gulfstream Feeder | details$50 Beat the Host vs. Samantha Perry | details$40 Santa Anita Feeder | detailsNOTABLE CARRYOVERSJackpot Pick 6 | $491,020 | Gulfstream | begins Race 7 | 3:20 pm ETPick 6 | $13,533 | Oaklawn | begins Race 6 | 3:59 pm ETJackpot Pick 6 | $472,755 | Turf Paradise | begins Race 3 | 4:15 pm ETSuper Hi 5 | $14,558 | Santa Anita | Race 9 | 7:37 pm ETPick 5 | $109,648 | Turfway Park | begins Race 6 | 8:25 pm ET--Gulfstream has mandatory pick 6 payout Sunday--Turf Paradise has a mandatory pick 6 payout MondayKEY RACESSaudi Arabia | Race 1 | 7:00 am ET | Jockey Club HandicapSaudi Arabia | Race 2 | 7:40 am ET | Obalya Arabian ClassicSaudi Arabia | Race 3 | 8:20 am ET | Tuwaiq CupSaudi Arabia | Race 4 | 9:00 am ET | Saudi DerbySaudi Arabia | Race 5 | 9:40 am ET | Riyadh Dirt SprintSaudi Arabia | Race 6 | 10:25 am ET | 1351 Turf SprintSaudi Arabia | Race 7 | 11:10 am ET | Neom Turf CupSaudi Arabia | Race 8 | 11:50 am ET | Red Sea Turf HandicapSaudi Arabia | Race 9 | 12:40 pm ET | Saudi CupAqueduct | Race 2 | 12:50 pm ET | East View StakesAqueduct | Race 4 | 1:46 pm ET | Damon Runyon StakesFair Grounds | Race 3 | 2:00 pm ET | Colonel Power StakesLaurel | Race 6 | 2:34 pm ET | Nellie Morse StakesTampa Bay | Race 6 | 2:47 pm ET | Lightning City StakesLaurel | Race 7 | 3:04 pm ET | Post Time StakesLaurel | Race 8 | 3:34 pm ET | Barbara Fritchie StakesLaurel | Race 9 | 4:05 pm ET | General George StakesAqueduct | Race 9 | 4:13 pm ET | Say Florida Sandy StakesFair Grounds | Race 8 | 4:30 pm ET | Stall Memorial StakesTampa Bay | Race 10 | 4:49 pm ET | Turf Dash StakesFair Grounds | Race 9 | 5:00 pm ET | Mineshaft StakesGulfstream | Race 11 | 5:20 pm ET | Royal Delta StakesFair Grounds | Race 10 | 5:30 pm ET | Fair Grounds StakesOaklawn | Race 9 | 5:38 pm ET | Dixie Belle StakesFair Grounds | Race 11 | 6:00 pm ET | Rachel Alexandra StakesFair Grounds | Race 12 | 6:30 pm ET | Risen Star Stakes | Meet the ContendersSanta Anita | Race 7 | 6:37 pm ET | San Marcos StakesTurfway | Race 9 | 9:55 pm ET | Dust Commander StakesPUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAMMichelle Yu: Saudi Cup Day On-Site SelectionsScott Shapiro: Risen Star, Saudi Derby, Sunland Derby Prep Picks for this WeekendJeremy Plonk: Race of the Week – Royal Delta at Gulfstream ParkScott Shapiro: Santa Anita Saturday Spot PlaysScott Shaprio: Fair Grounds Hit & Split Pick 4 AnalysisFrank Carulli & Brian W. Spencer best bets today in Xpressbet.com member’s section

They are back at it later this afternoon at Santa Anita Park after the start of a four-day racing week yesterday. The nine-race slate kicks off at the normal 3:30PM eastern/12:30PM local time and is headlined by the San Marcos (G3) at 10-furlongs over the Santa Anita sod. Here are the horses I like most on what should be a fun Saturday at the Great Race Place.Race 1:The opener is a state-bred MSW event at 6.5-furlongs over the grass and is one of the best wagering races of the day. #1 Troisieme Etoile and #6 Marla Hooch both should take a significant step forward in career start number two, but I will take a bigger swing with #7 Christa McAuliffe. The Nick Alexander homebred debuted on January 30 in a 5.5-furlong dash over the main track and while she was reluctant to load and only ran a bit in the middle stages, it was the money she took that was noticeable. The daughter of Grazen was bet heavily throughout the wagering finally going off at a bit over 4-1 for a barn that has certainly been cagey over the years. The move to the grass and rider switch to Edwin Maldonado both suggest its “go time” for a filly that should offer solid value to kick off the card.Play: #7 Christa McAuliffe (12-1 ML)Race 4:There should be an honest pace in this state-bred optional claimer at one mile over the main track given the presence of #3 Stay in Line, #4 Theresasilverlinin, and #6 Syntax. This bodes well for the chances of #2 Dorie Miller. The daughter of Grazen drops out of an open company starter allowance spot on the grass and moves back to the main track where she ran a competitive third back on October. The 5YO mare has been far from a win machine throughout her 32-race career, but finds a favorable spot for trainer Leonard Powell. Jockey Mirco Demuro retains the mount.Play: #2 Dorie Miller (2-1 ML)Race 9:The finale is a MSW event for fillies and mares at 6.5-furlongs over the grass where a number of top contenders in this spot exit a similar race on January 10 at 6 panels. The race was won by Claire Austin with four probables in this one finishing behind her. Those gals all have legitimate chances, but I was pretty underwhelmed as a whole by that turf sprint a little over a month ago, so I will try a fresh face. #8 Mancuso makes just her second lifetime start after debuting in August ‘24 at Del Mar. The Little Red Feather Racing filly ran a solid second to Tenma that day over the main track and has not been seen since, but comes into her return spot off a steady series of drills for trainer Phil D’Amato. She showed talent on debut and should get a favorable trip from her outside draw under jockey Kazushi Kiimura. Hopefully, she is ready to fire fresh.Play: #8 Mancuso (9-2 ML)

Northfield Park has a 14-race card, and 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)3-Birdie Said (3-1)-Rolled home by 7 lengths at Mea and the Burke trainee should fit with these. Aaron Merriman gets the nod and when he combines with the Burke barn they post 33% wins. Willing to take a swing there won't be an issue with the turns in its Nfld debut.4-Love That Smile (3/2)-Has cashed 3rd place checks versus better and now takes a meaningful drop. Dan Noble sticks and should be a main player at a small price.Race 12 (10:02 PM EST)1-Evelyna Itis (9/2)-Got on the engine and the lights were on and the siren was blowing. Opened up by 4 lengths, then the tank ran dry and finished 2nd by a neck. Should get an easy lead and Braiden Rhoades could ration the speed better.3-Plays Pro (3-1)-Went wide near the 3/4's pole and then made the field look like it was standing still. Drew off by 5 lengths and paid off at a solid 5-1. Not seeing that price tonight but will respect chances of doubling up.Race 13 (10:24 PM EST)4-Not That Hilary (8/5)-Shipped in from Yonkers and beat this kind in 2 straight races by a combined 15 1/2 lengths. Gets a choice post draw, Merriman steers again, and should be on the point shortly after the wings fold. The 8/5 morning line doesn't seem as likely as a 3-peat.Race 14 (10:46 PM EST)3-Ball Diamond (6-1)-Camera shy mare could be facing a beatable field and should get an efficient trip. Won from this post against this kind, drops to face the same and will respect chances of taking another picture.5-Rock Me Cristal (4-1)-Merriman steered 2 back and came 2nd against this company leaving from post 5. Stepped up in the last start and the water was too deep. Merriman returns here, and this time he should look to get the top, but a 2-hole trip could be good enough for a win.6-Justabitofcharm (9-1)-Going to fade Noble on the 9/5 choice and look for a price. This mare won 2 back against the same and then was hung the mile. Justin Irving knows the veteran, could come off cover and roll by if in striking range turning for the wire.$2 Late Pick 43,4/1,3/4/3,5,6Total Bet=$24Check me out on X!

Watch Michelle's report from Saudi Arabia and pick up her picks for the key stakes on the Saudi Cup Day card, free at the Xpressbet YouTube channel. For those playing the Saudi Cup Day card, which gets underway Saturday at 7 am ET, take note of 2 promotions: -- Bet $100, Get $10 on the card. -- Up to $10 Money-Back Special on the Saudi Derby if your win bet finishes second or third.

In addition to the Late Pick 4 Hit & Split promotion at Fair Grounds on Saturday, there are a trio of Triple Crown Prep Race Money Back Special opportunities over the course of the mid-February weekend. The Saudi Derby and Risen Star on Saturday and Sunland Derby on Sunday all reward points on the Kentucky Derby leaderboard to the top five finishers with the Risen Star being the first of the 50-point to the winner races in 2026. Here are my thoughts.Saudi Cup (G3):Four North American-based runners made the trip overseas for this one-turn mile event over the main track, including 5-2-ML favorite #6 My World. The son of Essential Quality beat a suspect group in the Jerome to kick off his 3YO season for trainer Brad Cox running his winning streak to three races, but has done little to wow. I will use my first Money Back opportunity to take a swing against My World with #1 Acknowledgemeplz. The son of Bucchero has just one win in four starts for trainer Doug O’Neill, but ran better than looks in the San Vicente (G2) at Santa Anita Park last out when racing against the flow going 7-furlongs. This barn has been going well to start 2026 and attracts Flavien Prat for their ridgling’s first international test. The price should be right to take a shot.Play: #1 Acknowledgemeplz (10-1 ML)Risen Star (G2):Before last year this 1 1/8-mile test at Fair Grounds had arguably been the best Triple Crown prep despite being run in mid-February. Epicenter in 2022, Angel of Empire in 2023, and Sierra Leone two years ago all made their presence felt in a big way on the first Saturday in May. Perhaps, the race will produce a top contender again this year, but the depth of the field pales in comparison to years’ past.#3 Golden Tempo returns to the scene of his off-the-pace win in the Lecomte (G3) and will take his share of public support, but it is no doubt #4 Paladin’s race to lose. The $1.9M FTS August 2024 purchase has done little wrong through two starts and was flattered by Renegade’s win in the Sam F. Davis last weekend. He is by far the likeliest winner, but with the insurance from the Money Back offer I will opt to instead wager on #5 Chip Honcho. The son of Connect showed grit to win the Gun Runner in December before being caught wide throughout after a less-than-ideal break in the Lecomte. Hall of Famer Steve Asmussen takes the blinkers off and legs up Luis Saez for the first time. I am not sure whether Chip Honcho is good enough to beat the chalk, but he has the recency and will be a much bigger price on Saturday evening.Play: #5 Chip Honcho (6-1 ML)Sunland Derby:The final Triple Crown prep of the weekend goes as the ninth of ten on Sunday afternoon in New Mexico where Springboard Mile winner #1 Express Kid was made the 3-1-ML favorite. The son of Bodemeister was sold after the win for $800,000 in a one-horse flash sale on Fasig-Tipton Digital and now appears in the Justin Evans barn. The Cal-bred was impressive in his first dirt route try, but is likely to have things tough on the front end given the speed to drawn to his outside. Therefore, I will try another O’Neill runner at a price in #3 Pavlovian. The Pavel colt is just 1 for 8, but came with a strong late run after another poor start in the Cal Cup Derby month. If he can avoid spotting the field too many lengths early, he has a shot to make the last move at a price under veteran Edwin Maldonado.Play: #3 Pavlovian (8-1 ML)

SPECIAL WAGERSSunset Pick 6 | Gulfstream Races 8-9-10; Santa Anita Races 6-7-8Coast-to-Coast Pick 5 | Gulfstream Races 9-10; Santa Anita Races 4-5-6TOURNAMENT TIME$100 Gulfstream Feeder | details$40 Santa Anita Feeder | detailsNOTABLE CARRYOVERSJackpot Pick 6 | $459,324 | Gulfstream | begins Race 5 | 2:20 pm ETPick 6 | $8,426 | Oaklawn | begins Race 5 | 3:34 pm ETSunset Pick 6 | $33,199 | Gulfstream/Santa Anita | begins GP Race 8 | 3:50 pm ETJackpot Pick 6 | $520,763 | Turfway | begins Race 5 | 7:55 pm ET--Gulfstream has mandatory Rainbow 6 payout SundayKEY RACESOaklawn | Race 8 | 5:07 pm ET | American Beauty StakesTurfway | Race 9 | 9:55 pm ET | Forego StakesLONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIXTampa Bay | Race 4 | 2:07 pm ETOaklawn | Race 7 | 4:35 pm ETTurfway | Race 10 | 10:25 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHLinda Rice | Aqueduct | 7 of 8 entrants 7-2 or less oddsDID YOU SEE?Yesterday | Aqueduct | jockey Manny Franco | 6 wins from 9 mounts (9 wins past 2 days)PUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAMFrank Carulli: Sunset Pick 6 $33K Carryover Analysis for FridayScott Shapiro: Santa Anita Friday Spot PlaysFrank Carulli & Brian W. Spencer best bets today in Xpressbet.com member’s section

Racing returns to Santa Anita Park later this afternoon for the start of a 4-day racing week with a holiday card on Monday afternoon. Today’s card at the Great Race Place includes a $33k carryover in the Sunset Six. Remember, the Sunset Six consists of the last three races at both Gulfstream Park and Santa Anita Park, has a $1 minimum, 15% takeout rate, and is for retail players only. My colleague Frank Carulli has analysis of the sequence already up on the blog, but I included a potential contrarian single within my spot plays in Arcadia for the 8-race card that kicks off at 3:30 PM eastern/12:30 PM local time.Race 4:My first play of the day happens to kick off the first All-Turf Pick 3 of the week at Santa Anita Park and comes in this $50k maiden claimer over the grass where I like #1 Lorenzo Bernini. The son of Authentic makes his second start of the meet after battling early and tiring late in a similar spot on January 8. The George Papaprodromou trainee finds a spot this afternoon where he not only draws favorably along the inside on the stretch out to 9-furlongs, but also a group that lacks early zip. This should bode well for the 4YO gelding who attracts Florent Geroux with regular rider Umberto Rispoli sidelined due to injury. With a clean break, Lorenzo Bernini should have no issue taking them all the way on the engine.Play: #1 Lorenzo Bernini (5-2 ML)Race 5:This open $10k claimer at 5.5-furlongs over the main track is one of the more attractive wagering events on the Friday slate. I landed on #11 Outrageous. The daughter of Mor Spirit makes her third start of the form cycle after chasing a gate-to-wire winner while 3-wide early in a starter allowance at this same distance in late January. The 6-time winner competed over this surface for the initial time in the third-place effort last month and should be primed for her best third off the bench. The far outside post could lead to a wide trip early, but I like the fact jockey Cristobal Herrera has options out of the gate. With a clean break, he shouldn’t be too far off the early pace in search of his seventh lifetime score.Play: #11 Outrageous (6-1 ML)Race 6:I will search for the natural hat trick in what is the fourth leg of the aforementioned Sunset Six. Based on the morning line, #1 Latitude is expected to take the most money in this MSW at one mile over the Santa Anita sod, but I prefer stablemate #5 Midway Lane. Trainer John Sadler has not had a strong start to the Classic Meet, but one of his best runs came from this son of Quality Road back on January 8. The Hronis Racing gelding did not get to the wire first, but relaxed nicely in the early going before being barely out finished at odds of nearly 4-1. Sadler moves Midway Lane up out of the high-level maiden claimer, which often is a pass for me, but this is just not the strongest group from top-to-bottom. Hopefully, he proves worthy of the move back into the MSW ranks with an off-the-pace victory under veteran jockey Kyle Frey.Play: #5 Midway Lane (9-2 ML)

Hoosier Park begins the weekend with a 9-race card. The 0.50 Pick 4 starts in Race 6, and it will be my focus. Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.Race 6 (7:25 PM EST)1-A New Endeavor (3-1)-Fits at this level and drawing the rail should help the cause. Comes off 2 sharp qualifiers, the first at MVR and the 2nd at HoP, and looks ready to fire hot off the bench. Has won 13 of 33 at HoP and should be on top or in the pocket when the wings fold.2-Lotsa Knock Us (9/5)-Finished 2nd against Open Handicap company at the Meadows in the 1st race since 1-11. Not liking the short morning line as there have been gaps in starts. But the veteran likes the oval and the post draw should help with getting an efficient trip.Race 7 (7:48 PM EST)3-Handsome Character (7/2)-Appears to be a better horse than when last seen in Andersen in the fall. MVR shipper battles and should be in striking range to seal the deal. Has been in the hunt at HoP, does have gate speed, and Trace Tetrick could look to go gate to wire.6-Six Sticks Of Gum (6-1)-This isn't an easy race to read with a hodgepodge field and will look for a price with a 4-year-old who posted a nice win coming off cover. Meadows shipper gives John DeLong options. Could be put in play early on or look to roll by down the lane.Race 8 (8:11 PM EST)3-Sanday A (4-1)-Cashed checks versus Open company and should be more than capable versus this field. The veteran put in a nice qualifier at HoP on 2-7. Lands at a level where a win can happen if brings a top try. Kyle Wilfong knows well and should be racing near the top turning for the wire.6-General Dolan (2-1)-Tuned up at MVR and then won by 10 1/2 lengths in a 2-7 qualifier at HoP. Got on the engine in both qualifiers and should be tough to beat if gets the top without burning much gas. The race should go through the Tyler George trainee.Race 9 (8:34 PM EST)3-Tellmebaoutit (12-1)-This 10-year-old banked over $960k and almost all of it came at HoP. Lightly raced veteran did go a couple of times at DTN and would have posted 2 wins except for a DQ. Then drew outside at MVR in 2 starts in January. Can hit the board at a big price and with a a suck-around trip could surprise if Panda Executive comes up short.8-Ponda Executive (5/2)-Went gate to wire in a MVR qualifier and then worked the same plan in a 2-7 tune-up at HoP. Drew off by 8 lengths and might be sitting on a big try. This is another Tyler George trainee who could be posing.$1 Pick 41,2/3,6/3,6/3,8Total Bet=$16Check me out on X!