This Saturday’s card is not necessarily as star-powered as last weekend’s Whitney Day extravaganza, but there is plenty of great action to take part in at 1/ST BET and Xpressbet nonetheless. The 12-race card is headlined by the Christophe Clement (G1) at 12-furlongs over the Inner Turf. The feature goes as Race 9 and makes up the second leg of the late Pick 5. Here are my thoughts on the entire card.Grade Descriptions: A= Highest Degree of Confidence, B= Solid Play, C= Least Preferred or Pass, X= Likely Winner but at odds probably too short to wager on.Race 1:Grade: B-Use: 5 Antietam; 6 SalmingForecast: The pace should be contentious in this $30k non-winners of three claiming event over the main track. This should bode well for those that can settle early and finish with energy. #6 Salming is the obvious runner. The 5YO gelding makes his first start off the claim for Linda Rice after an easy win from off-the-pace going away on July 24. If he can avoid regression off the class hike, he should be tough, but the tote will show that as well, so I will take a swing with #5 Antietam. The Curlin colt has not paid off his sales price, but could relish the cutback to a sprint after a pair of nine-furlong races to start the summer meeting. He is almost certain to be last early, but also should be rolling late if I am right about the race shape.Race 2:Grade: B-Use: 5 Santis; 3 Saratoga Tee; 4 Mindfield; 8 Upper Echelon; 7 Big HandsomeForecast: A challenging state-bred MSW event at six-furlongs over the main track kicks off the early Pick 4 where there are a few ways I considered going, but in the end went with the biggest price #5 Santis. Trainer Mike Maker has quietly had a solid summer and is 4 for 17 with a $4.08 ROI over the last three years with 2YOs making their first start over the Saratoga dirt. Maker sends out this son of Epicenter who is out of a Majesticperfection mare that has already produced a pair of debut runners. Santis is likely to get a bit overlooked in the wagering with plenty of other solid options for horseplayers.Race 3:Grade: B-Use: 9 Sweet Redemption; 5 Nystateofmind; 8 Arawak; 6 J BuckForecast: A second division of 2YO state-bred special weights at six-panels follows where #4 Road Show is expected to be a heavy favorite off of his runner-up effort over this surface on debut on July 12. It was a solid first out performance for the Roadster colt, but he got a huge setup that day in a race that absolutely feel apart late. So, I will try to beat him with a few, including long shot #9 Sweet Redemption. Trainer James Ryerson is capable at the Spa with a price horse and has a chance to get one to the wire first with this son of Twirling Candy that was beaten handily by the chalk on debut, but had a much different voyage chasing the early pace. The racing experience and move to an outside draw should lead to a much-improved performance from this Dirico Racing homebred.Race 4:Grade: C+Use: 2 Lady Rose/5 Top of the TableForecast: Trainer Linda Rice has a strong 1-2-punch entered in this state-bred first-level allowance out of the Wilson chute with 9-5-favorite #2 Lady Rose and 3-1-second choice #5 Top of the Table. Lady Rose met a much stronger group at this level last out when she chased the pace of gate-to-wire winner Queens Cat early and tired late to finish fourth. She should perform much better on the stretch out versus this weaker bunch. If the chalk fails, stablemate Top of the Table is likely to be the one to beat her. She ships into Saratoga after shaking off the rust at Finger Lakes last month. Kendrick Carmouche is should have her in a prominent spot early.Race 5:Grade: C+Use: 2 Tongue Twister; 1 BertrilleForecast: #8 Considerate City enters this state-bred first-level allowance event over the Inner Turf as the heavy 8-5-ML favorite. This is understandable since she has finished ahead of the rivals in this group she has encountered recently and comes in off three consecutive runner-up efforts. The problem is her lack of speed. She always comes with a big run late, but often without her ever having a chance to win the race. No doubt, she has a shot to beat this group, but I am not willing to swallow the chalk on a horse whose lone win came via DQ last September. I will use the two inside runners. #1 Bertrille and #2 Tongue Twister both need to move forward off of their latest runs, but draw favorably along the inside and should get the jump on Considerate City at better prices.Race 6:Grade: C+Use: 2 V Formation; 5 Oneinamilliongirl 3 Libby LloydForecast: #8 Tumoohaat is listed as the 5-2-ML favorite in this six-furlong dash for 2YO fillies over the main track where I could talk for days given the pedigrees, sales prices, and barns with firsters. The Shadwell Stable filly is by star sire Into Mischief out of 2021 Kentucky Oaks winner Malathaat. Malathaat won at first asking going seven-furlongs and no doubt her first foal can win this race, but there are far too many well-bred horses in here to bet this likely short price.A couple of price options are intriguing. #5 Oneinamilliongirl selling for 60 times her stud fee and attracting Jose Ortiz is noteworthy, but she is likely to take some public support for her Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes winning trainer. That said, she appears to be shipping in from Ellis Park with purpose. #2 V Formation is the runner I like that I do not expect to get bet. The $400k OBS April ’26 purchase must have looked the part commanding 40 times her sire’s stud fee in Ocala. She debuts for a barn without sparkling numbers with debut runners, but one that has won an open company MSW race with a first-time starter the last two years. She has a good shot to outrun her odds.Race 7:Grade: BUse: 3 No Evidence/4 Final VerdictForecast: There is a serious lack of early speed signed on in this second-level allowance sprinting over the grass, which should put #3 No Evidence in a good spot early. The son of Vekoma comes in off a win against lesser where she broke well, but was content to let two speeds to her inside battle. With the lack of zip in this one and an inside post, I expect Flavien Prat to get her into a favorable forward position and go from there. #4 Final Verdict is the one likely to be up there with her in the early stages, but not sure her speed will be as good from the gate exiting a two-turn race last month. These two though should be in a good spot to thrive given the likely race dynamics.Race 8:Grade: CUse: 3 Q B Rocket; 2 Card Man/8 Damavand; 5 Katz in the CradleForecast: This open company 2YO MSW event for the boys also came up strong, but I lack a strong opinion. #2 Card Man and #3 Q B Rocket both appear live at first asking for big barns, but are unlikely to provide much value. I have horses I slightly prefer over others if the two favorites do not fire, but not with much confidence, so I will tread lightly in the first leg of the late Pick 5.Race 9: Christophe Clement (G1)Grade: B-Use: 5 Fort George; 3 Ole Crazy BoneForecast: The featured event was called the Sword Dancer, but has been renamed in honor of the longtime New York based Hall of Fame conditioner. The race run over the Inner Turf is run at 1 �-miles and drew a compact field of seven led by the top three from last month’s Bowling Green (G2). #3 Ole Crazy Bone held on gamely to beat #5 Fort George with #6 Minaret Station finishing an off-the-pace third. I still think Minaret Station is the most-talented of the trio and in this field, but once again am concerned he will be up against it from a race shape perspective making his 3-1-price tough to swallow. I slightly prefer Fort George to Ole Crazy Bone in the rematch. He is capable of regressing second time in the States, but also has more of a ceiling at this point. A move forward and he gets to the wire first.Race 10: GalwayGrade: BUse: 4 Queen Juno; 2 Epic Lady LuckForecast: The other stakes race on the Saturday agenda is a 5.5-furlong turf dash for 3YO fillies and it appears wide open. I will take a swing with a couple of the bigger prices on David Aragona’s morning line. #4 Queen Juno is the higher price of the two Joe Sharp runners, but ran a better than looks second last out in the first start for her new barn. It appears to be a lesser spot at a quick glance, but that came against older runners and the winner was a buzz saw first off the plane from Australia. The fact Sharp brings her back on just two weeks rest I take as a positive at this price. #2 Epic Lady Luck is also intriguing. Trainer George Weaver has become one of the best turf sprint conditioners in the country. He sends out this Vekoma filly for her first start in his care and since a strong third at Gulfstream Park in January. This gal has a better chance of running well than the tote will suggest.Race 11:Grade: C+Use: 4 Celtic Prince; 2 Calling CardForecast: #2 Calling Card was made the understandable 5-2-ML favorite in this state-bred starter out of the Wilson chute. He has run the fastest races and makes his first start off the claim for owner/trainer Linda Rice. My only concern is how he takes to his first trip out of the new(ish) configuration. I do not have that much else against this gelding, but prefer the likely price of #4 Celtic Prince. The Keri Brion trainee returns to New York to take on fellow NY-breds after competing in the Mid-Atlantic in his last three starts. He lacks class, but I like his running style for this course. Plus, he attracts Irad for his first Saratoga start.Race 12:Grade: C+Use: 3 D C Boy’s; 1 Before the Wind; 4 Osiris LawForecast: Backers of 5-2-ML favorite #8 Gilbane in his start in late July have to still be sick to their stomach about losing at over 5-1, but that does not make him a cinch in this spot. In fact, it feels like last time was the time to me since he had a great trip and now moves to an outside post. I will try to beat him with a few, including #3 D C Boy’s. The son of Bolt d’Oro has not lived up to expectations or close as a 5YO, but does make his first start going long on the grass for Mike Maker. He will not have to be much to get the best of this state-bred maiden claiming group on the lawn to close the day.

The fifth Saturday of the Del Mar stand presents a pair of minor listed stakes in Races 6 and 8 on a 10-race card that gets underway at 5 pm ET. But it’s the Race 7 maiden for 2-year-olds that intrigues most as a potential springboard to the Del Mar Futurity.Each day this summer at Del Mar, I’ll be handicapping the action with my top plays on the card – including full-card selections for a featured program each week (this week’s full-card is Saturday).Del Mar Race 1 | maidenModest field of 6 to open as #6 Harmonique makes her second start of the year and should match up well after facing the boys here last year and facing eventual G1 La Brea winner Usha in separate Del Mar appearances. Jockey Joel Rosario has put together consecutive weeks riding at a higher level than we’ve seen him at in some time. #5 Wolf Hill is 8-for-9 among minor placings and 0-3 as an odds-on favorite. The one to beat but has had plenty of chances (cold barn makes short price-shopping even less appealing). #1 Apples Y Peaches adds blinkers in a third try at fending off the likely favorite and gets a favorable draw. Picks 6-5-1.Del Mar Race 2 | maidenSeven of 8 runners exit just 2 races, July 25 or 26 affairs, the former a dirt sprint and the latter a turf route that would seem the more apples-to-applies application Saturday. #4 Wildcatter was well-bet at 7-2 in the turf mile last out and ran credible while suffering a wide trip from the outside post. Moves in and has a sharp 47-2/5 drill since. Dam Wild At Heart was a second-start winner for Richard Mandella and her son will try to do the same for the same outfit. #3 Whiskey Bridge didn’t run as well as projected in his debut for Doug O’Neill after I loved what he showed on video going into that dirt sprint July 25. Half-brother to this year’s San Felipe runner-up and Kentucky Derby/Preakness alum Robusta doesn’t scream turf but should route. I’ll lean heavily on this pair. Picks 4-3-2.Del Mar Race 3 | claimingUnappealing group of 6 on paper lacks quality and quantity to get too excited. But you’ll need to navigate this in the early pick 5 if playing. #8 Van Cougar makes a drastic class drop that might be enough to best these, but a 3-week gap in the workout tab after a July 19 bullet does raise some red flags. #1 B Grayson should be running late and has 6 straight superfecta finishes when running sprint distances like this. #2 Lead Pipe Joe won back-to-back in Spring ’25 before going on the shelf. He’s worked fast but just once in the last 5 weeks and has obvious issues like many of these, not excluding #5 Will Be, who returns from an 11-length victory a mere 14 months ago for hot-going Phil D’Amato. Picks 6-1-2-5.Del Mar Race 4 | maidenBrian Koriner barn is cooking right now and #10 Fair Question just missed in a similar spot to open the meet at 14-1 odds. Also outran 37-1 price here in a similar spot last summer and should be tough vs. a modest group. My most clear-cut choice in the front half of the card and a deep field size to key in exotics intra-race. #4 Mo Diamentes has a strong debut tab and is worth a look in the paddock/post parade and on the tote; Mike Puype barn has been icy at the meet. Picks 10/4-12-11-7-9Del Mar Race 5 | starter / optional claimingJust a field of 7 but the outside 4 runners all figure to lock up in a pace battle, setting the table for a runner who can show a bit of patience. #3 Egyptian Mistress has been exclusively turf in 7 career starts, but Cairo Prince offspring win a strong 19% on the Del Mar dirt in recent years and this one could be traveling best late. #4 Miss Hellfire blew away Santa Anita maidens in her debut May 30, but her runner-up was a dull sixth earlier in the Del Mar meet vs. a slightly weaker optional claiming group. #7 Bourbon and Spice has been consistent in Kentucky and Indiana but it’s difficult to trust that form continues on a barn change to a cold Leonard Powell. Lean on the top pair for the early/late pace tactic. Picks 3-4-7.Del Mar Race 6 | $150,000 Solana Beach StakesBig field of 12 and quality stakes veterans provide the best betting race on the program. #5 Take Another Card is 4: 1-3-0 in California-bred stakes and runs well short or long, at Santa Anita or Del Mar. #6 Grand Slam Smile is the defending champ in the Solana Beach, wiring last year at 6-5 odds and she’s got one way to motor: fast early. It’s worked for her with a remarkable 6: 5-1-0 in Cal-bred stakes. She should get pace pressure from #4 Liberation, #7 Can’t Sleep and #8 Clubhouse Cutie, the latter pair drawn just to her outside to turn up the heat. #9 Wink and a Grin rallied last to fourth in this race last year and gets a more favorable pace set-up Saturday. Broke her maiden going sprint-to-route and second start of her form cycle like this and Carla Gaines’ horses are firing right now. Really working in the 5,9 combinations in the exotics spots intra-race. Picks 5-6-9.Del Mar Race 7 | maidenAll eyes will be on $2.1 million Flightline rookie #5 Inshallah, a son of Breeders’ Cup F&M Sprint winner Bar of Gold. The John Sadler trainee has worked right on cue since arriving at the track in June. My video study of his works indicates that he’s got a touch of greenness still to him and there’s a turfy stride that might be a card to play down the road. But there’s also a wow factor. He’s been working with older horses and looked devastating at times. If not the likely chalk, Bob Baffert went 4-4 at Del Mar last week and his maidens are typically potent in the juvenile races. #1 Emancipate and #3 Absolution rep the barn here. Emancipate is a half-brother to Hope Road, a Grade 1 winner at age 4 who dropped all 3 local juvenile decisions in 2023. He has been working with some barn beasts like Hughes, winner of the Best Pal last week. Absolution has shown to be a very clean breaker on video at 1st.tv and not speed-crazy. Neither would shock. All that talent said, the play could be debut runner #8 Domenici as he likely gets overlooked among the big names. He’s ready-made, costing $350K this April despite $12,500 sire Early Voting. His dam Bruised Orange was a Wesley Ward win-early baby dash winner at 2 at Keeneland. And, wow, what a work July 12 at Santa Anita from the gate when staying toe-to-toe with elder Listenupshance, who would win the Bing Crosby Stakes earlier this Del Mar meeting. The value player in me will be drawn to him, despite the uphill test that likely looms. Picks 8-5-1-3.Del Mar Race 8 | $100,000 CTT and TOC StakesDespite a 1-3/8 miles distance, you could surmise that 6 of these 11 entrants are essentially miler-types and the distance will be a massive hurdle. That’s not the case for #5 Vronti, loaded with European stamina pedigree and a Saratoga runner-up last out at this 11-furlong trip. The Graham Motion barn is popping all over the country right now and won last week’s Yellow Ribbon on the flight west to Del Mar. Looks to be a standout to me over the local cast and will be a multi-race wager single. #9 Kentucky Gal just might be better at Santa Anita than Del Mar, but feeling is she’ll run better than she did in this race a summer ago as the Phil D’Amato barn has been on point lately. #6 Resolve has 5 straight superfecta finishes in races 9 furlongs or longer and can get a share. Picks 5-9-6.Del Mar Race 9 | maiden claimingSix of these 11 basement-level maidens exit the same Del Mar race July 25 in which the winner rallied from last of 12 to win after 2 uncompetitive tries in maiden special weights. That a 52-1 and 30-1 rounded out the tri gives me bad vibes about that race and I’ll go to all fresh faces. #1 Captain Gabe faced much, much tougher in Kentucky and should be a standout at this class level for a Michael McCarthy barn that had a fast opening-weekend start and has hit the skids since. No excuses for this one as an obvious favorite. #2 Attack Now didn’t show anything locally over a mile, but his 1-turn races are solid and Doug O’Neill has been making all the right moves this meeting and removes blinkers. #6 Maxxander is a coinflip to use underneath off poor Gulfstream form at a higher class. Jose D’Angelo’s shippers have been hit-or-miss locally. Picks. 1-2-6.Del Mar Race 10 | allowance / optional claimingAnother big Kentucky class dropper could have run of the field late in the card Saturday when #8 Beyond Stoked brings stakes-placed turf miler form west. Three local works since settling in for high-percentage Brian Lynch. #11 Catch the Breeze had zero shot behind walking fractions here July 18 when rallying strong for third against the classy veteran Packs a Whallop. #9 Lyle the Crocodile has a couple minor stakes placings over this course and returns from a February layoff with a steady workout tab for a Phil D’Amato barn doing good things of late. Any of this trio makes sense and merit coverage in the multi-race bets. Picks 8-11-9.

Penn National’s Governor’s Cup weekend will start with a bang this Friday. Three turf stakes races kick off the nine-race card that begins with an 5:45 ET post time. The featured $150,000 Governor’s Cup is the final leg of a Pick 3 wager that shapes up with a suggested $24 ticket this way:Penn National Race 1 (5:45 p.m. EST)FLAMINGO WAY is firing bullets in the morning for his first start in five months. He won on soft footing on the Penn National lawn after six months away last June and projects a dream trip in the $75,000 Marhsall Jenney Stakes packed with speed. JEAN VALJEAN ranged up on the hard-dueling leaders in a 5-1/2F turf allowance at Saratoga but was out-kicked by Creditworthy (4-7, $264k), Grade 3 winner Clock Tower and multiple graded stakes winner and turf millionaire Nobals. FIERCE AND STRONG, a two-time stakes winner with an 8-for-18 record and $366k bankroll on his home course, remains a late-running threat despite dull form to start the year.Penn National Race 2 (6:14 p.m. EST)RED ZONE RUNNER, a runaway main-track stakes winner at this distance, arrives in the $75,000 Crowd Pleaser Stakes for 3-year-olds off a pair of solid turf efforts. He dueled hard and held okay after the favorites passed by him in a $40,000 optional claiming race two back, then he set all the fractions and drew away to a 5-3/4-length allowance victory at this distance. JES SEE ME won five of his last six starts going away, including three straight one-mile claiming races on the Tampa Bay Downs turf this spring by a combined 17-1/2 lengths.Penn National Race 3 (6:43 p.m. EST)AIR RECRUIT won four of six starts in photo finishes since last July, his first appearances since the 2023 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf. He is the one to beat in the Governor’s Cup but will have to defeat several in-form shippers to do so. I’DRATHERBEBLESSED posted a dozen 86-plus Beyer speed figures in his last 19 starts to surpass a half million in turf earnings as he tries to give trainer Mike Maker back-to-back wins in the 1-1-1/16-mile race. VERSUS starts at his sixth grass course in the last year and is worth using at a price in the Pick 3. He ran down the pace-controlling, 9-to-5 second favorite to win an optional claiming race on a ‘good’ Monmouth Park course last out.Suggested $2 Pick 3PEN 1st Race: 3, 7PEN 2nd Race: 1, 8PEN 3RD Race: 1, 4, 7Cost for a $2 ticket: $24

EXTRA INCENTIVESBet $100, Get $10 | Charles Town | tonight’s racesTOURNAMENT TIME$100 Saratoga Feeder | details$80 Del Mar Feeder | details$40 Canterbury Feeder | detailsNOTABLE CARRYOVERSJackpot Pick 6 | $170,210 | Thistledown | begins Race 3 | 1:50 pm ETPick 5 | $22,350 | Colonial Downs | begins Race 7 | 2:06 pm ETPick 5 | $78,887 | Horseshoe Indianapolis | begins Race 5 | 4:14 pm ETPick 4 | $76,709 | Horseshoe Indianapolis | begins Race 6 | 4:45 pm ETJackpot Pick 6 | $78,881 | Charles Town| begins Race 3 | 8:02 pm ETKEY RACESSaratoga | Race 8 | 5:14 pm ET | Birdstone StakesLONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIXDelaware Park | Race 8 | 4:04 pm ETDel Mar | Race 6 | 7:34 pm ETCharles Town | Race 8 | 10:32 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHTim Padilla | Canterbury Park | all 6 entrants 5-1 or less oddsDID YOU SEE?Yesterday | Saratoga | favorites won 7 of 9 races on the cardYesterday | Saratoga | jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. | 3 wins, 1 second from 7 mountsPUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAMScott Shapiro: Saratoga Spot Plays for ThursdayJeremy Plonk: Del Mar Spot Plays for ThursdayFrank Carulli & Brian W. Spencer best bets today in Xpressbet.com member’s section

The Lead:Canada's most prestigious day of racing returns Saturday to Woodbine with the $1 million King's Plate putting the nation's native 3-year-olds on center stage for the 167th time. A field of 12 stuffs the entries for Race 10 of 12 on a program that features 6 stakes. First post is 12:30 pm ET.Horseplayers at Xpressbet be sure to check out the $3,000 Exacta-Thon on the Woodbine card as well as a $10 money-back special on win bets in the King's Plate if your selection finishes second or third. Tournament players can take part in the $1,000 Woodbine King's Plate Challenge handicapping contest.​​Field Depth:Grade 3 winners LUSTER, BRACHETTO and DIXIE LAW have the field's signature victories. HIGHWAYTOTHEMOON is a multiple stakes winner.​Pace:Over 1-1/4 miles on Tapeta, stamina may play a bigger role than brilliance. HIGHWAYTOTHEMOON and MAGICAL FACTOR appear most inclined to lead early, while IMYOURMEDICINEMAN has shown some early interest on occasion if asked to get into the mix. LUSTER won't be far off it from the rail. The pace looks average for a race of this distnace.Our Eyes:Here are my horse-by-horse notes.1-LUSTER: The even-money favorite looks to continue a successful run of fillies in the Plate, having won it 39 times previous. 3-time Plate winner Josie Carroll has seen 5 of her last 11 starters in this race finish in the exacta. Plenty fit with 3 starts at the meeting so only worked once since dominant Woodbine Oaks tally. The concern is 10F as her pedigree leans shorter and her BRIS late pace figure of just 80 in the 9F Oaks hints that her distance limit is near. Still, the one to beat.2-FIRE AND WINE: Overmatched at prices in the key main preps, the Marine and Plate Trial, and hasn't gotten back to strong juvenile performances.3-BAAEED ALYNNA: Lightly raced June 29 maiden breaker didn't show enough in middling Plate Trial effort to suggest success and loses rider Pietro Moran to another rival. Trainer Kevin Attard has won this race 3 of the last 4 years, but brings a weaker hand to this year's event.4-IMYOURMEDICINEMAN: Plate Trial runner-up at 29-1 is 1-for-7 and has lost 5 straight. Veteran Luis Contreras has struggled at the meet but won this in 2011 and 2017. Exotics consideration under.5-DIXIE LAW: 3-time local stakes winner captured last year's G3 Mazarine but hasn't had an answer for Luster in the G3 Selene or Woodbine Oaks in her last 2 starts. She didn't match her rival late in the Oaks but has run 3 different route BRIS late pace figures that were considerably faster than Luster's Oaks and perhaps can get back to that under last year's Plate-winning rider Pietro Moran.6-DON IQUE: Sneaky selection for me at 30-1 morning line. Late-running fifth in the Plate Trial after falling much farther back than in any previous start. Galloped out exceptionally well that day and damsire has an average winning distance of 10.5 furlongs, literally a half-mile farther than many of these rivals. Fired a 91 BRIS late pace figure when winning an allowance in May upon arriving in the barn of 3-time Plate-winning trainer Josie Carroll. The 'other' Josie here offers a much bigger price than Luster. Emma-Jayne Wilson won the 2007 Plate, so experience abounds.7-MAGICAL FACTOR: High-percentage trainer Rachel Halden wintered this gelding in Florida, broke his maiden on turf at Keeneland in April and punched his Plate ticket with a strong second in the G3 Marine. But he's yet to run beyond 1-1/16 miles and he leaves some pedigree questions for the trip. Not without a chance, but prefer others as 9 of the last 12 Plate winners prepped at 9F.8-HIGHWAYTOTHEMOON: Plate Trial and Queenston Stakes winner this season is the most credentialed male in the lineup and has been nearly flawless on the Tapeta (6: 4-1-1). Outlasted the Plate Trial cast after 6 prior sprints and 72 BRIS late pace figure won't scare the competition with another furlong added. Jockey Rafael Hernandez's 3 Plate winners - Shaman Ghost, Moira and Caitlhergrtness - were all super-classy individuals. Will be in confident hands.9-BRACHETTO: 18-1 upsetter of the G3 Marine Stakes had not been around 2 turns in 4 prior starts. Son of Vekoma gets stamina from damsire Include and now extends the trip another 330 yards while adding 8 additional pounds while coming off a 7-week break. Ryan Munger knows him well, riding in every start for trainer Julia Carey, who is having an excellent Woodbine meet. Mixed vibes.10-VERY SPECIAL: Maiden has yet to face winners in 3 starts, but exits a very live heat against open-company runners. Trainer Kevin Attard has won 3 of the last 4 editions of the King's Plate and this Stronach home-bred doesn't lack classic genes. He's by US Horse of the Year and Breeders' Cup Classic winner Ghostzapper and out of an unraced half-sister to Kentucky Derby and Travers winner Street Sense. Distance won't be an issue but 71 and 72 BRIS late pace figures have to be improved upon. Not impossible for a piece.11-BOND MARKET: Most lightly raced Plate entrant scored a turf mile debut win July 5 at Woodbine for the small Carlos Grant stable, 1 of 2 wins on the year. At 45-1 odds no less. Absolutely no shortage of distance pedigree but is being asked a lot on the class and distance rise (plus adding 8 pounds) with such a limited resume. Slow pace aided his field-best 92 BRIS late pace figure last out, but he gets some of that credit, too.12-MILITARY TIME: Consistent Tapeta performer for 3-time Plate winner Mark Casse, but he's dropped no less than 4 different decisions to members of this year field - DIXIE LAW, FIRE AND WINE and twice to HIGHWAYTOTHEMOON. Blinkers added to the son of Gun Runner hoping to get him over the top. Equipment changes in big races (particularly at 1-1/4 miles when distance is a question) can be a scary proposition. Can't say no completely, but others feel stronger and/or better value.Most Likely Exotics Contender:LUSTER has just 1 misstep in her 5-race career and continues to improve.Best Longshot Contender:DON IQUE could be among the most-fond in the field of the 10-furlong trip.​​Sending it in ($100 bankroll):$50 win DON IQUE. $24 exacta LUSTER over DON IQUE. $10 exacta DON IQUE over LUSTER. $2 exacta key-box DON IQUE with DIXIE LAW, HIGHWAYTOTHEMOON, VERY SPECIAL and MILITARY TIME ($16).

The racing week at Saratoga continues on Thursday afternoon with a nine-race card that kicks off at 1:10 PM eastern and is led by the $200k Birdstone at 1 3/4-miles over the main track. Here are a few horses I like most on the afternoon in New York.Race 6:This $130k allowance race at one-mile over the Inner Turf features the return of 2025 Belmont Oaks (G1) winner #1 Fionn. The Brad Cox trainee had an outstanding 3YO campaign that included six wins and nearly $2M in earnings. She raced once this year and it was in late January at Gulfstream Park where she finished a disappointing sixth in her first start versus older fillies and mares. Fionn has been on the sidelines since with Kentucky Downs lucrative purses likely on her mind once again after a victory over the unique configuration last month. This one-mile distance event is sharp for her unless something has changed significantly since we saw her last, so I will try to beat her given her 6-5-ML price.I will try with stablemate #4 Ready to Jam. The daughter of More Than Ready stretches out to two-turns in her third start under the care of Cox. She has not thrived in two-turn races thus far, but has only tried going long a few times. The way this Inner Turf course can play, the likelihood that the pace will be moderate, and upgrading to jockey Manny Franco all should work to her advantage. So does her 8-1-ML offering in this compact group of six.Play: #4 Ready to Jam (8-1 ML)Picks: 4-3-1Race 8: BirdstoneThe aforementioned feature at the arduous 1 3/4-mile distance drew a field of eight set to contest the marathon style event given American racing standards. Trainer Bill Mott got Sovereignty back to the winner’s circle last Saturday in the Whitney (G1) and holds a strong hand here with 8-5-ML favorite #1 Parchment Party and 5-2-second choice #3 Stars and Stripes. I prefer the latter.Stars and Stripes brought a two-race winning streak into the Suburban (G2) on the Fourth of July where he was beaten to the punch by Phileas Fogg, caught three-wide into the first turn, and outrun from there. I am willing to forgive the effort because not only was it the toughest field he ever encountered, but he also never got into the comfortable position I expect him to in this spot. Jockey Luis Saez is likely to have enough tactical speed from the gate to stalk just off likely pacesetter #2 Annexperience. This should allow him to settle into a good stride and get the jump on his main rivals. The fact he had success in his other start over this surface takes my concern away that he simply did not like the Saratoga dirt last out. Hopefully, we get the 5-2.Play: #3 Stars and Stripes (5-2 ML)Picks: 3-2-1Race 9:The finale is a MSW event for 3YOs+ at six-furlongs over the main track where I have little interest in 5-2-ML favorite #2 Criteria. The Yaupon colt has had five chances already for Chad Brown and has proven what he has at this point in his career. #10 Holy Seven is less experienced and has been far from a superstar through two starts, but had an excuse last time out when he broke sharp, battled early, and tired badly in the final furlong. The well-bred Into Mischief colt broke through the gate prior to his first race since September 12, 2025, which most horseplayers know generally does not work out well in the end. Obviously, it would have been nice to see the odds-on favorite finish with more energy, but I am willing to give the Steve Asmussen trainee a mulligan after showing some ability on debut in Kentucky in his lone juvenile run. It does not hurt that Jose Ortiz is also willing to give him another chance in the Thursday finale.Play: #10 Holy Seven (5-1 ML)Picks: 10-3-2

Eight races kick off Week 5 at Del Mar and we’ll alternate turf heats in the odd races and dirt races in the even. A trio of turf sprints are among the offerings. First post is 5 pm ET / 2 pm PT.Each day this summer at Del Mar, I’ll be handicapping the action with my top plays on the card – including full-card selections for a featured program each week (this week’s full-card will be Saturday).Del Mar: Race 1 | 5:00 pm ET#1 Iriseach (3-1 morning line odds) was completely pace-compromised in the Oceanside when they ran a super-slow :48-4/5 middle half-mile. Return rival Mr. A.P. benefitted from that and still couldn’t finish; likely overbet here. Iriseach is proven over the course last fall and adds Lasix for the first time Thursday for a Phil D’Amato barn that was sharp on point last week. Win bet #1. Picks 1-5-4Del Mar: Race 6 | 7:34 pm ET#9 Dazzle Comm (7-2 morning line odds) extends in trip for the first time off 2 initial sprints, an excellent form cycle and catches a field that appears to lack significant early pace. Faced significantly better in prior starts, a well-meant 6/5 debut winner last out and vs. Matt At Five in the debut, a horse who since has 2 allowance wins since. Win bet #9. Exactas 9 with 5,6. Daily Double 9-6. Picks 9-5-6Del Mar: Race 7 | 8:05 pm ET#6 Lee’s Baby Girl (5-1 morning line odds) is 5: 3-2-0 in turf sprints with both losses by a neck. Rock-solid and trustworthy in this spot and moves up by the fact that Carla Gaines’ horses have been running very well again in recent days at Del Mar. Win bet #6. Exacta key-box 6 with 3,5,4. Picks 6-3-5

To quote Bon Jovi, “Oh, we’re halfway there” to the 2026 Fun in the Sun Final Table. Four of 8 qualifying weeks are in the books for the annual Saratoga / Del Mar handicapping contest at Xpressbet. So far 19 players have claimed 20 of the 40 available seats in the Labor Day Final Table, whose progressive jackpot now stands at $13,315 with $10,000-added from Xpressbet.Week 5 this Saturday once again features the final 5 races at Saratoga and first 5 races at Del Mar. Those contest heats include the Grade 1 Christophe Clement Turf and the Galway Stakes from the Spa.Week 4 featured Franco Pacione topping all players with a $264.20 bankroll to earn the $1,144.50 first prize and Final Table seat. Runner-up Joseph McKay ($243.70 bankroll, $476.88 prize) and George Scott ($239.00 bankroll, $286.12 prize) also cashed. The top-5 who earned Final Table seats were rounded out by Terence Severson ($236.20 bankroll) and Gregory Caliway ($209.40 bankroll).Fun in the Sun contestants play for weekly prize money and a chance to join each week’s top-5 players in the tournament’s Final Table on Labor Day. The 9-week Fun in the Sun handicapping contest runs 8 Saturdays from July 18-September 5 and concludes with the Final Table on Labor Day Monday, September 7.Entry is just $25 each qualifying round week and players utilize a $100 live bankroll on the final 5 races from Saratoga and first 5 races from Del Mar ($10 parimutuel win bets in each of the contest races). The top-5 players in accumulated earnings each week qualify for a seat in the final table, where just 40 entries will square off for the grand prize (players can qualify up to 2 entries in the Final Table). Weekly prize pool money will be on the line for the top-3 finishers each Saturday (70% of entry fees paid out weekly, 30% carries over to the Final Table pool).The Final Table format began in 2020 and past champions include Robert Rosen (2020), Wayne Tam (2021), Kevin Saunders (2022), Joe Tambasco (2023), Gordon Maruya (2024) and Andy Muhlada (2025).2026 Tournament DatesSaturday, July 18, 25Saturday, August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29Saturday and Monday, September 5 and 7 (Final Table)Buy-In$125 Buy-In per week, split between $100 Bankroll + $25 Entry FeeHow to PlayTournament consists of the last five (5) races each Saturday at Saratoga and the first five (5) races each Saturday at Del Mar. Players must make a $10 Win bet on one (1) horse in each race via the Contest Wagerpad.Weekly Prize Pool70% of Entry Fees are paid out each week as the Weekly Prize PoolWeekly PrizesTop Five (5) finishers each week automatically qualify for the Final Table1st Place Finisher – 60% of Weekly Prize Pool + Final Table Seat2nd Place Finisher – 25% of Weekly Prize Pool + Final Table Seat3rd Place Finisher – 15% of Weekly Prize Pool + Final Table Seat4th Place Finisher – Final Table Seat5th Place Finisher – Final Table SeatFinal Table Prizes30% of Entry Fees carried over to the Final Table$10,000-added prize pool courtesy of Xpressbet1st Place Finisher: 55% of Final Table Prize Pool2nd Place Finisher: 25% of Final Table Prize Pool3rd Place Finisher: 10% of Final Table Prize Pool4th Place Finisher: 5% of Final Table Prize Pool5th Place Finisher: 5% of Final Table Prize Pool‍For more and to register, visit the Tournaments page.