In addition to the ongoing Triple Crown Money Back Special I wrote about yesterday and the Hit & Split at Oaklawn Park covered by my colleague Jeremy Plonk, 1/ST BET and Xpressbet are returning with our popular Exacta-Thon promo for Florida Derby Day. A total of $5,000 is up for grabs in Hallandale Beach with the goal of connecting on as many $2 exactas as possible over the course of the 14-race card. Those who hit at least 5 will split $3,000, while the player(s) that hit the most will split an additional $2,000. Here are a few exacta plays I plan to make on Saturday at Gulfstream Park.Race 2The lone MSW race on the massive stakes-laden card is at one-mile over the main track and I will build around #9 Sovereign Jam. The well-bred Juddmonte Farm runner failed to fire on debut going 6-furlongs, but was against the flow and racetrack in late February. Trainer Brad Cox stretches him out to the one-turn mile and improvement should be expected. Cox is an eye-popping 6 for 10 with 3YO second-time starters over the dirt at Gulfstream Park dating back to last February. I love the fact this colt moves from the rail to the outside. If he has talent, he is likely to show it on Saturday. I will play him over Phil Bauer trained #4 Bridgesong and #5 Lost Money, but press up on the exacta with Sovereign Jam over #6 Moonstrocity. The son of Tiz the Law ran well to finish third in his first start over the main track on February 28. He still has some upside and already proved he can handle the tricky one-mile configuration in Hallandale Beach.Play: Exactas 9-6 and 9 with 4+5Race 7: Ghostzapper (G3)#2 Grande came back off a ten-and-a-half-month layoff last month in an allowance event at one-turn and proved he lost little during his time away from racing. Trainer Todd Pletcher had the Repole Stable colt ready to win off the layoff with the addition of blinkers for the first time. Pletcher stretches the Curlin colt out to two-turns and finds a graded stakes field he should handle in his second try off the bench. I will chalk it up on top with a horse that is a perfect 3 for 3 over this surface and play him in a cold exacta over #4 Capital Idea. The Bill Mott runner makes his second start of the year after a runner-up effort to Pentathlon going 7-furlongs in mid-February. He should be set for his best second off the bench.Play: Exacta 2-4Race 14: Florida Derby (G1)This year’s Florida Derby drew all the 3YOs you hoped would show up in south Florida for one of Gulfstream Park’s premier races. It led to a top-heavy field that includes the Holy Bull (G3) winner, the top two from the Fountain of Youth (G2), and the Tampa Bay Derby (G3) winner. Of those races, I thought the Fountain of Youth was better than the others. The more seasoned #4 Commandment gutted out a win against lightly-raced #2 Chief Wallabee, but one could easily argue the Chief was best. With an inside draw and the invaluable two-turn experience under his belt, Chief Wallabee looks like the real deal making him my top pick in this year’s Florida Derby. I will play him over the aforementioned Commandment. I trust the Wathnan Racing runner most of the top tier of Triple Crown prospects and there is a chance he is sitting on a career best third off the bench. I think Chief Wallabee is better, but that does not take away from Commandment’s chances in this $1M spot.Play: Exacta 2-4

Gulfstream Park handicapper Brian Nadeau provides his analysis for all 14 races on Saturday's Florida Derby Day card. Race 1: Curlin Florida Derby Day kicks off with 3 SARATOGA FLASH getting the call off a tons-the-best win against lesser, and with Drexler hitting at 23% off-the-claim, he can handle the rise. They’re all looking up at 5 FAVORABLE SCENARIO, who will like getting back to the turf for Brown, is proven at the level, and has more upside than anyone here. The pair of AM works (viewed on XBTB) from 4 ASHLEY’S ARCHER have impressed, so he looks live off a September layoff, and his one win came on turf too. SELECTIONS: 3-5-4-2Race 2: For a second it looked like 6 MONSTROCITY was going to keep going in his dirt debut before settling for 3rd, but that was a big run, he may not have to work as hard up front, and this is a bit of a mixed bag as well. If 4 BRIDGESONG improves on that solid 4th in his debut the rest are in trouble, as he middle moved before tiring late, in what was a fast race, and a key race also. Expecting better from the well-bred 9 SOVEREIGN LAW after a no-show debut where he was inside for much of the way. SELECTIONS: 6-4-9-2Race 3: The Cutler Bay—the first of 10 stakes on the card—looks like a good spot for 5 LEARNTODISCOVER to make his U.S. debut after a solid 2yo campaign in Europe, and the way he outworked stablemate 2 IMMORTALISED (viewed on XBTV) on the 20th says he’s primed off the seven-month layoff. No doubt ‘Immortal has a recency edge, and a homecourt one too, as he’s 2 for-2 here, but the thinking is his ‘mate is just too much racehorse. The price will be right on 1 KNOTY KNICKS, who held his own against two of the best 3yos turfers on the ground all winter long, and always fires. SELECTIONS: 5-2-1-4Race 4: The Appleton is all about the recent form of 6 QUATROCENTO, who exits a G3 win at Tampa, should trip out beautifully just off the speed, and will get first run on the favorite too. A six-month layoff after a trio of poor runs makes you wonder what we’ll get from 7 SPIRIT OF ST LOUIS, who doesn’t appear to be the same horse who won the G1 Pegasus World Cup Turf here 14 months ago and is worth trying to beat at short offs. Not sure a cutback to 1m will helps stretch running 9 BEACH GOLD pick up a win, but he’ll run on for a share. SELECTIONS: 6-7-9-4Race 5: Florida breds 9 ROAR READY and 7 ADIOS NOW both enters off dominant state-bred wins, and while each could bounce facing open foes, this seems like the right kind of group to see if they can handle the rise, with the former preferred based on his off-the-pace. A spotty worktab makes 2 JIMMY’S DAILYS a bit iffy off a 11/1 layoff and trainer switch, so let’s watch one today. SELECTIONS: 9-7-2-10Race 6: The word was out on 7 TALBINGO in his turf debut, and he made 6-5 look like a steal the way he streaked off to a win, in an effort that says he’s just getting started. Don’t sleep on 3 PRIVATE THOUGHTS, who has strong turf form but has been doing the Tapeta thing of late, while 4 PASS THE HAT got an epic pace meltdown last time and may not be as fortunate facing better here. SELECTIONS: 7-3-4-2Race 7: Was looking to beat 2 GRANDE at a short price in the G3 GHOSTZAPPER, as his fast comeback win was also done in a very taxing manner, but he could regress and still handle this modest group easily. A return to two turns will agree with 4 CAPITAL IDEA, who has solid route form and legged up for this in a Tampa sprint. Not sold on 8 STEAL SUNSHINE as a two turn horse, and his lack of speed hurts too. SELECTIONS: 2-4-8-5Race 8: Class and expected firm ground mean 7 BELLEZZA will be tough in the G3 Orchid, as her form has been impeccable when she gets her footing, and this is a great group to start her year off against. The tactical speed of 5 SPEED SHOPPER will get her first run, which is what she did when reeling in front-running 1 AYRA STARK to win the G3 Clement here 1/24. SELECTIONS: 7-5-1-2Race 9: The rematch between 6 SHE BE SMOOTH and 5 PROM QUEEN in the G2 GP Oaks should be a thriller, and while the former was 2 1/2 lengths to the good when they met in their debut in 1/23, and was stunning winning the G2 Davona Dale by 6 in her last, the way the latter broke her maiden at this trip by 8, with trouble too, says she’s maturing by the day and can reverse the decision, in a race that can catapult both to Churchill Downs as legitimate Kentucky Oaks contenders. You get two-turn experience with 4 JUST SINGING, who was a decent 3rd to a good filly in the G2 Rachel Alexandra at FG. SELECTIONS: 6-5-4-2Race 10: It’s Best Bet time with 9 SECRET HIDEAWAY in the Sanibel Island, as the Euro import looked great outworking stablemate 10 SMEXY on the 13th (viewed on XBTV), showed quality last year at 2, and gets to stretch out as well. Smexy seems to have a bit of quality too, and should also like the distance, so she’s a nice insurance policy to have. The best of the locals may be 3 VEKOMA VIEW, who was pressed then streaked home to win her turf debut. SELECTIONS: 9-10-3-2Race 11: Graded stakes winning 3yos who return at 4yo hold the aces in the Army Mule, with the stalking style of 10 OWEN ALMIGHTY getting the call over the brilliant speed of 9 MACHO MUSIC, who meets plenty of pace rivals. A freshening and some class relief may help get the classy 3 SCOTLAND back on the beam. SELECTIONS: 10-9-3-2Race 12: It’s Longshot time with 4 HANG THE MOON in the Sand Springs, as she closed like a wild horse to win her local debut for Saffie, and was a proven graded stakes horse in California, which means this rise won’t be too much for her. That was some comeback win by 3 SWEET REBECCA, who was much better than the 1-length margin at the wire, and considering that was her first start off a June layoff and first for Walsh, she’s scary with that behind her. She’s tough to trust, but 10 CANDY QUEST is mighty good when she fires, and will like the cutback after running 1 3/8 in her last. SELECTIONS: 4-3-10-6Race 13: It’s all systems go for 6 DASHMAN in the G3 Pan American, as he was a short horse running a short distance in his comeback, but now stretches out to 1 1/2 miles, a trip he won the G3 McKnight over here last year. Multiple G1 winner, $2.4 million earner, and defending champion 7 FAR BRIDGE returns at 6 off a 9/27 layoff, while prepping for bigger, so now is the right time to try and beat him. Not sure 1 CORRUPTION is as good as the horse who was beaten just a neck by ‘Bridge in this last year, but his speed must be respected. SELECTIONS: 6-7-1-8Race 14: An absolutely tantalizing renewal of the G1 Curlin Florida Derby is again the best Kentucky Derby prep, and at the end of the day it looks like 4 COMMANDMENT is simply the best horse and the most likely to relish the added distance he gets here, as he had plenty in reserve when defeating 2 CHIEF WALLABEE in the G2 Coolmore Fountain of Youth at the short stretch finish line, while once again galloping out huge, so at a true 1 1/8 miles today, he looks primed to do it again. The somewhat forgotten horse is 6 NEARLY, as he skipped the FOY after wowing with a devastating win in the 1/31 G3 Holy Bull over the short stretch, but the waters are a lot deeper today, and if he’s chasing another hot pace like he did last time, he may not have as much in the tank for this much more demanding trip. There’s two schools of thought on ‘Chief; one which says he’s just tipping the iceberg after a huge 2nd in the FOY while sticking a head in front of Commandment on the far turn, while the other says he wasn’t traveling as good as the winner late and may not like the added ground, while also potentially regressing after such a huge effort just one start removed from his debut win, and in this corner, it’s the latter, so let’s make him prove it right back. You had to be impressed with 8 THE PUMA when he broke his maiden in the G3 Tampa Bay Derby while wide the entire way, but that field pales in comparison to this one, and his win was won in slow time too, so he’ll need to run the race of his life to even make an impact, let alone win this. SELECTIONS: 4-6-2-8Best Bet: R10: #9 Secret Hideaway (2-1)* Visually impressive outworking ‘mate* Aggressively spotted in Europe at 2* Should like the added ground todayBest Bet: R12: #4 Hang the Moon (6-1)* Visually impressed in her first for Saffie* Shows solid graded stakes form in Ca.* Not far off the ML favorites on figures

It's the last Friday in March and this is the final chance to take part in the $10 Free Bet Promo for The Meadows 0.20 Pentafecta in Race 13. My Pentafecta ticket is posted below. Comments and selections are based on a fast track.Xpressbet and 1st Bet Account holders who register will be eligible for up to $10 Back on Pentafecta Bets in Race 13. Bet $10+ on the Pentafecta, get $10 back. If you Bet less than $10 on the Pentafecta, get your amount bet back. This is the last chance to take advantage of this Promo.Race 13 (4:45 PM EDT)6-Act Fast (2-1)-This will be the 4th start off the bench and has improved in the last 2 races. Posted a win and then moved up to face a well-meant winner in Miki Shan. Left hard to get the top last week and was a clear 2nd to a 2/5 chalk that wasn't going to be denied. Now drops down, has the gate speed to get on the point, and has done well at Mea (22-7-3-3). Ronnie Wrenn steers again and the Burke trainee could be a clean trip away from a picture.3-Mantador (5-1)-Did come a 55.1 back half in last against straight Open company to finish a beaten 3rd. Has been idle since 3-13 but on the drop could be in the mix for a top of the ticket finish.5-Trumpster Blues (9-1)-Raced evenly last time in the same race as Act Fast. Gets a new set of hands in Brady Jenson, and this time comes back in sequence instead of missing a start. Finished 3rd and could be better here but not feeling a picture is happening.7-Liteningonthebeach (3-1)-Faded badly last time versus Open Handicap company. That level can be a challenge for the 6-year-old but that wasn't a typical performance. Aaron Merriman is between the pipes this time and will look for a better effort on the drop in class.2-Lettuce Nipya A (20-1)-Mike Wilder gets the call on the Randy Bendis trainee who will be a big price and could add some pop to the payout. Will look for better in the 2nd race since shipping in from Nfld. Could benefit from a suck-around trip with this post draw.0.20 Pentafecta6/3,5,7/2,3,5,7/X/XTotal Be=$54Check me out on X!

EXTRA INCENTIVES$10 Free Bet | The Meadows (harness) | Race 13 PentafectaSPECIAL WAGERSDubai World Cup Advance Wagering for Saturday | full cardSunset Pick 6 | Gulfstream Races 8-9-10; Santa Anita Races 7-8-9Coast-to-Coast Pick 5 | Gulfstream Races 9-10; Santa Anita Races 3-6-7TOURNAMENT TIME$40 Gulfstream Feeder | details$40 Santa Anita Feeder | detailsNOTABLE CARRYOVERSJackpot Pick 6 | $141,323 | Gulfstream | begins Race 5 | 2:51 pm ETSunset Pick 6 | $20,078 | Gulfstream/Santa Anita | begins GP Race 8 | 4:23 pm ETPick 6 | $8,841 | Oaklawn | begins Race 7 | 4:42 pm ETPick 6 | $58,869 | Santa Anita | begins Race 4 | 5:37 pm ETJackpot Pick 6 | $123,202 | Turfway | begins Race 5 | 7:55 pm ETKEY RACESOaklawn | Race 9 | 5:48 pm ET | Matron StakesOaklawn | Race 11 | 6:54 pm ET | Fantasy StakesLONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIXTampa Bay Downs | Race 5 | 2:30 pm ETGulfstream Park | Race 10 | 5:24 pm ETTurfway Park | Race 5 | 7:55 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHBrad Cox | Turfway | all 4 entrants 7-2 or less oddsDID YOU SEE?Yesterday | Oaklawn | jockey Ramon Vazquez | 3 wins from 7 mountsPUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAMScott Shapiro: Santa Anita Pick 6 Carryover Analysis for FridayFrank Carulli: Oaklawn Pick 3 Play for FridayFrank Carulli & Brian W. Spencer best bets today in Xpressbet.com member’s section

The racing week at Santa Anita Park kicks off with a bang later today when there is not only a $20,078 carryover in the Sunset Six Pick 6, but also a juicy $58,868 carryover in the traditional $2 Pick 6. The wager gets started at 5:37 PM eastern/2:37 PM eastern and is extremely approachable with a small or medium sized budget.Grade Descriptions: Grade A=Highest degree of confidence; Grade B=Solid Play. Grade C=Least preferred or pass; Grade X=probable winner but likely at odds too short to play.Race 4:Grade: CMain Ticket: 1 Rock N Roll Song; 5 Respect the Crown; 4 Honorable GalBackups: NoneForecast: There is not much early speed signed on in this open $6250 claimer to kick things off. #4 Honorable Gal should make the lead, but is 0 for 4 over this surface and has not raced since last August making her tough to fully trust. That said, she should take them a long way under jockey Ricardo Ramirez. I will use her along with two other logicals to kick things off in a race where I lack creativity and a strong opinion.Race 5:Grade: C+Main Ticket: 1 SaharianBackups: 3 GallatinForecast: I will roll with a pair of class droppers in this $50k maiden claimer at one-mile over the grass, including top choice #1 Saharian. The son of Blame has been outrun in three starts to kick off his career for trainer Jeff Mullins, but all came against stronger competition. The inside draw should lead to a career best performance with Emisael Jaramillo jumping aboard for the first time. #3 Gallatin is less exposed, but took no money on debut for the Jonathan Thomas barn. Thomas wastes no time dropping the homebred in for a tag and trying the sod. Lots of questions to answer making 8-5 a bit short, but he will not have to be much to be competitive against these.Race 6:Grade: XMain Ticket: 2 Sendit MoBackups: NoneForecast: Like many, I will be all in on #2 Sendit Mo in this $25k claimer for 3YOs at 5.5-furlongs. The son of Yaupon has taken on better through all 7 career starts for trainer Peter Miller. Miller has had a tough meet and appears to be dropping to get himself a much-needed victory in Arcadia. The veteran conditioner’s last win at the Great Race Place came on February 6. The blinkers go on this filly that should have no issue handling this compact group of 6.Race 7:Grade: XMain Ticket: 4 Troisieme EtoileBackups: NoneForecast: Another runner that appears tough to beat in the sequence is #4 Troisieme Etoile. The Reddam Racing homebred was backed heavily on debut before finishing a solid second after a less-than-ideal voyage. Trainer Doug O’Neill brought her back and stretched her out half a furlong further in career start number two and she delivered with a win going away in the end. Look for jockey Emisael Jaramillo to find a comfortable spot off a lively early tempo and take control mid-stretch in this state-bred first-level allowance for 3YO fillies.Race 8:Grade: BMain Ticket: 5 Meridian MaeBackups: 7 StardialedForecast: I will take on 5-2-ML favorite #6 Memetic in this optional claimer at 6.5-furlongs over the main track. The Calumet farm filly has been disappointing in her two tries versus winners since breaking her maiden in impressive fashion to kick off her 3YO season. I will hope to get the jump on her with #5 Meridian Mae. The Mike Puype trainee dropped in for a tag for the first time on February 21 and it led to an easy 6+ length romp under jockey Kazushi Kimura. Kimura stays aboard this daughter of Stanford that should be prominent early in a race that does not appear to have a ton of early zip signed on. Hopefully, she breaks on top, controls the tempo, and makes it two wins in a row.Race 9:Grade: BMain Ticket: 6 ImaboutagoBackups: NoneForecast: The sequence concludes with this allowance feature at 6-furlongs over the grass where I don’t trust the ML favorites. #8 Certitude has burnt a lot of money since her last win for trainer John Sadler. This includes a neck defeat at odds-on against similar when we saw her last in early February. I will let her and 5-2-second choice #7 Jungle Peace beat me. I like #6 Imaboutago. The Irish-bred makes her fourth start of the calendar year for trainer Leonard Powell after being outsprinted by a serious filly Gratefully in a restricted stake last month. Prior to that this 5YO mare rattled off a pair of efforts that squarely put her in the mix against these. Mirco Demuro was aboard her two-back when she won against similar at nearly 6-1. He will be back aboard this mare that was back on just 15 days rest last time out, but should be fully rested in the Friday finale.

Saturday's Arkansas Derby Day at Oaklawn Park features a 2 Million 1/ST Rewards Point Hit & Split when you play through 1/ST BET and Xpressbet. Races 11-14 make up the sequence, which includes the $500,000 Oaklawn Mile and the $1.5 million Arkansas Derby. A couple of 11-runner maiden races add depth to the late pick 4, which gets underway at 6:22 pm ET.I’m extremely focused on this ticket with 3 singles, 2 of which are not the morning line chalks, and will be punching multiple units on the streamlined number of combinations. Let’s get to work.Oaklawn: Race 11 | $500,000 Oaklawn MileI have a ton of respect for the resumes in this race, including a Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile score by 2-1 morning line favorite Full Serrano, another Grade 1 by East Avenue at Keeneland and the rags to riches run last year by Coal Battle through the Kentucky Derby. But the now horse is Nu What’s New, and this Jimmy DiVito trainee proved that his maiden and allowance romps were no fluke when running a dynamite second in the Razorback behind the high-class Magnitude. He’ll get Luis Saez back, and while there’s other early speed in the race, none of them have kicked late with strong BRIS late pace figures like his. I’m singling Nu What’s Nu as the 3-1 morning line second choice, but if you’re gambling intra-race, Neoquous and Gun Party may have some interest underneath at 12-1 ML prices.Oaklawn: Race 12 | maidenIn a race over 9 furlongs in which nearly every horse in the race has running lines where they’re losing margin on the winners over the final call, Banksy’s should absolutely roll by late. He’s run second in both career outings, earning a 91 and then a 101 BRIS late pace figure, the latter coming when stretched out around 2 turns. There’s plenty of distance pedigree and he served noticed March 20 with a bullet workout. He’s the 2-1 morning line second choice as Kelz comes in from Fair Grounds with 9-5 ML favoritism. Two-deep will be the approach for many in this race, but I’d rather make the single and be in for double the payout on the same-priced ticket.Oaklawn: Race 13 | $1.5 million Arkansas DerbyRenegade, the 3-2 morning line favorite, was the most visually impressive stakes winner so far on the Kentucky Derby trail in 2026 when striding home convincingly in the Sam F. Davis Stakes. If he’s maintained that form or improved, he’ll be a handful in the 1-1/8 miles Arkansas Derby following a flashy 111 BRIS late pace figure. Todd Pletcher opted not to return his Rebel Stakes winner Class President in order to fill this slot with Renegade; that one goes next week in the Blue Grass or Wood Memorial. The Arkansas Derby pace looks honest and Irad Ortiz Jr. – who drops the mount on Fountain of Youth winner Commandment in the Florida Derby to ride here – should have him rolling late. The other main player, Silent Tactic, employs the same style. I won’t go 2-deep for that reason. If the race sets up for a closer, Renegade is the superior animal. I don’t like any of the early pace players to surprise.Oaklawn: Race 14 | maidenArkansas-breds round out Derby Day and note this race for 3-year-olds and up has only 2 elders, the 4-year-olds Whitley and Own My Destiny. Whitley is the 7-5 morning line favorite and has been solid in all 3 starts while the beaten favorite each time. Irad Ortiz Jr. is going to draw a lot of money and helps the cause, but the cold nature of the Ron Moquett barn this season and the colt’s 3 losses as a favorite give reason to add coverage. Own My Destiny raced in open company at Delta Downs and was traveling easy, wasn’t urged on the turn, and then came back on a bit in the lane but the winner was already clear on the short stretch. He’s 20-1 morning line, sire Hamazing Destiny was a top-class sprinter over this track and this will be my sneaky, upset choice. I’m also including the fast-working debut runner Our Vekoma Ride (10-1 morning line). The Matt Shirer trainee had 6 perfectly spaced works for the debut and lures Luis Saez (jockey-trainer combo a very strong 6-16 together since the start of 2025).The Ticket:7 with 2 with 6 with 3,2,5 = $1.50 for each 50-cent play

Just three more weeks left in our ongoing “Triple Crown Prep Races Money-Back Special” promotion that began back in early February. For those just checking in for the spring, remember to register on the promotional landing page for this offer, which rewards you up to $10 back on your first Win bet if your horse finishes second or third. We have the first of two huge Saturdays on Road to the Kentucky Derby with another massive one next weekend. Here are the horses I plan to use my Money Back insurance on in the Florida Derby, Arkansas Derby, and UAE Derby.Florida Derby (G1), Gulfstream Park - Race 14The Florida Derby came up strong this year with the top two from the Fountain of Youth (G2), the winner of the Holy Bull (G3), and the Tampa Bay Derby (G3) victor all set to break from the gate at 6:42 PM eastern. #6 Nearly and #9 The Puma both bring strong resumes into their first 9-furlong test, but the top two finishers from the Fountain of Youth are in a tier above them at the moment. #4 Commandment beat #2 Chief Wallabee by a neck in a big run from both colts in late February and give me no reason to expect regression in their third starts of the form cycle. The question is which one to back. Chief Wallabee appears to have the higher ceiling, while Commandment is probably more likely to fire given his foundation. This one feels like the classy Chief Wallabee’s race to lose given the inside draw and obvious talent, but if he is bet significantly harder than Commandment, I will be pivoting in terms of a Money Back Win wager. Either way, it should be a good one to close an outstanding card in Hallandale Beach on Saturday afternoon.Play: #2 Chief Wallabee (2-1 ML)Arkansas Derby (G1), Oaklawn Park - Race 13Sam F. Davis winner #6 Renegade is the likeliest winner of Saturday’s $1.5M Arkansas Derby, but his resume is not strong enough for me to endorse as a wager at his 3-2-ML price. Not only does he try the unique Oaklawn surface for the initial time, but also may not get an ideal setup for his off-the-pace run. I will certainly back this Win bet up with a 6-3 exacta, but I give #3 Blackout Time a big shot to rebound from his underwhelming fourth-place effort off the bench in the Rebel (G2). On the surface, the son of Not This Time sort of just ran around the racetrack, but it felt like a clear prep with jockey Brian Hernandez Jr. more than willing to give up valuable ground throughout the race. I do not expect that to be the case on Saturday. Instead, expect the veteran rider to find a perfect pocket spot off the early leaders and hopefully have far more left to give when they turn for home. It is now or never for the runner-up in last year’s Breeders’ Futurity (G1) to Ted Noffey. At his price, I will wager he delivers.Play: Blackout Time (6-1 ML)UAE Derby (G2), Meydan - Race 4The lone international race to reward 100-points to the winner on the Road to the Kentucky Derby leaderboard goes to post at 9:30 AM eastern where I will back #5 Salloom. The son of Authentic was made the heavy public choice in the Road to the Derby Conditions Stakes on February 25, but broke through the gate prior to the start and forced to scratch. It is good to see his connections opt to bring him back for this $1M event at 1 3/16-miles, which is enough for me to back him at this price. His dominant win back in late January shows that when his head is in the game, he is capable of firing a big shot. Hopefully, he fires one good enough to get him to Louisville for a big race in early May.Play: #5 Salloom (4-1 ML)

EXTRA INCENTIVESBet $100, Get $10 | Charles Town | today’s racesTOURNAMENT TIME$40 Gulfstream Feeder | detailsNOTABLE CARRYOVERSJackpot Pick 6 | $115,638 | Gulfstream | begins Race 5 | 2:54 pm ETSuper Hi 5 | $8,493 | Gulfstream | Race 10 | 5:25 pm ETJackpot Pick 6 | $116,885 | Turfway | begins Race 5 | 7:55 pm ETSuper Hi 5 | $11,460 | Turfway | Race 10 | 10:25 pm ETKEY RACESOaklawn | Race 8 | 5:19 pm ET | Hot Springs StakesTurf Paradise | Race 6 | 6:51 pm ET | Arizona Stallion StakesLONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIXOaklawn | Race 9 | 5:52 pm ETTurfway Park | Race 1 | 5:55 pm ETTurf Paradise | Race 7 | 7:19 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHKristy Gazzier | Charles Town | all 4 entrants 4-1 or less oddsDID YOU SEE?Yesterday | Turf Paradise | favorites won 7 of 9 races on the cardPUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAMJeremy Plonk: Charles Town Bet $100, Get $10 Promo PicksFrank Carulli & Brian W. Spencer best bets today in Xpressbet.com member’s section