EXTRA INCENTIVES10X Wager Rewards Points | The Curragh, Irish Champions Weekend | all racesBet $100, Get $10 | Hastings | today’s racesBet $100, Get $10 | Red Shores (harness) | today’s racesSCHEDULE NOTEMonmouth Park | closing day of meetTOURNAMENT TIME$40 Los Alamitos feeder | detailsNOTABLE CARRYOVERSSuper Hi 5 | $5,819 | Churchill Downs | Race 1 | 12:45 pm ETMandatory Payout Pick 6 | $19,030 | Monmouth Park | begins Race 4 | 2:17 pm ETMandatory Payout Pick 6 | $131,407 | Gulfstream Park | begins Race 5 | 2:50 pm ETPick 5 | $40,113 | Delaware Park | begins Race 5 | 2:53 pm ETPick 5 | $5,594 | Delaware Park | begins Race 6 | 3:25 pm ETPick 4 | $7,728 | Delaware Park | begins Race 7 | 3:57 pm ETPick 6 | $20,950 | Los Alamitos | begins Race 3 | 5:01 pm ETSuper Hi 5 | $8,393 | Gulfstream Park | Race 10 | 5:35 pm ET1/ST BET AI MOST LIKELY GULFSTREAM PICK 6 WINNERGulfstream | Race 5 | 2:50 pm ET | #7 Merlin (30%)KEY RACESDelaware Park | Race 3 | 1:49 pm ET | Small Wonder StakesBelmont at the Big A | Race 4 | 2:35 pm ET | Athenia StakesDelaware Park | Race 6 | 3:25 pm ET | First State Dash StakesMonmouth | Race 7 | 3:44 pm ET | Joey P. HandicapWoodbine | Race 7 | 4:30 pm ET | Victorian Queen StakesWoodbine | Race 8 | 5:03 pm ET | Bull Page StakesLONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIXChurchill Downs | Race 3 | 1:43 pm ETLaurel Park | Race 5 | 2:09 pm ETBelmont at the Big A | Race 5 | 3:05 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHGary Capuano | Delaware, Laurel | 7 of 8 entrants 5-1 or less oddsDID YOU SEE?Yesterday | Belmont at the Big A | jockey Kendrick Carmouche | 4 wins, 2 seconds from 11 mountsPUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAMGulfstream Park: Local Handicappers’ Mandatory Pick 6 Payout SelectionsScott Shapiro: Churchill Downs Spot Plays for SundayFrank Carulli & Brian W. Spencer best bets today in Xpressbet.com member’s section

Gulfstream Park has a mandatory payout in the Rainbow 6 today. The $131,407 carryover adds juice to the wager, which begins in Race 5 at approximately 2:50 pm ET.Here are the local handicappers' picks.Ron Nicoletti: download here.Brian Nadeau: download here.Samantha Perry: download here.

The first week of the compact September meeting at Churchill Downs concludes with a 10-race card that kicks off at the normal 12:45 eastern start time. Here are a few horses I will build my Sunday Funday around in Louisville. Hopefully deuces are wild under the twin spires this afternoon!Race 4:My best bet of the day comes in this two-turn MSW for 2YOs over the main track where #2 Instant Impact makes his third lifetime start for trainer Kenny McPeek. The Upstart colt debuted in a race washed off the grass at Saratoga going 7-furlongs in July where he tired late to finish fourth, but bounced back with a big effort in start #2. The $200,000 FTS August 2024 purchase was no match for the winner at Ellis Park that day in late August over their unique one-mile configuration at the Pea Patch, but finished very nicely over a dead inside that afternoon to earn second. The added ground and the racing experience should lead to a career best effort for the second choice on the morning line in a race that kicks off the middle Pick 4.Play: #2 Instant Impact (7-2 ML)Race 7:I do not trust the favorites in this MSW event for fillies and mares at 6-furlongs, so I will take a swing with #2 Mo Complex. The Choctaw Racing Stable filly got off to a solid start to her career last August at Monmouth Park with a third-place finish for a barn that rarely has their runners fully cranked at first asking. Unfortunately, we did not see the daughter of Complexity again until nearly a year later at Ellis Park when she got out of the gate slow and never got into the race from there. She will certainly have to run a lot better than she did that day in Henderson last month, but trainer Lindsay Schultz sports a positive ROI over her career with runners making their second start off the bench. An improved effort is definitely expected. Hopefully it is good enough to earn the victory.Play: #2 Mo Complex (12-1 ML)Race 8:The pace is unlikely to be chaotic in this second-level allowance over the main track, but it should be honest given the presence of #4 Big Boat and #5 Guns Loaded. #1 Gettinby could even be a pace player. I am hoping this sets things up for #2 Perfect Force. The Gun Runner colt moved into the Steve Asmussen barn after the passing of the great D. Wayne Lukas. Asmussen spotted him more realistically last out in an allowance at Ellis Park after a trio of stakes tries this spring under the handling of the Coach. Perfect Force finished a modest third of six in his return race at the Pea Patch losing to a David Jacobson runner that earned a 96 Beyer and has won 4 of his last 7 tries. Hopefully, North America’s all-time leading trainer can get this colt back to his best efforts this winter in Arkansas. If so, he stands a big shot to spring the upset.Play: #2 Perfect Force (8-1 ML)

Northfield Park begins the week with a 15-race card. The $1.00 Late Pick 4 starts in Race 11. The sequence has a $10,000 guaranteed pool with a low 14% takeout, and it will be my focus. Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.Race 11 (9:40 PM EDT)5-G A Speed Expert (9/5)-The Jason Irwin 4-year-old made its Nfld debut last week and DH'd for 2nd. Left from post 6 and was double bubbled into the opening turn and that might have cost the win. It won't be 5/2 this week but should be better with a race on the oval. Aaron Merriman will blast out, but this time meets a field without much gate speed. Should get the top without burning much gas and can reward backers at a small price.Race 12 (10:02 PM EDT)6-Warrawee Yang (9/2)-Started from post 7 in last and that trip didn't work. Then 2 back left from post 6 and was hung in the opening quarter and that trip took its toll. This is the 2nd start here in sequence, has won 6 of 22 races this year, and could be sitting on a big try.7-Kildare King (9/2)-Beat this kind 2 back and then was hung the mile leaving from post 8. Actually, has had post 8 in 3 of the last 4 races and now gets a bit of post relief. Starts outside of the only one that could out-leave this veteran but will rely on Merriman to work a winning trip.9-Legacy Affair (5/2)-Ships back from Scioto and lands at a level where the 4-year-old mare has excelled. Has taken 5 pictures in 16 starts and has won 3 times against this kind since the end of June. The price on the 4-year-old mare would be much smaller with a choice post draw. Needs to get a decent early seat and #2 and #3 should show early speed. With a smooth trip, is more than capable of cashing the top check.Race 13 (10:24 PM EDT)6-Ideal Funding N (2-1)-This 7-year-old is having a very nice 2025, winning 5 out of 16 starts and took a picture in its Nfld debut last week. Got on the engine, didn't look back with Merriman between the pipes, and was claimed by the Adam Short barn. That outfit has preformed well over the last 30 days, posting 27% winner and Merriman sticks. This looks like a spot to immediately reward the new connections.Race 14 (10:46 PM EDT)7-Winter Soldier (3-1)-The Stable.ca bought this 4-year-old in a private purchase at the beginning of August. So far it looks like a sharp buy and now drops to face similar to its win on 8-25. Beat the NW8000 in his debut, then lost by a neck after stepping up to face Open Handicap company. Has shown enough gate speed to get a close-up seat and if AMac provides a sharp steer it could be picture time.9-Magical Journey (12-1)-Should fit with this crew and the morning line price is right to take a swing. The question is whether Chris Lems can get away into a decent seat from the 2nd tier. The 2 starting on the inside have some gate speed and could help the cause if they provide a path when the wings fold.$3 Late Pick 45/6,7,9/6/7,9Total Bet=$18Check me out on Twitter!

EXTRA INCENTIVES10X Wager Rewards Points | Leopardstown Irish Champions Weekend | all races$3,000 Exacta-Thon | Woodbine | today’s racesSCHEDULE NOTEColonial Downs | closing day of meetTOURNAMENT TIME$1,000 Woodbine Mile Challenge | details$40 Los Al feeder | details$40 Canterbury feeder | detailsNOTABLE CARRYOVERSMandatory Payout Pick 6 | $12,761 | Colonial Downs | begins Race 5 | 2:30 pm ETJackpot Pick 6 | $111,260 | Gulfstream Park | begins Race 6 | 3:28 pm ETMandatory Payout Super Hi 5 | $80,960 (CAN) | Woodbine | Race 12 | 7:12 pm ET--Gulfstream will have a mandatory payout Sunday1/ST BET AI MOST LIKELY LAUREL STAKES WINNERLaurel | Race 7 | 3:02 pm ET | #6 No Show Sammy Jo (30%)KEY RACESLeopardstown | Race 7 | 12:30 pm ET | Irish Champion Stakes | analysisLaurel | Race 6 | 2:33 pm ET | Sensible Lady Turf DashLaurel | Race 7 | 3:02 pm ET | All Along StakesChurchill Downs | Race 6 | 3:21 pm ET |Pocahontas StakesLaurel | Race 8 | 3:33 pm ET | Laurel DashChurchill Downs | Race 7 | 3:54 pm ET | Locust Grove StakesWoodbine | Race 6 | 3:54 pm | Summer StakesMonmouth | Race 8 | 4:06 pm ET | Pinot Grigio StakesChurchill Downs | Race 8 | 4:26 pm ET | Iroquois StakesWoodbine | Race 7 | 4:27 pm ET | Ontario Matron StakesChurchill Downs | Race 9 | 4:58 pm ET | Open Mind StakesWoodbine | Race 8 | 5:02 pm ET | Natalma StakesMonmouth | Race 10 | 5:02 pm ET | Presious Passion StakesChurchill Downs | Race 10 | 5:29 pm ET | Louisville Thoroughbred Society StakesWoodbine | Race 9 | 5:39 pm ET | Woodbine MileBelmont at the Big A | Race 10 | 5:49 pm ET | Floral Park StakesWoodbine | Race 10 | 6:12 pm ET | Vigil StakesHastings | Race 6 | 7:45 pm ET | British Columbia OaksLos Alamitos | Race 9 | 8:11 pm ET | E.B Johnson StakesHastings | Race 7 | 8:30 pm ET | British Columbia DerbyLONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIXDelaware Park | Race 8 | 4:29 pm ETGulfstream Park | Race 10 | 5:36 pm ETChurchill Downs | Race 11 | 6:01 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHMark Casse | Colonial Downs | 4 of 5 entrants 9-2 or less oddsDID YOU SEE?Yesterday | Woodbine | 20-cent jackpot pick 6 hit on single ticket for $76,126PUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAMIrish Champions Stakes Video PreviewJeremy Plonk: Race of Week Woodbine MileJeremy Plonk: Woodbine Mandatory Pick 6 Payout Analysis for SaturdayScott Shapiro: Churchill Downs Spot Plays for SaturdayFrank Carulli & Brian W. Spencer best bets today in Xpressbet.com member’s section

Yonkers Raceway has a 10-race card with the main event coming in Race 6, The MGM Yonkers International Trot with a $1,000,000 purse. The $1.00 Pick 5 starts in Race 5. The sequence has a $20,000 guaranteed pool, and it will be my focus.Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.Race 5 (2:23 PM EDT)3-Coaches Corner (4-1)-Has been racing well considering drawing the 8-hole in 3 of the last 4 starts. Faced tough company up in Canada and is now on its favorite oval where the Engblom trainee has excelled, winning 16 of 31 races. Will look for Jason Bartlett to work an effective trip. Should be racing near the top of the stack throughout despite the added distance.6-Captain Albano (9/5)-The program chalk is in sharp form and has done good work on smaller ovals. This will be the 1st race on the Hilltop, and that is cause for pause. But will rely on the Noel Daly standout to not have issues with the turns or the surface, and should be a dangerous player.Race 6 (2:53 PM EDT)6-Double Deceiver (5-1)-Winner of 3 straight has Yonkers experience and was a 2nd place finisher in the Trot in 2022. Did leave for Sweden afterward, had mixed results the first 2 years and now has been on fire. The 6-year-old PA Bred son of Cantab Hall has been off since 8-9. The connection have pointed him for this event and with this post draw driver Orjan Kihlstrom has options. If necessary could grind it out and still be in the hunt at the wire.9-Periculum (5/2)-Last year's runner up didn't get an ideal journey but in the end was a clear 2nd best. Now is challenged with starting in the 2nd tier once again. Recent form has been fine but hasn't been able to solve #1-Lexus Cody in the Maple Leaf Trot races. Will lean toward the tepid morning line chalk here. Scott Zeron should be closer to the leader turning for the wire this year. Likes to roll late and the added distance could help the Marcus Melander trainee.Race 7 (3:23 PM EDT)3-Up Your Deo (7/2)-There is speed on the rail and one the below could be leaving also. This race could set-up nicely for Dexter Dunn to get a close up seat, maybe in the pocket. Lightly raced 5-year-old, won its only start on a smaller oval this year, and could be a trip out candidate at a square price.8-Antognoni S (5/2)-The Burke trainee would probably be an odds-on choice if drew inside. This post draw will be a test but has been so good it may not matter at all. Won at Yonkers this year in a 1 1/4-mile race drawing off by over 5 lengths. Yannick Gingras will look to get a decent seat off the gate and could power by later in the mile. Hasn't lost at Yonkers (7-7) and is looking for its 4th straight picture.Race 8 (3:53 PM EDT)4-Dealyed Hanover (5/2)-Went off as even money chalk in the 1st race since 5-26. Got on the engine and got caught late to lose by a neck. Probably needed the last start and George Brennan should have in striking range for a picture even without landing on the point. This isn't a deep group and could be more battle ready this time.8-Austral Hanover (7/2)-The Engblom entry has the gate speed to land in a close-up seat. But is versatile and also can win coming off cover. Has hit the board in 21 of 37 at Yonkers with 8 pictures, and could add to the total with a sharp steer from Jim Marohn.Race 9 (4:23 PM EDT)3-Airmans Jackpot (4-1)-This will be the 4th race for the Pat Lachance barn and hasn't been able to connect for the new connections. Actually, recent efforts have been dull but gets post relief and fits with this crew. Should be able to show more life with a ground saving journey. That type of trip could happen if closer to the leaders after the 1st turn.7-Mazeppa N (9/5)-Not loving the small price but that has to do with the lack of form in this field and gets class relief. Makes the 1st start for the Engblom barn and finished a beaten 3rd last time. Drops to face much easier and could have his way with this crew. Tyler Buter might have the pedal down and try to make every call a winning one.$1 Pick 53,6/6,9/3,8/4,8/3,7Total Bet=$32Check me out on Twitter!

Saturday’s Woodbine Mile Day card features a mandatory payout in the pick 6 as well as the super hi 5. The 12-race card gets underway at 1:05 pm ET with the 20-cent pick 6 sequence beginning with Race 7 at 4:27 pm ET. The super hi 5 will be up for grabs in Race 12 at 7:12 pm ET.Horseplayers at 1/ST BET and Xpressbet are encouraged to take part in the $3,000 Exacta-Thon promotion throughout Saturday’s Woodbine card. Successfully hit exactas ($2 minimum) in at least 5 races and win your share of bonus cash to your pari-mutuel winnings.Here’s a look at the pick 6 races.Race 7: Grade 3 Ontario MatronThe most competitive race in terms of number of quality options is this 1-1/16 miles Tapeta heat. I’ll spread to accommodate. The favorites #10 Caitlinhergrtness and #4 Wild Pansy are Kevin Attard trainees with question marks about current form but races clearly good enough to win this upon their best. #3 Avenue Neil intrigues most at 10-1 morning line, drawn beautifully and she’s been a different mare racing with Lasix vs. without. She gets it Saturday. #6 Literate has split decisions with Caitlinhergrtness, #8 Johanny should be finishing well under a resurgent Frankie Dettori, #9 Five Towns made a premature move in last year’s only local appearance and returns from the States with John Velazquez this time and #11 Hurricane Clair has dangerous early foot at a big 20-1 ML price.Race 8: Grade 1 Natalma#6 Hot Mash dazzled in her debut at Ellis Park sprinting and the Not This Time filly should love the mile trip. She’s the play and should be the value, but facing a promising Chad Brown debut winner #10 Deep Learning will be quite a task to fend off late. #5 Dance to the Music has won both in England for Charlie Appleby and Godolphin, but hasn’t overwhelmed and the North Americans typically hold up well enough in this race and Breeders’ Cup division. If needed to trim for budget, settle on Hot Mash and Deep Learning, otherwise include Dance to the Music as well.Race 9: Grade 1 Woodbine MileIn what’s not a historically strong group of North American milers, #2 Notable Speech should run roughshod over this bunch via Europe. His head runner-up in France’s premier mile race, the Group 1 Prix Jacques le Marois, just lays over this cast, not to mention his English 2000 Guineas and Sussex wins last year before coming to Del Mar and narrowly finishing third in the Breeders’ Cup Mile. South African #3 One Stripe is an X-factor for a Graham Motion barn that won last week’s Grade 2 Mabee at Del Mar with another export from that country. But he’s facing a tough hombre in Notable Speech, who is a single for me.Race 10: Grade 3 VigilThe locals exiting the Bold Venture couldn’t warm up #2 Simcoe last out and, if he holds his form, the new faces in this cast also are likely in trouble. Simcoe has been first or second in 8 straight races over the main track sprinting and was freakishly best of his career last out. Turfer Cruden Bay will take, but doesn’t sprint on the main track and has to beat Simcoe at his game. Monmouth-based Horsepower beat Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint winner Nobals on the synthetic at Presque Isle and could factor, but 7 furlongs looks beyond his best trip. This is another solid single of Simcoe.Race 11: allowance/optional claimingMorning line favorite Poissiblemente is suspect at 1-1/8 mies, picking up weight and coming off a 2-month break. I’ll lean heavily into #4 Pierre, a 4-year-old who seems to be rounding back into the promising form that opened his career. #2 Fly the W is a veteran synthetic maven who will be finishing well with a ground-saving trip.Race 12: allowance/optional claimingTop pick #2 Awesome Bourbon should be in the hunt from the opening bell with inside speed, as will #3 Niagara Skyline on the stretch-out in trip. Both are threats, particularly if the other doesn’t break. #5 La Macazza fits well at this class level for high-percentage connections. #6 Jayhawk had a promising return from a long layoff, but is unknown on the lawn. Capable perhaps, but not at a short price for intra-race betting. #8 Malibu Mambo at 8-1 ML intrigues for a Michael Doyle barn that’s going very well the past month.Suggested Ticket3,9,10,4,6,8,11 with 6,10,5 with 2 with 2 with 4,2 with 2,3,8,5,6 = $42 for 20 cents

Hoosier Park starts the weekend with a big 15-race card. The headliners roll in Race 9-The Jim Doherty Memorial Trot for 2-year-old-fillies, and in Race 11-The Peter Haughton Memorial Trot for 2-year-old colts and geldings. The 0.50 Late Pick 4 starts in Race 12, it has a $10,000 guaranteed pool with a low 12% takeout, and it will be my focus.Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.Race 12 (9:43 PM EDT)2-Siesta Sandman (7/5)-Winner of 3 races in the last 4 and 2 straight, appears to be a cut above this group. Trace Tetrick will be out and rolling as soon as the wings fold. Will use one other in case it doesn't get his way on the lead this time. The race should go through the Tyler George pupil, the only concern is being able to win if wiring the field isn't going to happen.4-High Speed Swan (3-1)-If the morning line choice is to be denied, it will likely be because a stalker was able to roll by down the lane. The Erv Miller trainee made a rare break in last but still finished 3rd and will assume that was a one-off. Atlee Bender should be well positioned, in striking range turning for the wire, and may offer some value.Race 13 (10:06 PM EDT)2-Swan Jewel (6-1)-Hasn't been able to beat the top fillies so far but did get its 1st win on Lasix last time. The game plan will be to fade the morning line chalk #8 Fifty To Win (7/5). Will look for a price, Bender should be able to work an efficient trip and this gal could be just starting to get good.3-Better Tak'em (2-1)-Tried to wire the last field and was beaten by the one above who came out of the pocket to win. Lost by a neck last time and has beaten better at HoP this summer. Hopefully won't be over bet and certainly could bounce back.7-Bluebied Lola (10-1)-This is another swing at getting a winner that could be overlooked and has been improving. Does take on better and this will be a test. It is the 3rd start for Ron Burke and has raced well in the last 2 efforts. Showed good gate speed in last and stayed flat to come 2nd. Should offer a nice price and could be sitting on a big try.Race 14 (10:29 PM EDT)2-Fox Valley Kodiak (4-1)-Came away 3rd in last and rallied to come 2nd, beaten by the pocket horse. Now faces others who also hit the board. Will look for Kyle Wilfong to get the pocket trip this week and take its turn in the winner's circle.7-Rolling Image (3-1)-Raced well in last but faded a bit down the lane and finished 3rd. Went a 26.4 opening quarter and that may have taken its toll. But raced gamely and this time leaves from post 7 rather than post 3. Did close in 26.4 and this race could set up differently. May look to come off cover later in the mile and not burn as much gas to get the lead early on.Race 15 (10:52 PM EDT)5-Lucky Jade (4-1)-Came away nicely last time at 11-1 and got on the point. Did relinquish the lead around the opening turn and was jammed up when the leader broke stride and suffered an inference break. Drops back to the level of the last win 2 back and will look a big try in this spot.9-Rock My Memory (3-1)-Comes off a 4th place finish and like the one above drops to the level of its last win that came 2 back. Has been difficult to beat at this level and this post draw will help the price. Has enough gate speed to get a close-up seat and with a smooth trip should be right there at the wire.$1 Late Pick 42,4/2,3,7/2,7/5,9Total Bet=$24Check me out on Twitter!