EXTRA INCENTIVESBet $25, Get $5 | Gulfstream Park | today’s races1 Million 1/ST Rewards Points Hit & Split | Fair Grounds Late Pick 4SPECIAL WAGERSSunset Pick 6 | Gulfstream Races 9-10-11; Santa Anita Races 7-8-9Coast-to-Coast Pick 5 | Gulfstream Races 10-11 ; Santa Anita Races 6-7-8TOURNAMENT TIME$50 Beat the Host vs. Michelle Yu | details$500 Santa Anita Challenge | details$100 Gulfstream Park Feeder | details$40 Santa Anita Feeder | detailsNOTABLE CARRYOVERSPick 5 | $23,024 | Laurel Park | begins Race 1 | 12:00 pm ETJackpot Pick 6 | $140,420 | Gulfstream Park | begins Race 6 | 2:48 pm ETSunset Pick 6 | $18,781 | GP & SA | begins GP Race 9 | 4:18 pm ETPick 6 | $78,330 | Santa Anita | begins Race 4 | 4:58 pm ETJackpot Pick 6 | $263,871 | Turfway | begins Race 4 | 7:25 pm ETPick 6 | $40,765 | Los Alamitos | begins Race 3 | 9:41 pm ETKEY RACESLaurel | Race 6 | 2:26 pm ET | Geisha StakesLaurel | Race 7 | 2:58 pm ET | Jennings StakesLaurel | Race 8 | 3:26 pm ET | What A Summer StakesAqueduct | Race 8 | 3:40 pm ET | Ladies StakesLaurel | Race 9 | 3:56 pm ET | Fire Plug StakesSanta Anita | Race 2 | 3:58 pm ET | Cal Cup SprintFair Grounds | Race 7 | 4:00 pm ET | Kenner StakesGulfstream | Race 9 | 4:18 pm ET | Sunshine Turf StakesGulfstream | Race 10 | 4:48 pm ET | Sunshine Sprint StakesFair Grounds | Race 9 | 5:00 pm ET | Krantz Memorial StakesSanta Anita | Race 5 | 5:28 pm ET | Unusual Heat Turf ClassicFair Grounds | Race 10 | 5:30 pm ET | Silverbulletday StakesFair Grounds | Race 11 | 6:00 pm ET | Colonel E.R. Bradley StakesSanta Anita | Race 7 | 6:28 pm ET | Cal Cup OaksFair Grounds | Race 12 | 6:30 pm ET | Louisiana StakesSanta Anita | Race 8 | 6:58 pm ET | Cal Cup DerbyFair Grounds | Race 13 | 7:00 pm ET | Lecomte Stakes | Meet the ContendersSanta Anita | Race 9 | 7:28 pm ET | Sunshine F&M Turf SprintDelta Downs | Race 6 | 8:04 pm ET | Orleans StakesDelta Downs | Race 8 | 9:00 pm ET | Sam’s Town StakesTurfway | Race 8 | 9:25 pm ET | Leonatus StakesLONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIXGulfstream | Race 7 | 3:18 pm ETSanta Anita | Race 1 | 3:30 pm ETTampa Bay Downs | Race 7 | 3:47 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHLinda Rice | Aqueduct | 5 of 6 entrants 5-2 or less oddsDID YOU SEE?Yesterday | Laurel | jockey Yedsit Hazlewood | 2 wins ($13, $13), 4 secondsPUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAMScott Shapiro: Santa Anita Carryover Pick 6 AnalysisRon Nicoletti: Gulfstream Full-Card PicksJeremy Plonk: Race of the Week – Sunshine Turf at GulfstreamScott Shapiro: Fair Grounds Late Pick 4 Hit & SplitFrank Carulli & Brian W. Spencer best bets today in Xpressbet.com member’s section

One could call it Carryover Saturday later today at Santa Anita Park after a pair of horizontal wagers went unsolved on Friday’s 8-race slate. The $1 Sunset Six at Gulfstream and Santa Anita was not hit, nor was the $2 Pick 6 at the Great Race Place at for the second consecutive day. That leaves Southern California horseplayers with a double carryover of $78,330 heading into California Cup Day in Arcadia. The sequence over the last 6 races is a challenging one, so hopefully a few of us can come away with a year changing score.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 Remember April; 3 Om Time Gal; 8 Smokin Hot ChickBackups: NoneForecast: It was difficult to get creative in this state-bred low-level maiden claimer at 6-furlongs over the main track since the price options are either horses that have lacked speed and showed little thus far or are likely to need a race on debut. So, I will use the three fillies that have shown a hint of ability in the afternoons thus far. #1 Remember April has not shown a ton of early zip through 6 starts, but the inside draw and overall lack of speed in this race should have her in a prominent spot early. Therefore, she is my lukewarm top choice with class dropper #3 Om Time Gal and off the pace grinder #8 Smokin Hot Chick not far behind.Race 5: Unusual Heat Turf ClassicGrade: B-Main Ticket: 6 Call Me Sir; 2 Mr. DisrespectfulBackups: NoneForecast: The first of four stakes races within the Pick 6 sequence is a contest where I am willing to take on the morning line favorite. No disrespect to #8 Vodka Vodka, but I prefer him over the dirt despite 2 wins and 2 seconds in 6 tries on the grass. I will try to beat the likely public choice with #2 Mr. Disrespectful and #6 Call Me Sir. The two faced off in a state-bred first-level allowance event at Del Mar in late November and it was Mr. Disrespectful getting his nose down at the wire despite being hemmed in much of the stretch drive. That said, Call Me Sir was unable to save the ground the winner that day and may benefit more from the stretch out to 9-panels. I will use them both in hopes of gaining a little separation from the pack.Race 6:Grade: BMain Ticket: 7 Horizon Wildcat; 4 Mr. MachupicchuBackups: 3 Coach CroninForecast: I will also take a swing against the ML favorite in this state-bred allowance over the main track where #6 Titantic Thompson was made the 9-5-choice. The Grazen colt has run some strong races over the main track, but most of his success through 9 starts has come over the grass. #3 Coach Cronin makes sense as the second choice, but I like a pair that should offer more value. #4 Mr. Machupicchu is tough to trust on top given his 1 for 23-record, but he tries hard and is moving in the right direction. He was caught in an early battle while 3-wide against open company last out and fought hard to the wire to hold third. I like his chances to run well at a big price, but I like #7 Horizon Wildcat most. The Minsters Wild Cat homebred comes into this spot in the best form of his career after battling along the inside at Los Alamitos and tiring last month. He moves outside and attracts hot riding Emisael Jaramillo. Both should help him take a step forward for trainer Brendan Galvin.Race 7: Cal Cup OaksGrade: B-Main Ticket: 2 Tiger Lady; 7 CashedBackups: NoneForecast: This year’s Leigh Ann Howard California Cup Oaks is a challenging one to handicap given the field’s lack of form over the grass at two-turns. In terms of pedigree, I like the longest shot on the board to move forward on the surface switch. #2 Tiger Lady has underwhelmed since breaking her maiden against a soft group on debut, but is out of an Unusual Heat mare that won 7 of 18 over the grass. Additionally, she is a half-sister to $582k earner Pulpit Rider. At this price against this bunch, she is worth a gamble. On the other hand, #7 Cashed is not going to offer much value dropping out of a Grade 2, but trainer Doug O’Neill is tough to leave off. The veteran conditioner is 8-33 over the last 20 days with a $4.14 ROI. His barn is firing on all cylinders.Race 8: Cal Cup DerbyGrade: BMain Ticket: 4 Smoovin SaturdayBackups: NoneForecast: The pace should be lively in this year’s California Chrome Cal Cup Derby, which bodes well for #4 Smoovin Saturday. The Reddam Racing colt debuted going two-turns at Del Mar this fall and won going away at odds of 9-1 before taking advantage of a great trip in his first start against winners in the King Glorious. I do not love backing horses off really clean voyages, but this colt projects to get another dream run. Plus, he has shown the ability to finish at a pretty strong level through just two starts. Trainer Michael McCarthy keeps Tiago Pereira aboard. I will jump in on the Win end if he stays at 4-1 or higher.Race 9: Sunshine Millions Filly & Mare Turf SprintGrade: BMain Ticket: 6 Tina Turner; 3 Grand Slam SmileBackups: 8 Take Another CardForecast: The finale is one of the best betting races on the afternoon, as often races conducted over the Hillside Turf Course are. This dash for older fillies and mares goes through 9-5-ML favorite #3 Grand Slam Smile. The Smiling Tiger mare is 9 for 16 and has shown an affinity for this course and configuration, but the value will be much greater with #6 Tina Turner. The filly named for the “Queen of Rock n Roll” has proven to be versatile through 4 starts winning on both dirt and turf. I loved her win over this configuration on October 25 and think she works out a favorable outside stalking voyage under jockey Armando Ayuso. At 10-1, I will take my chances!

The Pegasus World Cup Bankroll Builder continues Saturday for 1/ST BET and Xpressbet players. Bet $25 on the Gulfstream Park card and receive a $5 wagering credit to be deposited prior to the Jan. 24 huge day of racing in South Florida. The PWC Bankroll Builder will be offered each racing day through Jan. 23, giving 10 opportunities for players to earn up to $50 in credits. To help you along the way, Gulfstream Park track handicapper Ron Nicoletti has his Saturday full-card picks.Race 1:6 Lisa Connects4 Colonial Sense9 Smiling RosieRace 2:8 Four Beach Friends9 Lodato7 Freedom StreetRace 3:3 Il Vagabundo5 Pronti O Meno6 Chicken DanceRace 4:5 Spirit of the Law2 Heaven’s Champion7 SimoRace 5:5 Fortuny8 Gondorff3 CongressionalRace 6:6 Tinki Abarrio1 Princess Cairo5 Miguel’s BelleRace 7:6 Navy Cross12 Rock the Stars11 Will of a WarriorRace 8:2 Time to Win1 Beastly Speed7 SteezeRace 9: The Sunshine Turf3 Echo Lane (BB)8 Neoequos4 Seminole ChiefRace 10: The Sunshine Sprint1 Damon’s Mound6 Ms. Bucchero4 NeshumeRace 11:4 Gallant Lad (LS)6 Pitkin10 Limited EditionBest Bet: R9: 3 Echo Lane-- Back with state-breds after winning 2 of 4 – as the favorite - on Churchill turf-- Winner of 3 of 6 grass races locally-- Barn is 20% with the layoff.Longshot: R11: 4 Gallant Lad-- Stretches out off a troubled return (steadied) going a mile.-- The figure he posted (72) indicates he can compete with this group.-- Should sit a key stalking trip off the speed.

Northfield Park has a 15-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-Tiffany Blue (3-1)-This mare is way overdue for a picture and can tease you. Does need the right set up and trip but from this post should get a smooth journey. Will use in case Lilly Grace Hill is tired of posing and isn't engaged.5-Lilly Grace Hill (1/1)-The winning plan here is to go gate to wire. Basically, that was the case in the last 3 races and on 1-10 did beat this kind. Dan Noble will drive this gal like the best and the race should go through her.Race 12 (10:02 Pm EST)5-Luckystair (5/2)-Received a nice steer by Aaron Merriman last time and won from the 7-hole in the slop. Raced against this kind again 2 back and finished 3rd losing by only a neck. This is a logical play that will likely go off at a smaller price than the morning line.7-Ponda Model (15-1)-Was used early to get the lead on a sloppy track and faded badly to finish a beaten 7th. Has raced on an off track in the last 3 starts and its record on a wet surface is (9-0-2-0). Went off at 3/5 last week and at this price is a use, especially on a dry track.Race 13 (10:24 PM EDT)1-Da Magic Me Me (4-1)-Won for the 9th time in 32 races on an off-track and made it look easy going gate to wire. Left from post 1 last week and faces similar. Should be in play off the gate, will need its best to get the job done, and would add points on an off-track.9-Polk Salad Annie (5/2)-Has been stuck with outside draws in the last 2 against better. Drops to a more competitive level, this is first-time Noble and could be sitting on a big try.Race 14 (10:46 PM EST)4-Saty Salty (6/5)-Drew off by 4-lengths in a Series Final leaving from post 3 and making every call a winning one. Joined the Renae Loney barn on 11-23 and looks like a different horse. Hit the board in 5 of 6 starts, with 2 wins and came 2nd in 2 other races all with tonight's pilot Dan Noble at the controls. Shouldn't have any trouble taking control when the wings fold and can post another win at a tiny price.$2 Late Pick 43,5/5,7/1,9/4Total Bet=$16Check me out on Twitter!

EXTRA INCENTIVESBet $25, Get $5 | Gulfstream Park | today’s racesSPECIAL 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 3-4-5Kentucky Derby Future Wager | Pool 3 | noon ET through Sunday 6 pm ET TOURNAMENT TIMEGulfstream Park $100 Feeder | detailsSanta Anita $40 Feeder | detailsNOTABLE CARRYOVERSJackpot Pick 6 | $117,079 | Gulfstream Park | begins Race 5 | 2:20 pm ETPick 5 | $83,238 | Tampa Bay Downs | begins Race 5 | 2:28 pm ETPick 6 | $20,693 | Santa Anita | begins Race 3 | 4:35 pm ETJackpot Pick 6 | $254,105 | Turfway | begins Race 4 | 7:25 pm ETPick 5 | $104,573 | Turfway | begins Race 5 | 7:55 pm ETLONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIXTampa Bay Downs | Race 9 | 4:28 pm ETFair Grounds | Race 7 | 4:45 pm ETTurfway Park | Race 1 | 5:55 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHBill Mott | Gulfstream, Aqueduct | 4 of 5 entrants 9-2 or less oddsDID YOU SEE?Yesterday | Santa Anita | trainer Doug O’Neill | 2 wins, 1 second, 1 third from 6 startersPUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAMFrank Carulli: Gulfstream Park Late Pick 4 Analysis for FridayScott Shapiro: Santa Anita Spot Plays for FridayFrank Carulli & Brian W. Spencer best bets today in Xpressbet.com member’s section

The 5-day racing week at the Great Race Place continues on Friday after some challenging results on Thursday afternoon led to a carryover of over $20k in the $2 Pick 6. The sequence gets started in Race 3 at 4:35 PM eastern/1:35 PM local time and concludes as always with the finale. Here are a few horses I like most within the sequence.Race 4: There is a noticeable lack of early speed signed on in this $10k claimer for non-winners of two lifetime at one mile over the main track. This should benefit #1 Typhoon Tommy. The Sir Prancealot gelding moves from turf-to-dirt in his second start off the claim for low profile conditioner Edwin Alvarez. Alvarez tried two turns on the grass against slightly better in the first start for his new barn just a week ago, but the 4YO did not make the lead at odds of 13-1. He returns quickly, drops to the bottom, and should control the pace in this one under regular rider Armando Ayuso. Gate-to-wire in the second leg of the Pick 6 and to kick off the late Pick 5. Play: #1 Typhoon Tommy (3-1 ML) Race 5: A starter allowance for older fillies and mares at one-mile over the grass is up next where #1 Miss Meagher is the runner I like most. The daughter of Galileo Gold comes in off a tough beat at Del Mar in late November when she was run down in the final strides by 2-1-favorite Willa T. The 5YO mare stays at the same level and draws inside once again, which should give jockey Hector Berrrios options. He could get aggressive and try to get Miss Meagher to the lead, but it is more likely the savvy turf rider allows her to settle just off the early pace once again. Either way, she should be tough to beat with a similar trip to the one she had last out in San Diego County. Play: #1 Miss Meagher (7-2 ML) Race 8: The card concludes with this open $25k claimer at 6-furlongs over the Santa Anita sod where I am hopeful the pace is not overly contentious. #2 Code Duello has the speed from the inside to make the lead, but has not raced on the grass in over a year, so we shall see if his early zip still translates to the lawn. Either way, #5 Please Focus should find a favorable prominent spot early in his first start off the claim for trainer Steve Knapp. Knapp claimed the son of Mrazek from low percentage trainer George Lopez in mid-December for $16k and moves him back to the turf after a pair of underneath finishes during the Los Alamitos day program to end his 2025 campaign. His last two efforts on the green are better than they appear because Please Focus was up against it from a race shape perspective both times. He gets back to a course he has earned 3 of his 4 career victories over and draws outside the other potential speed. I like his chances to put forth a big one in his first start of 2026. Play: #5 Please Focus (8-1 ML)

The Meadowlands begins the weekend with a 14-race card. The 0.50 Early Pick 4 starts in Race 6. The sequence has a $50,000 guaranteed pool with a 15% takeout, and it will be my focus. Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.Race 6 (8:25 PM EST)3-Cover The Crown (5-1)-This mare took care of business in last in a big way. This is a hodgepodge classification, includes older but not going to dismiss and could be overlooked. Got on the engine from post 9, went the 3rd panel in 27.4 and finished with a .28 last panel. May need better here but will use at what should be nice price.6-Odds On Sara Sara (9/2)-Came a good 3rd versus a salty group and should appreciate the company. Lost the lead to a couple of foes who were better but did finish with a 27.1 last quarter. Will look for a square price and it could be picture time if Jacob Cutting works a smooth trip.7-The Rizzo (2-1)-Has been a bridesmaid in the last 2 starts versus this kind and left from the inside in those races. Maybe the post draw will help the price, logical contender who is versatile.Race 7 (8:50 PM EST)2-Seize Control (8-1)-Has started from post 9, and post 8 last week after being claimed 3 back for $10,000 to take part in MADC races. In the past 2 starts was driven from the back and rallied to cash minor checks. Gets post relief and should be put in play earlier in the mile.3-Frazier Hanover (9/2)-The 5-year-old needs a trip but has been sharp in a TM condition in the last 2 starts. Came a close 2nd from post 10 and won its last race off a wide trip. Should fit and simply put Mark Silva is the best driver in this contest and needs to be included at the program price.5-Lincoln Boulevard (4-1)-Took advantage of a hot pace and rolled by down the lane at 51-1. The veteran showed better early speed in the last 2 races. Last time was less than 4-lengths off the lead even though the half went in .54. Won't be anywhere near 51-1 but will look for a better price than the morning line.Race 8 (9:15 PM EST)4-Full Of Muscles (7/2)-Put in a start at M1 on 1-2 and was hung the mile but came within a neck of winning. This is normally a Yonkers horse and maybe the thinking was to tune him up for when they open. Will respect chances of coming with another big try. Its M1 record is very good with a limited sample (3-2-1-0).6-Super Duper Cooper (5/2)-Twice beaten chalk was used a couple of times into hot fractions. Should be in play early on and this race could set up more favorably.Race 9 (9:40 PM EST)5-Parklane Terror (6-1)-Raced against this kind 3 and 4 back and did hit the board both times. In the race on 12-12 came a close 2nd and left from post 10. Now lands in spot where a win could happen, leaves from a good post, and could offer a square price.9-Illusion Seelster (3-1)-Has raced only 4 times since 10-31, and did show some life in its last race on 1-2. Came with good early speed for the first time since Halloween and this is a soft spot. Expecting better and Tony Beltrami can put in play off the gate.0.50 Early Pick 43,6,7/2,3,5/4,6/5,9Total Bet=$18Check me out on Twitter!

The Road to the Louisiana Derby and Kentucky Derby heat up on Saturday when Fair Grounds hosts a strong 13-race card led by the Lecomte (G3). The 1 1/16-mile test for 3YOs kicks off the next stage on the Derby leaderboard with 20 points going to the winner. The early Derby prep closes out an All-Stakes Pick 4 that kicks off with a Kentucky Oaks points race and also includes a Grade 3 for the older handicap horses. Therefore, as you might expect 1/ST BET and Xpressbet are celebrating with a Hit & Split offer. In fact, it is the last of three early January 1M Points Hit & Splits. Some of you might have already registered, but for those that who have yet to do so, be sure to head to the promotional landing page and click on that register button.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 10: SilverbulletdayGrade: XMain Ticket: 1 AtropaBackups: NoneForecast: The Road to the Fair Grounds Oaks picks up as well on Saturday with the first of 3 Kentucky Oaks points races conducted in New Orleans over the next few months. The two-turn test drew a compact of group 6 where 2-1-ML favorite #1 Atropa looks like a bit of a stand out. The Into Mischief filly chased a wire-to-wire winner over the slop at Saratoga on debut, but since then has put forth two strong performances at a route of ground. The first one came when she dominated a field of MSW foes going 8.5-furlongs at Keeneland in October, but what was most encouraging is that she did not regress in her first start versus winners in the Golden Rod (G2) over Thanksgiving weekend. She was unable to get to the wire first at Churchill Downs that day, but missed by just half a length. The $450k Keeneland September ’24 purchase arrived down at in the Bayou in late December and has worked well since arriving. She should handle this bunch.Race 11: Colonel E. R. BradleyGrade: C+Main Ticket: 4 Lagynos; 9 Reagan’s Wit; 1 KupunaBackups: 3 Idratherbeblessed; 5 Cameo PerformanceForecast: I lack a strong opinion in the lone turf race in the sequence where the top three from last month’s Dilberto Memorial return to take on a number of new runners that have serious chances. #1 Kupuna and #4 Lagynos are deserving favorites that do not have to win, but are the likeliest to do so, while #9 Reagan’s Wit has some upside in his first start as a 4YO for Cherie DeVaux. I am tired of getting beat by Fair Grounds specialist #3 Idratherbeblessed, so I included him as a backup along with Brendan Walsh’s #5 Cameo Performance. A tough race with some solid veteran turf routers. I wish I had more conviction.Race 12: Louisiana (G3)Grade: B-Main Ticket: 1 Moonlight; 7 Willy D’sBackups: NoneForecast: This 1 1/16-mile event for 4YOs and up definitely goes through 8-5-ML favorite #8 Just a Touch. Not only is the Brad Cox barn white-hot to kick off the meet, but the son of Justify is 2 for 2 over this surface and has run the fastest races. He is the likeliest winner, but not the best gamble in this year’s Louisiana. He comes in off a 6-month break and may have to work on the front end a bit. #7 Willy D’s has struggled to win races at Oaklawn Park, but ships into New Orleans off a strong runner-up effort in Hot Springs to favorite Rattle N Roll to end his 2025 campaign. The change in venue, slight cutback in distance, and recency edge could make the difference. I will use him, as well as late running #1 Moonlight in hopes of beating the likely heavy favorite. Moonlight lacks speed, but can certainly finish. If they go at it early, he should be absolutely rolling late under leading rider Jose Ortiz.Race 13: Lecomte (G3)Grade: BMain Ticket: 8 White Tiger; 5 Golden TempoBackups: 10 Stop the Car; 11 Chip Honcho; 7 MesquiteForecast: This year’s Lecomte drew a competitive field to kick off the Road to the Louisiana Derby, but there are not a ton of runners I expect to make an impression in this year’s Kentucky Derby. That said, if there is one it is #5 Golden Tempo. The Curlin colt broke slowly yet still won stylishly in a 6-furlong event over this racetrack last month. I am not in love with the idea of backing young horses that break slowly on debut in sprints and make big runs late in their follow up start because the first try does not remotely simulate the experience they will encounter when they break with the field. Admittedly though, talented horses break that model from time to time making Golden Tempo hard to leave off, but I like #8 White Tiger most. The Twin Creeks Farm colt is unlikely to get better as the distances get longer, but he has already showed grit and determination through two starts. The way he has finished races not only suggests he has more to give, but also that he has a will to win. At his 8-1-ML price he is my top choice in the first of 3 Derby preps at Fair Grounds this year.