Woodbine Mohawk Park has a big 13-race card with six Graded Stakes and the Eliminations for the Canadian Pacing Derby as well. Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.Race 4 Eternal Camnation-GR 3-Purse $100,200 (7:54 PM EDT)5-Naughty Delight (9-5)-My thinking is tonight, the Anthony Beaton pupil will be closer to the leader turning for the wire than in the last 2 starts. Ended the last 2 races with a .26 and 26.1 last panel to cash 3rd place checks. Last week, paced 2 seconds faster than the previous race and the wrapper could come off in this spot. Will key #5 on top in a $10 Exacta with the 6-Fabulous Hanover (4-1).$10 Exacta 5/6 for a total bet of $10Race 6-Nassagaweya GR3-2-year-old Open Pace-Purse $117,150 (8:40 PM EDT)3-Sweet Luvin Lu (6/5)-Handy and fast Sweet Lou 2-year-old is a perfect 3 for 3 and all of the races have been at Wbsb. Versatility is another attribute, can win racing at the top of the stack or by coming off cover. This race will likely go through the Dan Lagace pupil and will look for the winning streak to continue. Will key on top in a $15 Exacta with 1 Borderline Mobby with Yannick Gingras steering. The Dave Menary trainee should get an efficient trip and add some pop to the gimmick.$15 Exacta Key 3/1 for a total bet $15Race 7-Peaceful Way Final GR1-2-year-old fillies Trot-Purse $385,000 (9:03 PM EDT)9-One Belle (9/5)-The 9-hole will make it more of a challenge but probably won't be the cause of the 3-race win streak coming to an end. James MacDonald will see how things look when the wings fold and either leave hard or bide his time. Once the dust settles the Mathew Bax entry should be on the point and if JMac steals a quarter it could be lights out. Will key #9 on top in $6 Exactas with the 5 and 8 underneath. $6 Exacta Key 9/5,8 for a total bet of $12Race 10-Wellwood Memorial Final GR1-2-year-old Open Trot-Purse $485,000 (10:12 PM EDT)5-Cambridge Hanover (9/2)-Dexter Dunn steered last time and took a picture at 8/5. He picks off to drive the program chalk 2-Magic Punk. Todd McCarthy was between the pipes 2 and 3 back and he will be at the controls tonight. The Andrew Harris trainee has been close in the last 2 starts and will use at what should be a square price. The post draw is fine and should be racing near the top of the stack when the wings fold. The Walner 2-year-old was a $1,000,000 yearly purchase could be overlooked in this spot and hopefully that will be the case. Using on top in $10 Exactas with 2-Magic Punk (2-1) and 6-Ardone (2-1).$10 Exacta Key 5/2,6 for $20Check me out on Twitter!

TRAVERS STAKES WAGER GUIDEFree Access | Stats, Workouts, Analysis, Daily UpdatesEXTRA INCENTIVES10X 1/ST Rewards Points | York (UK) | all wagers today$5,000 Exacta-Thon | SaratogaTOURNAMENT TIME$800 Saratoga Travers Day Challenge | details$125 Fun in the Sun (Saratoga / Del Mar) | details$40 Saratoga Feeder | details$40 Del Mar Feeder | detailsNOTABLE CARRYOVERSPick 5 | $13,105 | Monmouth | begins Race 1 | 12:50 pm ETJackpot Pick 6 | $163,853 | Ellis Park | begins Race 4 | 2:16 pm ETPick 5 | $14,179 | Colonial Downs | begins Race 5 | 2:45 pm ETJackpot Pick 6 | $86,720 | Gulfstream Park | begins Race 6 | 3:35 pm ETPick 6 | $57,980 | Del Mar | begins Race 5 | 7:03 pm ETJackpot Super Hi 5 | $86,310 | Prairie Meadows | Race 10 | 10:52 pm ETPick 6 | $29,291 | Los Alamitos | begins Race 4 | 11:09 pm ET--Mandatory payouts coming Sunday at Ellis & Gulfstream1/ST BET AI MOST LIKELY SARATOGA STAKES WINNERSaratoga | Race 7 | 2:35 pm ET | #1 Play With Fire (32%)KEY RACESColonial Downs | Race 3 | 1:35 pm ET | Dolley Madison StakesColonial Downs | Race 4 | 2:10 pm ET | Jamestown StakesSaratoga | Race 7 | 2:35 pm ET | Lake Placid StakesSaratoga | Race 9 | 3:45 pm ET | Personal Ensign StakesTimonium | Race 9 | 4:02 pm ET | Shine Again StakesSaratoga | Race 10 | 4:22 pm ET | Jerkens Memorial StakesSaratoga | Race 11 | 4:59 pm ET | Ballerina StakesSaratoga | Race 12 | 5:36 pm ET | Forego StakesWoodbine | Race 9 | 5:51 pm ET | Seaway StakesSaratoga | Race 13 | 6:14 pm ET | Travers StakesDel Mar | Race 9 | 9:03 pm ET | Pat O’Brien StakesLONGSHOTRACE ALERT FROM BETMIXEllis Park | Race 7 | 3:42 pm ETDel Mar | Race 4 | 6:33 pm ETSaratoga | Race 14 | 6:50 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHBrad Cox | Ellis Park | all 4 entrants 5-1 or less oddsDID YOU SEE?Yesterday | Timonium | favorites won 7 of 9 races opening dayPUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAMScott Shapiro: Saratoga’s Travers Day Exacta-Thon PlaysJeremy Plonk: Race of the Week – Forego at SaratogaScott Shapiro: Saratoga All-Stakes Pick 5 AnalysisBrian W. Spencer: Del Mar Spot Plays for SaturdayFrank Carulli and Brian W. Spencer | Saturday best bets in Xpressbet.com member’s section

Del Mar features a pick 6 carrryover of $57,980 that gets underway in Race 5. My Saturday keys plays all are in that sequence, including the featured Pat O'Brien Stakes in Race 9.Del Mar - Race 6#8 Keep Dancin Nick: He has had some chances and is a bit short on excuses, but he owns a couple decent lines that would play well here, and there is absolutely nothing to be afraid of on paper in this crew. Tactical type gets a decent lean for me today.#1 Big Bill: Suppose he's one of the main ones after turning in that good effort last out behind an easy winner, but I worry that he's the default choice in a modest race and will get overbet.#5 Fight Back: Reliable enough finisher has also had plenty of chances along the way, but his better stuff keeps him in the frame today at what might be a just playable enough price.Race Summary: Keep Dancin Nick has a couple competitive tries on his page, and I just think he's going to be in the right spot into the far turn in a race without any real standouts. Says 'come and get me' turning in?Del Mar - Race 9#6 Stronghold: He returns off the bench after the flat Pegasus try, but there are a handful of tough customers in his company lines and performances that would keep him in the frame here.#1 Dr. Venkman: Could get an OK price here with a couple flashier players lined up, and I'm hoping we'll see a bounce-back effort today for this guy as the important part of the season rolls around. Best stuff would do.#4 Maymun: Speed was sharp in the sprint score before backing it up with the route tally, but this is a much tougher cast than he has seen to date. Talent may be there.Race Summary: Stronghold ran well at this trip at Santa Anita in last year's Malibu, and there are a lot of question marks for me in this bunch today, especially from the Baffert contingent.Del Mar - Race 10#2 Nothing Is Forever: I liked her run last time out and think she's capable of something better on the turf than she showed in that Santa Anita try in May. Price should be OK to give her a look.#4 Hello Kid O Kid O: She finally got over the top last out, but the form had been competitive and reliable prior to that, so it wouldn't be a surprise to see her hold that through to something competitive in this first run with winners.#10 Lavender Love: She looked good in the easy graduation run last time out, and this doesn't feel like the deepest spot for the local level. Could rise to score right back.Race Summary: Nothing Is Forever has a bit of appeal while moving back to the turf, and I'm hoping that one of her better efforts would put her in the frame with a couple talented risers.

Hoosier Park begins the weekend with a 14-race card. The 0.50 Early Pick 4 starts in Race 6, and the sequence will be my focus. Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.Race 6 (7:25 PM EDT)2-Dial Nine One One (4/5)-Comes off a nice win and should get a clean trip with this post draw. Not sure how fast the Darla Gaskin pupil can go. But should have a big chance of doubling up if brings the same effort as its last start.5-Swan Girl (5/2)-Not liking going chalk-chalk in this leg. But this filly might have the ability to post an upset. Has been facing stiff competition, could get a pocket ride behind the favorite and trip out.Race 7 (7:48 PM EDT)2-Gullfaxi (8-1)-Comes off an impressive mile going 1st over for a long way. Looked cooked halfway down the lane and then fought back to lose by a whisker. May get bet but should offer a square price.3-Tickertape Hanover (3-1)-Stayed inside in a needed start after being off a month. This will be the 2nd race in the Burke barn and will look for a more aggressive drive. Beaten chalk could be sitting on a big try.7-Rockmelikeyameanit (5/2)-Came from last at the 3/4's pole to just nip #2 at the wire. Was aided by quick fractions but will respect chances to double up. The issues are, might be bet down and has to deal with a field of 10 rather than only 8. But John DeLonge could get a close-up seat off the gate tonight and work that trip for a picture.Race 8 (8:11 PM EDT)5-Rock Shines Again (8/5)-Tyler George pupil was put away for a short rest after winning its 8th straight on 7-31. Drew off in a qualifier on 8-16 by 8-lengths in 151.4 with a 26.2 last panel. Looks primed to keep winning barring a really bumpy trip or a flat effort. Will lose eventually but not feeling that is in the cards tonight.Race 9 (8:34 PM EDT)2-Salty Robyn N (8-1)-There are question marks in this race and will take a swing with a veteran who has won 2 of the last 3 starts but now steps up. Loses Trace Tetrick and the trainer Pat Melloy is down to steer so should offer a big number. Needs a cozy trip to win and shouldn't have an issue getting one from the 2-hole.4-Imalwaysclassy (4/1)-Comes off a decent try against this kind leaving from post 7. Went a .56 back half and finished 4th. The top 2 that night aren't in this field. The 3rd place horse was only a 1/4 length ahead leaving from the 3 hole, and now starts from post 7. In a race without much form, John DeLong could put this one in play at the top of the lane and win at a fair price.$2 Early Pick 42,5/2,3,7/5/2,4Total Bet=$24Check me out on Twitter!

TRAVERS STAKES WAGER GUIDEFree Access | Stats, Workouts, Analysis, Daily UpdatesEXTRA INCENTIVES10X 1/ST Rewards Points | York (UK) | all wagers today$5,000 Late Pick 4 & Pick 5 Hit & Split | Charles Town ($2,500 each)TOURNAMENT TIME$40 Saratoga Feeder | details$40 Del Mar Feeder | details$500 Charles Town Classic PCWBC Qualifier | detailsNOTABLE CARRYOVERSJackpot Pick 6 | $154,672 | Ellis Park | begins Race 4 | 2:16 pm ETJackpot Pick 6 | $86,720 | Gulfstream Park | begins Race 4 | 2:28 pm ETJackpot Super Hi 5 | $83,275 | Prairie Meadows | Race 10 | 10:52 pm ETPick 5 | $78,841 | Emerald Downs | begins Race 5 | 11:44 pm ET--Mandatory payouts coming Sunday at Ellis & GulfstreamSCHEDULE NOTETimonium | opening day | first post 12:10 pm ET1/ST BET AI MOST LIKELY CHARLES TOWN CLASSIC WINNERCharles Town | Race 11 | 10:25 pm ET | #4 Skippylongstocking (30%)KEY RACESSaratoga | Race 3 | 2:16 pm ET | Seeking the Ante StakesSaratoga | Race 9 | 5:41 pm ET | Yaddo StakesCharles Town | Race 5 | 7:02 pm ET | Sadie Hawkins StakesCharles Town | Race 8 | 8:32 pm ET | Pink Ribbon StakesCharles Town | Race 9 | 9:05 pm ET | Robert R. Hilton Memorial StakesCharles Town | Race 10 | 9:44 pm ET | Charles Town OaksCharles Town | Race 11 | 10:25 pm ET | Charles Town ClassicCharles Town | Race 13 | 11:25 pm ET | Frank Gall Memorial StakesLONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIXEllis Park | Race 7 | 3:42 pm ETWoodbine | Race 1 | 4:30 pm ETSaratoga | Race 10 | 6:16 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHRobertino Diodoro | Ellis, Remington | 5 of 6 entrants 9-2 or less oddsDID YOU SEE?Yesterday | Colonial Downs | jockey Paco Lopez | 5 wins, 3 seconds from 9 mountsPUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAMFrank Carulli: Charles Town Classic Pick 4 Analysis for FridayBrian W. Spencer: Del Mar Spot Plays for FridayFrank Carulli and Brian W. Spencer | Friday best bets in Xpressbet.com member’s section

Friday's Del Mar first post is 3 pm PT / 6 pm ET with an 8-race card that includes 5 maiden races. I'll approach it early and late with my keys to the day.Del Mar - Race 1#5 Honey Jo: She needs better than we've seen so far, but there is some upside while moving around two turns against this softer crew. Wouldn't be a surprise to see her form wake up quickly here.#2 Goatski: She's back quick for this one while dropping out of an OK effort with better, but I worry that she's going to get bet pretty hard and could be vulnerable again late.#7 Big Whoosh: The baseline form is within reach in this one, and she has a couple back turf efforts that would make her interesting enough today. Not a ton of enthusiasm for me here, but I wouldn't be shocked....Race Summary: Honey Jo exits a race I liked a bit, and she has some room to come forward today with the added ground. Once you get past Goatski on paper, there's not a whole lot to worry about in here.Del Mar - Race 3#4 B G Bullet: He was pretty one-paced at first asking, but he might be capable of something better with a bit cleaner trip this time around. Seems like one of the ones.#1 Cactus Charlie: He flashed some pace and faded in the debut run, but he has room to improve off that try and should be able to show some speed from the fence today. Tough call.#8 L Rankin: He ran OK at Los Al in the debut try before catching a sharp winner last time out, and now he'll get a chance on the new footing with a versatile kind of pedigree in tow.Race Summary: B G Bullet can improve with that debut run under his belt, and there isn't a ton of super sharp form on paper lined up today.Del Mar - Race 8#4 Heartfull of Joy: That pace and fade run here last year wasn't all bad when only fading late, and that kind of effort might play better against this group while dropping fresh off the bench.#9 Perfect Smile: The form fits well enough here, but she has already had a couple chances at lower claiming levels and may take a bit too much cash again today.#11 Ponytail Pete: She's another with a bit of outside prompting pace that can be dangerous, but like the one listed above, she's not super reliable in the late stages of her races.Race Summary: Heartfull of Joy has some speed and figures to have a little bit of company, but I wonder if this first start against claiming company may help her move forward enough to stay.

The massive Travers Day card literally has a new Pick 4, Pick 5, or Pick 6 starting in every possible race, which gives horseplayers plenty of ways to leverage their top opinions over the 14-race extravaganza. All pools on the biggest day of the summer at Saratoga will be bigger than normal, but naturally the All Grade 1 Pick 5 that concludes with the Midsummer Derby is a sequence that will attract a ton of interest.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 9: Personal Ensign (G1)Grade: B-Main Ticket: 6 Leslie’s RoseBackups: 4 Dorth VaderForecast: 2024 Horse of the Year #7 Thorpedo Anna bounced back last out with an easy victory in the Fleur De Lis (G2) after disappointing against the strongest field she has encountered in 2025. She meets a similar challenge in the first leg of the All-Stakes Pick 5, but very well could go off as the odds-on favorite for the seventh consecutive time. She has run well over this surface in all 3 starts and is the likeliest winner, but is all but certain to be an underlay on Saturday afternoon.I like the chances quite a bit of #6 Leslie’s Rose. The Into Mischief filly has lacked consistency, but comes in off a career best performance in the Shuvee (G2) last month. She draws outside the main speeds, which should allow Irad Ortiz Jr. to relax off the pace. A move forward off of her last and she will be tough to deny. Hopefully we get close to the 9-2-ML offering.Race 10: H. Allen Jerkens (G1)Grade: B-Main Ticket: 7 Captain Cook; 1 Patch AdamsBackups: 5 Verifire; 6 Smoken Wicked; 8 Madaket RoadForecast: One of the most intriguing races on the card is also one of the more difficult to handicap. A case of some sort can be made for all 8 3YOs set to enter the starting gate for the H. Allen Jerkens Memorial (G1).#1 Patch Adams is the one to beat off of his win in the Woody Stephens (G1), but draws down on the inside for the first time. The probable difference in trip from his previous starts makes him tough to rush to the windows to bet at his 3-1-ML price. That said, he is extremely difficult to outright toss off of his last couple. I will use the likely post-time favorite, as well as longshot #7 Captain Cook. The Practical Joke colt sheds the blinkers after wearing shades in his first 6 starts, including last out when he finally got back to doing what he does best, sprinting. The problem that afternoon in Louisville was his hand was forced being down on the inside against a strong group in the Maxfield that included #5 Verifire and #6 Smoken Wicked. Captain Cook comes in off a freshening, makes his first start for a higher percentage barn, and moves to an outside post. Hopefully, this leads to a career best effort. The price should be right to find out.Race 11: Ballerina (G1)Grade: B-Main Ticket: 5 Claret Beret; 9 Hope RoadBackups: 8 My Mane SqueezeForecast: I will take a swing against 5-2-ML favorite #7 Scylla in this year’s Ballerina. The extremely well-bred Tapit mare has had a great career earning nearly $1.1M, but has not been as good in 2025 as she was a year ago. She is likely to be finishing with energy, but I do not expect it to be enough to get to the wire first.I will use three other logicals against the favorite, including top choice #5 Claret Beret. The daughter of Not This Time has been a new horse since arriving in the Saffie Joseph Jr. barn earlier this year. She crushed a field in Florida before proving she belongs at this level in her runner-up effort to Vahva in the Chicago (G2). Saffie has given her time since the pair of huge runs this spring and legs up Irad Ortiz for the first time. #9 Hope Road also merits serious respect. The Bob Baffert trainee comes in fresh off a strong series of drills at Del Mar and should find a favorable forward position under Jose Ortiz.Race 12: Forego (G1)Grade: XMain Ticket: 5 Book’em DannoBackups: NoneForecast: The best Jersey-bred in the country is back in action and looks very tough to beat in this 7-furlong affair over the main track. The Bucchero gelding has rattled off back-to-back wins over this racetrack for trainer Derek Ryan, including an easy win in the Vanderbilt (G2) on July 19. If he avoids traffic issues, he should have no issue making it 4 for 5 over the Saratoga dirt.Race 13: Travers (G1)Grade: XMain Ticket: 4 SovereigntyBackups: NoneForecast: I decided starting in mid-May that the top two colts in this 3YO crop were not worth trying to beat in their subsequent starts. They have proven classy, fast, and consistent. Some may try to wire the field out with #1 Magnitiude or hope #3 Strategic Focus puts it altogether in his biggest race to date and I respect that, but it is difficult for me to see Kentucky Derby (G1) and Belmont Stakes (G1) winner #4 Sovereignty losing if he fires. He did what he needed to do in the Jim Dandy (G2) and now gets more ground in his second start of the form cycle. He will be a short price, but I would argue his two biggest rivals will be underlays making him a clear single in all sequences.Good luck!

The biggest day of the summer at Saratoga of course comes Saturday with a big promotion from 1/ST BET and Xpressbet where the Exacta-Thon is not only back, but with a juicy $5000 offered up! The goal is to connect on the most winning $2+ exactas over the course of the 14-race card. Those horseplayers that hit 6 will divvy up $2500. The person(s) who hit the most overall will split the other $2500. As always it should be a lot of fun, especially for those that can get hot!Here are a few of the races I plan to attack in the promotion on one of the biggest days of the year at the New York Racing Association in hopes of catching my own Travers Day heater.Race 3:I love nothing more than big day maiden special weight events and there are a few on the agenda, including this 6.5-furlong dash for 2YO fillies over the main track. #3 Touch of Magic was made the 5-2-ML favorite by oddsmaker David Aragona, but despite a hot barn and a filly that certainly has the bloodlines to be a runner, I prefer others. Trainer Tom Amoss has meant business this summer at the Spa winning with well over 20% of his starters and he has two entered for their first start. With Luis Saez listed to ride both, it is likely one scratches. I will use the entry, as well as #2 Glamorize. The half-sister to Randomized cost a cool million at the Keeneland September sale and attracts Flavien Prat. The rail draw is not ideal, but her ceiling is obvious.The two fillies I will key around are 7-2 ML second choice #8 Tam Tam and long shot #6 Just Tell Anne. Tam Tam also commanded nearly a million last summer at the FTS August sale for the team of Phil Bauer and Rigney Racing. Bauer is having another solid Saratoga summer with limited starters and legs up Jose Ortiz. She looks live as does #6 Just Tell Anne. The Constitution filly is likely to get overlooked in the wagering with the big-name connections throughout this field, but has reason to fire on debut for trainer Ray Handal. Handal does not sport huge numbers with firsters, but is capable and this gal is bred to be precocious being out of Kiss the Girl. The Into Mischief mare won on debut at Belmont Park in 2019 and backed it up with a runner-up finish next out in the Schuylerville. Just Tell Anne is not the likeliest winner, but should be a big price.Play: Exacta Wheel 6+8 with 1+2+6+8, Exacta Wheel 1+2+6+8 with 6+8Race 9: Personal Ensign (G1)The first of five Grade 1 races over the main track is for fillies and mares 4YOs and up where #7 Thorpedo Anna is likely to be a prohibitive favorite. The popular Fast Anna filly bounced back nicely from her loss in the La Troienne (G1) with an easy victory against lesser in the Fleur De Lis in late June. Last year’s Horse of the Year is 11 for 14 with her lone defeat over this surface being a head loss to Fierceness in last year’s Travers, but has not moved really improved as a 4YO making her tough to get excited about from a wagering perspective.I prefer #6 Leslie’s Rose. The pricey Whisper Hall Farm filly has struggled with consistency and hates the slop, but is the lone runner in this year’s Personal Ensign that appears to still be on the come. She broke sharp in her win in the Shuvee (G2), relaxed kindly in the pocket under Irad Ortiz Jr., and pulled away late for a career best performance. She should get another favoriable voyage and beats these with a repeat of her last. I will key her on top the favorite, as well as #4 Dorth Vader. The Girvin mare is one of just a few in the region rooting for a rainy Saturday, but is still capable over a fast main track and fits well underneath in the exotics.Play: Exacta 6 with 4+7Race 11: Ballerina (G1)#7 Scylla has had an outstanding career earning over $1M for Juddmonte and Hall of Famer Bill Mott. The regally-bred Tapit mare was able to compete with some of the best in her division in both sprints and routes. She fits well in the Ballerina, but not well enough to endorse at her 5-2-ML offering. She has yet to win in 2025 and is 0 for 4 at Saturday’s tricky 7-furlong distance.I will try to beat her with #5 Claret Beret. The Not This Time filly has taken a huge step forward since moving into the Saffie Joseph Jr. barn this spring. She rattled off a win by a pole against lesser at Gulfstream Park before a hard trying second to Vahva in the Chicago (G2). She has been freshened up for the biggest start of her career and gets the leading rider. 6-1 seems more than fair. I will tie her up with two other 4YO fillies in hopes of checking one more off in the Exacta-Thon.#9 Hope Road draws outside the other speeds in her first local start for Bob Baffert after chasing Two Sharp around the track after a subpar break from the gate in the Winning Colors (G3) at Churchill Downs. Baffert legs up Jose Ortiz for the initial time. She should be in a good spot throughout. I will also use My Mane Squeeze despite underwhelming earlier this year against this level of competition. Trainer Mike Maker is heating up evidenced by his 7 for 22 over the last 20 days at Saratoga with a $2.22 ROI. The former D. Wayne Lukas assistant got New York-bred a confidence booster on July 30 against fellow state-breds. She fits on figures on the rise back up to the top and could get slightly overlooked.Play: Exacta Key Box 5 with 8+9 For more coverage, get free access to the 1/ST BET and VSIN Travers Day Wager Guide.