Saturday’s 12-race card at Saratoga co-features the Grade 2 $400,000 Alfred Vanderbilt for the sprinters, while 3-year-old fillies share billing in the Grade 1 $500,000 Coaching Club American Oaks. The 1-1/8 miles test is part of the Grade 1 Alabama series for the sophomore gals at the Spa.Horseplayers with 1/ST BET and Xpressbet be sure to take part in this week’s Money-Back Special races each racing day for Saratoga.Let’s meet the contenders for the Coaching Club American Oaks (Race 10):#1-IMMERSIVE: Seeks to become the first Champion 2-Year-Old Filly to add this race at age 3 since Songbird in 2016.. Trainer Brad Cox won the 2018 CCA Oaks (Monomoy Girl) and 2023 CCA Oaks (Wet Paint). Nyquist filly won all 4 starts a year ago (including the Grade 1 Spinaway at Saratoga), but was defeated by a neck in her lone 2025 start when runner-up in Churchill Downs’ Monomoy Girl Stakes on June 14. Gets a rematch with her Louisville nemesis Take Charge Milady on Saturday.#2-SWEET SERAPHINE: Quality Road home-bred filly makes the rise in class off back-to-back wins in a limited campaign this year. Nose winner at Churchill in late May and talked the Wilton Stakes on June 22 at Aqueduct by a head, showing a penchant for taking the close ones. Jose Ortiz piloted 2019 CCA Oaks winner Guarana. Trainer Cherie Devaux won a pair of races opening week at the Spa from 5 starters and was runner-up in the Grade 1 Diana with favored She Feels Pretty.#3-SCOTTISH LASSIE: Last year’s Grade 1 Frizette winner was most recently third in Saratoga’s Grade 1 Acorn Stakes behind CCA Oaks return rival La Cara. McKinzie filly is 1-for-5 lifetime, but hasn’t missed a sujperfecta – including fourth in the 2024 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies behind Immersive. Jorge Abreu gets a chance to slay two dragons here and employs Joel Rosario in the saddle for the first time.#4-TAKE CHARGE MILADY: Trainer Kenny McPeek seeks back-to-back wins in this race after champion Thorpedo Anna’s 2024 score. This 2-time listed stakes winner in 2025 has scores at Oaklawn and Churchill on her ledger, but is 3: 0-1-0 in graded stakes bids. Runner-up in the Grade 1 Ashland behind CCA Oaks rival La Cara, beaten 1-1/4 lengths at the shorter trip. Saratoga debut for daughter of Take Charge Indy, who seeks his first Spa graded stakes winner on dirt.#5-DRY POWDER: Wilton Stakes runner-up to CCA Oaks rival Sweet Seraphine bids for her first career stakes win. She won 1 of 3 career starts but has never been worse than second for trainer Chad Summers. $525,000 daughter of Gun Runner got a late start to the races with a March 16 debut at Gulfstream. This will be her first start around 2 turns as Jose Lezcano takes the return mount.#6-LA CARA (pictured): Mark Casse trainee’s 5 wins include 4 wire-to-wire jobs, none more impressive or important than the Grade 1 Acorn over this track June 6 during the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival. Jockey Dylan Davis has been the regular pilot this year, mastering the Grade 1 Ashland at Keeneland on the front end as well. Dropped the ball on the big stage in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies and Kentucky Oaks, beaten more than 29 lengths combined, but is 2-for-3 locally and vies for favoritism.

Yonkers Raceway has a 9-race card. The $1.00 Pick 5 has a $10,000 guaranteed pool, and the sequence begins in Race 5. The $2.00 Late Pick 4 starts in Race 6, and it will be my focus. Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.Race 6 (8:25 PM EDT)3-Heza Charttopper A (7/2)-Willing to toss last against Open company and now drops back down to the level of a win 2 back. Beat these that night going gate to wire leaving from the rail. Has enough gate speed to get the top and not look back again.5-Jumpingjackmac N (4-1)-New Zealand bred looks like a good one winning its qualifier on 7-7 with a 0.55 back half. Banked over $167k in 20 starts last year, and the 8-year-old should be tough to beat if dialed on high. This will be the first real race since 12-20.Race 7 (8:45 PM EDT)1-Huntinthelastdolar (8/5)-Had a 3-race win streak snapped after drawing the 7 hole in last. Knows how to go gate to wire against this type, and Jason Bartlett will look to work that plan tonight.7-Desperate Man (3-1)-Beat the Invites from post 7 in its last start on 6-30. Knows how to string wins together. Matt Kakaley could look to leave hard or may duck and try to take control after the dust settles. Either could work and will respect despite drawing outside.Race 8 (9:05 PM EDT)1-The Bigboss A (4-1)-Raced well in last after stepping up off a win. Finished a close 3rd and the two that finished ahead are not in this field. Aussie bred appears to be getting better and could be sitting on a big try leaving from the 1-hole. Brent Holland takes the lines and will look for an aggressive steer.6-Soho Dow Jones A (3-1)-Bumps up after going gate to wire, paced the back half in 55.2 and drew off by almost 4 lengths. Jason Bartlett sticks, when driving for the Dilloian barn he posts 45% winners and has a good chance to add to that total here.Race 9 (9:25 PM EDT)1-Why Tomorrow Ray (5/2)-Ray is often in the hunt but like most in this field is camera shy. Fits, Bartlett steers and now draws the rail which could be the winning difference.7-Lyons Benjamin (4-1)-If Tyler Buter is determined to get the top that could happen. The question is how much gas was used to land on the point. Unlike others this horse likes to win in general and has taken 5 pictures in 15 races at YR. Makes the first start for the Laterza barn and is in sharp form.$2 Late Pick 43,5/1,7/1,6/1,7Total Bet $32Check me out on Twitter!

EXTRA INCENTIVES1 Million 1/ST Rewards Points Hit & Split | Ellis Park late pick 4TOURNAMENT TIME$40 Assiniboia feeder | detailsNOTABLE CARRYOVERSJackpot Pick 5 | $363,706 | Parx | begins Race 1 | 12:40 pm ETJackpot Pick 5 | $113,351 | Prairie Meadows | begins Race 7 | 7:33 pm ET1/ST BET AI MOST LIKELY NEW YORK DERBY WINNERFinger Lakes | Race 7 | 3:54 pm ET | #1 Train the Trainer (32%)KEY RACESFinger Lakes | Race 3 | 1:58 pm ET | New York OaksFinger Lakes | Race 7 | 3:54 pm ET | New York DerbyFinger Lakes | Race 8 | 4:23 pm ET | Leon Reed Memorial StakesAssiniboia Downs | Race 3 | 9:25 pm ET | Derby Trial StakesAssiniboia Downs | Race 5 | 10:15 pm ET | R.J. Speers Memorial StakesLONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIXEllis Park | Race 5 | 2:44 pm ETHorseshoe Indy | Race 7 | 5:16 pm ETLouisiana Downs | Race 7 | 7:53 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHBrendan Walsh | Ellis Park, Horseshoe Indy | 6 of 7 entrants 5-1 or less oddsDID YOU SEE?Yesterday | Mountaineer | favorites went 1-for-8 on the cardPUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAMFrank Carulli & Brian W. Spencer Monday best bets available in Xpressbet.com member’s section

EXTRA INCENTIVES1 Million 1/ST Rewards Points Hit & Split | Saratoga late pick 4TOURNAMENT TIME$40 Monmouth feeder | detailsNOTABLE CARRYOVERSMandatory Payout Pick 6 | $98,693 | Gulfstream Park | begins Race 5 | 2:56 pm ETJackpot Pick 5 | $95,674 | Prairie Meadows | begins Race 7 | 7:33 pm ET1/ST BET AI MOST LIKELY GULFSTREAM PICK 6 WINNERGulfstream Park | Race 5 | 2:56 pm ET | #2 Rashid (28%)KEY RACESWoodbine | Race 3 | 2:10 pm ET | Ballade StakesSaratoga | Race 9 | 5:44 pm ET | Quick Call StakesLONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIXMonmouth | Race 1 | 12:50 pm ETCanterbury Park | Race 7 | 5:46 pm ETMountaineer | Race 1 | 7:00 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHJose D’Angelo | Gulfstream Park | 5 of 6 entrants 9-2 or less oddsDID YOU SEE?Yesterday | Gulfstream Park | favorites went 1-for-11 on the cardPUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAMScott Shapiro: Saratoga Sunday Late Pick 4 Hit & Split AnalysisBrian Nadeau: Gulfstream Park Mandatory Pick 6 Payout Selections for SundayFrank Carulli & Brian W. Spencer Sunday best bets available in Xpressbet.com member’s section

Today marks the final day of 1ST/BET and Xpressbet’s Saratoga opening week late Pick 4 Hit & Split promotion, which hopefully many of you have taken advantage of over the first three days of the summer meeting -- earning your share of 1 million 1/ST Rewards Points daily. With heavy rain coming yesterday morning and evening, all races other than the featured Quick Call (G3) have be taken off the grass to protect the courses for the remainder of the meet.One thing to keep an eye on early is if the inside continues to be the place to be, especially in dirt routes. Yesterday, it was a distinct advantage. If you were caught wide early, you likely were unlikely to be in the photo late.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 7:Grade: C+Main Ticket: 1 Li’l LangBackups: 15 Leo’s Reward; 16 RefuahForecast: #15 Leo’s Reward and #16 Refuah are the ones to beat on the main track, but they are a bit tough to trust, especially if the rail is still the place to be. Therefore, I will make #1 Li’l Lang my lukewarm top choice. The Tapiture colt stretches out to a mile for the first time, but gets blinkers and last year’s Eclipse Award winner Flavien Prat. Trainer Jorge Abreu means business when he legs up Prat evidenced by their 23% record together over a 108-race sample. If he breaks well, expect him to be involved early in search of his third lifetime victory.Race 8:Grade: B-Main Ticket: 9 Gone and ForgottenBackups: NoneForecast: The pace should be honest in the lone race within the sequence originally scheduled for the main track, which should benefit 3-1-ML second choice #9 Gone and Forgotten. The Linda Rice trainee broke well from her inside draw back on June 27 at Aqueduct, but was shuffled back considerably in a race dominated by one of the speeds. The Bustin Stones mare finished well to earn fourth and should get a more favorable race shape and trip this afternoon. Hopefully, jockey Jose Lezcano makes an effort to angle over early to save a bit of ground.Race 9: Quick Call (G3)Grade: B-Main Ticket: 6 InsubordinationBackups: 2 Governor SamForecast: Over the last two years, trainer George Weaver is 35 for 151 in turf sprints. He holds a strong hand in the Sunday feature where #2 Governor Sam was made the heavy 6-5-favorite by oddsmaker David Aragona after a pair of speed and fade efforts at Churchill Downs. The last one was highly forgivable since it came over an off track and two-back he ran better than his third-place effort looks in the William Walker in late April. He is legitimate, but there is a lot of speed signed on to his outside, so he certainly will have to earn it.I am hopeful the race sets up for his stablemate #6 Insubordination. The Irish-bred was caught in a tight spot in the second tier early on in the Paradise Creek chasing dominant winner Clock Tower, but should get a more favorable voyage in this spot with the move to an outside draw and plenty of early zip signed on. Hopefully, Javier Castellano figured him out a little bit last time and opts to settle and finish against this bunch.Race 10:Grade: CMain Ticket: 5 Mischievous Trick; 7 Calling An Audible; 8 Inamorata; 9 Soho Nights; 12 Daytime Drama; 16 Lady LooieBackups: NoneForecast: I lack a strong opinion in this state-bred maiden claimer originally scheduled for the lawn, so I will use several in hopes of beating the main track only runner that could get over bet. #15 Salty Sunset is going to look favorable to the public in this group after scratches, but has had 7 chances already against some soft groups. There are plenty of horses in here with speed to make her work and upside to improve, but other than that this one is a grab bag. Watch early and hope to find clues as to how the track is playing to help you narrow down!Good luck!

Northfield Park has a 15-race card, with the $1.00 Late Pick 4 starting 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 EDT)1-Gentleman's Club (3-1)-Comes off a win at PcD and now draws the rail with Aaron Merriman between the pipes. Could be tough to beat with this pilot dictating the pace and was used more than once in the last win.3-When Is Parade (9/2)-Drew off for a win at the Mea and went the back half in a crisp 55.2 to win at 8/5. Should be a player if doesn't have an issue with the turns.6-Captain's Dance (7/2)-Won its debut on 7-2 and has an edge over overs with a race on this oval. Showed enough gate speed to get a pocket ride. Worked for a cozy trip and made the most of it, so will respect chances and might be overlooked.Race 12 (10:02 PM EDT)3-Legacy Affair (7-1)-Raced wide from post 7 in last and cashed a small check. Gets needed post relief and has a recent win versus this kind. Justin Irvine can get a good early seat and shouldn't be double bubbled tonight.4-Irreisistible Son (8-1)-Caught a cozy trip last time to beat straight Open company at 30-1. Wins by getting sucked around or by coming off cover and either of those trips could happen here at a solid price.5-Caviar Gold (2-1)-This 6-year-old likes to win taking 20 pictures in 71 starts, and has won 3 of 9 at Nfld. Was put away after a 4-23 race at MVR and qualified at Dela in 154.3 on 6-24 drawing off by over 22 lengths. Should be a main player if doesn't need a start.Race 13 (10:24 PM EDT)2-Johnny Sack (8/5)-Took the month of June off and put in a good qualifier on 7-3 at Nfld. Then went gate to wire in a Fair race and appears to be ready considering the company. This is a soft spot, Ronnie Wrenn takes the lines and has won 4 of 8 races at Nfld.5-Bechers Brook A (5-1)-Rolled off against the NW2500 and made it look easy. This level will be a test, but Chris Page should have in play when the wings fold. Could land in the pocket behind the chalk and the price is right to use.Race 14 (10:46 PM EDT)4-Alta Engen A (2-1)-The class and post relief the Kreiser trainee gets tonight could be the winning difference. Dan Noble steers and there shouldn't be an issue taking charge when the wings fold. It looks like this race will need to go through the veteran.7-Rocknthroad (7/2)-Has won 6 of 10 starts at Nfld and is best served by getting a top of the stack seat. Ronnie Wrenn could be aggressive and try to land in the pocket behind the chalk. If so, chances for an upset increase.$1 Late Pick 41,3,6/3,4,5/2,5/4,7Total Bet=$36Check me out on Twitter!

EXTRA INCENTIVES1 Million 1/ST Rewards Points Hit & Split | Saratoga late pick 410X 1/ST Rewards Points | Newmarket (UK) | all bets todayTOURNAMENT TIME$40 Monmouth feeder | detailsNOTABLE CARRYOVERSSuper Hi 5 | $27,389 | Ellis Park | Race 2 | 1:19 pm ETJackpot Pick 6 | $72,752 | Gulfstream Park | begins Race 6 | 3:33 pm ETJackpot Pick 5 | $134,517 (CAN) | Hastings | begins Race 2 | 6:03 pm ETPick 3 | $12,122 (CAN) | Hastings | begins Race 4 | 7:09 pm ET1/ST BET AI MOST LIKELY CENTURY MILE HANDICAP WINNERCentury Mile | Race 7 | 9:45 pm ET | #9 Apprehend (16%)KEY RACESWoodbine | Race 3 | 2:04 pm ET | Victoria StakesColonial Downs | Race 5 | 2:26 pm ET | Miss Disco StakesMonmouth | Race 7 | 3:41 pm ET | Blue Sparkler StakesSaratoga | Race 8 | 4:29 pm ET | Bowling Green StakesColonial Downs | Race 9 | 4:35 pm ET | Star de Naskra StakesWoodbine | Race 8 | 4:44 pm ET | My Dear StakesGulfstream Park | Race 10 | 5:47 pm ET | Azalea StakesSaratoga | Race 11 | 6:14 pm ET | Diana StakesMeadowlands (harness) | Race 11 | 9:40 pm ET | Meadowlands PaceCentury Mile | Race 7 | 9:45 pm ET | Century Mile HandicapLONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIXColonial Downs | Race 6 | 2:58 pm ETEllis Park | Race 9 | 4:42 pm ETSaratoga | Race 9 | 5:03 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHChad Brown | Saratoga | 8 of 9 entrants 9-2 or less oddsDID YOU SEE?Yesterday | Colonial Downs | jockey Paco Lopez | 3 wins, 1 second, 1 third from 7 mountsPUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAMJeff Siegel: Saratoga Narrative | Saturday, July 12, 2025Scott Shapiro: Saratoga Saturday Late Pick 4 Hit & Split AnalysisJeremy Plonk: Race of the Week – Azalea from Gulfstream ParkFrank Carulli & Brian W. Spencer Saturday best bets available in Xpressbet.com member’s section

Saturday, July 12, 2025(for further information, follow us on “X” @jsiegelracing)______________________________________________________________________________RACE 1: Post: 12:35 ET Grade: A-Main Ticket: 4-Tagermeen.Backups/savers: 1-Throckmorton; 3-Tapit’s Legacy.Forecast: Tagermeen was highly impressive at the OBS April Sale when breezing a furlong in 9 4/5 seconds, fastest time for the session. He’s an exquisite mover by Into Mischief colt and is a full brother to the sprint stakes winner Taraz, so he’s supposed to be good. The. S. Asmussen-trained colt has been given a solid foundation of drills in the interim, though nothing flashy (no need to) and appears fit and ready for a major effort first crack out of the box.______________________________________________________________________________RACE 5: Post: 1:33 ET Grade: B+Main Ticket: 8-Activist Investing (GB)Backups/savers: none.Forecast: Activist Investment (GB) has been sparingly raced throughout his career and is launching another comeback, having been off since early February after missing 2024 entirely. However, on his best day he’s quite fast on numbers and more than capable of winning this condition. The C. Brown-trained horse is reunited with “win rider” F. Prat and has won over the Saratoga turf course in the past, so there should be no excuses. The son of Kingman projects to settle in the second flight and then blast home, and with some help up front and a ground saving trip he should be along in time. His morning line of 4-1 seems about right.______________________________________________________________________________RACE 7: Post: 3:54 PT Grade: B+Main Ticket: 2-MalarchukBackups/savers: 6-Film Star; 9-Bramito.Forecast: Malarchuk earned a triple digit Beyer speed figure when second over this track and distance at this level in early June when finishing 11 lengths clear of the third horse. Anything close to that performance today lands him in the winner’s circle. The son of Nyquist retains F. Prat and projects to settle into a cozy stalking position, though if the opportunity presents itself the C. Brown-trained colt could inherit the role as the controlling speed and be quite comfortable in doing so. The price on the tote may not be much but he’s solid as a logical rolling exotic key.______________________________________________________________________________RACE 8: Post: 4:29 PT Grade: B+Main Ticket: 5-Webslinger.Backups/Savers: 7-Far Bridge.Forecast: Webslinger has a reasonable chance to pull off a mild upset in this year’s edition of the Bowling Green S.-G2. While Far Bridge is the logical favorite and the one to beat, this tough-as-nails gelding has races that make him quite dangerous in his second start off a layoff following an excellent runner0up effort at Woodbine in the Eclipse S.-G2 a couple of months back. Effective from off the pace but with enough tactical speed to be within range should the early fractions be soft, the M. Casse-trained 5-year-old picks up J. Ortiz and has run well over the local lawn in the past. At 7/2 on the morning line, he’s worth a bit of a gamble.______________________________________________________________________________