The “Love at First Bet” promotion this February at 1/ST BET and Xpressbet offers a $10 bonus when you bet $100 or more at select tracks each Tuesday and Thursday. Mahoning Valley will be the track spotlighted for this Tuesday. Here’s how I’ll approach with the help of the Betmix Angler database.Mahoning Valley: Race 1#6 Big Bucksalot (2-1 morning line odds) drops in class and should be strong for a trainer Craig Sweeting barn that has gone 11: 5-1-2 since December 23 at Manhoning Valley. Won’t be a big price, but gets the card going with some confidence. Win bet #6.Mahoning Valley: Race 5#5 Citizen (10-1 morning line odds) looks to win back-to-back on the class rise. As mentioned, trainer Craig Sweeting owns a blistering 11: 5-1-2 record at Mahoning since December 23 and note a couple of those winners were repeat winners scoring back-to-back. Win-place #5. Exacta box 5-1. Daily Double 5-7 to next play.Mahoning Valley: Race 6#7 Cupix (8-1 morning line odds) spent the early part of his Jan. 13 race in makeup mode after a troubled start. He didn’t fold late and having the outside draw in a 7-horse field should help him get a cleaner break. Trainer Eric Reed’s last 30 days at Mahoning boast a strong 16: 4-3-0 mark and a $1.72 ROI for every $1 bet. Win-place bet #7. Exacta key-box 7 with 2,3.

The Louisiana Derby trail makes its third of four stops in Saturday’s Grade 2 $500,000 Risen Star Stakes. Named for New Orleans’ 1988 Preakness and Belmont winner Risen Star, this 1-1/8 miles contest has been dynamic in producing recent impact on the Triple Crown series. It’s the first 50-points-to-the-winner prep for this year’s Kentucky Derby and likely to produce multiple starters on the first Saturday in May.Horseplayers with 1/ST BET and Xpressbet can take part Saturday in a 2 Million 1/ST Rewards Points Hit & Split promotion on Fair Grounds’ late pick 4, which includes the Risen Star. There’s also up to a $10 money-back special promo on Triple Crown prep race win bets, featuring the Risen Star and Sunland Derby this weekend. Get up to $10 back if your win bet finishes second or third when you bet with 1/ST BET and Xpressbet.Let’s meet the contenders for the Risen Star Stakes (Race 12):#1-UNIVERSE: Blinkers go on this Smarty Jones Stakes disappointing who looks to recapture juvenile form that saw his place 3 times in graded stakes in New York and Kentucky. Trainer Kenny McPeek turns back to his Global Campaign colt’s initial rider, Christopher Elliott, in looking to snap a 4-race losing streak. McPeek’s Risen Star Stakes win came with Repent during the 2002 season.#2-GOLDEN TEMPO: The Lecomte Stakes winner is unbeaten in 2 starts and can cement himself as the top local sophomore with a third win at the meeting. Cherie DeVaux trains the Phipps home-bred by Curlin. Regular rider Jose Ortiz will be aboard once again as Golden Tempo looks to become the first Lecomte-Risen Star winner since International Star in 2015.#3-CARSON STREET: Lecomte Stakes third-place finisher was under the radar that day at 15-1 odds in his stakes debut. The Brendan Walsh-trained son of 2007 Kentucky Derby winner Street Sense has been effective on any footing. Jockey Ben Curtis returns to the saddle.#4-PALADIN: The Remsen winner is 2-for-2 and could rise to the Kentucky Derby favorite with a score, given the recent injury to Ted Noffey, return loss by Cannoneer and rousing win last week by his Remsen pursuer Renegade at Tampa. Trainer Chad Brown won this race 2 years ago with another Gun Runner colt coming out of the Remsen, Sierra Leone. Tyler Gaffalione takes the mount from Flavien Prat, who will be in Saudi Arabia.#5-CHIP HONCHO: Trainer Steve Asmussen pulled a 43-1 upset of this race last year with Magnitude for a race record fourth victory in the Risen Star. Chip Honcho also knows his way around Fair Grounds, winning the Gun Runner Stakes before a fourth-place effort in the Lecomte. He’ll remove blinkers and get a rider switch to Luis Saez as Paco Lopez will be riding in Saudi Arabia.#6-COLT FORTY SEVEN: Trainer Keith Desormeaux shocked the 2013 Risen Star with Ive Struck a Nerve at 135-1 odds when he beat eventual Preakness winner Oxbow and eventual Belmont winner Palace Malice. This 2-for-8 colt will be huge odds as well while making his first stakes bid and formerly running as low as $30,000 claiming.#7-COURTING: $5 million Curlin colt is full-brother to star mare Clairiere and exits a fourth-place finish behind Paladin in the Remsen Stakes. Blinkers go on this 1-for-3 runner who makes his first start outside Aqueduct. Todd Pletcher has trained 3 Risen Star winners (2010, 2012, 2014) and his 2026 hand includes recent Holy Bull winner Nearly and Sam F. Davis winner Renegade.#8-QUALITY MISCHIEF: Fourth in the Gun Runner and fifth in the Lecomte, this Into Mischief colt continues throughout the local trail. Trainer Brad Cox’s Risen Star successes include 2020, 2021 and 2023 – featuring eventual Kentucky Derby winner (via DQ) Mandaloun in the middle. Cox’s class of 2026 so far includes Mucho Macho Man winner Commandment and Jerome winner My World. Florent Geroux returns from Southern California, where last Saturday he won the Robert B. Lewis Stakes aboard Bob Baffert’s Plutarch.

NOTABLE CARRYOVERSJackpot Pick 5 | $33,199 | Parx | begins Race 1 | 12:05 pm ETJackpot Pick 6 | $340,169 | Turf Paradise | begins Race 3 | 4:07 pm ETPick 5 | $12,283 | Turf Paradise | begins Race 4 | 4:37 pm ETKEY RACESSunland | Race 8 | 5:32 pm ET | Jamison Memorial StakesSunland | Race 9 | 6:00 pm ET | Winsham Lad StakesLONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIXParx | Race 6 | 2:20 pm ETMahoning Valley | Race 9 | 3:59 pm ETSunland | Race 5 | 4:09 pm ETTurf Paradise | Race 8 | 6:34 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHJose Silva | Turf Paradise | 5 of 6 entrants 5-1 or less oddsDID YOU SEE?Yesterday | Sunland | Race 3 | nation’s highest-paying exacta ($151), trifecta ($1021) and superfecta ($6899)PUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAMFrank Carulli & Brian W. Spencer best bets today in Xpressbet.com member’s section

Yonkers Raceway has a 10-race card, and the $1.00 Pick 5 with a $10,000 guaranteed pool begins in Race 5. The $1.00 Late Pick 4 starts in Race 7, and it will be my focus. Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.Race 7 (8:45 PM EST)2-Aardies Flash N (8/5)-The Per Engblom trainee has some issues apparently. Started qualifying in mid-Oct and ended with 1-23 qualifier at YR. That was a total of 4 tune-ups and won them all. But this is only the 2nd start since 9-29. Jason Bartlett steered last week, he sticks and was handled cautiously. Wasn’t used until down the lane but did go the 2nd half 55.4. Comes back in sequence, drops and will single thinking this will be Go Time.Race 8 (9:05 PM EST)3-Music Hall (5-1)-Raced evenly against better in a needed start on 2-3. Brett Beckwith gets the call, and he picks up a live drive. Should relish the company and the 16-time winner in 2025 could be ready to take its 1st picture of the year.5-Vici (9/2)-Bartlett takes the lines and he won 2 back with the veteran versus cheaper. Steps up, needs an aggressive drive and that should be coming.6-Whats Stanley Got A (15-1)-Price shot is another who should like the company and will ignore the no move mile from the 8-hole last week. This race could set up differently and Jordan Stratton can put in a position to win. Didn’t walk home last week, went the back half in 55.3 but was too far back after a 58.1 opening half.Race 9 (9:25 PM EST)2-Vicious (6-1)-Willing to take a swing with a Joe B entry off a layoff as the barn posts 23% winners at first asking. Put in a decent qualifier at M1 on a cold day and should fit with this kind if dialed on high. This pilot knows how to go gate to wire.4-Mac’s Marvel (6-1)-Put in a no move mile 2 back and then in the 2nd start off the bench rallied from the back field to come a good 2nd. Needs a trip but Pat Lachance knows well and should be handled aggressively in this spot.8-Diego N (2-1)-Raced gamely in last in the first start off the bench but came up short. Beaten chalk hadn’t raced since 12-6. Some will fade with this post draw. But Bartlett will have the pedal down and will respect chances.Race 10 (9:45 PM EST)3-Cold Creek Felipe (15-1)-The inside draw should put this veteran in play, with a close up trip. There isn't a lot of early speed and Jim Marohn could work a winning trip at a healthy price.4-Sawyer's Desire (8/5)-Engblom trainee is only 2 of at 18 Yonkers and not sure the 8/5 morning line fits. But usually is in against better and if Father Time didn't come calling should be a threat. Bartlett helps and will respect but will look to others with more value.5-Checkonwilliam GB (9/2)-The first 2 tries off the bench were an even effort, followed by a dull try. Interestingly is a twice beaten chalk. The reason to bite tonight is the price should be better and more so because of the change to the Laterza barn. That outfit posts 32% winners off a claim. Does fit, Brent Holland takes the lines, and this isn't a salty group.$1 Late Pick 42/3,5,6/2,4,8/3,4,5Total Bet=$27Check me out on X!

SCHEDULE NOTESAqueduct | cancelled due to weatherSPECIAL WAGERSSunset Pick 6 | Gulfstream Races 8-9-10; Santa Anita Races 7-8-9Coast-to-Coast Pick 5 | Gulfstream Races 6-8; Santa Anita Races 3-5-6TOURNAMENT TIME$1000 Ultimate Betting Challenge Qualifier | details$100 Gulfstream Park Feeder | details$40 Santa Anita Feeder | detailsNOTABLE CARRYOVERSJackpot Pick 6 | $375,767 | Gulfstream | begins Race 5 | 2:19 pm ETKEY RACESOaklawn | Race 8 | 4:27 pm ET | King Cotton StakesSanta Anita | Race 7 | 5:02 pm ET | Clocker’s Corner StakesSunland | Race 8 | 5:20 pm ET | La Coneja StakesSanta Anita | Race 8 | 5:32 pm ET | Las Virgenes StakesLONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIXOaklawn | Race 2 | 1:30 pm ETGulfstream | Race 10 | 4:49 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHMichael McCarthy | Santa Anita | 6 of 7 entrants 4-1 or less oddsDID YOU SEE?Yesterday | Tampa Bay Downs | jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. | 4 wins, 2 seconds, 1 third from 9 mountsPUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAMScott Shapiro: Santa Anita Spot PlaysBrian W. Spencer best bets today in Xpressbet.com member’s section

Miami Valley has a Super Bowl Sunday card with the 1st post at noon ET. The 0.50 Early Pick 4 starts in Race 5, and it will be my focus. Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.Race 5 (1:20 PM EST)1-Better Way To Rock (9/2)-Tried to go gate to wire in last and faded to come a close 3rd. Comes back in sequence this time and looks ready for a picture. Got the top from post 5 and my reservation was with drawing the rail. Likes to get on the point and in this case may not get squeezed at the start as there isn't much gate speed in this field.4-Let's Go Jude (6-1)-Trevor Smith has some gate speed to use with the 6-year-old and also comes back in sequence. Got a shuffle off the car after leaving from the 2-hole. Did rally with a 56.4 back half to lose by a nose. This race could set up differently and should get a close-up seat, maybe a pocket ride.Race 6 (1:40 PM EST)3-The Bird Dance N (9-1)-Raced gamely in last and was just nipped for 2nd place. Didn't have a smooth trip after going 1st over for about 5/8's of a mile. Drew the rail in last and might be better off with this post draw. The 11-year-old could be rounding into winning form. Does need a trip, and won't be 30-1 today, but could still offer a healthy price.8-Downbythedanceclub (5-1)-Lost to this kind by a head 2 back and then was trapped on the rail and rallied to come 4th. Could be overlooked here and did have pace down the lane. Will rely on Brett Miller to provide a more aggressive drive and could pop at a nice price.Race 7 (2:00 PM EST)2-Trip Hammer (7-1)-Looking for a price and this is a veteran who has chance to improve with an inside draw. Beat cheaper 2 back from the rail and now gets some class relief. Should get on the engine without burning much gas and could be difficult to tackle.7-Rockin N Talkin (5/2)-Left alertly from post 7 into a 26.3 opening quarter and landed 3rd. Raced parked out soon after and finished 2nd by a nose in a nice effort. Chris Page steers again, faces the same from the same post, and the last winner is not in the field.Race 8 (2:20 PM EST)1-Montana Chief A (5/2)-Beaten chalk left from the rail last week but the water was too deep. Drops to a more comfortable spot where success is more likely. Gets Chris Page at the controls this time and doesn't have much gate speed. Will need a trip, could be bet down but should be a player against this bunch.3-Beau's Best (20-1)-Took the long way around on 2-1 and cashed a 3rd place check versus this kind. Went off at 17-1 and may not get much play here but has done good work at MVR (22-6-3-5). Has the gate speed to land right behind #1 and benefit from a suck-around trip.7-Checkers Legacy (7/2)-Raced twice at MVR and won last week off a bumpy trip in a determined effort. The time before finished 2nd but was D'qd. Could be even better with a couple of local starts under its belt. Will need a smooth trip and is a logical contender.$1 Early Pick 41,4/3,8/2,7/1,3,7Total Bet=$24Check me out on X!

Happy Super Bowl Sunday, racing fans! A big day of course is on the horizon, and it gets started with plenty of great action at 1/ST BET and Xpressbet. Gulfstream Park gets their day going at its normal 12:20 pm ET, while Santa Anita Park has an early start time of 2 pm ET / 11 am PT. Here are a few horses I like most on the final card of the week at the Great Race Place.Race 1:The card commences with this optional claimer for fillies and mares at 6.5-furlongs over the lawn and I landed on the cutback #5 Wildfire Princess. The son of First Samurai makes her second start of the form cycle for trainer Bob Hess, Jr. after stalking early and tiring late in a similar spot going two-turns on January 16. There is not a ton of early zip signed on, which should allow jockey Juan Hernandez to avoid being too far out of it in the early going. I like this gal’s chances to take to the 6.5-furlong distance and out finish this bunch in her second start of 2026.Play: #5 Wildfire Princess (9-2 ML)Race 5:This optional claimer over the grass at one mile kicks off the late Pick 5 and All Turf Pick 3 and is one of the better betting races on the card. A number of those entered exit an open $25k claimer won by the veteran #4 Jimmy Blue Jeans. A repeat of that sharp break and strong performance from the 8YO gelding puts him squarely in the mix again, but I prefer #8 One of These Days. The Victor Garcia trainee drops in class after having just about everything go wrong in his first start of the year on January 18. The 6YO has earned 2 of his 3 career wins over this course and retains the services of Juan Hernandez. He should be finishing full of run.Play: #8 One of These Days (5-1 ML) Race 7: Clocker’s Corner The Super Bowl Sunday co-feature is this $100,000 sprint over the sod for runners that have not won a graded stake dating back to the start of 2025. The pace should be honest in this 6-furlong dash, which should work out perfectly for #2 Yellow Card. The son of Lost Treasure makes his third start of the form cycle after being stopped along the inside when attempting to make his run in the Joe Hernandez (G2) in late December. Despite the trouble, the Michael McCarthy trainee galloped out well after the wire suggesting he should have plenty more to give this afternoon. I love his chances later today with a cleaner voyage.Play: #2 Yellow Card (7-2 ML)

EXTRA INCENTIVES2 Million 1/ST Rewards Points Hit & Split | Santa Anita | late pick 4$10 Money Back-Special | Sam F. Davis (Tam) & Lewis Stakes (SA) | up to $10 back if win bet finishes 2nd, 3rdSCHEDULE NOTESAqueduct, Laurel, Charles Town | cancelled due to weatherSPECIAL WAGERSSunset Pick 6 | Gulfstream Races 10-11-12; Santa Anita Races 7-8-9Coast-to-Coast Pick 5 | Gulfstream Races 11-12; Santa Anita Races 5-6-7TOURNAMENT TIME$3500 Oaklawn Horseplayers Championship | details$1500 NHC Super Qualifier | details$50 Beat The Host vs. Tom Quigley | details$100 Gulfstream Park Feeder | details$40 Santa Anita Feeder | detailsNOTABLE CARRYOVERSJackpot Pick 6 | $320,566 | Gulfstream | begins Race 7 | 3:20 pm ETPick 6 | $49,889 | Oaklawn | begins Race 6 | 3:34 pm ETJackpot Pick 6 | $488,401 | Turfway | begins Race 5 | 7:55 pm ETSuper Hi 5 | $21,311 | Turfway | Race 10 | 10:25 pm ETKEY RACESTampa Bay Downs | Race 4 | 1:41 pm ET | Minaret StakesTampa Bay Downs | Race 5 | 2:11 pm ET | Suncoast StakesTampa Bay Downs | Race 10 | 5:00 pm ET | Pelican StakesGulfstream | Race 10 | 4:49 pm ET | Ladies Turf Sprint StakesOaklawn | Race 9 | 5:13 pm ET | Bayakoa StakesTampa Bay Downs | Race 11 | 5:30 pm ET | Sam F. Davis StakesSanta Anita | Race 5 | 5:35 pm ET | Thunder Road StakesSanta Anita | Race 6 | 6:05 pm ET | D. Wayne Lukas StakesDelta Downs | Race 2 | 6:13 pm ET | 1st of 10 Premier Night StakesSanta Anita | Race 8 | 7:05 pm ET | Bob Lewis Stakes | Meet the ContendersSanta Anita | Race 9 | 7:35 pm ET | Sweet Life StakesTurfway | Race 8 | 9:25 pm ET | Valdale StakesLONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIXOaklawn | Race 6 | 3:34 pm ETGulfstream | Race 9 | 4:19 pm ETTurfway | Race 10 | 10:25 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHSaffie Joseph Jr. | Tampa Bay Downs | all 6 entrants 5-1 or less oddsDID YOU SEE?Yesterday | Oaklawn | trainer Mark Casse | 4 wins (2 stakes), adding win at TurfwayPUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAMScott Shapiro: Santa Anita Late Pick 4 Hit & Split AnalysisJeremy Plonk: Race of the Week – Tampa’s Pelican StakesScott Shapiro: Sam F. Davis & Robert B. Lewis Triple Crown Prep AnalysisFrank Carulli & Brian W. Spencer best bets today in Xpressbet.com member’s section