The final Saturday of the 2026 Saratoga season offers racing fans a 12-race card headlined by the Spinaway (G1) for 2YO fillies at seven-furlongs. The featured event goes as Race 11 on a card filled with strong 2YO racing from start-to-finish. Here are my full card thoughts on the slate that kicks at 12:05 PM eastern.Grade Descriptions: A= Highest Degree of Confidence, B= Solid Play, C= Least Preferred or Pass, X= Likely Winner but at odds probably too short to wager on.Race 1:Grade: B+Use: 1 U.S.S. Valor/2 Mystrix; 8 Implied OpenForecast: #1 U.S.S. Valor ran too well to lose in his first career start back on August 8. The Team Valor International homebred got off to a brutal start almost hitting the rail, but jockey Tyler Gaffalione was able to keep him in the race and put in a strong late run to lose by less than a length. Trainer Shug McGaughey does not win often with debut runners these days, so the fact this son of War of Will ran that well at first asking after the terrible start suggests big things for this colt’s future. He should have no issue with the extra half furlong and besting this field with a cleaner voyage in lifetime try number two.Race 2: With Anticipation (G3)Grade: XUse: 3 High Official; 4 Bold LeadershipForecast: Todd Pletcher holds an extremely strong hand in this year’s With Anticipation. The Hall of Fame conditioner brings the three favorites into the 1 1/16-miles event for 2YOs over the Inner Turf. #3 High Official clearly caught the eye earning a strong 99 late pace Bris rating in his two-length win on July 26. He looms large in his first start versus winners, but #4 Bold Leadership’s effort last time out was probably equally impressive despite losing a tough photo by a nose. The son of Not This Time was caught four-wide into the first turn and lost a ton of ground throughout the 8.5-furlong journey, yet still kept coming and only lost because the eventual winner got a much better trip along the inside. Both Pletcher runners have big upsides and will attempt to run down #2 Liam’s Law, who could be loose on the lead. I expect one of them if not both to get by the third Pletcher runner in the first of two stakes events on the agenda.Race 3:Grade: C+Use: 5 Thirteen Colonies; 4 Highlands WayForecast: #7 Favorable Scenario was made the 8-5-ML favorite by oddsmaker David Aragona after his second consecutive runner-up effort at Saratoga in 2026. The son of Good Magic gets blinkers for the first time, but is one I am willing to try to beat with his lone victory coming over a year ago by a head. #4 Highlands Way is probably the best horse in the race, but could be pace compromised given an overall lack of early zip signed on. I will hope that Ricardo Santana Jr. gives #5 Thirteen Colonies an aggressive ride from the gate to attempt to take advantage of a possible moderate early tempo. If Santana, can get this Hit It a Bomb gelding to the front early, he has a shot to steal it despite a poor effort off the ten-month layoff in July. The price should be fair.Race 4:Grade: C+Use: 2 Stewie; 4 Three B’s; 7 B ThedonaldForecast: The pace should be contentious in this state-bred second-level allowance event at 6.5-furlongs over the main track. #7 B Thedonald is one of the more obvious ones that could potentially take advantage. The son of Girvin ran a solid second in the Mike Lee at odds of nearly 19-1 before flopping at this level in early July. Trainer Horacio De Paz has reportedly gelded this 3YO since and now brings him back for his first start since. He makes sense with Flavien Prat taking the call, but I prefer the likely value of #2 Stewie and #4 Three B’s. Three B’s moves back to his preferred surface after a couple of months off from trainer Linda Rice and could be the one making the final move. Long shot #2 Stewie is likely to be closer to the early pace, but is far from a need the lead type. Trainer Mitchell Friedman took the blinkers off for the first time in his 33-race career on August 16 and it led to one of his best lifetime efforts. He appears capable of being in the mix late, if Ricardo Santana Jr. can work out a favorable pocket type trip from his inside draw.Race 5:Grade: CUse: 2 Joy of Life; 6 Aerial AffairForecast: I lack a strong opinion unfortunately in this seven-furlong affair for 2YO fillies over the main track. #6 Aerial Affair has been the best of those with experience thus far, but has been well-beaten by dominant winners in both of her first two starts making her tough to get excited about it at her likely off-odds. #2 Joy of Life intrigues enough to make my top choice. The daughter of Speaker’s Corner broke sharp from her far outside draw on debut, but was underwhelming the rest of the way losing by 13 lengths despite finishing third. There does not appear to be any world beaters debuting in this spot, so I will hope the experience and the extra half furlong leads to a much improved effort from the Bill Mott trainee.Race 6:Grade: B-Use: 5 Reasoned AnalysisForecast: 5-2-ML favorite #5 Reasoned Analysis makes his third start off the long layoff for trainer Chad Brown. The Upstart gelding has competed in two races out of the Wilson chute, including last time out when he was clearly best despite finishing second beaten a head. The Klaravich Stables runner did all the dirty work battling early, disposing of the other speed easily, and fighting all the way to the wire under Dylan Davis on August 1. The pace is likely to be less contentious in this spot making him the clear one to beat.Race 7:Grade: B-Use: 8 Jackpot Rocket; 5 Pops Novo; 6 ElectroForecast: #3 True Essence ships into New York after a late running second place finish in a 5.5-furlong MSW event at Ellis Park on August 2. More ground and a better setup should help the son of Essential Quality, but the lack of speed and never being in contention until it was too late on debut makes him tough to endorse at his 3-1-ML offering. I will try to beat the favorite with a pair of runners, including top choice #8 Jackpot Rocket. The Tapit colt makes the second start of his career after a solid third place run to Pinpoint on August 1. It was interesting that Junior Alvarado stuck around New York that day instead of taking more obvious stakes mounts elsewhere, but the fact he only rode two firsters suggests someone in that camp likely believed this colt has some serious upside. He should take a big step forward in his second lifetime try. Of the debut runners, I like #5 Pops Novo most. Whit Beckman has been much better at Saratoga with 2YO debut runners than his overall numbers may suggest. This son of Corniche commanded seven figures back in March at the OBS sale suggesting he looked the part. Both colts have the upside to beat this group at solid prices.Race 8:Grade: BUse: 3 Artemis TwoForecast: Trainer Brad Cox enters #3 Artemis Two off of several works over the Turfway Park synthetic in this two-turn MSW event for 2YOs over the Inner Turf. The son of McKinzie has plenty of distance and grass pedigree on the dam side and Cox’s numbers with juveniles debuting over the Saratoga sod at a route of ground over the last three years is eye-popping. Cox has sent out six first-time starters in two-turn grass debuts at the Spa in that time span with four crossing the wire first. This colt draws favorably along the inside and likely is live at first asking.Race 9:Grade: B-Use: 3 Ortley AvenueForecast: #3 Ortley Avenue makes his second start off a year layoff for trainer George Weaver after showing big speed off the bench from his far outside draw, but being unable to hold off the eventual winner in the final strides. The 4YO colt had to work early to make the front from the outside, but draws inside in a race where he appears to be the speed of the speed. His three seconds in five starts is slightly concerning, but if he makes an easy lead that is unlikely to matter in the start of the late Pick 4.Race 10:Grade: BUse: 7 Iron DomeForecast: The pace should be honest and contentious in this first-level allowance at 1 1/8-miles over the main track. Many will look to #5 Preside or #4 Lion of Justice to take advantage, but both have too many questions to answer for me at their likely final prices. I will instead try #8 Iron Dome again. The Into Mischief colt was caught five-wide into the first turn and remained wide throughout on a day where the outside was probably not where you wanted to be on the Saratoga main track last month. North America’s all-time leading trainer Steve Asmussen wheeled him back on short rest in that August 1 start, but has given him far more time to freshen up for this one. Plus, he meets a softer bunch. He should run a lot better than last time out at a solid price.Race 11: Spinaway (G1)Grade: B-Use: 4 Stress Relief; 8 Life Changing/7 Angel of Kirk; 2 Summer StarletForecast: Trainer Johnny Ortiz won both the Adirondack (G3) and the Spinaway in 2023 with Brightwork. #4 Stress Relief attempts to do similar in her third career start for trainer Kinnon LaRose. The Not This Time filly dazzled in her debut, but admittedly the race has not come back that strong at Churchill. She followed it up though with a big move forward on the class hike over this surface at the tricky 6.5-furlong distance. She obviously meets the toughest field in her career, but is a good bet at anything close to her 8-1-ML price. #2 Summer Starlet, #8 Life Changing, and #7 Angel of Kirk all won impressively over this surface on debut and have unlimited upsides. Of the three, I prefer Life Changing a touch in this spot. The outside draw, natural speed, and presence of Flavien Prat are all at least somewhat noteworthy. That said, I will likely focus my wagering on my top choice.Race 12:Grade: XUse: 3 OriForecast: #3 Ori is unlikely to offer much value in the finale, but looks like the right horse nonetheless in this optional claimer at two-turns on the grass. The Hard Spun mare makes her second start of the summer in Saratoga after tackling better on July 4. She gets Flavien Prat, a favorable post, and has the speed to find a prominent spot early. Looks like a formful result to close the card.

A full field of 12 California-bred 2-year-old fillies are entered in the Generous Portion Stakes this Friday at Del Mar. The $100,000 featured race is part of a Late 50-cent Pick 4 that shapes up this way;Del Mar Race 5 (7:00 p.m. EST) Taking nothing to chance in this $20,000 maiden claimer. POTICA should run well on the drop from the MSW ranks. THIRSTY CAITLIN beat POTICA twice in photo-finish setbacks but was well-beaten in her last two starts. CLUB MAYO had a useful, wide trip as a beaten first-out favorite. Hit the ‘ALL’ button in the leadoff leg.Del Mar Race 6 (7:30 p.m. EST)  DAYTONA DIAMOND, hard to load and under urging on the backstretch, inhaled rivals on the turn and ran away from the 4-to-5 runner-up and two other follow-up MSW winners in her debut. Trainer Carla Gaines is 7-for-34 since October 2024 with second-out starters. PALO ALTO BABY won by 9 lengths in wire-to-wire fashion in her first start for a $50,000 claiming tag, despite being kept off the rail on the turn and being geared down late. Only one of her rivals that day, however, have posted a 40-plus Beyer speed figure, so use DAYTONA DIAMOND as a solo play in the Generous Portion Stakes.Del Mar Race 7 (8:00 p.m. EST)  DREAM SEEKER saved ground behind the pace-setting favorite until the stretch, angled out 4-wide and finished a willing third in the same spot. WILDCATTER saved ground throughout, lost some momentum midway on the final turn and was moved up to second via disqualification after he regrouped. Post 10 is no bargain, but he should get plenty of pace to rally into. VIREVOLTE will try to follow the footsteps of his dam, Place des Vosges, a solid allowance runner for trainer Richard Baltas with a 24/4-6-3 turf record and $218k in earnings.Del Mar Race 8 (8:30 p.m. EST) GOT’M COT’M is in top form and appears rounding to another good effort in his third start on the main track this year. He kept the 4-to-5 favorite in his sights, drew even in mid-stretch and dug in the prevail with a career-best 84 Beyer. Note that the favorite, Howie’s Law, posted a 91 Beyer in a next-out romp and ran 1-2/5 seconds faster in his maiden-breaking win two starts prior on the same day FORD FRENZY – a major contender in this race – romped to his first victory. DRIFTING AND DREAMING hopped in air at the start of his debut, gained perfect stalking position off the dueling leaders and edge away late in a $50,000 maiden claimer. Trainer John Sadler is 13/4-2-3 with second-out repeaters in the last two years.Suggested Late Pick 4 TicketDMR 5th Race: ALLDMR 6th Race: 7 (If scratched, use #2)DMR 7th Race: 2, 5, 10DMR 8th Race: 2, 6, 11Cost for a 50-cent ticket: $45

EXTRA INCENTIVES$3,000 Exacta-Thon | Kentucky Downs | today’s racesBet $100, Get $10 | Saratoga | today’s racesSCHEDULE NOTESKentucky Downs | early first post (noon ET), will run Races 1-7 only due to heat | no pick 6 todayColonial Downs | early first post (9:00 am ET) due to heatSPECIAL WAGERSSummer Sweep Pick 5 | Gulfstream Races 6-8-9, Horseshoe Indy Races 3-4--$1 minimum, 15% takeout, no CAWTOURNAMENT TIME$300 Kentucky Downs Challenge | details$80 Del Mar Feeder | details$40 Canterbury Feeder | detailsNOTABLE CARRYOVERSJackpot Pick 6 | $306,144 | Thistledown | begins Race 3 | 1:50 pm ETSuper Hi 5 | $31,321 | Del Mar | Race 8 | 8:42 pm ETKEY RACESColonial Downs | Race 3 | 9:56 am ET | Scott HandicapThistledown | Race 7 | 3:50 pm ET | Angenora StakesSaratoga | Race 9 | 5:44 pm ET | Bernard Baruch StakesLONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIXKentucky Downs | Race 2 | 12:30 pm ETDelaware Park | Race 4 | 1:56 pm ETDel Mar | Race 8 | 8:42 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHSteve Asmussen | Remington Park | 12 of 14 entrants 5-1 or less oddsDID YOU SEE?Yesterday | Presque Isle Downs | favorites won 7 of 8 races on the cardPUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAMJeremy Plonk: Kentucky Downs Exacta-Thon Plays for ThursdayScott Shapiro: Saratoga Spot Plays for ThursdayJeremy Plonk: Del Mar Spot Plays for ThursdayFrank Carulli & Brian W. Spencer best bets today in Xpressbet.com member’s section

Sweltering heat around Franklin, KY will shorten the Kentucky Downs Thursday action that gets underway at an earlier noon ET / 11 am CT local start. Only Races 1-7 will be offered Thursday in an attempt to beat the heat while remaining races will be brought back later in the 1/ST BET Kentucky Downs meeting.The 1/ST BET and Xpressbet daily $3,000 Exacta-Thon could prove even more lucrative if able to pull down winning exactas ($2 minimum) in at least 3 of races. The 7 chances Thursday likely means fewer players sharing in the bonus money, creating a bigger winning split. Don’t sleep on win plays as exotics at Kentucky Downs can be a challenge, witnessed by our 4 plays in this space on Sunday – which included 3 winners at nice prices but unsuccessful deliveries of the runners-up to complete an exacta.Let’s get to work.Kentucky Downs: Race 3 | 1:00 pm ET#6 Turino (7-2 morning line odds) was a strong second here in 2023 and makes her first local bid in 2 years while carrying good form this year at Gulfstream. The offspring of Kantharos are fabulous locally, winning 25% with a $3.06 return for every $1 bet. Saffie Joseph wins 25% in local allowance races over the past 5 years with a profitable ROI to boot. I’ll key Turino on top and play to win.Exacta-Thon plays: 6 over 2,5,7Kentucky Downs: Race 5 | 2:06 pm ET#2 That Wasn’t Me (6-1 morning line odds) had no chance behind a slow pace at Colonial Downs last time and note that circuit has produced a flat-bet profit the last 5 years at KD with its shippers (and produced 3 winners opening week). Kelsey Danner’s runners were knocking on the door last week locally and keep in mind this one’s sire, Blame, had a fantastic 19% local win rate the last 5 years with a gawdy $1.85 return for every $1 bet. Lots to like. Win bet and key to the exactas.Exacta-Thon plays: Key-box 2 with 4,6,10.Kentucky Downs: Race 6 | 2:39 pm ET#6 One Sweet Girl (12-1 morning line odds) is the day’s price play for me returning to the allowance ranks, where she’s won 2 straight clouded around some decent stakes tries. Note that sire Good Samaritan’s offspring are a wild 26% winner over this turf course the last 5 years with a $1.40 return on every $1 bet. She’s never been on the KD turf, but look for this Carlos David trainee to handle it on pedigree and note jockey Jaime Torres won 2 races here opening week. Strong pace set-up helps her finish. Win-place money for sure.Exacta-Thon plays: Key-box 6 with 7,8

Closing week at Saratoga continues on Thursday afternoon when the New York Racing Association presents a ten-race card headlined by the $200k Bernard Baruch. The 1 1/16-miles event over the grass goes as Race 9 with a post time set for 5:44 PM eastern making it a key race in all late horizontal wagers and one of several chances to take part in our “Fall Into Fortune” promotion. Just register on the promotional landing page, bet $100, and get a $10 bonus on select tracks on Tuesday and Thursday in September. The good news for NYRA fans is that this Thursday the select track is Saratoga. Here are my thoughts on the feature, as well as a few other spot plays I will wager on to earn my easy ten bucks.Race 2:My first play comes in this auction-restricted MSW event for 2YOs sprinting over the grass where the majority of runners are entering with zero or one start under their belt. None of the debut runners wowed me at their expected off-odds, so I opted to roll with second-time starter #1 Rufus the Red. The son of Kantharos debuted over the main track on August 7 in a 12-horse field where he attracted Irad Ortiz, was bet down to 9-2, and was essentially cost all chance when breaking slow and steadying right after the gates opened. Trainer Tom Morley moves the colt to the grass, which should work well considering his dam Spelker won 3 of 14 sprinting over the sod throughout her career for over $154k. Hopefully, Ricardo Santana Jr. can cure her debut gate issues in lifetime try number two.Play: #1 Rufus the Red (9-2 ML)Picks: 1-8-3Race 8:Interestingly this MSW event for 3YOs+ over the main track attracted five first-time starters. This is a late time for six-figure purchases in most of these barns to start their racing career, so I will side with a known commodity. #7 Bogus Operandi debuted at Delaware Park in late July in a race won in dominating fashion by gate-to-wire odds on favorite Amberjack. The son of Maximus Mischief tried to go with the eventual winner when the real running started, but was no real match. That said, he was sent off at 11-1 and dusted the rest of that field. Trainer Rick Dutrow thought enough of his gelding’s effort to ship north to the Spa and take a run at a much bigger purse. It appears Dutrow has found a good spot with veteran John Velazquez set to take the call. I expect a move forward and trip to the winner’s circle.Play: #7 Bogus Operandi (5-2 ML)Picks: 7-8-6Race 9: Bernard BaruchThe aforementioned feature at two-turns over the grass has a noticeable lack of early speed signed on. This is likely to put a few of the top contenders in a tough spot, but not #3 Pass the Hat. The son of Collected has been on the sidelines since his third-place finish in the Kelso (G3) during the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival. The Pin Oak stud runner is far from a need the lead type, but should be able to control the tempo early given his inside draw and the true lack of zip the rest of the field contains. Perhaps, #7 Risk Tolerance will get aggressive out of the gate, but either way I like this $300k Keeneland September ’22 purchase chances of taking advantage of a soft pace off the freshening. Especially, since he ran well in both of his first two starts in Saratoga Springs in June and July.Play: #3 Pass the Hat (5-2 ML)Picks: 3-4-2

Del Mar’s five-day closing week for the summer meet gets underway Thursday and races through Labor Day Monday. Eight races are on tap to open the action as favorites have scored well below the national average this season (32%) and the average winner has been a shade under 6-1 odds. Through 7 weeks our Del Mar selections remain in the black, showing a $279.80 return on 132 plays in this space ($2.12 back on each $2 bet; average winner paid right at $10.00) – but we’ve given away a decent chunk of the profits the past 2 weeks and look to right the ship.Each day this summer at Del Mar, I’ll be handicapping the action with my top plays on the card – including full-card selections for a featured program each week (this week’s full-card will be Sunday – featuring the Del Mar Futurity).Del Mar: Race 4 | 6:37 pm ET#4 Not A Sinner (3-1 morning line odds) lures Antonio Fresu away from the morning line favorite and projects to get a dynamite trip a few lengths behind what appears to be an inside speed duel. The Simon Callaghan barn hasn’t been what you’d expect in 2026, but has perked up in recent days at Del Mar and this consistent mare has been knocking on the door. Picks 4-1-3.Del Mar: Race 6 | 7:42 pm ET#1 Corporate Violette (8-1 morning line odds) gets a complete flip in posts from the far outside draw last time when overused early to a rail draw Thursday. Jockey change to Antonio Fresu can’t be overstated here from Aguilar and consider Fresu’s 4: 2-0-2 record on this mare when able to stalk and pounce under his hands. She’s another in a line of Starspangledbanner offspring who have run well over the Del Mar turf. Among several class droppers looking for paydirt at the end of the meet. Picks 1-4-2-7.Del Mar: Race 7 | 8:12 pm ET#4 Pavel Is Appealing (7-2 morning line odds) can continue what’s been one of Doug O’Neil’s better Del Mar summers. Stretches out in trip off a series of turf sprints and tries a dirt route for the first time in 9 starts. O’Neill has been a sharp 6: 2-1-2 this meeting moving turf to dirt. The Pavel offspring have been beyond fantastic at the meet with 36% wins from 22 dirt starts and a $3.42 ROI for every $1 bet – and his filly She’s No Quant almost stretched out to win the stakes last weekend. Morning-line chalk Christel Clean is 1-for-5 as the favorite and has had plenty of chances while often coming up short. Picks 4-2-6.

The Lead:America’s top Breeders’ Cup Turf contender matches up against the UK’s defending Breeders’ Cup Turf winner in what promises to be a super Saturday matchup at the 1/ST BET Kentucky Downs meeting. The $2 million Kentucky Turf Cup has the marquee elder turf marathoners on a card that co-features the $3 million 1/ST BET Nashville Derby for the sophomores. For all its European qualities and quirks of the course at Kentucky Downs, note that American-based horses have won this race every year since its 1998 return to the schedule. Extreme heat in the Franklin, KY area this week should have the turf course super-firm and be another feather in the cap of the Americans.Horseplayers at Xpressbet and 1/ST BET be sure to register for the $3,000 Exacta-Thon promotion daily for Kentucky Downs and earn bonus cash on successful exacta plays. For more coverage of the 1/ST BET Nashville Derby on this Saturday card, be sure to check out 1/ST BET handicapper Matt Bernier's analysis available Friday.​​Field Depth:Grade 1 winners ETHICAL DIAMOND and BURNHAM SQUARE top the playbill but are joined by Group 1 winner TIFFANY and defending champ and multiple Grade 2 winner OLE CRAZY BONE.​Pace:LAYABOUT adds blinkers and clearly has been the most intent on the front among these, while OLE CRAZY BONE figures very prominently in the early going. The pace feels legitimate to above average for the distance over this course.Our Eyes:Here are my horse-by-horse notes.1-TIFFANY: Multiple Group 1 winner in Germany is multiple Group 2-placed in England for Newmarket-based Sir Mark Prescott. It’s been nearly a decade since he’s run a horse in America but the veteran trainer has an Arc de Triomphe to his credit in 2022. Remarkable 15-for-18 in the exacta for this 6-year-old mare who has faced the boys in 4 of her last 6 starts. Has a forward running style that could play well stateside and is a pure, 1-1/2 miles performer. Regular stable go-to pilot Luke Morris last rode in North America in 2018 at Woodbine and teamed with Prescott at the 2017 Breeders’ Cup with Turf Sprint sixth-place finisher Marsha.2-DESVIO: No match chasing Burnham Square in the Elkhorn this spring or Ole Crazy Bone in the Bowling Green in July. He’s won just 1 of his last 13, a 34-1 stunner in the Sycamore at Keeneland last fall. John Velazquez pilots and best case scenario looks like a minor share.3-DRESDEN ROW: Todd Pletcher trainee knocked off Ole Crazy Bone in a Churchill allowance this spring and was a narrow third behind Burnham Square in the Arlington Million most recently. That puts him in the fold vs. the top of this race. Hard to argue with 19-for-19 in the money but note he’s going 12 furlongs for the first time and hasn’t won yet beyond 9. Pletcher and Tyler Gaffalione teamed to win this race 2 years ago with Grand Sonata.4-EFF THIRTY FIVE: Mike Maker takes over the training of this former Brittany Russell charge who relocated to his Kentucky barn in July. First trip this far and first trip to Kentucky Downs for a horse making a steep class hike. Antonio Fresu rides the Yoshida gelding who comes into the race in good form, winning 3 of his last 4. Prefer others at this 12F trip as a maternal grandson of middle-distance influence Unbridled’s Song.5-LAYABOUT: Arlington Million pacemaker wound up a close fourth at Colonial to Burnham Square while a 67-1 longshot. He did wire the McKnight at Gulfstream over this 1-1/2 mile trip in January but figures to be under a lot of pressure to see this out Saturday. Blinkers on for a horse already in possession of early speed can be a risk in relaxion as Patrick Biancone puts the pressure on jockey Keith Asmussen to ration the gas. Factors for a while, but not likely late.6-ETHICAL DIAMOND: Last year’s 27-1 upsetter of the Breeders’ Cup Turf makes his US return off a Group 3 win in Ireland for trainer Willie Mullins. This former steeplechase performer rattled off 3 straight wins on the flat last year, culminating with his surprise at Del Mar. Some inconsistency has plagued him in 3 starts this year, but Ryan Moore returns to the saddle as he was aboard in the Ballyroan win last out and that’s a big plus. Expect him to be far back early and the hotter the pace, the better chance for this stayer as he pumps out 24-second quarters.7-BURNHAM SQUARE: America’s hottest turf distance performer has rattled off 4 straight wins this year since extending trips. Trainer Ian Wilkes always thought this Grade 1 Blue Grass winner on dirt would be better on turf, as was his dam, and he was rewarded this year with wins in the Elkhorn, Louisville, Chorleywood and most recently the Arlington Million. Burnham Square returns to Kentucky Downs under regular rider Brian Hernandez Jr., who teamed with him for a head runner-up in last year’s Nashville Derby over this course. Expect him to stalk from midflight and get first run on some of the deeper closers.8-OLE CRAZY BONE: Last year’s Kentucky Turf Cup winner ran a career-best in cruising by daylight that day in his only local appearance. He returns to the scene on 3 weeks’ rest after tiring late in the Grade 1 Clement but won his prior Saratoga start in the Bowling Green. Jockey Flavien Prat – who guided this gelding to wins here last year and in the Bowling Green in July – opts to ride at the Spa on Saturday, leaving the mount to Jose Ortiz, whose dream 2026 season has come under a slump late in the Saratoga meet. He doesn’t have to have the lead, but Ole Crazy Bone’s best races are when he’s right into the mix so the tempo set by Layabout could go a long way in determining his chances of repeat – something accomplished by Rochester, Da Big Hoss and Arklow in the last 25 years. Mike Maker has won this race a record 6 times, all since 2015.9-ECHO LANE: Gulfstream and Colonial-based runner for Rohan Crichton has dropped 6 straight, including road trips to Churchill and Monmouth. Didn’t come within 5 lengths of Burnham Square in 2 spring attempts and has seemed most effective at 1-1/16 miles, but was third in the Pan American over this trip in March. Prefer others.10-FORT GEORGE: Second-off-the-plane start for UK-based trainer Ed Walker, which historically has been a spot of regression for international runners over the years. He made a strong initial domestic bid when second by a nose in the Bowling Green at Saratoga behind return rival Ole Crazy Bone. The 4-year-old remained at Saratoga in the nearly 2 months since logging 5 additional works. His winter company lines in Dubai were fantastic vs. the likes of Rebel’s Romance and Ombudsman. Fort George will team for the first time with jockey Jamie Spencer, who is 19: 2-1-3 in Kentucky Downs raids since 2019, winning the 2023 $2 million Mint Millions aboard 6-1 shot Ancient Rome for Charlie Hills. Can’t easily dismiss chances.Most Likely Exotics Contender:BURNHAM SQUARE has 6 straight exacta finishes with a 4-race winning streak and the benefit of a good performance over the track already in the positive-check box. His running style keeps him in obvious exotics contention.Best Longshot Contender:DRESDEN ROW hasn’t missed a trifecta in 19 career starts for connections that won this race in 2024 and has been in the hunt against 2 of the major American contenders Saturday. At 12-1 morning line, he’s a distant sixth choice in the morning line who could spice exotics.​​Sending it in ($100 bankroll):I’m going to lean All-American here. $50 exacta BURNHAM SQUARE over OLE CRAZY BONE; $25 exacta OLE CRAZY BONE over BURNHAM SQUARE; $20 exacta BURNHAM SQUARE over DRESDEN ROW; $5 exacta OLE CRAZY BONE over DRESDEN ROW.

Saturday marks the last chance to qualify in the 2026 Xpressbet Fun in the Sun handicapping tournament with all weekly winners set to square off Labor Day Monday in the Final Table format. Five more Saratoga and Del Mar handicappers will qualify after Saturday’s eighth and final week of competition to bring the Final Table total cast to 40. The progressive jackpot for the Final Table sits at $15,640 with $10,000 added from Xpressbet.Richard Miller topped all Week 7 players last week with a $335.30 bankroll that nabbed him the $1,039.50 weekly first prize. Jeffrey Danner finished send with $329.60 bankrolled and earned $433.13 in prize money. Stephen Wolfson tallied $287.40 in bankroll for third and earned an additional $259.87. Others to earn Final Table seats last week were fourth-place finisher Gregory Caliwag ($272.80 bankroll) and fifth-place finisher Bryan Ingram ($271.40 bankroll). For Ingram and Caliwag, both earned a rare dual-seat in the Final Table, just the fourth and fifth players this season to double down. A complete list of current Final Table qualifiers is included at the bottom of the copy.Week 8 this Saturday once again features the final 5 races at Saratoga and first 5 races at Del Mar. Those contest heats include the Grade 1 Spinaway Stakes from the Spa. Monday’s Final Table continues the Saratoga last 5, Del Mar first 5 format.Fun in the Sun contestants play for weekly prize money and a chance to join each week’s top-5 players in the tournament’s Final Table on Labor Day. The 9-week Fun in the Sun handicapping contest runs 8 Saturdays from July 18-September 5 and concludes with the Final Table on Labor Day Monday, September 7.Entry is just $25 each qualifying round week and players utilize a $100 live bankroll on the final 5 races from Saratoga and first 5 races from Del Mar ($10 parimutuel win bets in each of the contest races). The top-5 players in accumulated earnings each week qualify for a seat in the final table, where just 40 entries will square off for the grand prize (players can qualify up to 2 entries in the Final Table). Weekly prize pool money will be on the line for the top-3 finishers each Saturday (70% of entry fees paid out weekly, 30% carries over to the Final Table pool).The Final Table format began in 2020 and past champions include Robert Rosen (2020), Wayne Tam (2021), Kevin Saunders (2022), Joe Tambasco (2023), Gordon Maruya (2024) and Andy Muhlada (2025).2026 Tournament DatesSaturday, July 18, 25Saturday, August 1, 8, 15, 22, 29Saturday and Monday, September 5 and 7 (Final Table)Buy-In$125 Buy-In per week, split between $100 Bankroll + $25 Entry FeeHow to PlayTournament consists of the last five (5) races each Saturday at Saratoga and the first five (5) races each Saturday at Del Mar. Players must make a $10 Win bet on one (1) horse in each race via the Contest Wagerpad.Weekly Prize Pool70% of Entry Fees are paid out each week as the Weekly Prize PoolWeekly PrizesTop Five (5) finishers each week automatically qualify for the Final Table1st Place Finisher – 60% of Weekly Prize Pool + Final Table Seat2nd Place Finisher – 25% of Weekly Prize Pool + Final Table Seat3rd Place Finisher – 15% of Weekly Prize Pool + Final Table Seat4th Place Finisher – Final Table Seat5th Place Finisher – Final Table SeatFinal Table Prizes30% of Entry Fees carried over to the Final Table$10,000-added prize pool courtesy of Xpressbet1st Place Finisher: 55% of Final Table Prize Pool2nd Place Finisher: 25% of Final Table Prize Pool3rd Place Finisher: 10% of Final Table Prize Pool4th Place Finisher: 5% of Final Table Prize Pool5th Place Finisher: 5% of Final Table Prize Pool‍For more and to register, visit the Tournaments page.Fun in the Sun Final Table Qualifiers (35 of 40)** = dual qualifiers; ranked by bankroll with week and placing included** Ingram Bryan ($374.10) | Week 6 | 1 + ($271.40) | Week 7 | 5Knepper, Cheryl ($358.50) | Week 5 | 1Scott, George ($356.10) | Week 6 | 2Bassett, Joseph ($347.80) | Week 5 | 2Starr, Ellis ($345.0) | Week 3 | 1Campanella. Frank ($336.80) | Week 6 | 3Miller, Richard ($335.30) | Week 7 | 1Velguth, John ($333.50) | Week 1 | 1** Severson, Terrence ($330.50) | Week 1 | 2 + ($236.20) | Week 4 | 4Danner, Jeffrey ($329.60) | Week 7 | 2Gold, Aaron ($322.90) | Week 6 | 4Woodward, Nathan ($319.30) | Week 1 | 3Skotz, Christopher ($308.00) | Week 6 | 5Carroll, Thomas ($297.80) | Week 2 | 1Wolfson, Stephen ($287.40) | Week 7 | 3Levine, Stuart ($273.00) | Week 5 | 3** Caliwag, Greg ($272.80) | Week 7 | 4 + ($209.40) | Week 4 | 5Nagy, Nicholas ($271.20) | Week 1 | 4Sampo, Dino ($268.00) | Week 5 | 4Pacione, Franco ($264.20) | Week 4 | 1DeCaspers, Anthony ($261.00) | Week 5 | 5McKay, Joseph ($243.70) | Week 4 | 2** Nichols, Dave ($240.00) | Week 1 | 5 + ($234) | Week 3 | 2Scott, George ($239.00) | Week 4 | 3Hill, Barry ($237.30) | Week 2 | 2Dodds, Wardell ($236.90) | Week 2 | 3Essig David ($216.90) | Week 2 | 4Murdock, Dave ($184.00) | Week 3 | 3Muhlada, Andy ($176.90) | Week 2 | 5 (2026 FITS Defending Champion)Knepper, Greg ($175.60) | Week 3 | 4Salerno, Theresa ($169.50) | Week 3 | 5