EXTRA INCENTIVESPegasus World Cup VIP Sweepstakes | final day to enterTOURNAMENT TIME$100 Gulfstream feeder | detailsNOTABLE CARRYOVERSJackpot Pick 6 | $254,389 | Gulfstream Park | begins Race 5 | 2:18 pm ETSuper Hi 5 | $9,695 | Gulfstream Park | Race 10 | 4:48 pm ETKEY RACESOaklawn Park | Race 9 | 4:55 pm ET | Mockingbird StakesSunland Park | Race 7 | 5:04 pm ET | KLAQ HandicapSunland Park | Race 8 | 5:32 pm ET | NM State Racing Commission StakesLONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIXOaklawn | Race 4 | 2:28 pm ETFair Grounds | Race 5 | 3:45 pm ETGulfstream | Race 10 | 4:48 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHLinda Rice | Aqueduct | 6 of 7 entrants 5-1 or less oddsDID YOU SEE?Yesterday | trainer Brad Cox | 5 wins from 7 starters at Aqu, GP, TPPUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAMScott Shapiro: Sunday Gulfstream Spot PlaysBrian W. Spencer best bets today in Xpressbet.com member’s section

The racing week at Gulfstream Park concludes on Sunday afternoon with a solid 10-race card that gets rolling at 12:20 pm ET. The card contains a pair of solid MSW races for newly turned 3YOs, as well as second-level allowance at 5-furlongs over the grass that goes as Race 8. Here are the plays I will build my Sunday afternoon in south Florida around.Race 7:This MSW at one-mile over the main track that kicks off the late Pick 4 drew a compact group of 7 led my 9-5-ML favorite #2 Betty’s Pearl. The $700k Munnings filly has hit the board in all 3 starts, but has not been great out of the gate yet and has burnt quite a bit of the public’s money thus far. In fact, she was defeated at 5-2 on debut and followed it up with losses at 4-5 and 6-5. Being drawn down on the inside is not ideal for the way she has run thus far. I much prefer second-time starter #6 Paradise. The Gun Runner filly is out of the talented mare Venetian Harbor, so she is bred to be a runner. Venetian Harbor had a strong 12-race career for trainer Richard Baltas that included a 10 3/4 length romp in her second start after finishing second on debut. The Brad Cox barn had a big day on Saturday and appears to have a filly with unlimited upside in this one.Play: #6 Paradise (5-2 ML)Race 8:Speed can often be tough on the Gulfstream Park turf, but I am hoping they go at it on the front end in the Sunday feature. That appears quite possible given the presence of #1 Speed Figures down on the inside and #9 Classy War and #10 Twisted Filigree to the outside. If they converge and set a brisk first half mile, #2 Eamonn should be coming with his veteran late kick. The 8YO son of Pioneerof the Nile has kept good company, so he should appreciate the drop out of stakes company in his 45th career start. The fact he ran well last year off the layoff in his first start of the meet and he has won 6 of 15 lifetime over the Gulfstream Park sod only strengthens his case. Hopefully, he gets a fast pace to chase in the first leg of the late Pick 3.Play: #2 Eamonn (6-1 ML)Race 9:My final play of the week at Gulfstream Park comes in this state-bred first-level allowance event at 6-furlongs over the main track where 5-2-ML favorite #4 Noble J looks tough to beat. In his first start off an 18-month break, the 4YO gelding battled early, easily disposed of the other speed, and had plenty left late to turn away runner-up Noble Sky. The December 7 effort was flattered a bit by the fact that Noble Sky came back and just missed in a similar spot yesterday at odds of 10-1. If veteran jockey Joe Bravo can get this one into the race early once again, he should have no problem making it back-to-back victories to get his Championship Meet started for trainer David Fawkes. A single in the late horizontals.Play: #4 Noble J (5-2 ML)

Northfield Park has a 15-race card to begin the week. The $1.00 Late Pick 4 starts in Race 11. The sequence has a $10,000 guaranteed pool with a 14% takeout, and it will be my focus. Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.Race 11 (9:40 PM EST)2-Oberto (7-1)-Going to fade the 9/5 choice #5 with Dan Noble and spread out in what could be a wide open race. This 10-year-old drew off on a sloppy track to win by 4 lengths and now steps up. Has cashed smaller checks versus this kind. But draws into a good slot to get rolling and does like an off-track ( 27-6-5-1).4-Disgruntled Carl (4-1)-Carl hasn't taken a picture in a while and ran into a monster last time in 154.1 winner. Fits, could be ready to take a picture and can get a top of the stack trip. This is a 10-time winner last year and could offer a square price.6-Legacy Affair (5-1)-This mare comes out of the same 154.1 win by Winslow and ran 2nd in that race. Two back took a picture versus this kind and has won 8 of 20 starts at Nfld. Team Sugg entry should be a player if Kurt Sugg provides a smooth steer.7-Ordained (7-1)-Saratoga shipper is no slouch and booked over $207,000 in earnings last year. This is its Nfld debut but has 1/2-mile experience. Has the gate speed to lands in a close-up seat and could surprise if there are no issues with the turns.Race 12 (10:02 PM EST)1-Sumomentsomewhere A (5/2)-The 9-year-old makes its 2nd start off the bench and lands in a soft spot. If all systems are GO, Ronnie Wrenn could make every call a winning one.3-Cyclone Banner N (9/2)-Beat cheaper 2 back then tried this kind and finished a beaten 4th off a bumpy trip. Merriman sticks here over #2 and could have his way with this field. The pedal should be down, might be able to take control and land on the point. If so chances for a win go upconsiderably.4-Magic Four N (2-1)-Seldom raced 8-year-old makes its Nfld debut. Showed good speed at ScD last year against Open company. This will be the 1st race since 7-31 but the team Noble entry did put in a nice qualifier on 12-23. Won by 31 lengths in 156.3 on a good track and could be ready to win at first asking.Race 13 (10:24 PM EST)2-Big Skewy N (1-1)-Team Noble entry beat the $15k claimers by 6 lengths in the slop and faces 3 from that field today. Should have its way with this crew, and the price might be better than 1/9 but don't look for a lot more.Race 14 (10:46 PM EST)1-Annie L (3-1)-Got a bumpy trip leaving from the 2nd tier last time. The sloppy track and the wide journey were too much but did win versus similar 2 back. Likes a top of the stack trip and that could happen. Has won 3 of the last 4 and this is a good opportunity to start another win streak.5-Sister Sadie (6/5)Noble steers for the Peter Stratton barn and when those 2 combine they post 35% winners. This mare fits and comes off a 6th place finish off a 1st over trip. Did come 2nd two back, recent starts were in the slop, and now gets a ++ driver change.$1 Late Pick 42,4,6,7/1,3,4/2/1,5Total Bet=$24Check me out on Twitter!

Newly turned 3YOs take center stage later this afternoon when the Road to the Kentucky Derby hits its first stops of 2026. A pair of 10-points to the winner races headline the afternoon along with a strong edition of the Macho Macho Man, which gets the Road to the Florida Derby started in Hallandale Beach. Not only do I love watching these horses progress throughout their early races, but often times these preps can lead to great betting opportunities. Hopefully, we can find a few good ones over the course of the next few months. Here is who I like this afternoon in New York, Florida, and Hot Springs, Arkansas.Jerome Stakes at Aqueduct: (1:10 PM eastern)The first of the Derby preps goes as Race 3 on Aqueduct’s 9-race card that gets started at 12:10 PM local time. With #5 Mailata likely to scratch after winning by a pole at Parx on December 30, we are probably down to a field of 4 where #3 My World looks like a standout. The well-bred son of Essential Quality is out of an Into Mischief mare, who earned well over $300k over the grass throughout her 36-race career. This could play well over the Churchill Downs main track in May, but on the track the colt has been good, but not great thus far. He had a forgivable debut where he was buried down on the rail against a solid group of 2YOs at Saratoga before a pair of workmanlike wins over this surface. I expect the Brad Cox trainee to be very tough to beat this afternoon, but a potential play against moving forward. Time will tell.Pick: #3 My World (7-5 ML)Mucho Macho Man at Gulfstream (4:48 PM eastern)No Derby points will be on the line, but that does not mean this year’s Macho Macho Man over the one-turn mile configuration at Gulfstream lacks Road to the Derby appeal. There actually appears to be multiple runners entered that have their eyes set on Louisville early in the year, including a pair of runners shipping in from the Blue Grass State. With plenty of early zip signed on, the race shape should benefit both 7-5-ML favorite #1 Commandment and #6 Tripp’s Promise. Both runners last raced over the Churchill Downs main track in competitive fields and have already exemplified the ability to settle early and finish with energy.I like Commandment most, but he will be too short of a price to bet on the Win end, so I will tie the two up in a cold exacta with the chalk on top. The son of Into Mischief got a great learning experience first out against a live group of 2YOs at Keeneland before progressing nicely in his maiden victory in Louisville on November 1. He has been down in Florida since. Tripp’s Promise has yet to cross the wire first since his maiden victory in late September, but has made a strong account of himself against quality competition. Look for jockey Corey Lanerie to angle over, save ground early, and come with a strong run late. I expect it to be good enough to pass most, if not all of the field, for potential future Senator Dale Romans.Play: Exacta 1-6Smarty Jones at Oaklawn (5:25 eastern)The last of the 3 early 3YO races goes as Race 10 on Oaklawn Park’s 11-race slate that starts at 1PM eastern and contains a few intriguing prospects. 5-2-ML favorite #5 Rancho Santa Fe has rattled off two wins to kick off his career and has the look of a colt that can run all day, while 3-1-second choice #1 Universe has kept the best company and draws favorably along the inside. Both have strong chances to earn 10 points on the Derby leaderboard this afternoon, as well as #3 Boca Beach Club stretching out to two turns off two sprints for Jimmy DiVito, but I prefer the “other” McPeek.#9 Sleepingonfreedom sold for just $60k at the Keeneland September 2024 sale, so he made his first couple of starts against restricted maiden special weight company. He ran well in both sprints, including his first victory, which came at the 6.5-furlong distance on October 11. From there, he was eligible for a starter allowance and was able to win going away over an off track despite a ton of traffic issues before he found clear sailing. The Independence Hall colt has progressed nicely, finished strong in his first attempt at a route of ground, and retains the services of McPeek’s main man Brian Hernandez Jr. The fact Hernandez opts for this colt over Universe potentially tells us quite a bit. He should move forward this afternoon in his toughest task to date.Pick: #9 SleepingonfreedomPlays: Win Bet 9, Exacta Box 3-9

EXTRA INCENTIVESPegasus World Cup VIP Sweepstakes | now through Jan. 41 Million 1/ST Rewards Points Hit & Split | Oaklawn Park late pick 4TOURNAMENT TIME$1,000 Gulfstream PWCBC Qualifier | details$50 Beat the Host vs. Pete Aiello | preview | details$100 Gulfstream feeder | details$40 Santa Anita feeder | detailsNOTABLE CARRYOVERSJackpot Pick 6 | $192,815 | Gulfstream Park | begins Race 6 | 2:48 pm ETPick 6 | $7,972 | Oaklawn | begins Race 6 | 3:27 pm ETJackpot Pick 6 | $63,178 | Turfway Park | begins Race 4 | 7:25 pm ETPick 5 | $29,645 | Charles Town | begins Race 5 | 9:02 pm ETSuper Hi 5 | $17,372 | Turfway Park | Race 9 | 9:55 pm ETKEY RACESAqueduct | Race 3 | 1:10 pm ET | Jerome StakesOaklawn Park | Race 4 | 2:28 pm ET | Renaissance StakesFair Grounds | Race 3 | 2:45 pm ET | Louisiana Futurity FilliesGulfstream | Race 6 | 2:48 pm ET | Ginger Brew StakesAqueduct | Race 7 | 3:10 pm ET | Busanda StakesFair Grounds | Race 7 | 3:45 pm ET | Louisiana FuturityOaklawn Park | Race 9 | 4:55 pm ET | Commodore StakesGulfstream | Race 10 | 4:48 pm ET | Mucho Macho Man StakesOaklawn Park | Race 10 | 5:25 pm ET | Smarty Jones Stakes | Meet the ContendersSanta Anita | Race 8 | 6:37 pm ET | Santa Ynez StakesTurfway | Race 6 | 8:25 pm ET | Turfway Prevue StakesLONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIXOaklawn | Race 2 | 1:28 pm ETTampa Bay Downs | Race 8 | 4:04 pm ETTurfway | Race 2 | 6:25 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHTodd Pletcher | Gulfstream, Aqueduct | all 3 entrants 9-2 or less oddsDID YOU SEE?Yesterday | trainer Mark Casse | 6 wins from first 12 starters in 2026PUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAMJeremy Plonk: Oaklawn Late Pick 4 Hit & Split for SaturdayJeremy Plonk: Race of the Week – Mucho Macho Man at GulfstreamScott Shapiro: Triple Crown Prep Picks for Gulfstream, Aqueduct, Oaklawn Frank Carulli & Brian W. Spencer best bets today in Xpressbet.com member’s section

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-Think Fast (8/5)-Has 3 straight 2nd place finishes, the first 2 came at Dayton and has been camera shy. Shipped in and was a bridesmaid again. Stayed inside and will look for a more aggressive try in the 2nd start on this oval. Aaron Merriman sticks and should be no worse than in the pocket around the opening turn.7-Tr'sshining Star (3-1)-Beat this kind last week by drawing off by over 17 lengths and went off at 1/2. That was the 2nd start in town, meets mostly a different group, and this won't be as easy. But could follow the same script and double up at a better price.Race 12 (10:02 PM EST)5-Crytel Shadow (2-1)-Beat the FM30000NW7 in 3 of 4, then stepped up to face FM-Open company and went off at 18-1 and raced like it. Now, faces a scattered bunch but not loving the short morning line. Should be a player if lands on the point without burning much gas. Dan Noble gets the most out of the mare, and she will be a small price.7-Sale El Sol (6-1)-Yonkers shipper found Open company difficult in the last 4 races, and now Merriman gets the call for the 1st time since 11-30. Should offer a fair price and this race could shape up for a closer, so best to respect.Race 13 (10:24 PM EST)3-Ginger Tree Rose (9/5)-This mare has raced well in 2 of 3 starts for the Kahrig barn. Merriman steers for the 4th straight and will look to make every call a winning one. Short price chalk is a logical play.6-Princessbythesea (6-1)-This is an on and off sort who comes off a nice effort. Finished 2nd in last, was off over 3 weeks and was coming off a sick scratch. Noble sticks and has won 4 of 14 at Nfld, the morning line price seems wishful but could offer some value.Race 14 (10:46 PM EST)3-Sweetens Cove (7/2)-Went gate to wire from post 7 last time. This will be a bigger test but could get the top without much of a problem. Probably needs to be on the lead turning for the wire to win, and Tyler Angus could work that trip.6-Juliet Duz (12-1)-The Meadows shipper should offer a nice return and comes off a win at 1/5. Faces a tougher crowd. This is the 2nd start off the bench and could have more to give.9-Big Bad Beachbunny (5/2)-Wired the field in last leaving from post 1. Enjoys racing on the lead or close to it. It will be up to Chris Lems to get a good early seat. It won't be easy but wouldn't want to leave her off the ticket against this field.$1 Late Pick 41,7/5,7/3,6/3,6,9Total Bet=$24Check me out on Twitter!

After a couple days of cancellations due to consistent weather issues in Southern California, racing is back on Friday afternoon for the first card of 2026 at Santa Anita Park. The 8-race slate kicks off at 3:30 pm ET / 12:30 pm PT and is headlined by a first-level allowance event at 6 furlongs over the main track. Here are a few horses I will build my January 2 around at the Great Race Place.Race 1:The opener is for newly turned 3YO fillies traveling one-mile over the main track. The two-turn event certainly goes through Go Go Greys Stable, #2 Miss Watermelon. The daughter of Cairo Prince debuted at Keeneland for trainer Jonathan Thomas in a turf route back in early October and failed to fire after a slow start despite taking noticeable public money. She then flew out to Southern California where she once again did not get out of the gates great, but found a good stalking spot before finishing a strong second to a Baffert favorite. If she can get out of the gate in better order this afternoon, she could be a tough customer, but I will try to get the jump on her with #4 Wolf Hill. The Estate of Brereton Jones homebred goes two sprints to a route for a barn that rarely has their runners cranked early on in their career. Last out the Upstart filly, was caught in a tricky spot between horses before being able to grind away another underneath finish. Hopefully, she can break on top, find a prominent spot early, and have enough left late to hold off her main rivals from behind.Play: #4 Wolf Hill (5-1 ML)Race 6:Trainer George Papaprodromou can win races in bunches. The veteran conditioner got off to a great start to the meet with a win in the San Gabriel (G3) on Opening Day and followed up with two victories on day 2. I am hoping he stays hot in this first-level allowance with #7 Comedy Town. The 8YO gelding had been in the Saffie Joseph Jr barn, but the Florida-bred moved out west before his last start and ran a solid second to last-to-first winner Speedy Wilson in a similar spot. The effort was flattered when Speedy Wilson came back and put forth a strong third-place effort in the Malibu (G1) to Goal Oriented. Comedy Town should be set for a good one first off the claim since he cuts back a furlong and should find a perfect stalking spot just off the early pace. From there he is likely to finish the deal under jockey Hector Berrios. A potential single for those playing the late horizontals.Play: #7 Comedy Town (5-2 ML)Race 8:The Friday finale is a rock-bottom state-bred maiden claimer at 5.5-furlongs over the main track where I like the chances of #6 One Happy Dude. The Terry Lovinger homebred has had his chances at the level, but seems to be moving forward steadily for trainer Steve Knapp. Last out, the son of Governor Charlie got out of the gate pretty well, settled early, and put in a strong late run to earn second to a dominant gate-to-wire winner from the George Papaprodromou barn. The 3YO colt should be set for a career best with jockey Tiago Pereira back in the saddle.Play: #6 One Happy Dude (4-1 ML)

EXTRA INCENTIVESPegasus World Cup VIP Sweepstakes | now through Jan. 4TOURNAMENT TIME$100 Gulfstream feeder | details$40 Santa Anita feeder | detailsNOTABLE CARRYOVERSJackpot Pick 6 | $164,143 | Gulfstream Park | begins Race 4 | 1:49 pm ETSuper Hi 5 | $5,932 | Turfway | Race 9 | 9:55 pm ETKEY RACESOaklawn Park | Race 8 | 4:52 pm ET | The Coach StakesLONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIXTampa Bay Downs | Race 5 | 2:34 pm ETOaklawn Park | Race 9 | 5:24 pm ETTurfway Park | Race 9 | 9:55 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHJoe Sharp | Fair Grounds | all 3 entrants 3-1 or less oddsDID YOU SEE?Yesterday | trainer Mark Casse | 4 wins, 1 third from 6 starters at Gulfstream, OaklawnPUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAMScott Shapiro: Santa Anita Best Bets for FridayFrank Carulli & Brian W. Spencer best bets today in Xpressbet.com member’s section