For the second consecutive Sunday, horseplayers were unable to piece together the final six winners on the card, leaving Saratoga with a strong $154,119 carryover to start the racing week in their traditional $1 Pick Six Pool. This along with another Wednesday afternoon 1 million 1/ST Rewards Points Hit & Split make it a great time to be alive to play at 1/ST BET and Xpressbet. The Pick Six sequence kicks off in Race 3 at 2:20 local time and includes the featured New York Stallion Statue of Liberty at one-mile over the Inner Turf. Here are a few horses I like most within the Wednesday Pick Six.Race 3:The pace should be contentious in this seven-furlong affair over the main track, which is likely to benefit #7 Hot Gossip. The 3YO filly makes her second start of the meet after a third-place finish in a similar condition out of the Wilson chute on July 19. Not only do I expect things to set up a bit better for the Linda Rice trainee on the turnback to a true one-turn race, but it has not been easy making up a ton of ground late in the races over the one-mile dirt configuration at the Spa this summer. The Linda Rice barn has been smoking hot and hopefully continues to kick the sequence off with Manny Franco back in the saddle.Play: #7 Hot Gossip (4-1 ML)Picks: 7-1-8Race 4:Up next is an optional claimer at six-furlongs over the main track where I presume a significant number of horseplayers will take a stand with 8-5-ML favorite #7 Gardiner. The Joe Sharp colt won his last race at Churchill Downs on June 21 and had his claim voided after the race for the second time in his 13-race career. The fact Sharp shipped him to New York and protects him is a positive, but I struggle to want to push all-in on a horse with soundness issues that is likely to be tested on the front end. Therefore, I will take a swing with #8 Runaway Joke. The son of Practical Joke makes his second start off the long layoff after a stalk and fade against NY-bred allowance foes last month. He shook off the rust last out and draws favorably outside the main speeds. Hopefully, he springs the upset and gives trainer Chad Summers his first win of the stand.Play: #8 Runaway Joke (8-1 ML)Picks: 8-7-9Race 7: NYSS Statue of Liberty DivisionThis state-bred event for 3YO fillies run at one-mile over the Inner Turf probably goes through 2-1-ML favorite #7 She’s a Country. The daughter of Combatant makes her first start since last November, but does so for a George Weaver barn capable of having ready to roll off the layoff, especially she already won fresh in her first start over this course last year. I will not be surprised if she wins, but #5 Celtic Dawn is likely to be a better price. It is possible the Carlos Martin trainee is a sprinter, but I am willing to give her one more chance going long after chasing the pace last time instead of using her strong gate speed to control the early tempo. Javier Castellano did not ride last time, but was onboard her first three wins and is back onboard again. If she has things her way on the front end, I think she can get the eight panels.Play: #5 Celtic Dawn (3-1 ML)Picks: 5-2-7

With just over two months until the 2026 Breeders’ Cup World Championships are held at Keeneland Race Course, it’s time to start thinking about what each of the championship races may look like and who the main players might be. Each week, I’ll adjust my personal rankings accordingly based on races and news from the weekend prior. The juvenile divisions will enter the equation once the marquee summer meetings have concluded.Below you’ll find my rankings for nine of the Breeders' Cup divisions, with the top four contenders listed in chronological order.CLASSIC (See my YouTube video analysis of Classic here.)1 - Forever YoungTo be the man, you’ve got to beat the man; likely to prep in the Jockey Club Gold Cup at BEL before heading to Kentucky…the best in the world on dirt when on his game2 - SovereigntyThe champ was back and arguably better than ever in the Whitney; may indeed be a Saratoga move up but that doesn’t preclude him from winning a race like the Classic at KEE3 - MagnitudeIf you forgive his Saratoga form, he’s done nothing wrong; ticks all the boxes at what’s likely a reasonable price assuming you can get past the dud in the Whitney4 - KnightsbridgeHis best figure would defeat all comers, but the question about distance / class remains; will answer some, not all, questions this weekend in the PClassic at DMRDISTAFF1 - NitrogenRan arguably the best race of her career in defeat in the Whitney; outside chance she takes on boys again but strictly the horse to beat if she tackles the females in the Distaff2 - Counting StarsNitrogen’s biggest obstacle to Distaff glory may be her stablemate, who is clearly the best 3YO filly in the land; runs Saturday in the Alabama as a massive favorite (deservedly so)3 - Always a RunnerThe Kentucky Oaks winner is going away from Counting Stars to run in the Cotillion at Parx; may be of comparable ability to Counting Stars but down in the head-to-head battles4 - SplendoraNot completely sold that she’s truly a 9F type but hard to argue with her 2026 record to this point; defending BC FM Sprint winner gives Baffert options to either go long or turn her backSPRINT1 - EnglishmanStaggeringly good effort in the Woody Stephens, earning a 115 Beyer; returns in the Allen Jerkens at Saratoga in two weeks, where a repeat of the Stephens would result in another G1 victory2 - T O ElvisLost in the late odds hoopla on Derby Day was just how emphatic his win in the Churchill Downs was; may need to find a bit if Englishman holds his form - but may not need to find much3 - Book’em DannoWould have been the first or second-choice in last year’s BC Sprint; two necks away from being undefeated in his last eight starts4 - ListenupshanceNarrowly defeated by Danno in the True North but came back to win the G1 Bing Crosby at DMR; continues to improve as the season progresses…if that trend continues, he’s interesting at a priceFM SPRINT1 - KilwinLight on figs but undefeated on dirt in three tries, including a G1; division is deep but have a strong inkling we’ve still not seen this one’s best2 - ExploraFilly had been screaming for a turn back all spring but stayed the Oaks course; since the turn back has looked like a monster…figs still light compared to the older fillies and mares but on the right path3 - EclatantThe best version of Eclatant is probably the best female sprinter on dirt, but she’s not always fired her best on the clock; good to know her career defining race came over course / distance in spring’s G1 Madison @ KEE4 - Ways and MeansMay simply be a Saratoga freak and a shell of herself away from the Spa; how good is her good? Arguably the best - but does that version show up in October at KEE?TURF1 - Burnham SquareHis figs may be tapering off some but his win over course / distance this spring makes him a legit threat against all comers; a 107 Beyer in this race historically puts you right there at the wire2 - CalandaganBit of a leap with any of the Euros regarding who is / isn’t coming over; may not be visiting the winner’s circle as much as he was in 2025 but still capable of firing elite-level shots at 12F3 - Benvenuto CelliniHas long been discussed as being the cream of the 3YO crop in Europe; first try against elders at Ascot was fine…nothing more, nothing less4 - Ethical DiamondThe surprise winner of last year’s BC Turf (with a 107 Beyer) hasn’t had much of a campaign in 2026; stating the obvious - if he can get back to the Del Mar form he displayed last fall, he’s dangerousMILE1 - GstaadIf not for the since retired Bow Echo, we may be looking at an unbeaten 3YO campaign comprised of four G1s to this point; already shown that American style of racing is no issue with last year’s BC Juvenile Turf win @ DMR2 - Blue BoltShe’s done little wrong in her career in Europe and has established herself as the clear leader of the filly and mare milers; Juddmonte filly would be extremely dangerous if she came over3 - Notable SpeechHas been known to lay an egg from time to time but his North American record is quite strong; miserably unlucky at Keeneland in April, likely wins that G1 with any sort of racing luck4 - DeterministicHasn’t lost a turf race since October 2024; five consecutive 100+ Beyers at distances ranging from 8F to 9.5F is no small feat…the best of the American bunch at the momentFM TURF1 - Thundering OnTime hasn’t been kind to the form of the Epsom Oaks, however her turn of foot was electric that day; assuming she comes over, would have to think she’s in with a big chance for Joseph O’Brien2 - Diamond NecklaceUnbeaten filly of Aidan O’Brien’s has acted on a variety of ground over a variety of distances…nothing really to knock other than her price come BC Saturday; could see her go longer in BC Turf if connections want 12F3 - PreciseAnother of AOB’s who is at the elite level; she’s not as good as Blue Bolt (and others) at the mile, so wonder if a stretch to FM Turf’s 9.5F @ KEE is in the cards4 - KathynmarissaAs solid as they come in the U.S., winning the G1 Diana at Saratoga in most recent start; race being run at 9.5F works to her advantage and she’s trained by Chad Brown, who has multiple FM Turf victories on his resumeTURF SPRINT1 - Cy FairHas done nothing wrong in her career and exits a win at Saratoga that has already produced two next-out winners; a 3YO filly won this race last year2 - Ag BulletOne of the main beneficiaries of the 5.5F trip this year; rock solid mare who fires her best more often than not3 - ShisospicyDifficult to say what to expect from her with the nonexistent campaign but know her best is as good as anyone’s4 - John the Beer ManPerhaps a slight notch below the top options but sharp at the moment and the 5.5F distance works to his advantageDIRT MILE1 - KnightsbridgeAnother division that is in flux right up until entries are taken; assuming the distance of the Classic doesn’t work for him, hard to argue with Knightsbridge as the Belle of the Ball for the Dirt Mile2 - Napoleon SoloThe Preakness winner would probably be a likelier Classic starter - but would have a better chance of winning the Dirt Mile; tactical speed and already a G1 winner at the mile distance in his career3 - Bishops BaySolid older veteran who isn’t a true G1 caliber runner, but depending on who shows up here…this may not be a race of true G1 caliber4 - Chunk of GoldGave Bishops Bay all he could handle in the Iselin last weekend @ MON - perhaps a rising 4YO who could steal this at a decent number; owns a win over the course last fall by more than 8L

EXTRA INCENTIVESBet $100, Get $10 | Thistledown | today’s racesSCHEDULE NOTESLouisiana Downs | cancelled due to heat--note Louisiana Downs already has cancelled for WedNOTABLE CARRYOVERSJackpot Pick 6 | Thistledown | $188,946 | begins Race | pm ETJackpot Pick 5 | Assiniboia Downs | $80,063 (CAN) | begins Race 3 | 8:25 pm ETKEY RACESParx | Race 6 | 2:55 pm ET | PTHA President’s Sprint StakesParx | Race 7 | 3:22 pm ET | State Representative’s Sprint StakesParx | Race 9 | 4:16 pm ET | Mayor’s Mile StakesParx | Race 10 | 4:43 pm ET | Cathryn Sophia StakesParx | Race 11 | 5:11 pm ET | Smarty Jones StakesAssiniboia Downs | Race 4 | 9:50 pm ET | Graduation StakesLONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIXHorseshoe Indianapolis | Race 4 | 3:43 pm ETPenn National | Race 2 | 6:14 pm ETMountaineer | Race 1 | 7:00 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHAnthony Ferraro | Finger Lakes | 9 of 9 entrants 5-1 or less oddsDID YOU SEE?Yesterday | Parx | Race 6 | nation’s highest-paying exacta ($325), trifecta ($1974) and superfecta ($13,906)PUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAMJeremy Plonk: Thistledown Bet $100, Get $10 Plays for TuesdayFrank Carulli & Brian W. Spencer best bets today in Xpressbet.com member’s section

Throughout August, Tuesdays and Thursdays stay hot at 1/ST BET and Xpressbet with our Midsummer Money promotion. Bet $100, Get $10 on select tracks this month. Next up Tuesday will be Thistledown. Here’s how I’ll approach the card in Ohio with an assist from the Betmix Angler database.Thistledown Race 2 | 1:20 pm ET#1 Vodkatini (8-1 morning line odds) makes what might look like a lateral trainer change from equal 21% winning barns, but note the new James Jackson stable has hit 13: 5-2-0 since August 4, posting 39% wins, and has produced a $1.29 ROI for every $1 bet since the beginning of July. Distance will be a challenge to get in gear early enough, but should be heard from late. Win-place bet #1. Exacta key-box 1 with 4,5,8. Picks: 1-5-4-8Thistledown Race 7 | 3:50 pm ETWith high-percentage trainer Kim Pool’s barn going through a slump in recent weeks, this might be a good chance to catch an overlay elsewhere as she has 9-5 and 3-1 morning line choices in the lineup. #6 Onore (6-1 morning line odds) rallied from deep to be a solid third over this track and trip last out in allowance company. Trainer Richard Estvanko doesn’t bring many here from his Belterra base, but is 6: 3-1-1 this season in focused spots. Win-place bet #6. Picks: 6-1-2.

NBC Sports racing and betting analyst Matt Bernier has joined the 1/ST BET and Xpressbet handicapping team as a weekly contributor. He will debut “Bernier’s Best” this Tuesday, providing international rankings for each Breeders’ Cup division, as well as handicap spotlighted major weekend stakes races weekly, available Fridays.Bernier burst into the handicapping spotlight in 2013 when becoming the then-youngest qualifier to the National Handicapping Championship at age 23. In addition to NBC Sports’ Triple Crown, Breeders’ Cup and major stakes coverage, Bernier previously provided his horseplaying insights to the likes of Daily Racing Form and FanDuel TV. This season he’ll co-host the daily simulcast product from Kentucky Downs.The “Bernier’s Best” Tuesday contributions will include a Breeders’ Cup division-by-division ranking with comments on the sport’s leading contenders toward the Oct. 30-31 championship days at Keeneland. An accompanying video will spotlight outstanding divisional performances and look forward to the big races of the coming week. His big-race analysis each Friday will feature his personal fair odds line on each runner, comments and selections – beginning with the $1 million Pacific Classic this Saturday at Del Mar.Bernier is the latest addition to the 1/ST BET and Xpressbet handicapping team, joining Jeremy Plonk, Scott Shapiro, Frank Carulli, Brian W. Spencer, Al Cimaglia and Bailey Armour. The company’s long history of acclaimed handicappers has included John DeSantis, Jon White, Eddie Olczyk and the late, great Jeff Siegel among others.Follow Bernier’s work at news.1st.com and Xpressbet.com as well as on X: @bernier_matt, @1stbet and @xpressbet.

EXTRA INCENTIVES10X 1/ST Rewards Points | Summer Sweep 5 (Gulfstream/Parx)1 Million 1/ST Rewards Points Hit & Split | Gulfstream | $3 Players Late Pick 3SCHEDULE NOTESEllis Park | makeup day added today | 12:50 pm ET first postLouisiana Downs | cancelled due to heat--note Louisiana Downs already has cancelled for Tues, WedSPECIAL WAGERSSummer Sweep Pick 5 | Gulfstream Races 6-7-9, Parx Races 7-9--$1 minimum, 15% takeout, no CAWNOTABLE CARRYOVERSJackpot Pick 6 | Thistledown | $179,703 | begins Race 3 | 1:50 pm ETMandatory Payout Pick 6 | Gulfstream | $25,553 | begins Race 4 | 1:54 pm ETPick 5 | Finger Lakes | $15,531 | begins Race 4 | 2:22 pm ETKEY RACESPresque Isle Downs | Race 7 | 6:12 pm ET | Princess of Sylmar StakesLONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIXEllis Park | Race 6 | 3:12 pm ETGulfstream | Race 7 | 3:30 pm ETMountaineer | Race 3 | 7:50 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHJuan Pablo Silva | Mountaineer | 4 of 5 entrants 4-1 or less oddsDID YOU SEE?Yesterday | Saratoga | jockey Manny Franco | 3 wins, 1 second from 10 mountsPUT 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 to begin the week. The $1.00 Pick 5, with a $10,000 guaranteed pool starts in Race 5. The Spot Plays are in Race 1, Race 5, and Race 7. They can be used in Win Bets and Gimmicks as well. Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.Race 1 (6:45 PM EDT)3-Rolling With Sam (9/2)-Cashed a few small checks versus $30k claimers and drops into a better spot for a rare picture. Has posted 1 win in 21 starts, but with the inside draw should be in the hunt at a square price. Joe B gets the call, and he posts 33% winners for the Adamczyk barn. Sam's last win came on 5-11 at YR with tonight's pilot at the controls and will look for the same outcome here.3-6-1Race 5 (8:05 PM EDT)6-Whats Stanley Got A (20-1)-This Team Straton entry has been well represented down a level even from the 8-hole. Liked him last week at this class and was a transportation scratch. Looking for an aggressive steer, could land in the pocket at a big price and trip out. Will look for an alert beginning and a sharp steer.6-4-2Race 7 (8:45 PM EDT)5-Joemikiyoursofine (12-1)-Will fade Heza Risk Taker A the 2/1 rail horse and go with a veteran that offers value. Drops to a more comfortable level and faces a beatable field. Should land in a good early seat and the 6-year-old can be a factor down the lane at a juicy price.5-7-1Check me out on X!

Running Aces has a 12-race card with the feature rolling in Race 8, the Wiseman Memorial with a $35,000 purse. The Spot Plays are in Race 5, Race 8, and Race 9. Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.Race 5 (7:28 PM CDT)6-My Little Maverick (7/2)-This 3-year-old has been a bridesmaid to tonight's 3/5 morning line choice #7 Bang Bang Boogie all season. But has been close, should offer a square price and tries Lasix for the 1st time. Can get the jump on its nemesis and if Lasix makes a difference, it could be enough to finally take a picture.7-6-4Race 8 (8:34 PM CDT)7-Escaper (9/2)-Looking for a price and the Herrera trainee could be overlooked. The post draw makes the price and Rick Magee produces 35% winners for this barn. Came off the 3 big tries being used from the outside. Appeared to be driven more conservatively last time in the Elimination and that was the 2nd race within 5 days. Magee should be out and rolling with a bigger check on the line and with a smooth trip, could surprise this crew.7-3-6Race 9 (8:56 PM CDT)7-Minnesota Kid (3-1)-Dropped in last but was ice cold on the board. Did outrace its 26-1 odds but finished a beaten 4th. Drops again, now get a new set of hands in Nick Roland and the change in pilots can make a winning difference. Could roll by them all if within striking range at the top of the lane.7-5-1Check me out on X!