EXTRA INCENTIVES1 Million 1/ST Rewards Points Hit & Split | Gulfstream | $3 Players Late Pick 310X 1/ST Rewards Points | Summer Sweep 5 | Gulfstream / Fort ErieSPECIAL WAGERSSummer Sweep Pick 5 | Gulfstream Races 6-7-8, Fort Erie Races 1-2--$1 minimum, 15% takeout, no CAWNOTABLE CARRYOVERSMandatory Payout Pick 6 | $24,168 | Gulfstream Park | begins Race 3 | 1:22 pm ETJackpot Pick 6 | $145,812 | Thistledown | begins Race 3 | 1:50 pm ETKEY RACESGulfstream | Race 6 | 2:58 pm ET | In Summation StakesLONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIXGulfstream Park | Race 8 | 4:00 pm ETFort Erie | Race 7 | 7:18 pm ETMountaineer | Race 2 | 7:25 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHRobert Cline | Thistledown | 4 of 5 entrants 9-2 or less oddsDID YOU SEE?Yesterday | Mountaineer | favorites won 7 of 10 races on West Virginia Derby DayPUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAMBrian Nadeau: Gulfstream Park Full-Card Monday PicksFrank Carulli & Brian W. Spencer best bets today in Xpressbet.com member’s section

Gulfstream Park's Monday action includes a mandatory payout in the Rainbow 6, which starts the day with a $24,168 carryover that track officials estimate will result in a pool in excess of $400,000. Horseplayers at 1/ST BET and Xpressbet can enjoy a 1 Million 1/ST Rewards Points Hit & Split promotion on the $3 Players Late Pick 3 bet as well as 10X 1/ST Rewards Points when playing the Summer Sweep 5 today (which matches Gulfstream Races 6,7,8 to Fort Erie's Races 1 and 2.Race 1:It’s Best Bet time in the opener with 1 LORD HENRY, who ran well with trouble when a distant 2nd sprinting in his debut, is bred to run long, drew perfectly, and meets a weak group on paper. Both 4 MORE POWER TO YOU and 6 CARRIBEAN COMET will offer better prices, with the former stretching out and trying turf, while adding blinkers to an already speedy package, while the latter debuts with a slew of works for Biancone, who is sterling 35% first-turf. SELECTIONS: 1-4-6-3Race 2:If 6 BUNDALAY runs back to that neck 2nd in her Tapeta debut then the rest are all vying for the scraps, as it would be way too much for these to handle, though you are allowed to wonder if she doesn’t regress a bit. The main danger is dropper 1 SWEET TASTE, who didn’t fire running long on turf, but should certainly like this group better. The gap to the rest, including 2 LIONESS LILLIAN, seems a seismic one. SELECTIONS: 6-1-2-5Race 3:It sounds crazy, but that distant 7th for 35k two-back from 2 WORKINCLASSKID seemingly wins this, as no one else has done anything close to that, which makes him imposing on the drop. It looks like 7 HOLY COW woke up on turf and the freshening off the trainer switch to Tessore, so if he can keep it going, he’s a big threat, though his Tapeta runs weren’t much. No doubt 8 FLYING CHIEF wouldn’t have to be a monster to play with these, but it’s hard to win your debut on Tapeta at two turns, from a wide draw, no less. SELECTIONS: 2-7-8-1Race 4:Give credit to 4 TO JOEY for that MCL win, as he had to duel for 4 furlongs (with a rival who was later eased) before kicking clear, in an effort that was way better than the slow figure it earned, and one that might allow him to double up while facing winners. Getting back to dirt makes 3 SPIRIT OF THE LAW imposing, as that “fast”’ 2nd two-back wins this, though at 1-for-15 lifetime, he’s tough to take at a short price. Can’t see 5 NOBLE PRINCE winning this off his recent efforts, but they are enough to get him a piece. SELECTIONS: 4-3-5-2Race 5:There’s enough speed to give 1 EVIL EMPIRE a chance late, and that 2/6 turf run fits with these, so he can surprise for a hot Lerman barn. The pace will help 7 KINGSWEARCROWNS too, who drops slightly off a decent 5th in his turf debut as well. Not interested in a short price on 4 WHEELHOUSE while trying turf for Saffie, as he’ll be overbet with no edge, and was 0 for-4 on grass for previous connections. SELECTIONS: 1-7-4-3Race 6:Looking forward to see what 3 SUM OF SUCCESS does for an encore in the In Summation, as his debut win was wowzers after cleared early and widened for fun with a big figure, in an effort that might have only scratched the surface of his talents. Conversely, 2 AMERIAN ROADSTER stalked and pounced in a more workmanlike debut win, but any time a 2yo passes horses in their unveiling, it’s worth noting, and the pace will be to his liking today as well. The same can be said for 5 SPICY TACO, who settled and rolled over Florida breds, and is another who will get set up up front. SELECTIONS: 3-2-5-6Race 7:A race void of pace might allow 5 HELLO POOCHY LOU to get brave up front, as she dueled and tired last time, but should have to lay down :22-flat today. The works whisper ready for 1 FORGOTTEN ABOUT, who debuts for Fawkes with a sterling AM tab, though the rail and 7Fs are tough asks. Don’t sleep on 4 CAMBER, who ran well routing on turf in her debut for 35k and is bred to love the main track. SELECTIONS: 5-1-4-7Race 8:It’s Longshot time in the finale with 7 SPICY PRINCESS, who was a decent 4th off the break while facing older, and should be able to build off that effort, while facing no world beaters. That was some comeback from 3 DEFIANT LASS, who was rolling late in a neck loss, in what was her first start in 14 months, and first on turf and for Toner too, which makes her scary, while getting added ground too. No real knocks on 2 CITY MINUTE, who was 2nd to a repeat winner when last seen on turf, though she will be overbet for Saffie. SELECTIONS: 7-3-2-4Best Bet: R1: #1 Lord Henry (9-5)* Good 2nd with trouble in debut* Bred to relish the added ground* Meets a suspect group on paperLongshot: R8: #7 Spicy Princess (6-1)* Encouraging 4th in return, facing older* Still has upside, should be tighter today* No standouts on paper, keeps Herrera

Yonkers Raceway has a 9-race card. The 0.50 Pick 5 with a $10,000 guaranteed pool rolls in Race 5. The Spot Plays are in Race 2, Race 3, and Race 5. Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.Race 2 (7:05 PM EDT)1-Whats Stanley Got A (6-1)-This isn't the easiest horse to read. But deserves a long look from the inside against a group that is moving up and or not proven at this level. The veteran moves up off a big effort from post 8 and was aided by some quick fractions. Usually is in the mix at YR with an inside draw and does know how to beat this kind. #4 Finvarra at 6/5 is similar in some ways and loses Bartlett to an injury most likely. Would rather lean here at a better price with regular driver Jordan Stratton aboard and will rely on a big effort coming.Betting #1 Whats Stanley Got A to Win1-3-4Race 3 (7:25 PM EDT)4-Twin B Powerball (12-1)-After making 39 starts last year the 8-year-old has only raced 5 times in 2026. Has a win and a 2nd place finish but was put away in mid-February and made its return on 8-13 versus better. Started from post 7 and put in a no-move mile racing from the back of the pack. Comes right back and lands in a very competitive level if ready to go. Will fade the program chalk #7 Federer who is 7/5 and will likely be without Bartlett. Looking for a big price, and from a choice post will take a swing the Team Lachance entry will be dialed on high.Using #4 Twin B Powerball in a Win Bet4-5-7Race 5 (8:05 PM EDT)4-Black Hawk Joe A (6-1)-Rolled the 2nd half in 56.3 in last but it wasn’t enough after being 11-lengths back at the half. That was from post 7 and now starts in a prime slot. Beat this kind 2 back from another choice post and will look for that type of performance.Playing #4 Black Hawk Joe A to Win4-3-1Check me out on X!

EXTRA INCENTIVESWoodbine Mile Flyaway Sweepstakes | earn up to 4 entries todaySCHEDULE NOTESMountaineer | special 5 pm ET WV Derby Day twilight first postSPECIAL WAGERSSummer Sweep Pick 5 | Gulfstream Races 6-7-8, Woodbine Races 6-7--$1 minimum, 15% takeout, no CAWTOURNAMENT TIME$500 Mountaineer WV Derby Day PWCBC Qualifier | details$100 Saratoga Feeder | details$80 Del Mar Feeder | details$40 Canterbury Feeder | detailsNOTABLE CARRYOVERSSuper Hi 5 | $9,171 | Ellis Park | Race 1 | 12:50 pm ETSuper Hi 5 | $25,516 | Del Mar | Race 9 | 9:10 pm ETPick 6 | $15,762 | Los Alamitos (AQHA) | begins Race 3 | 10:30 pm ETKEY RACESEllis Park | Race 4 | 2:16 pm ET | Ellis Park JuvenileEllis Park | Race 5 | 2:44 pm ET | Groupie Doll StakesEllis Park | Race 6 | 3:12 pm ET | Ellis Park DebutanteEllis Park | Race 7 | 3:42 pm ET | Ellis Park DerbyEllis Park | Race 8 | 4:12 pm ET | Audubon OaksEllis Park | Race 9 | 4:42 pm ET | Cowboy Jones StakesSaratoga | Race 8 | 5:09 pm ET | Troy StakesMountaineer | Race 7 | 7:30 pm ET | WV Governor’s StakesDel Mar | Race 6 | 7:40 pm ET | Sorrento StakesMountaineer | Race 8 | 7:55 pm ET | West Virginia Derby | Plonk: Race of WeekLONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIXColonial Downs | Race 1 | 12:30 pm ETWoodbine | Race 7 | 4:19 pm ETSaratoga | Race 10 | 6:19 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHBob Baffert | Ellis Park, Del Mar | all 6 entrants 4-1 or less odds (5 at 2-1 or less)DID YOU SEE?Yesterday | Del Mar | favorites won 7 of 10 races on the card (just 28% for meet)PUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAMScott Shapiro: Saratoga Sunday Spot PlaysJeremy Plonk: Del Mar Sunday Spot PlaysDustin Fabian: Mountaineer WV Derby Day Full-Card PicksBrian W. Spencer best bets today in Xpressbet.com member’s section

Sunday's West Virginia Derby Day card at Mountaineer co-features the West Virigina Governor's Stakes in Races 7 and 8. First post is a twilight special 5 pm ET with 9 races slated. Horseplayers at Xpressbet, take part in the $500 Mountaineer West Virginia Derby Day Pegasus World Cup Betting Championship Qualifier handicapping tournament today.Race 1 (5:00PM ET)#9 Rock n’Opportunity (10/1): Gets class relief as part of the cross-state trek from Charles Town for 26% trainer Ronney Brown and benefits from outside stalking trip.#5 Victory Song (5/2): Charles Town invader has finished flat in a pair of 4.5f WV-bred MSWs cross state but is good enough to handle this bunch if he breaks well.#3 All Roads to Denis (8/1): At 0-for-39 is not a win contender but has 16 2nds and 3rds on the resume and ITM 4-of-5 tries at the distance.Notes: WV-bred MSW is a melting pot field, consisting of two first-time-starters, a pair of Charles Town shippers, and a trio that is 0-for-20+ locally. I’ll give the cross-state shippers a decided edge over the locals, who are led by a horse that tired badly going a furlong longer at 4/5-odds last out.Race 2 (5:25PM ET)#7 Back On Track (7/2): Has three blowout wins since moving to California to West Virginia and drew impeccably. Would consider this one a Pick 4 single, assuming #1 Silent Rule scratches.#6 Canadian Bear (5/1): Razor sharp filly ITM in 9 of her last 9 dating back to March. Doesn’t have the sizzle of the topic pick, but more than good enough to fill out exotics.#4 Mama Marge (4/1): Blowout local victory on July 13 was great and easy, but the water is much deeper here. Several speed players to her outside.Notes: Going to assume that Silent Rule scratches out of this spot for the $100K Best of Ohio stakes race he’s entered in on Saturday. If he runs here, he’s as formidable a 1/9 shot as you’ll find.Race 3 (5:50PM ET)#4 Leave Drama Behind (7/2): “Speed of the speed” put it all together in the N2X version of this race on July 27 and wheels back fast. Is a daughter of ’09 WV Derby runner-up, Big Drama.#1 Emily’s Joy (9/2): Daughter of ’16 WV Derby winner Cupid isn’t a fast starter, which is a big challenge in 5-furlong turf dashes. Best on paper, but needs great trip.#9 Artella (8/1): Midwest invader has won two straight, but both turf races (at route distances) were not good. Was dirt the key to better form? Or simply a cutback in distance?Notes: Not an overload of speed signed on for this 5-furlong turf dash, and thinking Indiana-invader Emily’s Joy is overbet from the rail. She’s best on paper but can’t afford to break at the back of the bunch. Local speedster Leave Drama Behind might be gone by the time she breaks free.Race 4 (6:15PM ET)#10 Beach Colt (12/1): The morning line feels like wishful thinking for this one, who knocked heads with Viking, Rolando, Jack’s Promise and others at Gulfstream over the winter.#6 Highly Flammable (10/1): Either of his races at Churchill in April/May were probably good enough to win this and may be a bit forgotten after a loss to much tough competition at Ellis.#1 Catch the Humor (9/2): Can tuck away inside plenty of speed to his outside and should come with a big kick. First time away from CT, so make sure value is fair.Notes: This race is a who’s who of some of the quickest horses at Mountaineer, but Gulfstream invader Beach Colt may be quickest of them all. If he runs as well here as he did in the Smile Sprint on July 4, they probably never get to him.Race 5 (6:40PM ET)#5 Sperry Chalet (5/2): Painful to pick an 0-for-16 ML favorite but shows two really strong local turf races on the resume. Catch her if you can.#1 Completely Elegant (20/1): Expect this one to get hammered off the 20/1 ML shipping in from Kentucky and with Johnny V in the irons. Plenty to love, despite finishing last in two-of-three races.#9 Red Drapes (15/1): Ran OK in two turf races at Laurel earlier this year, and the Jay Bernardini barn has been hot as they get locally of late. Wants to stalk the top pick.Notes: These horses don’t bring much in recent form, and many in here seem allergic to the passing lane, so going with the one that should be up front. Expect Completely Elegant to be a fraction of the 20/1 price off the company she’s kept.Race 6 (7:05PM ET)#9 Small Field (7/2): Mountaineer turf specialist is 2-for-3 locally and the stamina influence of damsire With Approval, 2nd in the ’90 BC Turf, doesn’t hurt. Expect him to be favored.#4 Royal Salute (5/2): Plenty of turf quality in the pedigree, including Kitten’s Joy, Dansili, and Oscar Performance in the immediate family. Is 2-for-2 locally for the Bernardini barn.#2 Blind Eye (6/1): Resume shows decent efforts at Monmouth, Laurel and Moutaineer on the lawn, but not sure the 1 3/4-mile distance suits as well as others.Note: 1 3/4 miles on the lawn is not a common distance on any circuit, so finding horses with penchant to marathon here is not easy. Going four turns, I expect the cream to rise to the top and this one appears to be between the two favorites.Race 7 (7:30PM ET) - $200K WV Governor’s Stakes#2 Bracket Buster (5/2): They’ve been picky finding the right spot for this one off the pine, but I think this 1 1/16 mile trip at Mountaineer should suit perfectly. Won the OK Derby in ’25 is tactical enough to handle these.#6 Hall of Fame (5/1): Worth a long look as this one gets back on Lasix for the first time in over a year. Recent form is questionable at best, but Asmussen and Team have made the walk to the MNR winner’s circle many times.#1 Neoequos (3/1): It has been a long time since this one won on the dirt, but he did win routing on turf at GP in January and his last three starts were all solid for Saffie. He should run well.Note: A few of these wouldn’t be a surprise, but thinking Bracket Buster and Hall of Fame are the ‘right’ two for the multi-race sequences. Priority is Bracket Buster, but Hall of Fame more than a capable runner on his best days.Race 8 (7:55PM ET) - $400K Grade 3 West Virginia Derby#4 J J Grey (2/1): Has quietly amassed a resume with four consecutive dirt wins dating back to March, all by at least 1 3/4-lengths. Can lead or stalk, which makes him a tactical handful for his rivals.#5 Zihnal (6/1): Ran evenly in the G3 Indiana Derby, but continues to improve for Jonathan Thomas and all three of his dirt races return big speed figs. Johnny Velazquez is named to ride.#6 Maximum Effort (9/2): Closed from the clouds to finish 3rd behind J J Grey in the Iowa Derby. Can’t pick a maiden up top, but he should fill in somewhere underneath.Notes: J J Grey is sharp, in-form and has the right tactical speed that is traditionally formidable in this race. Wayne’s Law is a complete wildcard to his outside, but adds blinkers and could set things up for a host of closers if he pushes the tempo quicker than ‘Grey wants to go.Race 9 (8:20PM ET)#9 Binging (5/1): Makes the cross-nation trek from Santa Anita to Mountaineer and the races he was running in SoCal over the winter would likely handle this bunch.#1 Mischievous Juan (10/1): White hot Juan Vazquez barn sends out this one. While just 1-for-11 locally, he should appreciate a return to a fast track and will be moving on late.#2 Crosstown Shootout (5/2): Veteran 10yo won a tougher race two back at Horseshoe Indy. Has finished 1st or 2nd in 30-of-65 races and even has two local scores back in 2021.Notes: Nightcap / getout race is a solid puzzle. I’ll land on the quality of the California shipper, but others in this group have been running well in Florida and Indiana. Binging is just 3-for-20 lifetime, but is 2-for-11 on the dirt and that February 28 race at Santa Anita would win this.Early Pick 4 TicketRace 2: 7 (add 1 if doesn’t scratch)Race 3: 1, 4, 9Race 4: 1, 6, 8, 10Race 5: 1, 5Ticket: $24 for $1Pick 5 TicketRace 5: 1, 5Race 6: 4, 9Race 7: 2, 6Race 8: 3, 4, 5Race 9: 1, 2, 3, 8, 9Ticket: $60 for 50-cents

After Sovereignty came from off-the-pace to steal the show and return to the Saratoga winner’s circle after his dominant victory in the Whitney (G1), the racing week concludes in Saratoga Springs with an 11-race card that kicks off at 1:10 PM local time. The afternoon is headlined by the Troy (G2) for turf sprinters, as well as a first-level allowance over both surfaces. Here a few horses I am interested in, including my thoughts on the feature.Race 2:My first play of the day comes in this MSW for 3YOs+ at 1 1/16-miles over the Inner Turf where I will lean on one of the most experienced runners in this compact group of non-winners hoping to breakthrough for the first time. #2 Feline Curious exits a race where he was beaten by two rivals entered in this spot, but I expect a better run in his second local start. Two-back at Churchill Downs, the son of Kitten’s Joy broke on top before jockey Adam Beschizza was happy to let others go and settle a couple lengths off the pace instead. Johnny V rode this guy in his first start at the Spa last month where they went considerably quicker in the early stages than I expect them to today. He failed to finish with energy, but I expect him to be on the lead or right off the pace today against a field that could be caught in chase mode late. The Kelsey Danner trainee appears in with as a good a shot as anyone in the start of the early Pick 4.Play: #2 Feline Curious (9-2 ML)Picks: 2-6-3Race 8: Troy (G2)The lone stakes race on the Sunday agenda is this 5.5-furlong dash over the grass where there should be an honest pace given the presence of #1 Dancing Buck, #3 Doncho, #4 Coppola, #5 Waralo, and the probable speed of the speed #8 John the Beer Man. This should bode well for the New York-bred #2 Twenty Six Black. The son of War Dancer took advantage of a big setup and perfect trip last out in the Harvey Pack, but ran two big races prior to that as well. Three-back in the Elusive Quality, the son of War Dancer was likely best, but was unable to get through along the inside until it was too late in his neck defeat to Waralo. His fourth-place finish during the Belmont Stakes Racing Festvial in the Jaipur (G1) was better than looks since it was against the best of the division and included a wide sweeping move into the lane in a race where that was not the favorable trip. Twenty Six Black has shown a true affinity for this turf course, retains hot riding Manny Franco, and makes his second start of the summer meet for the red-hot Horacio De Paz barn. There is lots to like outside of his probable price.Play: #2 Twenty Six Black (5-2 ML)Picks: 2-3-8Race 9:My final play of the week comes in this state-bred first-level allowance at seven-furlongs over the main track where I will hope #6 Max Money can make it two wins in a row for trainer Mike Maker. The Three Diamonds Farm colt went five starts as a 2YO without a win, but broke his maiden at this same distance on April 18 at Aqueduct before a failed try against stakes foes in the Mike Lee. The son of Maxfield rebounded though by besting allowance foes out of the Wilson chute on July 16 and should get a perfect stalking trip today under jockey Ricardo Santana Jr. Hopefully, he can cap off a solid week for yours truly off despite a poor Whitney Day with a victory for the “good guys.”Play: #6 Max Money (4-1 ML)Picks: 6-5-4

After a smashing juvenile win in the Best Pal on Saturday by Hughes, we’ll see if the fillies’ first step to the Del Mar Debutante can produce similar fireworks. The Grade 3 Sorrento goes as Race 6. First post for Sunday’s 9-race card is 5 pm ET / 2 pm PT. The final race has a super hi 5 carryover of $25,516.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 was Saturday).Del Mar: Race 3 | 6:04 pm ET#1 Red Cherry (5-2 morning line odds) has no excuses here as rail speed in a wire-to-wire threat. Nearly pulled it off over a sixteenth farther last out over this track. Filly who nailed her last time was stakes-placed and winning for the second straight time. Win bet #1. Picks 1-4-7Del Mar: Race 5 | 7:10 pm ET#8 Daniel’s Magic (3-1 morning line odds) has run very well in Del Mar turf sprints against tougher competition and comes into the race in positive form. Trainer Craig Dollase has had Del Mar turf sprint claiming success in recent summers. Win bet #8. Picks 8-3-9Del Mar: Race 7 | 8:10 pm ET#9 Pure Chaos (4-1 morning line odds) best bet on the card after blasting late last time and galloping out clearly best. Speed held very well in that blanket finish, so her close gets extra kudos and note the winner came back here Friday to win again. Rival #7 Pavel Is Appealing had the easier trip last out of the pair. Win bet #9. Picks 9-7-3

Northfield Park starts the week with a 16-race card. The Spot Plays are in Race 4, Race 11, and Race 14. Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.Race 4 (7:06 PM EDT)2-The Plan (6-1)-Won 2 straight and stepped up again to face this kind and came a distant 2nd at 18-1. Ran into a monster that night who won in 152.1. Did race well considering was doubled bumbled and had a wide ride. Now comes back versus the same and this is a beatable field. Kurt Sugg should get a close-up seat, and work an efficient trip. This race could set-up nicely for the veteran and can offer a square price.Using #2 The Plan in a Win Bet2-4-3Race 11 (9:40 PM EDT)4-Out Of Ice (6-1)-Meadows shipper comes off a handy win at 1/9 and now steps up to face Open company. Has 1 win in 2 starts at Nfld, and that came against this kind back in April. Aaron Merriman posts 21% winners for the Bercury barn, he knows the 4-year-old, and it should offer a nice return. The pedal will be down and can land in the pocket or on top and either could work for an upset win.Playing #4 Out Of Ice to Win4-6-2Race 14 (10:46 PM EDT)2-Bryant Bros S (5-1)-Gets needed post relief but the morning line still seems low. The 5-year-old can win off a smooth trip and from this starting slot has a good chance of getting one. The Schillaci trainee could be sitting on a big try and likes to win at Nfld (36-9-2-5).Betting #2 Bryant Bros (5-1) to Win2-1-8Check me out on X!