After a day that saw Napoleon Solo turn away Iron Honor in the lane to capture the 151st running of the Preakness Stakes at Laurel Park, it is right back to it for horseplayers for what should be an enjoyable Sunday Funday. The action throughout the country should provide a great way to end the racing week. I have my attention focused on Churchill Downs this afternoon where they have a 9-race card set to kick off at 12:45 PM eastern. Here are the horses I like most on the slate.Race 4:My first play comes in this first-level allowance event at two-turns over the main track where I expect 3 or 4 fillies to take the lions’ share of the money. #1 Clarita comes off a hard fought second at Keeneland at a similar level and was made the 8-5-ML favorite, while #5 Be the Light and #2 Answered Prayers will also likely go off at under 4-1. I like Answered Prayers most. The Emory Hamilton homebred bounced back after breaking slowly over an off track at Gulfstream Park on debut with an easy 2 1/2-length win in her first start at a route of ground last month. The daughter of Speightstown was unable to save ground that day into the first turn, but still had plenty left late with the addition of blinkers for the initial time. A move forward and a favorable ground saving voyage should lead to back-to-back scores for the Bill Mott trainee.Pick: #2 Answered Prayers (3-1 ML)Race 7:There is no doubt this MSW at 6-furlongs over the main track goes through deserving 8-5-ML favorite #9 Deep Flame. Normally, horses that lose their first two races with runner-up finishes after taking a lot of money are runners I start to consider playing against due to being underlaid and potentially camera shy. That is not the case though with this Juddmonte colt. He finished second after just an ok break on debut to a serious horse in Trouble Calling before missing by a half-length when throwing it down with next out winner Gilded Bandit going 6.5-furlongs at Keeneland. He should crush this field unless he still has yet to recover from the very fast race last out.I will key Deep Flame on top and look for value underneath since I have questions about 7-2-second choice #11 Embry Show and the more experienced duo of #5 Puteketeke and #6 Gream Moment. I will hope to get one of two first-time starters into the number. #1 Flashy Rich Deal is a full-brother to $2.5M earner Free Like a Girl. He draws the rail and may not be set for his best first out, but he could have some talent. #2 Justice also intrigues slightly. Trainer Wayne Mackey has debuted five horses at Churchill Downs dating back to the spring of 2022. None of them have won, but all 5 were double-digit odds and 2 hit the board. I will hope he makes 50% in the money with this Peter Blue Thoroughbreds colt.Play: Exacta 9 with 1+2, Tri 9 w/ 1+2+3+4+7+8+10 w/ 1+2Race 8:This second-level allowance event at 7-furlongs is a fun one. There are some fast horses in this race that can get the lead early and be tough to catch late, but I am hopeful they will compromise each other’s chances on the front end. If so, #1 Mendela could be able to take advantage. The daughter of Mendelssohn comes in off a runner-up effort at Oaklawn Park where she was unlikely to win with a cleaner run, but did have traffic issues in the lane. The move to Rafael Bejarano should work well for this Chris Hartman trainee that will need some racing luck with the rail draw. That said, if they go at it early, she could be making the last move.Play: #1 Mendela (8-1 ML)Have a great Sunday and enjoy next week. I will be dealing with some personal things and be back ready to fire the following week!

SPECIAL WAGERSCoast-to-Coast Pick 5 | Gulfstream Races 9-10; Santa Anita Races 4-5-7Sunset 6 | Gulfstream Races 8-9-10; Santa Anita Races 7-8-9TOURNAMENT TIME$40 Santa Anita Feeder | detailsNOTABLE CARRYOVERSJackpot Pick 6 | $108,626 | Churchill Downs | begins Race 4 | 2:13 pm ETSuper Hi 5 | $4,249 | Gulfstream Park | Race 10 | 5:35 pm ETJackpot Super Hi 5 | $54,373 | Woodbine | Race 10 | 6:14 pm ETKEY RACESGulfstream Park | Race 8 | 4:34 pm ET | Roar StakesSanta Anita | Race 3 | 5:00 pm ET | Cinema StakesWoodbine | Race 8 | 5:11 pm ET | King Corrie StakesLONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIXGulfstream Park | Race 6 | 3:30 pm ETAqueduct | Race 6 | 3:38 pm ETSanta Anita | Race 5 | 6:00 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHJoe Sharp | Churchill, Aqueduct | 5 of 6 entrants 9-2 or less oddsDID YOU SEE?Yesterday | Laurel | trainer Graham Motion | 2 stakes wins on Preakness undercardPUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAMScott Shapiro: Churchill Downs Spot Plays for SundayBrian 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 low 14% takeout with a $10,000 guaranteed pool, and it will be my focus. Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.Race 11 (9:40 PM EDT)3-Lake Charles (7/2)-Lands inside at a level of past success. Won against this kind on 4-19 and Justine Irvine could work a winning trip here. Looks like an opportunity to control the mile around the opening turn and with a sharp steer could be tough to tackle.6-Silver Bentley (7/2)-Has been working at ScD and MVR and should fit nicely with this group. Has done well at Nfld (65-11-11-9) and Dan Noble is between the pipes. Needs to wake up and has a pilot that can squeeze out every drop of energy.Race 12 (10:02 PM EDT)2-Oberto (9/5)-Raced evenly in last after coming off a sick scratch and not racing in 22 days. Takes a meaningful drop and if all systems are "go" it could lead to the 5th picture in 15 starts this year.5-Lous Private Eye (7/2)-The last time at Nfld beat the NW10 on 3-8 and now returns to face a softer field. Didn't have much success against tough customers at MVR and was a sick scratch on 4-22. Will use on the assumption it will fire hot off the bench after being off 5 weeks. If so, Lou could have its way with this field.Race 13 (10:24 PM EDT)2-Bobs Redemption (10-1)-Drew off by 7-lengths, then stepped up to face this kind and finished a beaten 3rd at 63-1. Comes right back against a beatable field and the camera shy 7-year-old should offer a big return.4-Cocodream A (9/5)-Dropped in last to face this kind, got the pocket and could not catch the winner. Beat those who drew outside in last. Has enough gate speed to get on the point and control the mile.Race 14 (10:46 PM EDT)2-Hope N Pray (6-1)-Irvin picks the one below and Braiden Rhoades is at the controls. Has been trying hard and the trips in the last 2 starts were bumpy. Could come off cover and be the best down the lane if gets an up-close seat when the wings fold but needs some breaks.4-Belechick (9/5)-Beat this kind off a wide trip and was bet down to even money. Draws well and logically should be a smaller price tonight. Gets the bonus of facing the same because was eligible at the time of entry. Small price coming and should have a big chance of doubling up.$1 Late Pick 43,6/2,5/2,4/2,4Total Bet=$16Check me out on X!

The 14-race Preakness Day card at Laurel Park gets underway at 10:30 am ET. To help you play the action today, we've put together all of our content and keys to a winning day in one easy place. Best of luck in Preakness 151. PREAKNESS HANDICAPPING HELP1/ST Preakness Wager Guide | handicappers across all 1/ST platforms | free access Jeremy Plonk: Laurel Park Preakness Day Full-Card PicksScott Shapiro: Laurel Park Preakness Day Full-Card PicksJeremy Plonk: Race of the Week – Dinner Party Stakes at Laurel PROMOS$10,000 Exacta-Thon | Laurel Full-Card | Saturday (Preakness Day)$10 Money-Back Special | Preakness Stakes | Laurel Race 13 Saturday$1,500 Preakness Challenge (Laurel) Handicapping Contest | detailsMORE BANG FOR YOUR BUCKMandatory Payout Pick 6 | $60,855 | Laurel | begins Race 8 | 2:48 pm ETMandatory Payout Super Hi 5 | $26,107 | Laurel | Race 13 Preakness | 7:01 pm ETSTAKES MENULaurel | Race 4 | 12:16 pm ET | Skipat StakesLaurel | Race 6 | 1:28 pm ET | Sir Barton StakesLaurel | Race 7 | 2:07 pm ET | Chick Lang StakesLaurel | Race 8 | 2:48 pm ET | Maryland Sprint StakesLaurel | Race 9 | 3:30 pm ET | James W. Murphy StakesLaurel | Race 10 | 4:11 pm ET | Dinner Party StakesLaurel | Race 11 | 4:53 pm ET | Gallorette StakesLaurel | Race 12 | 5:52 pm ET | Jim McKay Turf Sprint StakesLaurel | Race 13 | 7:01 pm ET | Preakness Stakes

PREAKNESS STAKES1/ST Preakness Wager Guide | daily updates | free access EXTRA INCENTIVES$10,000 Exacta-Thon | Laurel Full-Card | Saturday (Preakness Day)$10 Money-Back Special | Preakness Stakes | Laurel Race 13 SaturdaySCHEDULE NOTESLaurel Park | early first post 10:30 am ETChurchill Downs | late first post 6 pm ETSPECIAL WAGERSCoast-to-Coast Pick 5 | Gulfstream Races 10-11; Santa Anita Races 5-6-7Sunset 6 | Gulfstream Races 9-10-11; Santa Anita Races 8-9-10TOURNAMENT TIME$1,500 Preakness Challenge (Laurel) | details$40 Santa Anita Feeder | detailsNOTABLE CARRYOVERSJackpot Pick 5 | $172,873 | Parx | begins Race 1 | 12:40 pm ETMandatory Payout Pick 6 | $60,855 | Laurel | begins Race 8 | 2:48 pm ETPick 6 | $14,388 | Aqueduct | begins Race 6 | 3:47 pm ETSuper Hi 5 | $26,107 | Laurel | Race 13 Preakness | 7:01 pm ETJackpot Pick 6 | $99,328 | Churchill Downs | begins Race 5 | 7:57 pm ETJackpot Pick 6 | $69,899 | Charles Town | begins Race 3 | 8:02 pm ETSuper Hi 5 | $18,493 | Santa Anita | Race 10 | 8:50 pm ETPick 6 | $49,447 | Los Alamitos | begins Race 4 | 10:44 pm ETKEY RACESLaurel | Race 4 | 12:16 pm ET | Skipat StakesLaurel | Race 6 | 1:28 pm ET | Sir Barton StakesLaurel | Race 7 | 2:07 pm ET | Chick Lang StakesLaurel | Race 8 | 2:48 pm ET | Maryland Sprint StakesMonmouth | Race 5 | 2:58 pm ET | Serena’s Song StakesGulfstream | Race 5 | 3:05 pm ET | Monroe StakesLaurel | Race 9 | 3:30 pm ET | James W. Murphy StakesLaurel | Race 10 | 4:11 pm ET | Dinner Party StakesLaurel | Race 11 | 4:53 pm ET | Gallorette StakesWoodbine | Race 8 | 5:06 pm ET | Ruling Angel StakesGulfstream | Race 9 | 5:09 pm ET | Mr. Steele StakesSanta Anita | Race 9 | 5:20 pm ET | Mizdirection StakesLaurel | Race 12 | 5:52 pm ET | Jim McKay Turf Sprint StakesLaurel | Race 13 | 7:01 pm ET | Preakness StakesPrairie Meadows | Race 6 | 9:18 pm ET | Golden Circle StakesChurchill Downs | Race 8 | 9:39 pm ET | Louisville StakesLONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIXLaurel | Race 5 | 12:51 pm ETGulfstream | Race 11 | 6:11 pm ETChurchill Downs | Race 2 | 6:28 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHSaffie Joseph Jr. | Gulfstream Park | 8 of 10 entrants 9-2 or less oddsDID YOU SEE?Yesterday | trainer Brittany Russell | Laurel, Charles Town | 4 wins, including 2 stakes at LrlPUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAMJeremy Plonk: Laurel Park Preakness Day Full-Card PicksScott Shapiro: Laurel Park Preakness Day Full-Card PicksJeremy Plonk: Race of the Week – Dinner Party Stakes at LaurelScott Shapiro: Churchill Downs Spot Plays for Saturday NightFrank Carulli & Brian W. Spencer best bets today in Xpressbet.com member’s section

The racing in Maryland certainly takes center stage this weekend, but there is also very strong action throughout the country on Preakness Day. One of the better betting cards outside of Laurel Park is at Churchill Downs where they have a special “Downs After Dark” event. The racing begins at 6PM eastern and is headlined by the Louisville (G3), which goes as Race 8 and goes to post at 9:39 PM. Here are a few horses I like most on Saturday night in the Blue Grass.Race 2:My first play of the evening comes in this MSW event for the ladies where I will try second-time starter #4 Teatonic. Trainer Michael McCarthy debuted this Keeneland September 2024 purchase late last June in the first 6-furlong MSW affair of the year for 2YO fillies in Kentucky. The daughter of Yaupon chased a hot pace that day, finished a disappointing sixth, and has been on the sidelines since. McCarthy opts to bring her back in an easier spot than she encountered at first asking nearly 11 months ago. If she is ready to fire off the layoff, I am hopeful she gets the jump on and has enough left late to beat 9-5-ML favorite #11 Movie Night. Gerardo Corrales will take the call.Play: #4 Teatonic (9-2 ML)Race 4:This first-level allowance at 1 1/16-miles over the Churchill Downs lawn is one of the better betting races on the card. I will key around #7 Chambersville. The Shortleaf Stable homebred was part of the string that Kenny McPeek took to Saratoga last summer and has made two starts as a 3YO. Both resulted in third-place efforts, including last out when he returned to the grass and put in a better than looks performance from off-the-pace. Jockey Jose Ortiz had the Twirling Candy colt last early off a two-month break before opting to make a four-wide middle move. This strategy was obviously not plan A from Ortiz, but the fact Chambersville was able to try to the wire still earning third at odds of 16-1 says a lot about his stamina. This should serve him well in this spot, especially if veteran Manny Esquivel can save ground early before coming with this guy’s run in the lane. If so, he has a big chance to earn career win number two.Play: #7 Chambersville (5-1 ML)Race 6:My final spot play of the Downs After Dark card comes in this $141,000 allowance at two-turns over the sod where I like #4 In the Stars. The well-bred daughter of Into Mischief moves up in class after winning by a nose off the layoff at Keeneland on April 10. The arrow is pointing up on this Rusty Arnold trainee that ran better than looks in the Miss Revere (G2) in November and has proven twice she can finish well over this surface. Edgar Morales gets the leg up with Luis Saez in Maryland for the Preakness.Play: #4 In the Stars (4-1 ML)

PREAKNESS STAKES1/ST Preakness Wager Guide | daily updates | free access EXTRA INCENTIVES$10,000 Exacta-Thon | Laurel Full-Card | Friday (Black-Eyed Susan Day)$10 Money-Back Special | Black-Eyed Susan Stakes | Laurel Race 13 Friday$10,000 Exacta-Thon | Laurel Full-Card | Saturday (Preakness Day)$10 Money-Back Special | Preakness Stakes | Laurel Race 13 SaturdaySCHEDULE NOTESLaurel Park | 11:30 am ET early first post for Black-Eyed Susan DaySPECIAL WAGERSLaurel Preakness Saturday Advance Wagering | remains open todayCoast-to-Coast Pick 5 | Gulfstream Races 8-9; Santa Anita Races 3-4-5Sunset 6 | Gulfstream Races 7-8-9; Santa Anita Races 7-8-9TOURNAMENT TIME$100 Laurel Feeder | details$40 Santa Anita Feeder | detailsNOTABLE CARRYOVERSSuper Hi 5 | $22,400 | Churchill Downs | Race 2 | 1:14 pm ETJackpot Pick 6 | $92,976 | Churchill Downs | begins Race 4 | 2:13 pm ETSunset 6 | $23,111 | Gulfstream/Santa Anita | begins GP Race 7 | 4:04 pm ETJackpot Pick 6 | $63,664 | Charles Town | begins Race 4 | 8:32 pm ETKEY RACESLaurel | Race 8 | 3:20 pm ET | Miss Preakness StakesLaurel | Race 9 | 3:54 pm ET | Hilltop StakesLaurel | Race 10 | 4:28 pm ET | DuPont Distaff StakesLaurel | Race 11 | 5:02 pm ET | The Very One StakesLaurel | Race 12 | 5:37 pm ET | Pimlico Special StakesLaurel | Race 13 | 6:14 pm ET | Black-Eyed Susan StakesPrairie Meadows | Race 6 | 9:15 pm ET | Goldfinch StakesLONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIXLaurel | Race 5 | 1:41 pm ETAqueduct | Race 8 | 5:16 pm ETEvangeline Downs | Race 5 | 8:18 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHMark Casse | Gulfstream Park, Woodbine, Aqueduct | 5 of 6 entrants 9-2 or less oddsDID YOU SEE?Yesterday | Evangeline Downs | nation’s highest paying winner, exacta, trifecta in 3 separate racesPUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAMFrank Carulli: Laurel Park Friday Exacta-Thon PlaysJeremy Plonk: Laurel Park Full Stakes Picks for FridayFrank Carulli & Brian W. Spencer best bets today in Xpressbet.com member’s section

The Meadowlands has a 14-race card and the Early Pick 4 starts in Race 6. The sequence has a $50,000 guaranteed pool, and it will be my focus. Comments and selections below are based on a fast trackRace 6 (8:40 PM EDT)5-Mr Mouton (4-1)-Dexter Dunn steers for Ake Svansted and they post 26% winners when they combine. Will use off the 5-1 qualifier, when it was driven aggressively and gave way down the lane. Has hit the board in 3 of 4 at M1 and should be forwardly placed.7-Bravo Angel S (5/2)-Fired hot off the bench, won its debut at M1, then beat the Invites at Yonkers twice. Jason Bartlett is at the controls, and it has won 3-times in 15 races at East Rutherford. Could beat this crew coming off cover as the fractions should be lively.Race 7 (9:05 PM EDT)4-Reamarkable De Vie (6-1)-Beat easier handily coming off cover and missed a start due to a sick scratch. Has hit the board in 6 of 13 at M1 with 2 pictures. This will be a test, but the price is right to take a swing.5-Calderone (5/2)-Finished a beaten 3rd and went a 55.3 back half but the fractions were slow, they went to the half in .58. This is a softer spot and could be sitting on a big try.7-Cal Miles N Shell (6-1)-Recent form has been dull but did show some life at Phl in last. Tried to go gate to wire and faded. Drops to a competitive level, tries a large oval and Dunn gets the call. Should be a good price, could get a close-up seat and be in the mix down the lane.Race 8 (9:30 PM EDT)2-Miki In Luv (5/2)-Comes off a powerful mile leaving from post 8. Set a new mark of 150.3 and sealed it off with a 27.3 last panel. Takes on better but if brings the same effort it should lead to another picture.8-Blue Point (10-1)-Comes off 2 sharp efforts at Philly which were the initial starts this year. Looks like a price shot that should be a big # with this post draw. This mare has won 2 of 3 at M1 and had a 150.2 mark here in 2025. Can take some air and fits with this crew.Race 9 (9:55 PM EDT)7-My Philomene (9/2)-Qualified on 4-3 and didn't race until 5-2. Put in a good effort considering it was its 1st race this year and faced stakes company. Scott Zeron steers again, had breaking issues last year and stayed flat in a quick mile in its season debut. Showed good speed last time and will look for an even better effort in her 5th lifetime start at a square price.$2 Late Pick 45,7/4,5,7/2,8/7Total Bet=$24Check me out on X!