Tuesday’s Parx racing card includes a trio of stakes races and a 1 Million 1/ST Rewards Points Hit & Split promotion when you play with 1/ST BET and Xpressbet. First post is set for 12:05 pm ET, while the late pick 4 begins with Race 7 at 2:47 pm ET and includes 2 of the stakes. Let’s get to work.Race 7: optional claiming#1 I Feelucky Tonite has fit beautifully at this starter allowance condition with a 6: 2-3-1 mark in such races since May and seems to fire regardless of price – beyond a trip to the Claiming Crown. #8 Guaponess likely goes favored off a claim-and-score by high-percentage trainer Jamie Ness. The distance and post pose some risk, but this barn hard to dismiss and a bullet workout is in tow. #5 Kissthemoon fits the conditions perfectly and has transferred his Penn National form to Laurel in the past, which should translate here if he takes to the Parx surface. The post does him no favors, but veteran #10 Dreaming of Gerry should be finishing among the best here and the 5-pound weight break to hot-riding apprentice Yedsit Hazlewood could help the cause.Race 8: $75,000 Parx Future Stars StakesTrainer Butch Reid holds the cards and wildcards in this 2-year-old sprint. He’s entered #1 Mailata, #2 Tough Guy Tony and #3 Connor’s Crew. Mailata has won on fast and wet tracks and clearly the horse to beat if he runs here and not in Saturday’s Jerome, where he’s cross-entered at Aqueduct. We’ll adjust if need-be, but solidly in this one’s camp for a 33% local jockey-trainer combo and past form.Race 9: $75,000 Parx Future Stars Fillies Stakes#1 Divine Intentions provides rail speed and a wire threat so long as she breaks cleanly for Tyler Servis and regular rider Frankie Pennington. #7 Tap Into Grace will attract a lot of money for Maryland dominator Brittany Russell, but this filly has been her worst enemy at the start of several races. Top local pilot Mychel Sanchez has the one to beat if he rights the ship.Race 10: claimingThe morning line favorites look vulnerable as #2 Romantic Gamble and #5 Lord Winsalots have holes in their resumes. The former hasn’t been able to translate his form past his Penn National homebase with regular success, while the latter has been eased and a well-beaten fourth in 2 starts since being claimed. Both go for high-percentage trainers capable of getting the results the betting public is drawn to, but at this cheap class level, invite some chaos to your ticket. Toss them and part-wheel the other 9.The Ticket:1,8,5,10 with 1 with 1,7 with 1,3,4,6,7,8,9,10,11 = $36 for 50 cents.

The 21st season of the Xpressbet Beat the Host handicapping contest returns this Saturday and provides horseplayers a weekly chance to strut their stuff against personalities from Santa Anita, Gulfstream Park, 1/ST BET and Xpressbet. First up: Gulfstream Park track announcer Pete Aiello. Eight additional handicappers will follow each Saturday of January and February. Register now: www.xpressbet.com/tournaments.The $65,000 Beat the Host competition encompasses 10 races each contest Saturday, split between the final 5 Gulfstream Park races and first 5 from Santa Anita. Contestants place $5 win bets on the Xpressbet platform for each of the 10 Beat the Host races, earning their parimutuel winnings as well as prize pools.All contestants who beat the cumulative bankroll total of the host each Saturday qualify for the Beat the Host Championship on March 7. Weekly prize pools of $2,000 are also in play for the top-3 finishers, while a $6,500 Sweep the Host bonus split is in store for those sharp enough to top the host totals all 9 weeks of the contest.The BTH Championship pits all weekly winning players against one another in pursuit of seats in the lucrative Pegasus World Cup Betting Challenge, Xpressbet Santa Anita Derby Challenge and Xpressbet Florida Derby Challenge tournaments.Last season, 496 of 711 Beat the Host players were able to top the host total at least once during the season. Glenn Gulden paced all players in the cumulative season totals last year, while George Blanchard took down the top prize in the Beat the Host Championship round finale.Tournament & Host Schedule:Saturday, January 3, 2026 - Pete AielloSaturday, January 10, 2026 - Millie BallSaturday, January 17, 2026 - Michelle YuSaturday, January 24, 2026 - Scott ShapiroSaturday, January 31, 2026 - Brian NadeauSaturday, February 7, 2026 - Tom QuigleySaturday, February 14, 2026 - Samantha PerrySaturday, February 21, 2026 - Zoe CadmanSaturday, February 28, 2026 - Ron NicolettiSaturday, March 7, 2026 – Beat the Host Championship Round

The Arkansas Derby trail opens Saturday when 9 freshly turned sophomores battle in this $250,000 event over 1-1/16 miles. Stakes performers from across North America converge in Hot Springs in what looks to be one of the deeper renewals in this race’s 19-year history. Kentucky Derby qualifying points are on the line, including 10 to the winner.Horseplayers with 1/ST BET and Xpressbet be sure to take part in the 1 Million 1/ST Rewards Points Hit & Split on Saturday’s late pick 4 at Oaklawn.Let’s meet the contenders for the Smarty Jones Stakes (Race 10):#1-UNIVERSE (pictured): Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes runner-up also has graded stakes-placings in the Champagne and Street Sense, facing some of the top 2-year-olds of 2025. Son of Global Campaign debuted a winner sprinting at Saratoga, but has proven himself capable twice around 2 turns at a quality level. Trainer Kenny McPeek came through Oaklawn 2 years ago with Mystik Dan en route to Kentucky Derby glory. He won this race in 2022 with Dash Attack. Joel Rosario rides for the first time.#2-BAYTOWN DREAMER: $5,000 yearling bargain has bagged $200,000-plus for trainer Paul McAntee, boosted by a third-place finish in the $1 million Juvenile Mile at Kentucky Downs on turf. He’s run on grass 5 straight starts, but ran solidly in 3 dirt dashes this spring and summer prior. Mendelssohn colt has some damside distance questions. Orlando Bocachica rides for the first time.#3-BOCA BEACH CLUB: Visually impressive Hawthorne debut winner for Jimmy DiVito was bet to favoritism when second-bset in Oaklawn’s 5-1/2-furlong Advent Stakes on Dec. 12. Son of Arkansas Derby winner Omaha Beach has plenty of damside pedigree to stretch out and attracts Luis Saez for the first time. Big drill locally since the Advent Stakes may tip his performance.#4-SILENT TACTIC: Woodbine’s Grey Stakes runner-up leaves behind the synthetic surface in Canada for the first time Saturday. This $500,000 juvenile purchase by Tacitus rallied to win his debut in October over 1-1/16 miles and is proven around 2 turns. Jaime Torres takes to the saddle for the first time and leads a two-pronged attack for Mark Casse (who also saddles Strategic Risk).#5-RANCHO SANTA FE: Tapit home-bred notched Ellis Park and Keeneland route victories to open his career and brings a perfect mark into his first stakes test. Half-brother to active, graded-stakes winner and millionaire earner Heroic Move. Trainer Brad Cox won the 2021 (Caddo River), 2023 (Victory Formation) and 2024 (Catching Freedom) editions of the Smarty Jones, the only barn to win 3 times in this race. Florent Geroux teamed with Cox aboard Caddo River. Training strongly at Payson Park in Florida for this road trip.#6-OSCAR’S HOPE: Tom Amoss saddled Liberty Bull to win the first Smarty Jones in 2008 and looks for a long-awaited follow-up. This Twirling Candy colt exits a Churchill allowance win and a Jean Lafitte Stakes score at Delta Downs, while never finishing worse than second in 5 starts. Bet to 8-5 or less in every start, including Saratoga and Keeneland appearances, he’s a fan favorite. Ricardo Santana Jr. gets the call for the first time.#7-STRATEGIC RISK: Second of 2 Mark Casse trainees in the entries, this Noble Bird colt blitzed the route competition in the Florida Sire Stakes series finale Nov. 29 at Gulfstream Park. Drew off by 9 lengths in first dirt try around 2 turns, albeit vs. Florida-breds. Fourth in Saratoga’s Sanford Stakes against open company this summer. Javier Castellano rode for the first time in the FSS In Reality and makes the trip to Oaklawn.#8-SCAR SHIP: Louisiana-bred steps into open company for the first time, adding blinkers off a narrow second in the Louisiana Juvenile at Fair Grounds on Dec. 13. Ricky Courville trains the Midshipman colt, who is a late May foal. Ramon Vazquez gets the call for the first time on a 1-for-4 performer expected to be a longshot.#9-SLEEPINGONFREEDOM: Second entrant in the lineup for trainer Kenny McPeek, joining the more proven Universe. McPeek aims for a second Smarty Jones score (2022 Dash Attack). This colt by Independence Hall has won 2 of 3 while racing in sales price-restricted company in each start. Steps up in class under Brian Hernandez Jr., whose task will be to save some ground from the wide draw.

Dayton Raceway has a 14-race card. The Early Daily Double, and the Late Pick 3 that starts in Race 12 will be my focus. Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.Race 1 (4:00 PM EST) Early Daily Double3-Port Royal Hanover (8/5)-Shipped in from Haw and didn't disappoint on 12-12 and now Sam Widger takes the lines. Left the Erv Miller barn on 11-23 and lands in the Ron Burke stable. Comes back against the same, could be even better in the 2nd race on this surface. Does loses Chris Page and that could help the price.Race 2 (4:20 PM EST)3-Don't B Blue (6-1)-Northfield shipper comes in off a very sharp score on 12-22 and it was 1st time Lasix. This 3-year-old should be a solid price and has 5/8's experience. Steps up, but could double up versus a soft group of older foes.$10 DD 3-3Total Bet=$10Race 12 (7:40 PM EST) Late Pick 35-Blue Ocean (8/5)-Started slowly and was fortunate to catch the leaders down the lane but got nipped at the wire. Needs to be used at this level but slow starts make it more difficult. Will look for Sam Widger to be closer to the leader turning for the wire in his 2nd straight steer.8-Lazy Jane (15-1)-Comes off an even effort in a needed start. Could be a large price and will give the veteran some respect in the 2nd start at a lower level. Does like to win and could surprise with a smooth trip.Race 13 (8:00 PM EST)1-Barley A Lie (12-1)-Drew off last week leaving from post 5 and that made 2 wins in 3 starts. Northfield shipper is sharp and could be a live price shot after drawing post 1. Has hit the board in 2 of 3 starts at DTN and could post a win if races near the top of the stack.6-Odds On Mad Hatter (8/5)-The Virgil Morgan entry has 6 wins in 12 starts on this oval and has only missed the board twice. Finished 2nd and 3rd to a tough foe in the last 2 races and he isn't in this field. Knows how to win taking 12 pictures in 24 races this year and may have met a beatable field.Race 14 (8:20 PM EST)3-Trifecta (20-1)-Price shot should be better in the 2nd start after a sick scratch. Could never get into the last race leaving from post 9. The last time the 6-year-old drew inside was on 11-7, started from post 3 and finished 2nd versus this kind. Will take a swing at what should be a jumbo price.6-Hell On Wheels (2-1)-Longshots started inside last time and they were able to secure the point and the pocket. Luke Hanners landed 3rd and the race fell apart when the leaders faltered. Was blocked in the lane but it didn't cost the win, although could have finished higher. Did attempt to leave hard in last and will expect a big try on the drop in class.$2 Late Pick 35,8/1,6/3,6Total Bet=$16Check me out on Twitter!

EXTRA INCENTIVESPegasus World Cup VIP Sweepstakes | now through Jan. 4SCHEDULE NOTESSanta Anita | added Monday and Wednesday this week to the racing scheduleTOURNAMENT TIME$40 Santa Anita feeder | detailsNOTABLE CARRYOVERSPick 6 | $6,991 | Santa Anita | begins Race 4 | 4:30 pm ETKEY RACESSanta Anita | Race 3 | 4:00 pm ET | Blue Norther StakesSanta Anita | Race 7 | 6:00 pm ET | Joe Hernandez StakesTurf Paradise | Race 6 | 5:44 pm ET | Arizona Juvenile Fillies StakesLONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIXParx | Race 10 | 4:08 pm ETDelta Downs | Race 9 | 4:44 pm ETSanta Anita | Race 7 | 6:00 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHGeorge Papaprodromou | Santa Anita | all 6 entrants 5-1 or less oddsDID YOU SEE?Yesterday | Santa Anita | trainer Bob Baffert | 3 stakes winsPUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAMScott Shapiro: Santa Anita Spot Plays for MondayFrank Carulli & Brian W. Spencer best bets today in Xpressbet.com member’s section

After an outstanding Opening Day card at Santa Anita Park, they are back at it this afternoon for Day 2 of the Classic Meet at the Great Race Place. The nine-race card kicks off at 3PM eastern/12 PM local time and is headlined by the $200,000 Joe Hernandez (G2) down the Hillside Turf Course. The featured event goes as Race 7 on the agenda, which means it is included in both the $3 minimum/15% takeout Late Pick 3, as well as the $3 All-Turf Pick 3. Here are a few horses I like most on the Monday slate.Race 3: Blue NortherThe first stakes race of the afternoon is this one-mile event for 2YO fillies traveling one mile over the Santa Anita lawn. The compact group lacks a ton of early pace, which should benefit #6 Latte Luv. The Constitution filly was not ridden for speed last time out in the Jimmy Durante (G3) given plenty of other early zip signed on in that 11-horse field at Del Mar, but the race shape in this spot should be much different. This should allow Hector Berrios to take this Doug O’Neill trainee right to the front, control the tempo, and have plenty left late to earn her first stakes score.Play: #6 Latte Luv (5-2 ML)Race 7: Joe Hernandez (G2)The pace is likely to be honest, but not overly chaotic in the Monday feature down the hill. #6 Motorious was understandably made the 3-1-ML favorite with first-time turfer #1 Imagination the 7-2-second choice. Of the two, I much prefer Motorious, but he is always a tough horse to take a short price on since he needs things to go his way from off the pace to get to the wire first. I will try to get the jump on him with #5 Yellow Card. The Lost Treasure colt makes his second start off the bench after being part of a blanket finish in the Stormy Lure at Del Mar on November 30. Two-back in the Eddie D (G2), in his first try over this unique configuration, the 4YO showed an affinity for the course stalking just off the early pace, putting away the other speed, but just not having enough to hold off the talented Reef Runner. Jockey Kazushi Kimura has been aboard this guy in his last four starts and should have him in a favorable stalking position early. Hopefully, he has enough left late to seal the deal at a solid price.Play: #5 Yellow Card (12-1 ML)Race 9:The finale is a MSW for 2YOs around two turns on the sod and I am not in love with the common race many of these colts exit on November 30 at Del Mar. The race was won in dominant fashion by favorite Plutarch with a blanket finish for the minor awards. #4 Rio Grande was never a factor on the win end, but got up late for second and was made the 2-1-ML favorite to close the card. I am against him and the others exiting that 11/30 race in San Diego County. I will try the fresh face #5 Charlie’s Curlin. The son of Curlin moves into the Jeff Mullins barn after a pair of sprints to kick off his career. The second one came over the sod when he raced against the flow, but finished well over the Del Mar grass to earn fourth. The $225k OBS March 2025 purchase is bred to love more ground and gets a positive rider upgrade to Hector Berrios. I like his chances to close the Monday proceedings.Play: #5 Charlie’s Curlin (4-1 ML)

EXTRA INCENTIVESPegasus World Cup VIP Sweepstakes | now through Jan. 4$10,000 Exacta-Thon | Santa Anita | today’s racesSCHEDULE NOTESSanta Anita | Opening Day | first post 2 pm ETSanta Anita | added tomorrow (Monday) to the racing scheduleTOURNAMENT TIME$100 Gulfstream Park feeder | details$40 Santa Anita feeder | details$1,500 Santa Anita Opening Day Challenge | detailsNOTABLE CARRYOVERSMandatory Payout Pick 6 | $6,206 | Laurel Park | begins Race 3 | 1:05 pm ETJackpot Pick 6 | $97,474 | Gulfstream Park | begins Race 5 | 2:18 pm ETPick 6 | $10,051 | Oaklawn | begins Race 5 | 3:24 pm ETSPECIAL WAGERSCoast-to-Coast Pick 5 | Gulfstream Races 7-8, Santa Anita Races 4-5-7Sunset Pick 6 | Gulfstream Races 8-9-10, Santa Anita Races 9-10-11KEY RACESAqueduct | Race 8 | 3:09 pm ET | Bay Ridge StakesSanta Anita | Race 5 | 4:05 pm ET | Mathis Mile StakesSanta Anita | Race 6 | 4:37 pm ET | Laffit Pincay Jr. StakesOaklawn | Race 8 | 4:52 pm ET | Oaklawn Anywhere StakesSanta Anita | Race 8 | 5:43 pm ET | La Brea StakesSanta Anita | Race 9 | 6:16 pm ET | San Gabriel StakesSanta Anita | Race 10 | 6:49 pm ET | Malibu Stakes | Meet the ContendersSanta Anita | Race 11 | 7:20 pm ET | American OaksLONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIXGulfstream | Race 1 | 12:20 pm ETOaklawn | Race 5 | 3:24 pm ETSanta Anita | Race 7 | 5:10 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHLinda Rice | Aqueduct | all 6 entrants 4-1 or less oddsDID YOU SEE?Yesterday | Aqueduct | jockey Flavien Prat | 4 wins, 2 seconds from 9 mountsPUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAMScott Shapiro: Santa Anita Full-Card Picks for SundayJeremy Plonk: Race of the Week – La Brea from Santa AnitaScott Shapiro: Santa Anita Exacta-Thon PlaysBrian W. Spencer best bets today in Xpressbet.com member’s section

Woodbine Mohawk Park has a 10-race card. The 0.20 Early Pick 5 rolls in Race 1, and it has a $75,000 guaranteed pool. The 0.20 Early Pick 4 starts in Race 3, and the sequence will be my focus. Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.Race 3 (7:31 PM EST)6-Easily The Best (8/5)-Went off as a big odd-on choice and didn't disappoint at 2/5 on 12-14. Then stepped up and was in tall cotton, now returns to a winnable level. This is the 3rd start off a claim for the Des Takoor barn and JMac sticks. When MacDonald and this off outfit combine they post 56% winners.8-Lets Get Pickeled (9/5)-Took the long way around at FlmD and that trip didn't work well. Now returns to a larger oval and the 9-year-old still likes to win. Drew off against $11k claimers at Mohawk on 11-23 and was claimed. Returns to the Demers barn after a couple more claims and they won with him back in November. Disappointed at 2/5 and this time could make amends.Race 4 (7:54 PM EST)3-Rays Kredit (3-1)-The 1-27 record this year is cause for pause. Slow starter makes things harder on himself and that was the case last week. Travis Cullen sticks and if it gets away in the same zip code this time the veteran could post an overdue win.4-Night Terror (7/2)-Has been in the hunt at FlmD when drawing inside and has won 8 of 43. Has a tactical edge on most in this field, Tyler Borth has gate speed to use. Could offer a square price and should be on the point or close to the top of the stack all the way around.6-The Colt (8-1)-Shipped in from RidC and the 9-year-old was a player versus $8k claimers there. Finished 6th last week and lost by less than 2 lengths. May finally connect if lands a good early seat, and that could lead to the 1st win at Wbsb in 13 races.Race 5 (8:17 PM EST)1-Perfetto (4-1)-This is the level for the old-timer to bring his A game out and post a win. That was the case on 10-24 going gate to wire versus the same. Could be overlooked due to a stale date. Will try for a square price and respect chances in a race without a standout.5-Tymal Riggs (3-1)-Drops to the level of its last win which came 2 back and draws a prime starting slot. Travis Henry should have the pedal down and could get the top or a 2-hole ride. Either trip can work for a picture.6-Medley Seelster (7/2)-Hasn't been able to seal the deal for a while. But did go a 56.1 back-half versus better to cash a small check last week. Now drops, draws the choice post, and Jody Jamieson gets the nod. This is the 3rd start since shipping in from M1 and it could be "go" time.8-Muscle Fashion (12-1)-Price shot won 3 back with JMac in the bike and this will be a bigger test, but the return will be much larger. The Graham barn has been clicking winning 3 of 10 in the last 30 days. JMac has won both of his drives for this outfit. The veteran does well racing on the engine and could be blasting off the gate tonight.,Race 6 (8:40 PM EST)7-Rose Run X Con (7/2)-This is a tough race to read and a case could be made to spread out. But sometimes a case can be made for too many. Will lean here as the connections bring a small track horse to make its Wbsb debut at the age of 6. Does have 9 wins in 42 races this year and James MacDonald will be at the controls. Six of the eight in this field raced last on a smaller oval. Will take a swing with this veteran who has had success this season. When JMac steers for the Merner stable he post 31% winners.$1 Early Pick 46,8/3,4,6/1,5,6,8/7Total Bet=$24Check me out on Twitter!