The most productive Kentucky Derby prep race in history looks for its follow-up to last year’s Derby-Belmont winner Sovereignty when the $1 million Florida Derby anchors Saturday’s card at Gulfstream. But recall that Sovereignty was upset in this 1-1/8 miles test last year by Tappan Street, so anything can happen in Hallandale Beach.Horseplayers with 1/ST BET and Xpressbet take advantage of up to a $10 money-back special promo on Triple Crown prep race win bets, featuring Saturday’s Florida Derby at Gulfstream, the UAE Derby at Meydan and the Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn. Get up to $10 back if your win bet finishes second or third when you bet with 1/ST BET and Xpressbet. Also play the $5,000 Exacta-Thon involving Gulfstream’s full card on Saturday.Let’s meet the contenders for the Florida Derby (Race 14):#1-ALBUS: Trainer Riley Mott looks to add a second 2026 Kentucky Derby qualifier to join his Virginia Derby winner Incredibolt. Albus broke his maiden Feb. 27 at Tampa Bay Downs in his third start and will be making his stkaes debut. Tyler Gaffalione found Florida Derby success in 2022 aboard White Abarrio.#2-CHIEF WALLABEE: The 2-1 morning line favorite came up a neck shy in his stakes unveiling in the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth and gets a rematch with the more experienced Commandment. Chief’s Wallabee’s debut win in January got some flattery when The Puma would later add a Tampa Bay Derby victory. Those 2 also renew acquaintances Saturday. Bill Mott and Junior Alvarado look to one-up the performance of last year’s Florida Derby runner-up Sovereignty and each notch their first win in this race. Son of 2014 Florida Derby winner Constitution.#3-WAYNE’S LAW: Gulfstream’s Aventura Stakes winner has been well-traveled in recent starts, third in the Delta Downs’ Jean Laffite Stakes in November and then a front-running second in the Sam F. Davis at Tampa Bay Downs in February. His Davis conqueror Renegade runs back Saturday in the Arkansas Derby, while that runner’s third-place finisher and fellow Florida Derby entrant The Puma has since won the Tampa Bay Derby. Marcos Meneses is back aboard for Amador Sanchez. Sire Tiz The Law won the 2020 Florida Derby en route to a Belmont Stakes victory.#4-COMMANDMENT: Mucho Macho Man and Grade 2 Fountain of Youth winner looks to capture three-quarters of the Florida Derby series. Trainer Brad Cox has won 4 stakes on the 2026 Derby trail: the Mucho Macho Man, Jerome, Fountain of Youth and Jeff Ruby. Outgamed Chief Wallabee by a neck in the FoY as the 2-1 favorite and will vie for the public’s choice once again. Regular rider Irad Ortiz Jr. opted to ride Saturday aboard Renegade in the Arkansas Derby, leaving the mount to fellow champion jockey Flavien Prat.#5-REDLAND REBELS: Tampa Bay Derby fourth-place finisher reportedly will scratch and contest Oaklawn’s Arkansas Derby.#6-NEARLY (pictured): The Holy Bull winner looks to follow a similar path as last year’s Florida Derby winner Tappan Street, bypassing the Fountain of Youth by plan to be fresher for Saturday’s main event. Nearly is 3-for-3 at Gulfstream after a troubled fall debut at Aqueduct. Trainer Todd Pletcher (8 to date) and jockey John Velazquez (6) look to pad their Florida Derby career wins records. They teamed to win 4 of those, most recently with Fierceness in 2024.#7-TIMELESS VICTORY: 3-time local winner from 6 starts will make his stakes debut for trainer Eddie Plesa. Regular rider Jose Morelos will be at the controls following a 1-1/8 miles allowance score at the Florida Derby’s trip. No-match third vs. Nearly in a Jan. 7 allowance sprint. Damsire Nyquist won the 2016 Florida Derby a decade ago.#8-THE PUMA: Jan. 10 debut runner-up to Chief Wallabee has battled in stakes since, running third in the Sam F. Davis before winning the Tampa Bay Derby at 7-1 odds. The Puma returns on 3 weeks’ rest of the longest test of his career. Trainer Gustavo Delgado found Kentucky Derby roses with Mage in 2023 after a second-place finish in this race behind Forte. Javier Castellano won the 2014 Florida Derby aboard Constitution.#9-GREGARIOUS: Longshot maiden has a debut runner-up at 1-1/8 miles on his resume and takes a big leap in class. Jose Castro’s colt by Mo Town didn’t get the result you’d hope for when his Feb. 21 conqueror Autobahn finished last of 9 in last week’s Louisiana Derby after battling for the lead. Rajiv Maragh replaces Javier Castellano, who hops to ride The Puma.

NOTABLE CARRYOVERSJackpot Pick 5 | $226,245 | Parx | begins Race 1 | 12:40 pm ET--Parx has a mandatory payout scheduled WednesdayLONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIXParx | Race 9 | 4:16 pm ETWill Rogers Downs | Race 9 | 5:56 pm ETTurf Paradise | Race 7 | 7:14 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHJoel Marr | Sunland Park | 4 of 5 entrants 5-1 or less oddsDID YOU SEE?Yesterday | Sunland Park | trainers Dick Cappellucci and Justin Evans | 2 wins eachPUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAMFrank Carulli & Brian W. Spencer best bets today in Xpressbet.com member’s section

Yonkers Raceway has a 9-race card. The $1.00 Pick 5 rolls in Race 5 and has a $10,000 guaranteed pool. The $1.00 Late Pick 4 starts in Race 6, and it will be my focus. Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.Race 6 (8:45 PM EDT)4-American Dealer N (2-1)-Did drop in the 2nd start for Ron Burke and was bet down to 1/5. Looked the part by drawing off and going gate to wire in the slop. Bumps up, but the classy veteran could work the same game plan and double up.5-Coalford Topguy GB (3-1)-Had a string of 2nd place finishes, then moved up on a sloppy track and came 4th. Drops to a more competitive level and will respect chances of an overdue win. Jason Bartlett and Per Engblom are still posting 31% winners when working together.Race 7 (9:05 PM EDT)3-Heza Risk Taker A (6-1)-This is a competitive race and will look for solid prices. Will start with this Aussie invader who qualified on Lasix here in 1.56.2 on 3-13 and won by 14.5 lengths. Makes it’s US debut and likes to win. Took 8 pictures in 27 starts last year and could be up to the challenge of winning coming off the bench.4-Speaker Of peace (5/2)-Comes off a drop and pop gate to wire score. Steps up but should fit well again. Colin Kelly should be out and rolling. The Laterza trainee likes to win and should relish the company.7-Sweethomealabama N (10-1)-The Team Stratton veteran has been in versus much better and has struggled. This is a wake-up opportunity. Drops to a soft spot and the outside draw helps the price. Won the last time in versus this kind. Will look for some lively fractions which should help the cause for the price shot.Race 8 (9:25 PM EDT)1-Lucapelo A (7/2)-Bumps up after drawing the 7 hole twice at PcD and finished 2nd and 4th. Will Fade the ML chalk Jet Star coming off 2 wins and lean on the Stratton entry to connect. Looks like a pocket ride is a strong possibility. Should get a sharp steer and be in the mix at the wire.6-Lyons Benjamin (4-1)-The Alexander pupil has been in sharp form for months. Was nipped at the wire last time after leaving from post 7 to get on the engine versus this kind. Matt Kakaley should try that same script again. It won’t be easy but certainly could connect at a square price.Race 9 (9:45 PM EDT)1-Jahan Hanover (7/2)-Stayed inside on 3-17, came the back half off basically off a 2-hole trip in 56.2. But could not catch a well-rated winner. Joe B hands the lines to Yannick Gingras and when those 2 combine they post 19% winners. Gingras should get the top. If this time the veteran is the one to steal a .29 quarter, it could be enough to take a picture.$2 Late Pick 44,5/3,4,7/1,6/1Total Bet=$24Check me out on X!

SCHEDULE NOTESFair Grounds | closing day of the meetSPECIAL WAGERSSunset Pick 6 | Gulfstream Races 8-9-10; Santa Anita Races 7-8-9Coast-to-Coast Pick 5 | Gulfstream Races 9-10; Santa Anita Races 4-5-7TOURNAMENT TIME$40 Gulfstream Feeder | details$40 Santa Anita Feeder | detailsNOTABLE CARRYOVERSJackpot Pick 6 | $80,472 | Tampa Bay Downs | begins Race 4 | 2:08 pm ETJackpot Pick 6 | $71,216 | Gulfstream Park | begins Race 5 | 2:52 pm ETMandatory Payout Pick 6 | $16,969 | Fair Grounds | begins Race 8 | 5:15 pm ETKEY RACESGulfstream | Race 8 | 4:24 pm ET | Melody of Colors StakesFair Grounds | Race 7 | 4:45 pm ET | Crescent City DerbySunland | Race 7 | 5:04 pm ET | Mr. Cristo Rey StakesSanta Anita | Race 3 | 5:05 pm ET | Sensational Star StakesFair Grounds | Race 8 | 5:15 pm ET | Shantel Lanerie Memorial StakesFair Grounds | Race 11 | 6:45 pm ET | Ova Charged StakesFair Grounds | Race 12 | 7:15 pm ET | Star Guitar StakesLONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIXGulfstream | Race 2 | 1:20 pm ETTampa Bay | Race 8 | 4:12 pm ETFair Grounds | Race 9 | 5:45 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHJustin Evans | Sunland Park | 8 of 9 entrants 9-2 or less oddsDID YOU SEE?Yesterday | Fair Grounds | jockey Jose Ortiz | 4 wins, including 2 stakesPUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAMScott Shapiro: Santa Anita Spot Plays for SundayBrian W. Spencer best bets today in Xpressbet.com member’s section

The racing week at Santa Anita Park concludes on Sunday afternoon with a 9-race card that commences at 1PM local time. The slate is headlined by the $100,000 Sensational Star for older Cal-breds down the Hillside Turf Course where I am on a price. Hopefully, I can get at least one of my three longshot plays home to close the week.Race 1:Most of the field in this state-bred MSW for Cal-breds at one-mile over the Santa Anita lawn has been exposed. That is not the case with #1 Throwin Heat. The Sir Prancealot gelding debuted last May for trainer Librado Barocio and did no running against a full field of 12 going one-turn over this same turf course. Throwin Heat has been given time since by Barocio, who brings the 4YO back off a steady series of local drills. I am going to trust this Barocio to have this guy ready for big improvement off the bench since he has had an outstanding winter. In fact, Barocio and his team have won with 3 of 6 in March and come into the day clicking at nearly 40% at the stand. Throwin Heat will not have to be much to make an impression against this group. Kyle Frey jumps aboard. The price should be right to gamble.Play: #1 Throwin Heat (10-1 ML)Race 3: Sensational StarThe aforementioned feature drew a compact group of five led by even-money favorite #3 Man O Rose. The Jeff Mullins trainee enters his first turf race of 2026 on a 5-race winning streak dating back to last September. He is the clear one to beat, but is simply faster on the dirt making him worth taking a swing against on the surface switch. I will do so with the longest shot on the board #2 Drop Um. The Far From Over colt moved back to the sod last out against an open company field of second-level allowance foes and ran huge all things considered chasing another Mullins horse to the wire at odds of 33-1. Admittedly, like the opener, this is a free swing on a Sunday Funday, but the value should be there on this Felix Rondan trainee.Play: #2 Drop Um (15-1 ML)Race 5:This state-bred first-level allowance at 6.5-furlongs over the grass is one of the more wide-open races on the Sunday agenda. I will give a look to #8 Fibonaccis Ride. The Clubhouse Ride filly tried the lawn for the first time on February 27 in a two-turn race for trainer Antonio Garcia and ran a sneaky good fourth at odds of nearly 35-1. Garcia has been on a good run winning with 3 of 12 for a $3.43 ROI over the last 30 days and this gal should appreciate the cutback to one-turn. I am hopeful she puts it altogether and earns her first victory since her dominant debut score over the Los Alamitos main track in Sept ’24.Play: #8 Fibonaccis Ride (12-1 ML)

Miami Valley has a 14-race card to begin the week. The 0.50 Late Pick 4 starts in Race 11, and it will be my focus. Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.Race 11 (7:30 PM EDT)4-Woodrow Blue Chip (7/2)-Started from post 10 and raced better than the line looks although its 2-race win streak was snapped. Took a lot of air going uncovered for about 5/8's of a mile. Should get a smoother trip and the week off might help.6-Legendary Doowrah (5/2)-Has finished 2nd in 3 straight and couldn't hold on last week after getting on the engine rather easily. Gets a new set of hands in AMac and not sure trying to lead every step of the way is the best plan. My guess is a pocket ride behind the one above might work for a picture.Race 12 (7:51 PM EDT)1-Grantmeawish (5/2)-The veteran is 0-6 this year and maybe Father Time has arrived. But is difficult to leave out from post 1 in a race without a standout. Still has enough gate speed to race on the point or in the pocket when the wings fold.3-Rockabilly Rebel N (5-1)-Has had excuses and is trying hard. Starts inside for the 1st time a while and that could be a winning difference. Needs a sharp steer and could be overlooked.Race 13 (8:12 PM EDT)2-Martins Millions (5-1)-This is the 3rd race off the bench and hasn't gotten any breaks. Did okay in the 1st start but faded in a snappy mile. Last time, raced wide and faded. Gets some post relief, Chris Page sticks, and this time comes back in sequence. Could offer a square price and it looks like "go time".5-Dreaming Of Lou (5/2)-Fits with this kind and the post draw should help. Probably needs to be on the point or in the 2 hole around the last turn to take a picture. Trevor Smith should be able to work a winning trip.Race 14 (8:33 PM EDT)3-Moons Up (3-1)-Won last from post 6 and moving down a few slots shouldn't hurt chances. Has been in the hunt in 7 of the last 8 races. Looks like a main player again and will respect chances of doubling up.5-Bright Bet (5/2)-Dave Miller steers for the 3rd straight and has looked a bit dull in the last 2 starts. This time Miller could have the pedal down. If he times the gate and gets the top without burning much gas chances for a win go up. It wouldn't be a shock if the morning line is too low.$1 Late Pick 44,6/1,3/2,5/3,5Total Bet=$16Check me out on X!

EXTRA INCENTIVES$10 Money-Back Special | Louisiana Derby (FG) & Jeff Ruby (TP) | up to $10 back if win bet finishes 2nd, 3rd$3,000 Exacta-Thon | Fair Grounds / TurfwaySCHEDULE NOTESTurfway | special matinee first post 12:45 pm ETSPECIAL WAGERSSunset Pick 6 | Gulfstream Races 10-11-12; Santa Anita Races 7-8-9Coast-to-Coast Pick 5 | Gulfstream Races 8-9; Santa Anita Races 2-3-5TOURNAMENT TIME$500 Santa Anita Challenge | details$300 Florida Derby/Santa Anita Derby Challenge Qualifier | details$40 Gulfstream Feeder | details$40 Santa Anita Feeder | detailsNOTABLE CARRYOVERSJackpot Pick 6 | $75,569 | Tampa Bay Downs | begins Race 4 | 2:05 pm ETJackpot Pick 6 | $99,029 | Turfway Park | begins Race 8 | 4:13 pm ETPick 6 | $10,727 | Oaklawn | begins Race 6 | 4:14 pm ETSunset 6 | $10,767 | Gulfstream/Santa Anita | begins GP Race 10 | 5:25 pm ETJackpot Pick 6 | $200,754 | Turf Paradise | begins Race 3 | 6:15 pm ETSuper Hi 5 | $7,318 | Turfway Park | Race 13 | 7:05 pm ETKEY RACESFair Grounds | Race 2 | 1:30 pm ET | Crescent City OaksLaurel | Race 7 | 2:58 pm ET | Beyond the Wire StakesOaklawn | Race 4 | 3:11 pm ET | Lapatourel StakesLaurel | Race 8 | 3:28 pm ET | Private Terms StakesFair Grounds | Race 6 | 3:30 pm ET | Benson Memorial StakesTurfway | Race 7 | 3:43 pm ET | Latonia StakesTurfway | Race 8 | 4:13 pm ET | Rushaway StakesFair Grounds | Race 8 | 4:32 pm ET | Costa Rising StakesTurfway | Race 9 | 4:43 pm ET | Animal Kingdom StakesFair Grounds | Race 9 | 5:04 pm ET | New Orleans ClassicTurfway | Race 10 | 5:13 pm ET | Kentucky Cup ClassicGulfstream | Race 10 | 5:25 pm ET | Texas Glitter StakesFair Grounds | Race 10 | 5:36 pm ET | Muniz Memorial StakesTurfway | Race 11 | 5:43 pm ET | Bourbonette OaksOaklawn | Race 9 | 5:51 pm ET | Essex HandicapFair Grounds | Race 11 | 6:08 pm ET | Fair Grounds OaksTurfway | Race 12 | 6:25 pm ET | Jeff Ruby | Meet the ContendersFair Grounds | Race 12 | 6:42 pm ET | Louisiana Derby | Meet the ContendersSanta Anita | Race 7 | 7:10 pm ET | Irish O’Brien StakesTurf Paradise | Race 5 | 7:17 pm ET | Turf Paradise DerbyTurf Paradise | Race 6 | 7:49 pm ET | Arizona OaksSanta Anita | Race 9 | 8:10 pm ET | San Luis Rey StakesTurf Paradise | Race 7 | 8:21 pm ET | Cotton Fitzsimmons HandicapTurf Paradise | Race 8 | 8:51 pm ET | Phoenix Gold CupRemington Park | Race 9 | 10:40 pm ET | Oklahoma Derby (AQHA)Remington Park | Race 10 | 11:09 pm ET | Oklahoma Futurity (AQHA)LONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIXTurfway Park | Race 4 | 2:13 pm ETTampa Bay | Race 9 | 4:40 pm ETOaklawn | Race 11 | 6:54 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHCherie DeVaux | Fair Grounds | 8 of 9 entrants 5-1 or less oddsDID YOU SEE?Yesterday | Aqueduct | jockey Manny Franco | 4 wins, 3 seconds from 7 mountsPUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAMScott Shapiro: Triple Crown Prep Money-Back Special PicksJeremy Plonk: Race of the Week – Kentucky Cup ClassicScott Shapiro: Exacta-Thon Picks for Fair Grounds / TurfwayRon Nicoletti: Gulfstream Saturday PicksScott Shapiro: Santa Anita Spot Plays for SaturdayFrank Carulli & Brian W. Spencer best bets today in Xpressbet.com member’s section

Download Gulfstream Park on-track handicapper Ron Nicoletti's full-card picks for Saturday. The Sunset 6 wager, matching the final 3 races at Gulfstream and Santa Anita, has a $10,767 carryover for today.