Opening day at Santa Anita may have been pushed back a few days by Mother Nature, but even she would envy the 6 stakes on the card drawing 57 entries. The Grade 1 $300,000 Malibu at 7 furlongs matches 10 top 3-year-olds in a final season showcase for the sport’s most well-known division of horses.Horseplayers with 1/ST BET and Xpressbet be sure to take part in the $10,000 Exacta-Thon promotion Sunday for Santa Anita’s card.Let’s meet the contenders for the Malibu Stakes (Race 10):#1-MODUS BESTIA: Since starting 0-5, this Maclean’s Music colt has started to show his $500,000 purchase price promise with back-to-back wins. The Richard Baltas trainee was 0-2 last season at Santa Anita and looks to parlay his Del Mar success to The Great Race Place. Edwin Maldonado rides for the first time as Flavien Prat opts for Cornucopian on Sunday.#2-SPENARD: Son of Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile winner Spun to Run makes a massive hike in class after back-to-back losses in New Mexico. His 2-for-10 mark includes wins at Turf Paradise and Prairie Meadows, while 3: 0-0-0 in stakes tries. Tyler Baze rides for Dan McFarlane.#3-MADAKET ROAD: Grade 1 Woody Stephens runner-up remains eligible for a first-level allowance, a year after breaking his maiden on opening day of the 2024-’25 Santa Anita Classic Meet. He’s the first of 5 Bob Baffert trainees in the field, and comes in off an August freshening while picking up superstar jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. Those two teamed to run second in the Rebel and Pat Day Mile this spring. Baffert’s 6 wins in the Malibu are tied with Richard Mandella for the most all-time.#4-SPEEDY WILSON: Multiple California-bred stakes winner for Phil D’Amato gets a class test Sunday. He rallied to collar Del Mar allowance sprint rivals in open company November 29, and will see if he can do it against stakes-class foes this time. Armando Ayuso rides the late runner who is 3-for-3 at the Malibu’s 7-furlong distance.#5-MIDLAND MONEY: Bob Baffert trains this $650,000 colt by Shancelot, who was runner-up in his racing heyday in the Breeders’ Cup Sprint and the Santa Anita Sprint Championship while under the San Gabriel Mountains. Midland Money also has a touch of second-it is, runner-up in a pair of allowances at Del Mar and Santa Anita as the favorite this fall. Blinkers go on colt who has lost 3 straight since opening his stop-and-start career 2-for-2. Regular rider Juan Hernandez is up.#6-BERLIN WALL: California-bred allowance winner November 16 tries to parlay that 7-3/4 length score into a major upset. Steve Knapp and Tiago Pereira once again team up with this son of Practical Joke, who will be making his stakes debut in lifetime start #6.#7-SMOOTH CRUISEIN: Sophomore has faced California’s best older sprinters this year in the Triple Bend, Bing Crosby and Santa Anita Sprint Championship. Those efforts put him in the hunt against fellow 3-year-olds as regular rider Kyle Frey returns for trainer Karen Headley. The barn has just 2 wins in all of 2025, including this colt’s April 26 allowance win at Santa Anita.#8-CORNUCOPIAN: Smashing February 23 debut winner at Oaklawn Park had the Triple Crown trail buzzing with a triple-digit Beyer Speed Figure. But this $1.1 million Into Mischief colt failed to negotiate 3 additional furlongs a month later in the Arkansas Derby and then disappointed in late April at Aqueduct before the plug was pulled by Bob Baffert. Blinkers come off for the return from that seven-month layoff and Baffert has gone to his typical series of 6-furlong workouts to make up for lost time. Flavien Prat takes the mount for the first time, while Irad Ortiz Jr. ends up on Baffert’s Madaket Road. Prat won the Malibu aboard Flightline (2021) and Speed Boat Beach (2023), the latter for Baffert.#9-BARNES: After winning the San Vicente on January 4 at Santa Anita to improve to 2-for-2, many considered this the Kentucky Derby winter favorite. The $3.2 million colt by Into Mischief failed to stretch out, losing the San Felipe and Santa Anita Derby before some time off. Barnes disappointed in his return bids, third in the H. Allen Jerkens at Saratoga and fourth at odds-on in the Gallant Bob at Parx. His smashing win at Keeneland in October’s Perryville looked more like what was expected. Jose Ortiz rode at Keeneland and will again Sunday for Bob Baffert. The two best performances of his career have come at this 7-furlong trip.#10-GOAL ORIENTED: The last of 5 Bob Baffert trainees in the mix, Goal Oriented cuts back in distance for the first time since an April sprint debut win at Santa Anita. The Preakness fourth-place finisher added placings in the Haskell and Pennsylvania Derby at a quarter-mile farther than the Malibu. Blinkers come off this Not This Time colt, who will be ridden for the first time by 2-time Malibu winner Joel Rosario. He’s one of 3 Grade 1-placed runners in the field – joining stablemates Madaket Road and Barnes.

It’s the season finale of the 1/ST BET and Xpressbet Winter Winner-Land promotion on Tuesday. Turf Paradise will be the featured track in the Bet $100, Get $10 promo. The 8-race card from Phoenix heats up the holiday week with first post slated for 3:15 pm ET.Here are my key plays.Turf Paradise: Race 5#1 Not a Word (8-1 morning line odds) makes her second local start since arriving from Canterbury after an even effort. Trainer Isaiah Ortiz’s Turf Paradise starters have shown big improvement since starting 0-6 at the meet, winning 3 of the next 6 (including $15 and $38 winners). Win bet #1. Exacta key-box 1 with 2,4,8. Daily Double 1-4 to next play.Turf Paradise: Race 6#4 Chainsaw City (8-1 morning line odds) makes a Turf Paradise return after racing in good form this fall on dirt at Mountaineer. Edward Kereluk takes over the local training and note that barn is doing good things in December with limited tries. Four starters this month have included a 6-1 winner, 5-1 runner-up and 15-1 third-place finisher. Win-place bet #4. Exacta 7-4 heavier, 4-7 smaller with a logical favorite.

Northfield Park has a 15-race card with the $1.00 Late Pick 4 starting in Race 11. The sequence has a $10,000 guaranteed pool with a 14% takeout, and it will be my focus. Comments and selections are based on a fast track.Race 11 (9:40 PM EST)1-TT's Magnum Force (6/5)-Comes off a weather scratch and recent form has been dull. Not loving the short price at all but will include with this post draw. Dan Noble should get an efficient trip, and if he pushes the button at the right time it could be picture time.7-Mo Bay (7-1)-The Sam Schillaci entry can be in the hunt. Gets a new addition in Aaron Merriman and that could be the winning difference. There should be an honest pace, if so, the veteran could grind it out and pop at a nice price.Race 12 (10:02 PM EST)2-Tru N Lovely Honor (3-1)-Has the tactical speed to give the 3-year-old filly an edge. Noble will be out and rolling and could get on the point. But if not could win off a pocket ride as well and either way should have enough left to seal the deal down the lane.8-The Toddfather (3-1)-Makes the 1st start for the Jason Shaw barn and this will be 1st time Merriman. Competitive gelding has hit the board in 14 of 19 this year and 5 of 6 at Nfld. Has the gate speed to get a good seat off the car. Also can stalk, then roll by down the lane and the post draw helps the price.Race 13 (10:24 PM EST)2-Be A Lucky Star (9/5)-Last week was hung the mile in the snow and still finished 3rd losing by 1-length. The short price is tough to swallow because has gotten camera shy this year (22-2-3-2). But has been tossing hints and is a major player with a smooth trip versus this bunch.9-Bullvillespandemic (25-1)-Greg Grismore drives and trains and this will be the 3rd start for this outfit. The post draw is an issue but fits with this crew and just qualified to get into the Series with its earnings. The faster they go the better and could be in the mix if gets a good seat around the 1st turn, and with a sharp drive.Race 14 (10:46 PM EST)1-Mister Marvalous (3-1)-Comes off a big win leaving from the 2nd tier and fighting through a wide trip. Does good work racing near the top of the stack and could get a more efficient journey tonight.4-Shrimp And Grits (7/5)-Beat the $8k claimers in the fall at Nfld and won its last race going gate to wire versus the $6K claimers. Comes back against the same kind and is a logical play at a tiny price.$1 Late Pick 41,7/2,8/2,9/1,4Total Bet=$16Check me out on Twitter!

EXTRA INCENTIVESPegasus World Cup VIP Sweepstakes | now through Jan. 4NOTABLE CARRYOVERSJackpot Pick 5 | $43,692 | Parx | begins Race 1 | 12:05 pm ETPick 5 | $6,019 | Mahoning Valley | begins Race 1 | 12:15 pm ETJackpot Pick 6 | $176,938 | Turf Paradise | begins Race 3 | 4:11 pm ETKEY RACESTurf Paradise | Race 2 | 3:43 pm ET | AQRA Turf Paradise Quarter Horse FuturityDelta Downs | Race 8 | 4:16 pm ET | Boyd Rewards StakesLONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIXDelta Downs | Race 4 | 2:24 pm ETParx | Race 9 | 3:41 pm ETTurf Paradise | Race 8 | 7:05 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHMichael Pino | Parx | 4 of 5 entrants 5-1 or less oddsDID YOU SEE?Santa Anita | has shifted opening day from Friday to Sunday due to forecasted rainsPUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAMFrank Carulli & Brian W. Spencer best bets today in Xpressbet.com member’s section

EXTRA INCENTIVESPegasus World Cup VIP Sweepstakes | now through Jan. 4TOURNAMENT TIME$100 Gulfstream feeder | detailsNOTABLE CARRYOVERSMandatory Payout Pick 6 | $318,560 | Gulfstream Park | begins Race 5 | 2:24 pm ETJackpot Pick 6 | $215,922 | Turfway Park | begins Race 5 | 5:00 pm ETSuper Hi 5 | $12,583 | Turfway Park | Race 10 | 7:30 pm ETMandatory Payout Pick 6 | $8,981 | Los Alamitos (AQHA) | begins Race 3 | 8:56 pm ETKEY RACESOaklawn | Race 8 | 4:52 pm ET | Poinsettia StakesTurfway Park | Race 6 | 5:30 pm ET | My Charmer StakesTurfway Park | Race 7 | 6:00 pm ET | Holiday Inaugural StakesTurfway Park | Race 8 | 6:30 pm ET | Prairie Bayou StakesTurfway Park | Race 9 | 7:00 pm ET | Holiday Cheer StakesLONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIXOaklawn Park | Race 4 | 2:55 pm ETGulfstream Park | Race 6 | 3:01 pm ETTurfway Park | Race 5 | 5:00 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHSaffie Joseph Jr. | Gulfstream Park | 5 of 6 entrants 5-2 or less oddsDID YOU SEE?Yesterday | Gulfstream Park | jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. | 3 wins, 1 second, 3 thirds from 10 mountsPUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAMScott Shapiro: Gulfstream Park Pick 6 Key PlaysScott Shapiro: Turfway Park Spot PlaysBrian W. Spencer best bets today in Xpressbet.com member’s section

After a stakes-laden Pegasus Preview Day Card at Gulfstream Park on Saturday, focus for horseplayers turns to the final day of the racing week in Hallandale Beach. This includes a mandatory payout in the Rainbow 6. The carryover rose to $318,560 yesterday after Wolfie’s Dynaghost set a track record during his dominant victory in the Fort Lauderdale to close the Saturday proceedings. Here are a few horses I like within the Pick 6 sequence that kicks off in Race 5 at 2:24 eastern time.Race 6This full field MSW event for 2YO fillies over the sod is relatively wide-open, but I like the chances of #2 Quality Street. The Blame filly debuted at Aqueduct back in November and was forced to alter course due to a horse who lost the rider early on. This unfortunately led to a wide voyage for the Michael Ryan owned runner at odds of nearly 40-1. Now, the Saffie Joseph Jr. trainee moves to a favorable inside draw and meets a field that lacks significant two-turn turf form thus far. I am expecting a big move forward in career start number 2 from this $100,000 Keeneland September 2024 purchase.Play: #2 Quality Street (6-1 ML)Race 8:There is not that much early speed signed on in the Sunday feature, which gives #6 Silver Moonlight a big chance to make it three wins in a row on the class hike. The Liam’s Map filly is far from a need the lead type given the fact he has won back-to-back races from off the pace, but has also shown the ability to take advantage of things when no one else wants the lead. That very well could be the case in this $58,000 allowance at 1 1/16-miles on the grass. Jockey Micah Husbands has been on board the C2 Racing Stable filly in both of her last two starts and will be back aboard again. The fact the 4YO gal is 4 for 5 over this turf course certainly does not hurt her chances. A single for me in the Rainbow!Play: #6 Silver Moonlight (5-2 ML)Race 10:My final play of the day comes in the finale where #6 Eton was made the 2-1-morning line favorite by oddsmaker Brian Nadeau. The Zilla Racing Stables gelding has hit the board in 3 of 4, but lost as the favorite last out and might not have things too easy on the front end under jockey Tyler Gaffalione. I am hopeful it sets things up for class dropper #1 Spirit of the Law. The Michael Dubb owned son of Tiz the Law was caught wide early in each of his last two starts against better in New York for trainer Mike Maker. Now, he moves inside where jockey Nik Juarez should be able to save coveted ground early and come with a strong run late. Hopefully, he takes to the Gulfstream Park sod since it his first local try. The price should be good enough to find out.Play: #1 Spirit of the Law (8-1 ML)

Northfield Park begins the week with a 15-race card. The $1.00 Late Pick 4 starts in Race 11. The sequence has a $10,000 guaranteed pool with a 14% takeout, and it will be my focus. Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.Race 11 (9:40 PM EST)1-Clubs Scene (3-1)-Needs a smooth trip but fits with these and should be a player. Justin Irvine should have in play and has been competitive against some tough foes.4-All Bets On Tex (7/2)-Shipped in from Dayton and took a picture in the 1st start in town. Likes to race near the top of the stack and that trip could be coming.6-Boundtobefearless (7-1)-Cashed a small check against $30k claimers at DTN in a need race. Then requalified at DTN on 12/16 and is a threat with a hodgepodge field if 100%.Race 12 (10:02 PM EST)3-Legacy Affair (9/2)-This mare likes to win, has been facing better at Dayton and has 6 pictures in 24 starts. Does do well at Nfld (18-7-2-2). Will look for a big try at a square price, and with the right trip could surprise.7-Disgruntled Carl (6-1)-Competes against this kind and has posted wins. Does have gate speed but can also come off cover, and its versatility could be the winning edge.Race 13 (10:24 PM EST)2-Brookview Bullet (3-1)-Drew off by 5 lengths going the back half in .55 with a 27.3 last quarter at DTN. This will be the 1st start at Nfld, has been facing better and could get the top and not look back.4-Celtic Spirit N (4-1)-DTN shipper makes its 3 start at Nfld and was in too deep in the last 2 starts. Drops and Dan Noble steers for his 2nd straight race. He posts 32% winners when he drives for his wife Christi.Race 14 (10:46 PM EST)2-Big Skewy N (7/2)-Comes off a scratch due to the weather and should be out and rolling off the car. Looks like a main player, has won 3 of 5 at Nfld and the 7/2 price probably isn't happening.4-Spiritshappyending (7/2)-Has raced at Nfld 11 times and has 6 wins coming in the last 6 starts. The 3-year-old faces some older foes, and this will be a test. Chris Lems may try to get on the engine, if not a pocket ride behind the one above could work too.$1 Late Pick 41,4,6/3,7/2,4/2,4Total Bet=$24Check me out on Twitter!

EXTRA INCENTIVESPegasus World Cup VIP Sweepstakes | now through Jan. 4$5,000 Exacta-Thon | Gulfstream Park | Saturday’s racesBet $100, Get $10 | Remington Park | Saturday’s racesTOURNAMENT TIME$1,000 Gulfstream PWCBC Qualifier | details$100 Gulfstream feeder | detailsNOTABLE CARRYOVERSPick 5 | $7,983 | Laurel | begins Race 5 | 2:05 pm ETJackpot Pick 6 | $257,722 | Gulfstream Park | begins Race 6 | 2:48 pm ETPick 6 | $110,127 | Oaklawn | begins Race 5 | 3:24 pm ETJackpot Pick 6 | $158,382 | Turfway Park | begins Race 5 | 7:55 pm ET--Gulfstream mandatory payout SundayKEY RACESLaurel | Race 5 | 2:05 pm ET | Bender Memorial StakesGulfstream Park | Race 5 | 2:18 pm ET | Janus StakesLaurel | Race 6 | 2:34 pm ET | Carousel StakesGulfstream Park | Race 6 | 2:48 pm ET | Sugar Swirl StakesLaurel | Race 7 | 3:04 pm ET | Politely StakesLaurel | Race 8 | 3:34 pm ET | Manfuso StakesGulfstream Park | Race 9 | 4:18 pm ET | Suwanee River StakesGulfstream Park | Race 10 | 4:48 pm ET | Harlan’s Holiday StakesOaklawn | Race 8 | 4:52 pm ET | Tinsel StakesFair Grounds | Race 8 | 5:15 pm ET | Tenacious StakesGulfstream Park | Race 11 | 5:18 pm ET | Fort Lauderdale StakesFair Grounds | Race 9 | 5:45 pm ET | Diliberto Memorial StakesFair Grounds | Race 10 | 6:15 pm ET | Untapable StakesFair Grounds | Race 11 | 6:45 pm ET | Gun Runner StakesRemington Park | Race 7 | 8:54 pm ET | Useeit StakesRemington Park | Race 8 | 9:23 pm ET | Jim Thorpe HandicapTurfway | Race 8 | 9:25 pm ET | Florence StakesRemington Park | Race 9 | 9:52 pm ET | Toby Keith StakesRemington Park | Race 10 | 10:23 pm ET | She’s All In StakesRemington Park | Race 11 | 10:54 pm ET | Hawk Memorial StakesRemington Park | Race 12 | 11:26 pm ET | Springboard MileLONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIXTampa Bay Downs | Race 5 | 2:39 pm ETFair Grounds | Race 7 | 4:45 pm ETTurfway | Race 9 | 9:55 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHBrittany Russell | Laurel | 6 of 7 entrants 5-1 or less oddsDID YOU SEE?Yesterday | Remington Park | favorites won 6 of 9 races on the cardPUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAMScott Shapiro: Gulfstream Park Exacta-Thon PlaysJeremy Plonk: Race of the Week – Fort Lauderdale at GulfstreamScott Shapiro: Fair Grounds Spot PlaysFrank Carulli: Laurel Park Stakes AnalysisJeremy Plonk: Remington Park Stakes AnalysisFrank Carulli & Brian W. Spencer best bets today in Xpressbet.com member’s section