Yonkers Raceway has a 9-race card, and the $1.00 Pick 5 begins in Race 5. That sequence 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 (8:25 PM EDT)1-Curly James A-(9/5)-Starts from the rail which should help and almost beat this kind on 3-2 losing by a neck. Was off 3 weeks before the race and could make amends at a small price but don’t completely trust.2-Bet On Big Joe (9/2)-Went the back half in .55 in the 1st start for the Alexander barn but left from the 7-hole and was 10 lengths back at the half. Might offer a square price and could be sitting on a big try.4-GDS Thunder GB (7/2)-Beat the $40k claimers 2 straight and then stepped up to face this kind. Missed a start and only lost by a neck. Draws the choice post and will respect chances and look for a sharp steer from Austin Siegelman.Race 7 (8:45 PM EDT)1-Vicious (5/2)-Won off an efficient trip on 3-2 in the first race in the Adamcyzk barn. Missed a start, still raced well, now comes back in sequence and has won 6 of 13 races at Yonkers.2-Diego N (3-1)-Tried to leave hard from post 8 in the last start and made a rare break on the first turn. Yannick Gringras was the new pilot that night and he returns. This is a tough group and will toss the last start. This race might have to go through the Engblom trainee.4-Aye Aye Captain (7/2)-Stepped up to this level after a win. Started slowly again but couldn’t catch the winner like the race before. Holland should be more aggressive with this draw, and post relief could be the winning difference.Race 8 (9:05 PM EDT)4-Jumping Jack Mac N (5/2)-Came off a sick scratch at PcD to make its 1st start since 12-15 and rallied to lose by only a neck. Lightly raced 9-year-old comes right back and should be ready to bring a top effort.5-Whichway to the Beach (7/2)-Worked hard into a .55 opening half to land on the point. The trip took its toll and faded to come 3rd. This will be the 5th race off the bench and comes back in sequence for the first time. Could land on top or in the pocket and not burn as much gas this time.Race 9 (9:25 PM EDT)4-The Greek Freak (9/5)-Shipped in and went gate to wire and looked the part as a 6/5 post time favorite. Steps up but has beaten this kind in the fall and then stepped up to race against top pacers at YR. Knows how to string wins together, draws a top post and comes right back for the first time in 3 starts this year. Could follow the same plan, has the gate speed to get on the point and make every call a winning one.$1 Late Pick 41,2,4/1,2,4/4,5/4Total Bet=$18Check me out on X!

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Kentucky Derby qualifying points will be up for grabs Saturday at Colonial Downs when the second spring edition of the Virginia Derby is offered. The 1-turn race at 1-1/8 miles is unique in trip. Last year's winner American Promise went on to perform in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness, while this year's cast looks to make a name for itself.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 Virginia Derby. Get up to $10 back if your win bet finishes second or third when you bet with 1/ST BET and Xpressbet.Let’s meet the contenders for the Virginia Derby (Race 9):#1-BUETANE: $1.15 million son of Belmont winner Tiz the Law has hit the board in the G1 Hopeful, G2 San Vicente and G3 Southwest while searching for his first stakes win. Bob Baffert won last week’s San Felipe with Potente and looks to bolster his potential Kentucky Derby roster. Well-traveled colt will make his fifth career start at a fifth different track. Flavien Prat has the call on the expected favorite. Baffert’s Getaway Car finished fourth as the 4-5 favorite in this race las tyear.#2-GRITTINESS: Five-race maiden makes a third straight stakes start after a Remsen fifth and runner-up in the Withers most recently. This $575,000 son of Curlin has kept strong company lines all the way back to his debut at Saratoga when chasing eventual 2-year-old champ Ted Noffey. Todd Pletcher also trained the dam, Coach Rocks, winner of the Gulfstream Oaks and runner-up in the 2018 Black-Eyed Susan. Rajiv Maragh rides for the first time.#3-EPIC DESIRE: Second of 2 Todd Pletcher trainees in the lineup, this Uncle Mo colt has won 1 of 6 and exits a fifth-place effort in the Sam F. Davis Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs. Local rider Sheldon Russell – second in this race last year with Render Judgment – takes the call aboard the full-brother to $2 million earner and 3-time Grade 1 winner Adare Manor. He’s winless in 5 tries without Lasix and won’t race on the medication Saturday.#4-WORK: Santa Anita-based son of 2015 Triple Crown winner American Pharoah broke his maiden last out in his fifth career start. Two-time Kentucky Derby-winning trainer Doug O’Neill finished second last week in the San Felipe with Robusta, also owned by Calumet Farm. Work finished out of the money in all 4 prior starts before winning a turf sprint at 6-1/2 furlongs last time out. Parx leading jockey Mychel Sanchez rides.#5-HIGH CAMP: Lightly raced Instagrand home-bred for OXO Equine broke his maiden Feb. 7 at Gulfstream in his second career start. John Velazquez returns in the saddle off that 1-length score over 7 furlongs for trainer Will Walden. He’ll be without Lasix Saturday and extends a quarter-mile in trip. Second dam Summer Applause was fourth in the 2012 Kentucky Oaks and cashed checks in marquee races like the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint, Spinster, Apple Blossom and DuPont Distaff.#6-LOCKSTOCKNPHAROAH: Joins Work in this field as sons of American Pharoah, this one unbeaten in 2 starts on the synthetic surface at Turfway Park. Trainer Tommy Drury brings regular rider Edgar Morales from Kentucky as this $50,000 purchase makes his first stakes bid. He’s won sprinting and around 2 turns at a mile, so the 1-1/8 miles around 1 turn could be an effective trip for him if he handles dirt.#7-INCREDIBOLT: Crossroads time for last year’s Grade 3 Street Sense winner after a mystifying, last-place debacle in the Grade 3 Holy Bull on Jan. 31 in his sophomore return. Riley Mott trains the Bolt d’Oro colt and regular rider Jaime Torres sticks in the saddle. He’s had 4 workouts on cue since the Holy Bull at his Palm Meadows winter base.#8-CONFESSIONAL: Keeneland debut winner in October looks to get back on the beam after an allowance runner-up and tiring seventh in the Sam F. Davis Stakes in Florida this winter. The allowance came in pursuit of next-out Holy Bull winner Nearly, while the Davis effort looked a bit more tolerable when that race’s third-place finisher The Puma rebounded to win last week’s Tampa Bay Derby. Brad Cox trained the sire Essential Quality and champion jockey Irad Ortz Jr. will be in the saddle. Blinkers go back on for the Virginia Derby after being removed for the Davis last out.#9-OCELLI: Maiden gives the stakes path another whirl in his fifth start following a no-threat sixth in the Sam F. Davis at Tampa Bay Downs. Solid maiden performances in Kentucky and Louisiana prior, including a third-place effort behind next-out winner and major Blue Grass Stakes contender Reagan’s Honor on Jan. 17. Whit Beckman and Joe Ramos team with this $12,000 colt by Connect.#10-CLOCKER SPECIAL: Stakes debut for this Ellis Park maiden winner last July, who makes his second start off the layoff. Close second at Oaklawn Feb. 8 in allowance company for Rodolphe Brisset while stretching out to 1-1/16 miles for the first time. $200,000 son of Not This Time has trained at Keeneland in recent weeks and top Oaklawn rider Cristian Torres makes the road trip Saturday to Colonial Downs.

SCHEDULE NOTESFair Grounds | adds Monday card, first post 1:45 pm ETNOTABLE CARRYOVERSJackpot Pick 5 | $55,041 | Parx | begins Race 1 | 12:40 pm ETJackpot Pick 6 | $67,611 | Mahoning Valley | begins Race 3 | 1:11 pm ETJackpot Pick 6 | $157,348 | Fair Grounds | begins Race 4 | 3:15 pm ETJackpot Pick 6 | $67,447 | Turf Paradise | begins Race 3 | 5:11 pm ETKEY RACESWill Rogers Downs | Race 7 | 5:02 pm ET | Blue Ribbon StakesLONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIXParx | Race 10 | 4:43 pm ETSunland | Race 9 | 5:58 pm ETTurf Paradise | Race 8 | 7:43 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHGreg Foley | Fair Grounds | all 4 entrants 9-2 or less oddsDID YOU SEE?Yesterday | Fair Grounds | Joe Sharp | 3 wins, 2 seconds in 5 startsPUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAMFrank Carulli & Brian W. Spencer best bets today in Xpressbet.com member’s section

Carryovers have been plentiful lately at the Great Race Place and that continues on Sunday afternoon where there will be a carryover of $67,798 in the $2 Pick 6. Challenging results on Big Cap Day led us here. Let’s see if we can’t piece the final 6 races of the week together after a fun, but frustrating Saturday in Arcadia.Grade Descriptions: Grade A=Highest degree of confidence; Grade B=Solid Play. Grade C=Least preferred or pass; Grade X=probable winner but likely at odds too short to play.Race 4:Grade: C+Main Ticket: 5 Re Armed Jon; 2 Smart Code; 3 Gregory’s PrideBackups: 6 SpearfishForecast: A challenging starter allowance at 6.5-furlongs over the sod kicks things off where I do not trust 9-5-ML favorite #7 Incanto. The 4YO gelding ships in from Florida for Peter Eurton after having competed against better over his last several starts. On paper the Irish-bred looks like the one to beat, but Eurton is winless at Santa Anita Park over the last 30 days. I will try to beat him and stablemate #4 Vancougar with a few, but admittedly with not a lot of confidence in any particular runner.Race 5:Grade: C+Main Ticket: 6 Magic Connection; 2 ScatifyBackups: 7 NovinophobiaForecast: Up next is this $10k N2L at 6-furlongs where once again the morning line favorite is difficult to fully trust. #2 Scatify is winless since his debut at Los Alamitos in December ’23. He made his last start on December 29 against first-level allowance foes and was absolutely terrible after finding a great early spot off the early leaders. That said, this is a massive drop for a barn that is 5 for 42 over the last 20 days, so unlike the Eurton duo in Race 4, he is almost impossible to toss. I will use the chalk along with a pair of runners that exit the February 7 race at this same level.Race 6:Grade: BMain Ticket: 4 Berlin WallBackups: NoneForecast: I will take a stand in this first-level allowance against 2-1-ML favorite #5 Voldemort with Cal-bred #4 Berlin Wall. The Practical Joke colt has done little wrong throughout his career outside of running sixth in the Malibu (G1) at 36-1 and running somewhat poorly on the grass in January. Trainer Steve Knapp moved the 4YO colt back to the dirt last time and he delivered with a big run in his first effort around two-turns. He finished extremely well versus lesser. Hopefully, he can once again stalk early and pull away late under regular rider Tiago Pereira.Race 7:Grade: BMain Ticket: 6 Ventry Strand; 8 Honey’s ChoiceBackups: 3 Sammy DavisForecast: It has been a slow winter in Arcadia thus far for trainer John Sadler, but he holds a strong hand in this first-level allowance down the hill. #3 Sammy Davis makes his turf debut and was made the 9-5-ML favorite, while #6 Ventry Strand returns quickly to make his third start off the layoff. Sammy Davis could be the controlling speed and has the pedigree to take to the surface switch, but I prefer Ventry Strand. The son of Bolt d’Oro came with a strong run two-back to win going away against fellow Cal-breds before putting in another big late surge in his first try at a route of ground. He moves into the open company ranks for just the second time, but is in good form and should be rolling late at a playable price. I will also include #8 Honey’s Choice. The son of Liam’s Map tried sprinting for the initial time in mid-January and it resulted in an easy win. He draws favorably in his first start versus winners.Race 8: Santa Ysabel (G3)Grade: B-Main Ticket: 3 French Blue; 5 Forced EntryBackups: 4 Piney WoodsForecast: Speaking of John Sadler, the veteran conditioner is hopeful Sunday’s feature marks a big bounce back for #6 Super Corredora. The 2025 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies’ winner competed against the flow in her return race last month, but that does not totally forgive her performance. It was enough for me to try to beat her at a short price in this spot with a trio of runners with upside, including top choice #3 French Blue. The Three Chimneys Farm homebred will need to take a big step forward to beat graded stakes foes in her first start against winners and at two-turns, but did everything right on debut. I expect her to make a strong account of herself and am hopeful from a gambling perspective that last year’s champ fails to fire her best shot once again.Race 9:Grade: BMain Ticket: 7 Victorious DreamBackups: 1 Sandy Street; 3 Lilo LilForecast: I hope to get to the finale where I am absolutely against 2-1-ML favorite #6 Bint Al Dandy. The 5YO mare has burnt a ton of money through 7 starts in the States, often with little excuse. On paper, the Dandy Man mare appears the one to beat, but I will once again let her beat me. I like #7 Victorious Dream most. The European import makes her third start in North America after putting in a solid run to finish second to an odds-on favorite from the Phil D’Amato barn on January 24. She gets a huge rider upgrade to hot riding Juan Hernandez and should be finishing full of run on the turnback to one mile.

SPECIAL 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 | $151,444 | Fair Grounds | begins Race 3 | 2:45 pm ETJackpot Pick 6 | $81,300 | Gulfstream | begins Race 5 | 2:51 pm ETPick 6 | $67,799 | Santa Anita | begins Race 4 | 5:36 pm ETKEY RACESSanta Anita | Race 2 | 4:33 pm ET | China Doll StakesSunland | Race 9 | 5:58 pm ET | Dominguez Memorial StakesSanta Anita | Race 8 | 7:49 pm ET | Santa Ysabel StakesLONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIXFair Grounds | Race 5 | 3:45 pm ETTampa Bay Downs | Race 9 | 4:43 pm ETGulfstream Park | Race 10 | 5:24 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHSteve Asmussen | Oaklawn | 7 of 10 entrants 5-1 or less oddsDID YOU SEE?Yesterday | Santa Anita | jockey Juan Hernandez| 4 wins, including 3 stakesPUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAMScott Shapiro: Santa Anita $67K Carryover Pick 6 Analysis for SundayBrian W. Spencer best bets today in Xpressbet.com member’s section

Northfield Park begins the week with a 14-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 EDT)4-AYR Balmoral GB (3-1)-This looks like a 2-horse race and Ronnie Wrenn needs to work a smooth trip to take a picture. Should get away in a close-up seat and then needs to use one good move down the lane.5-Midwind Beach Boy (5/2)-Beat this kind handily with AMac between the pipes and paid off at a healthy 8-1. That ship has sailed, will be short price but deserves respect. Not sure trying to wire the field is the best plan but Aaron Merriman knows well.Race 12 (10:02 PM EDT)2-Flip Five Stones (6-1)-Shipped in from MVR, got an inside trip, and came 2nd. Not a bad effort at all and will look for even better in the 2nd start in town. My take is the morning line is too high, and has hit the board in 16 of 21 at Nfld with 6 pictures.3-His Glory (9/2)-Drops to a more competitive level after an even race up a level. Dan Noble could land on the point or close to it off the gate and be in the mix at the wire.9-Don't Take My Keys (7/2)-Comes off some wide trips and should be able to dance with this kind. Has cashed checks with straight Open company and should be a player with a sharp steer.Race 13 (10:24 PM EDT)2-Badlands Casino (7/2)-Was used hard off the gate to get the top into a quick opening quarter. Got a top of the stack trip, stayed inside and cashed a 2nd place check. Will look for another big try and moves inside for this start.3-The Real Way (2-1)-Dropped to a soft spot and popped at 1/9. Can double up despite taking on better. and is no stranger to this type of competition. Will respect chances of posting another win.Race 14 (10:46 PM EDT)1-Beach Forecast (4-1)-The veteran put in a no-move mile leaving from post 6 in last. Now, moves to the rail and the Johnson trainee could bounce back. Should offer a square price and Braiden Rhodes could have in play when the wings fold.3-Royhill (3-1)-Comes off dull try versus better in the 1st start off the bench. If tight enough this would be a soft spot and will look for a big try with the change to Aaron Merriman.9-Roc Vodka (6-1)-The last 2 races were on an off-track and the resultswere not good. This is another who should enjoy the company and might be overlooked. Will look for Chris Lems to be close to the top into the opening turn.$1 Late Pick 44,5/2,3,9/2,3/1,3,9Total Bet=$36Check me out on X!

EXTRA INCENTIVES$5,000 Exacta-Thon | Santa Anita | today’s races$10 Money-Back Special | San Felipe (SA), Tampa Bay Derby (Tam) | up to $10 back if win bet finishes 2nd, 3rdSPECIAL WAGERSSunset Pick 6 | Gulfstream Races 10-11-12; Santa Anita Races 9-10-11Coast-to-Coast Pick 5 | Gulfstream Races 7-10; Santa Anita Races 3-4-5TOURNAMENT TIMEBeat the Host Championship Round (qualifiers only) | details$6000 Ultimate Betting Challenge | details$40 Gulfstream Feeder | details$40 Santa Anita Feeder | detailsNOTABLE CARRYOVERSJackpot Pick 6 | $144,005 | Fair Grounds | begins Race 5 | 3:45 pm ETJackpot Pick 6 | $62,481 | Turf Paradise | begins Race 3 | 4:13 pm ETPick 5 | $24,712 | Fair Grounds | begins Race 6 | 4:15 pm ETJackpot Pick 6 | $56,290 | Turfway Park | begins Race 5 | 7:55 pm ETSunset 6 | $69,988 | Gulfstream / Santa Anita | begins GP Race 10 | pm ETKEY RACESTampa Bay Downs | Race 4 | 1:56 pm ET | Challenger StakesLaurel | Race 6 | 2:38 pm ET | Conniver StakesAqueduct | Race 4 | 2:44 pm ET | Gander StakesLaurel | Race 7 | 3:09 pm ET | Not For Love StakesTampa Bay Downs | Race 7 | 3:27 pm ET | Columbia StakesGulfstream | Race 7 | 3:50 pm ET | Silks Run StakesTampa Bay Downs | Race 9 | 4:29 pm ET | Hillsborough StakesSanta Anita | Race 4 | 4:34 pm ET | Beholder Mile StakesAqueduct | Race 8 | 4:48 pm ET | Maddie May StakesTampa Bay Downs | Race 10 | 5:00 pm ET | Florida OaksTampa Bay Downs | Race 11 | 5:35 pm ET | Tampa Bay Derby | Meet the ContendersOaklawn | Race 9 | 5:44 pm ET | Azeri StakesFair Grounds | Race 9 | 5:45 pm ET | LaCombe Memorial StakesGulfstream | Race 11 | 5:52 pm ET | Hurricane Bertie StakesSanta Anita | Race 8 | 6:41 pm ET | San Felipe Stakes | Meet the ContendersSanta Anita | Race 9 | 7:12 pm ET | Kilroe Mile StakesSanta Anita | Race 10 | 7:43 pm ET | Santa Anita HandicapTurfway | Race 8 | 9:25 pm ET | Big Daddy StakesLONGSHOT RACE ALERT FROM BETMIXGulfstream Park | Race 1 | 12:50 pm ETTampa Bay Downs | Race 7 | 3:27 pm ETTurfway | Race 5 | 7:55 pm ETTRAINERS TO WATCHChad Brown | Tampa Bay Downs | all 9 entrants 5-1 or less oddsDID YOU SEE?Yesterday | Aqueduct | jockey Manny Franco | 3 wins from 7 mountsYesterday | Charles Town | 20-cent jackpot pick 6 scooped by single ticket for $67,994PUT US ON YOUR HANDICAPPING TEAMScott Shapiro: Santa Anita Full-Card Analysis for SaturdayJeremy Plonk: Race of the Week – Santa Anita HandicapScott Shapiro: Triple Crown Prep Race Picks – San Felipe, Tampa Bay DerbyJeremy Plonk: Tampa Bay Downs Late Pick 4 Analysis for SaturdayFrank Carulli & Brian W. Spencer best bets today in Xpressbet.com member’s section