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Pimlico, Aqueduct, and Churchill Downs open their fall meets this week. But although three of the most historic tracks in the U.S. start running, the most important race of the week happens at Woodbine in Canada.

Breeders’ Cup Mile contenders enter the starting gate at Woodbine to run in the Grade 1 Woodbine Mile.

Keep reading for more info on these top turf races as well as three other great races happening on Saturday, plus MyBookie offers the horse racing odds for each race.

Betting Top Horse Races: Pimlico, Belmont Park, Churchill Downs, and Woodbine’s Massive Cards | MyBookie Horse Racing Preview

Top Stakes Races Second Week of September: Saturday, September 16th, 2023

Baltimore-Washington International Turf Cup | Grade 3

1 mile turf – 3 & up
Saturday, September 16th, 2023
Pimlico Race Course, Baltimore, Maryland

Connections for at least nine runners plan on going in the Grade 3 Baltimore-Washington International Turf Cup. Among the nine, Jonathan Thomas trained Wolfie’s Dynaghost or Smokin’ T from the Claude McGaughey barn project as the favorite.

Doppleganger, now going for trainer Brittany Russell, and He’spuregold have a shot. High Distinction, Cazadero, Business Model, Tea At One, and Graham Motion trained King Vega should also run.

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Jockey Club Oaks | Grade 3

1 3/8 miles turf – 3 year old fillies
Saturday, September 16th, 2023
Belmont Park, Elmont, New York

Only James Stack trained Aspen Grove has confirmed for the Grade 3 Jockey Club Oaks. Chad Brown won the Jockey Club Oaks last year with McKulick.

So there’s a great chance Brown enters one of his 3 year old fillies. Keep an eye out for entries.

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Pocahontas Stakes | Grade 3

1 3/8 miles turf – 3 year old fillies
Saturday, September 16th, 2023
Churchill Downs, Louisville, Kentucky

Last out maiden winner Courbe goes for Todd Pletcher. Pletcher wouldn’t enter Courbe unless he believed she was good enough to win the Pocahontas.

Brad Cox will saddle a contender in Youalmosthadme. Kenny McPeek also enters a runner, sprinter Mitole sired V V’s Dream. Others include possible favorite Empire Island, Peignoir trained by Rodolphe Brissett, and Riperton.

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Iroquois Stakes | Grade 3

1 mile dirt – 2 year old colts
Saturday, September 16th, 2023
Churchill Downs, Louisville, Kentucky

Horseplayers project to make Union Roll the chalk. The Todd Pletcher runner broke the maiden in Monmouth in August. Union Roll has the breeding to be special.

Steve Asmussen will saddle Tapit sired Edified. D. Wayne Lukas is likely to run a couple: Market Street and Seize The Grey. Brad Cox’s Gettysburg will also attract action. A couple of runners who could get it done at square prices are Liberal Arts and West Saratoga.

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Locust Grove Stakes | Grade 3

1 1/16 miles turf – 3 year olds & up
Saturday, September 16th, 2023
Churchill Downs, Louisville, Kentucky

Steve Asmussen sends Grade 2 Fleur de Lis winner Pauline’s Pearl to the turf. Tapit breeds turf stars and dirt stars. So Pauline should race well.

Le Da Vida and Chad Brown trained Search Results will also attract action. Misty Veil, Hidden Connection, and A Mo Ready boast popular connections. Those three will have their fans.

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Woodbine Mile | Grade 1

1 mile turf – 3 year olds & up
Saturday, September 16th, 2023
Woodbine Racetrack, Toronto, Canada

A full field should line up for the Woodbine Mile. But although fourteen runners will go, two should attract the most action.

Chad Brown trained In Italian is a monster. The Dubawi sired mare has won 4-of-5 with a couple of second place finishes. The second place finishes came behind Whitebeam, another Chad Brown runner, in the Grade 1 Diana and behind Tuesday in the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Turf.

Adain O’Brien saddles the other chalk, Victoria Road. Master of the Seas, trained by Charles Appleby, and another Brown trained mare, Speak of the Devil, will also attract action.

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One of the final Breeders’ Cup prep days happens on Saturday. Aqueduct runs the Grade 1 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic, Churchill Downs runs the Grade 2 Lukas Classic Stakes, and Santa Anita Park runs the Grade 1 Awesome Again. Grade 2 events also happen at Aqueduct at Santa Anita on Sep 30.

Keep reading for more info on these top turf races as well as three other great races happening on Saturday, plus MyBookie offers the horse racing odds for each race.

Betting Top Horse Races: Massive Grade 1 Cards in Belmont and Anta Anita | MyBookie Horse Racing Preview

Top Stakes Races Fourth Week of September: Saturday, September 30th, 2023

Joe Hirsch Turf Classic | Grade 1

1 ½ miles on turf – 3 year olds & up
Saturday, September 30th, 2023
Belmont Park, Elmont, New York

Rebel’s Romance bombed in the Grade 2 Bowlin Green. But the Charles Appleby trained runner has a ton of back class. Don’t be surprised if Romance goes off the chalk.

Soldier Rising hopes to parlay a second place finish in the Grade 1 Sword Dancer into a win in the Grade 1 Joe Hirsch. The Clement trainee will attract dollars. Others expected to run include Pioneering Spirit, Therapist, Grand Sonata, Cellist, and Astronaut.

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Woodward Stakes | Grade 2

1 1/8 miles dirt – 3 year olds & up
Saturday, September 30th, 2023
Belmont Park, Elmont, New York

Todd Pletcher trained Grand Sonata may forego the Joe Hirsch and instead run in the Woodward. The Medaglia d’Oro sired runner would likely go off second choice behind Chad Brown trained Zandon.

Dubai World Cup second place finisher Algiers has a legit shot of winning. O’Connor, Law Professor, and Tyson are the other confirmed runners.
Churchill Downs

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Ack Ack Handicap | Grade 3

1 mile dirt – 3 year olds & up
Saturday, September 30th, 2023
Churchill Downs, Louisville, Kentucky

For a grade 3, the Ack Ack has attracted a solid field. Three Technique, trained by James Cook, has the highest last out speed rating. Brad Cox trained Zozo, though, will go off the favorite.

Horseplayers also expect Seize The Night, O Besos, Stage Raider, Skyro, and Caddo River to run. If D.Wayne Lukas has Caddo River ready to show his best, the former Brad Cox trained equine could romp.

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Lukas Classic Stakes | Grade 2

1 1/8 miles dirt – 3 year olds & up
Saturday, September 30th, 2023
Churchill Downs, Louisville, Kentucky

D. Wayne doesn’t have a runner in the race named after him. One trainer that does is Kenny McPeek, who will saddle likely chalk Rattle N Roll.

Clapton, Warrant, and Happy American will attract action. Todd Pletcher will saddle Americanrevolution hoping for a bounce back. The Pletcher runner finished fourth in the Evan Shipman in the last.

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Santa Anita Sprint Championship | Grade 2

6 furlongs dirt – 3 year olds & up
Saturday, September 30th, 2023
Santa Anita Park, Arcadia, California

Trainers Bob Baffert, Peter Miller, and Doug O’Neil will saddle about 80% of the Santa Anita Sprint Championship field. Baffert’s runners include likely favorite Arabian Lion, Speed Boat Beach, and Hard to Figure.

Peter Miller’s top contender is CZ Rocket. Miller also plans on running Get Her Number, Visitant, and Radical Right. O’Neill’s runners project to be Anarchist and Ah Jeez.

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Awesome Again Stakes | Grade 1

1 1/8 miles dirt – 3 year olds & up
Saturday, September 30th, 2023
Santa Anita Park, Arcadia, California

Santa Anita Derby winner Practical Move returns to the races but the Tim Yakteen trained runner is up against it versus talented older horses Slow Down Andy and Stilleto Boy.

Skinner, Bob Baffert trained Defunded, Katonah, and Piroli will also run. Baffert may run Azul Coast and Fort Bragg. John Sadler plans on entering Missed the Cut. Another possible runner is Bill Mott’s Celestial Moon.

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The most important day at Parx happens this Saturday when the Pennsylvania based track runs the Grade 1 Cotillion and the Grade 1 Pennsylvania Derby. On Sunday, the Grade 2 Oklahoma Derby takes place at Remington. Check out top plays and Horse Racing Odds for the Top Stakes Races of the Week from Saturday, September 24 to Sunday, September 25. You can also visit our Online Racebook to place your bets on active racetracks.

Horse Racing Odds, Picks, and Betting Analysis | September 19th Edition

Churchill Downs | Saturday, Sep. 24

Grade 3 Dogwood Stakes – 7 furlongs dirt – 3 year old fillies

Steve Asmussen trained Echo Zulu returns to the races. The Gun Runner sired miss won her first 5 races before finishing fourth in the Kentucky Oaks in May. 7 furlongs is a great distance for Echo, which is why she’ll go off at less than even money odds to win the Dogwood.

Last Leaf, stablemate Wicked Halo, Tarabi, and Gunning will also run. Echo Zulu’s top competition should come from Todd Pletcher trained Colorful Mischief.

Parx | Saturday, Sep. 24

Grade 2 Gallant Bob – 6 furlongs dirt – 3 year olds

Pletcher figures to have one of the favorites in the Gallant Bob when Todd puts the saddle on Provocateur. The Pletcher colt is going to have to earn it.

Connections for 10 other runners plan on entering the G-Bob. Jelly Nougat, Scaramouche, Little Vic, Of a Revolution, Runninsonofagun, Lightening Larry, Dance Code, Friar Laurence, Apprehend, and Alottahope are pointing to the Gallant Bob.

Grade 1 Cotillion – 1 1/16 miles dirt – 3 year old fillies

Bob Baffert plans on running Grade 2 Black-eyed Susans runner up Adare More in the Grade 1 Cotillion. Challengers include 3 from the Pletcher barn: Green Up, Goddess of Fire, and Shahama.

Steve Asmussen will run Society and Chad Brown will put the saddle on Gerrymander. No doubt, D. Wayne Lukas has the chalk in Kentucky Oaks winner Secret Oath.

Grade 1 Pennsylvania Derby – 1 1/16 miles dirt – 3 year olds

Some of the top three year olds running head to Parx for this Saturday’s Pennsylvania Derby. Bob Baffert saddles Santa Anita winner Taiba, Chad Brown goes with Blue Grass winner Zandon, and Arkansas Derby winner Cyberknife runs for Brad Cox.

Also expected to run is Florida Derby winner White Abbario. Simplification, Tawny Port, Skippylongstocking, and Peter Pan Stakes winner We the People should also enter the starting gate.

Belmont at the Big A – Aqueduct | Sunday, Sep. 25

Grade 2 Gallant Bloom Handicap – 6 ½ furlongs dirt – 3 & 4 year old fillies & mares

Brad Cox trained Lady Rocket will lead a small but competitive field in this Sunday’s Gallant Bloom Handicap. Expected to join Lady Rocket in the starting gate are Sterling Silver, Fingal’s Cave, Assertive Style, Cheetara, Remain Anonymous, and Kimari from the Wesley Ward barn.

Remington Park | Sunday, Sep. 25

Grade 3 Oklahoma Derby – 1 1/8 miles dirt – 3 year olds

Trainers Kenny McPeek and Brad Cox will account for the four top choices in the the Oklahoma Derby on Sunday. McPeek puts the saddle on Rattle N Roll and third place Preakness Stakes finisher Creative Minister.

Cox goes with Pegasus Stakes winner Home Brew and Grade 3 Smarty Jones first place colt Best Actor. Connections for Maximum Impact, Great Escape, King Ottoman, Red Knobs, and A.P.’s Secret also plan on running their colts.

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This weekend, graded Breeders’ Cup prep races happen at both Santa Anita Park and Belmont Park. At Santa Anita, the action starts on Friday with the Grade 1 American Pharoah Stakes. On Saturday, the Great Race Place runs grade one races the Rodeo Drive and the Awesome Again. Over at Belmont Park, the Grade 1 Champagne and Grade 1 Woodward happen on Saturday while the Grade 1 Frizette takes place on Sunday. Check out top plays and Horse Racing Odds for the Top Stakes Races of the Week from Friday, October 1st to Sunday, October 3rd. You can also visit our Online Racebook to place your bets on active racetracks.

Horse Racing Odds & Picks September 27th Edition

Santa Anita Park – Friday, Oct. 1

Grade 1 American Pharoah Stakes – 1 1/16 miles dirt – $300,000

Bob Baffert will enter three, Corniche, Rockefeller, and Pine Hurst. Although American Pharoah’s trainer will have three runners, Richard Mandella trained Forbidden Kingdom should go off the chalk. The American Pharoah sired runner easily disposed of his opponents in his first lifetime race. Among the Baffert runners, Medaglia D’Oro sired runner Rockefeller might be best.

Belmont Park – Saturday, Oct. 2

Grade 1 Champagne Stakes – 1 mile dirt – $500,000

The top two finishers in the Grade 1 Hopeful resume their burgeoning rivalry in the Champagne Stakes. Steve Asmussen trained Gunite beat Wit from the Todd Pletcher barn to win the Hopeful. Into Mischief sired and Pletcher trained Mr. Prankster will also garner attention. As will Chad Brown trained Jack Cristopher.

Grade 1 Woodward Stakes – 1 1/8 miles dirt – $500,000

Grade 1 Whitney second-place finisher Maxfield should go off the chalk to win the Woodward. Claude McGaughey puts the saddle on Code of Honor, the 2019 Travers Stakes winner. Both Forza Di Oro and Dr. Post disappointed in their last races. Don’t discount either runner’s chances, though. Forza Di Oro, especially, could have a bounce back performance.

Santa Anita Park – Saturday, Oct. 2

Grade 1 Rodeo Drive Stakes – 1 ¼ miles turf – $300,000

Only three runners have so far confirmed for the Rodeo Drive. All three will have a shot. Richard Mandella puts the saddle on Dogtag. The War Front sired five-year-old mare finished second in both the Grade 2 Yellow Ribbon and Grade 2 John C. Mabee at Del Mar. Crystalle, trained by Peter Miller, will be looking for a bounce back performance after finishing fifth in the CTT and TOC Stakes in her last. Going to Vegas from the Richard Baltas barn should go off the favorite. Vegas won both the Yellow Ribbon and the John C. Mabee.

Grade 1 Awesome Again Stakes – 1 1/8 miles dirt – $300,000

Bob Baffert decided not to run Medina Spirit in the Pennsylvania Derby. Instead, Spirit will prep for the Classic in the Awesome Again Stakes. The 2021 Kentucky Derby winner should face Pacific Classic winner Tripoli, P. Classic runner-up Tizamagician, stablemate Laurel River, Express Train from the John Shirreff’s barn, and Idol.

Belmont Park – Sunday, Oct. 3

Grade 1 Frizette Stakes – 1 mile dirt – $400,000

Connections for at least eight horses will enter their charges in the Grade 1 Frizette. Steve Asmussen trained and undefeated Grade 1 Spinaway winner Echo Zulu figures to go off the chalk. Todd Pletcher trained Jester Calls Nojoy should garner some backing. So will Juju’s Map from the Brad Cox barn.

Santa Anita Park – Sunday, Oct. 3

Grade 2 Zenyatta Stakes – 1 1/16 miles dirt – $200,000

As of Sep. 27, only Peter Miller trained Samurai Charm and Bob Baffert three-year-old filly Private Mission are confirmed for the Zenyatta Stakes. Expect a full field to enter, though. The Zenyatta is one of the few remaining prep races for the Breeders’ Cup Distaff.

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Two of the top fall meets in thoroughbred racing start this week. Horses transfer from Saratoga to Aqueduct in Ozone Park, NY. Over in Kentucky, horses transfer from Ellis Park to Churchill Downs to run under the Twin Spires. Both the Big A and Churchill run graded stakes on Saturday. The top event is the Grade 1 Woodbine Mile at Woodbine in Ontario, Canada. Check out top plays and Horse Racing Odds for the Top Stakes Races of the Week from Saturday, September 17. You can also visit our Online Racebook to place your bets on active racetracks.

Horse Racing Odds, Picks, and Betting Analysis | September 12th Edition

Aqueduct | Saturday, Sep. 17

Grade 3 Jockey Club Oaks – 1 3/8 miles turf – 3 year old fillies

Bill Mott trained Nostalgic returns to turf in the Grade 3 Jockey Club Oaks. Nostalgic had tried dirt but with limited success. Back on her preferred surface, Nostalgic could be tough.

McKulick, the Chad Brown trained 3 year old filly, will go off the chalk. The Frankel sired runner won the Grade 1 Belmont Oaks and then finished second in the Grade 3 Saratoga Oaks. Myriskyaffair, a Cristophe Clement trained runner, Toskana Belle, Miss Yearwood, another Clement filly, Canisy, and Todd Pletcher trained Beside Herself should also run.

Grade 3 Jockey Club Derby – 1 ½ miles turf – 3 year olds

Kenny McPeek trained Classic Causeway hopes to turn the tables on rival Nations Pride. After upsetting the field in the Grade 1 Belmont Derby on July 9, Causeway finished third behind Nations Pride and Annapolis in the Grade 1 Saratoga Derby.

Nations Pride will run on Saturday. Annapolis may or may not. Ardakan is confirmed. So is James Jones from the Chad Brown barn.

Churchill Downs | Saturday, Sep. 17

Grade 3 Pocahontas – 1 1/16 miles dirt – 2 year old fillies

11 runners could enter the starting gate for the Grade 3 Pocahontas at Churchill Downs. Among the 11, Saffie Joseph Jr. trained Looking for Hope, Fun and Feisty from the Kenny McPeek barn, and D. Wayne Lukas trained Naughty Gal should attract the most action.

Grade 3 Iroquois – 1 1/16 miles dirt – 2 year old colts

At least 8 runners are confirmed for the Iroquois. Brad Cox puts the saddle on Jace’s Road, a last out maiden winner sired by Quality Road.

Doug O’Neil plans on shipping Jin Tong to Churchill. Kenny McPeek will run a couple: Hayes Strike and Honed. Steve Asmussen puts the saddle on Echo Again, a Gun Runner sired colt.

Grade 3 Locust Grove – 1 1/16 miles dirt – 3 year olds and up

Grade 1 Beldame fourth place finisher Gold Spirit headlines what should be a strong group of 3 and 4 year old fillies. Trained by Todd Pletcher, Gold Spirit has done nothing but run in stakes races.

The Omayad sired miss has yet to break her maiden. The fact Todd keeps entering her in graded stakes tells us all we must know about how much ability he believes she has.

Others pointing to the Locust Grove include Play Hard from the Phil Bauer barn. Kenny McPeek plans on saddling 2 runners: Crazy Beautiful and Envoutante. The McPeek runners should battle for favoritism.

Woodbine | Saturday, Sep. 17

Grade 1 Woodbine Mile – 1 mile turf – 3 year olds and up

A full field of 12 project to enter the starting gate for the Grade 1 Woodbine Mile. Local contender March to the Arch finished fourth in the Grade 2 King Edward in the 7 year old gelding’s last.

Ivar, Mighty Heart, and Wakanaka will challenge March to the Arch for favoritism. Filo Di Arianna, War Bomber, Home Screen, and Finest Sound will go off the longshots. Shirl’s Speight, Town Cruise, and Get Smokin could offer overlay odds to win.

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Santa Anita Park doesn’t open for their short fall meet until Oct. 1, which is why this weekend’s graded stakes races happen at Belmont Park. Gulfstream runs a few top non-graded races. Check out top plays and Horse Racing Odds for the Top Stakes Races of the Week from Saturday, September 25th to Sunday, September 26th. You can also visit our Online Racebook to place your bets on active racetracks.

Horse Racing Odds & Picks September 20th Edition

Gulfstream Park – Saturday, Sep. 25

My Dear Girl Stakes – 1/16 miles dirt – $400,000

The My Dear Girl Stakes is a race for 2-year-old fillies. It’s restricted to Florida breds, which is why Outfoxed figures to go off close to even money or possibly below even money. Outfoxed won the $200,000 Susan’s Girl by 13 ½ lengths. Try to beat her at your own peril.

In Reality Stakes – 1/16 miles dirt – $400,000

The In Reality Stakes could be a 2-horse race. Octane beat Cajun’s Magic by 3 ¼ lengths in the $200,000 Affirmed. Betting figures to settle on one of those two likely favorites. The horse that finished third in the Affirmed, Big And Classy, may also get some play.

Belmont Park – Saturday, Sep. 25

Grade 3 Athenia Stakes – 1 1/8 miles turf – $200,000

At least six runners are likely to enter the starting gate for the Grade 3 Athenia Stakes. Chad Brown trained Call Me Love could go off the chalk. She finished seventh in her last, the Grade 2 Glen Falls, but ran into monster War Like Goddess in that. Call Me Love won the River Memories over Belmont’s turf two races back. Other runners for the Athenia include Brown trained Pocket Square, Tuned from the Graham Motion barn, Platinum Paynter, Lake Lucerne, and Neil Drysdale trained Love And Peace.

Grade 2 Kelso Handicap – 1 mile dirt – $300,000

So far, connections for just 2 horses have said they will enter into the Grade 2 Kelso. One of the runners is Todd Pletcher trained Life Is Good. The gigantic 3-year-old finished second behind top sprinter Jackie’s Warrior in the Grade 1 H. Allen Jerkens Memorial at Saratoga in his last. The H. Allen Jerkens was Life Is Good’s first race since beating Kentucky Derby winner Medina Spirit in the Grade 2 San Felipe this past March.

Mike Maker trained Mo Mosa will also run. The 4-year-old colt isn’t in great form. Maker doesn’t run them unless he believes they can win. So if the top trainer enters Mo Mosa, expect a big effort.

Belmont Park – Sunday, Sep. 26

Bertram F. Bongard Stakes – 7 furlongs dirt – $150,000

Hold the Salsa, Lookin for Trouble, and Brooklyn Strong finished first, second, and third in the 2020 Bertram F. Bongard Stakes. Expect another group of tough 2-year-old colts to step into the starting gate on Sunday. The Bertram F. Bongard can produce an overlay winner. So make sure to handicap every angle before deciding on which horse to back.

Grade 2 Gallant Bloom Stakes – 6 ½ furlongs dirt – $250,000

At least five talented fillies will run in the Grade 2 Gallant Bloom on Sunday. Rudy Rodriguez trained Bella Sofia will be tough to beat. The Awesome Patriot sired filly won the Grade 1 Test in her last when beating Souper Sensational and Search Results.

Godolphin owned and Bill Mott trained Lake Avenue has finished second in her last three races, including finishing behind Gamine, the top-rated filly or mare sprinter on the planet, in the Grade 1 Ballerina in her last. Lake Avenue has a shot.

Estilo Talentoso, Don’t Call Me Mary, and Victim of Love should also enter. Among the three, Estilo Talentoso has the best shot of beating the two chalks. She finished second behind Ce Ce in the Grade 2 Princess Rooney at Gulfstream Park in July.

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On Saturday, Edmonton racetrack Century Mile takes center stage. Gulfstream Park and Albuquerque Downs runs a couple of intriguing stakes races, but the lone graded event happens at the Century Mile Racetrack. Check out top plays and Horse Racing Odds for the Top Stakes Races of the Week from Saturday, September 11th. You can also visit our Online Racebook to place your bets on active racetracks.

Horse Racing Odds & Picks September 6th Edition

Albuquerque Downs

Petticoat Stakes – 6 ½ furlongs dirt – $100,000

Six three-year-old fillies should show up in the Petticoat Stakes starting gate. The morning line chalk should be Slammed from the Todd Fincher barn. Fincher also trains likely second-choice Proofsinthepudin and third choice Comic Hot Today.

Gulfstream Park

Sheer Drama Stakes – 7 furlongs dirt – $75,000

The third annual Sheer Drama Stakes takes place on Saturday and, once again, Heiressall figures to offer favorite’s odds. In 2019, Heiressall finished second in this behind Wildwood’s Beauty. Last year, Heiressall beat Thissmytime and Liza Star to win the Sheer Drama. Heiressall heads into this off a fourth-place finish in the Seeking the Pearl at Colonial Downs. She should be geared up to show her best.

Century Mile Racetrack

Northland Park Distaff Handicap – 1 mile dirt – $75,000

Sunburst beat Saveitforarainyday, Hidden Grace, and Raider in last year’s Northland Park Distaff Handicap. Check later this week to find out who will enter Saturday’s race.

Century Casino Oaks – 1 1/8 miles dirt – $75,000

No word yet on who will run in the Century Casino Oaks. No matter which horses show up, expect a super competitive race. Make sure to put your handicapping hat on before dumping on the chalk.

Century Mile Handicap – 1 mile dirt – $75,000

Tim Rycroft saddled Trooper John, a six-year-old gelded son of Colonel John, to a win in the Century Mile Handicap last year. Trooper John may show up to defend his title. If he doesn’t, one of the horses that finished behind him, either Go Away, a Scat Daddy sired runner, Shimshine, sired by Wilko and from the Elige Bourne barn, and fourth-place finisher Whiskey Bound should. Like the Century Casino Oaks and the Northland Park Distaff Handicap, horseplayers must do their homework before landing on the Century Mile Handicap winner.

Grade 3 Canadian Derby – 1 ¼ miles – $125,000

The lone graded race of the week should be an excellent event. The Canadian Derby is Canada’s answer to the Travers Stakes. Because the other two races in Canada’s Triple Crown didn’t happen, the top three finishers in the Queen’s Plate should run. Will Phil Serpe trained and Irad Ortiz Jr. ridden Safe Conduct beat rivals Riptide Rock and HC Holiday? Don’t settle on a short-price.

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The Preakness Stakes, the final jewel of the Triple Crown, takes place on Saturday. But the Preakness isn’t the only huge race on Oct. 3. Belmont Park runs the Grade 1 Belmont Derby Invitational over the turf. Keeneland Racetrack in Lexington, Kentucky runs four Grade 1 races, including the Shadwell Turf Mile. Check out top plays and Horse Racing Odds for the Top Stakes Races of the Week for Saturday, October 3. You can also visit our Online Racebook to place your bets on active racetracks.

Horse Racing Odds & Picks for Top Stakes Races of the Week ( Sept. 28th)

Top Stakes Races for the Week

When: Saturday, Oct. 3

Saturday, Oct. 3 Horse Races

Belmont Park

Grade 2 Kelso Handicap – 1 mile dirt – $150,000
Grade 2 Gallant Bloom – 6 ½ furlongs – $150,000
Grade 1 Belmont Derby Invitational – 1 ¼ miles turf – $250,000
Grade 1 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic – 1 ½ miles turf – $250,000

Complexity and Code of Honor are signed on for the Kelso Handicap. Code of Honor won last year’s Travers Stakes. He’s shortening up from 1 1/8 miles. If he’s ready to go a mile, Code of Honor should be tough to beat.

Horseplayers are going to find it hard to find a winner in the Grade 2 Gallant Bloom. Mia Mischief figures to go off the favorite. To win, Mischief must best Royal Charlotte, Newly Minted, Reagan’s Edge, Come Dancing, Unique Factor . . . you get the idea.

Chad Brown trained Domestic Spending could go off the odds on favorite to win the Belmont Derby Invitational on Saturday. Grade 2 winner Pixelate will garner some play and so will Cristophe Clement runner Gufo.

Sadler’s Joy, Highland Sky, Cross Border, and Channel Maker have fought each other all year long. The second-tier graded stakes turf runners go at each other again in the Joe Hirsch Turf Classic. Don’t be surprised if Master Piece goes off the favorite, though. Chad Brown trains the newcomer to New York’s turf distance division.

Keeneland Racecourse

Grade 1 Thoroughbred Club of America – 6 furlongs dirt – $200,000
Grade 1 Shadwell Turf Mile Stakes – 1 mile turf – $750,000
Grade 1 Claiborne Breeders’ Futurity – 1 1/16 miles dirt – $400,000
Grade 1 First Lady – 1 mile turf – $350,000

If Mia Mischief doesn’t run in the Gallant Bloom, she figures to run in the Thoroughbred Club Of America. The Grade 1 race has a bigger purse. Spicedperfection, last year’s winner, could show up to defend her title.

Grade 1 Fourstardave winner Halladay merits top billing to win the Shadwell Turf Mile. Todd Pletcher trains while Halladay has won 3 of his last 4. Although other trainers have yet to say if they will run in the Shadwell, expect plenty of competition to show up to challenge Halladay.

Sittin’ On Go should get plenty of attention to win the Breeders’ Futurity. The Dale Romans trained runner broke his maiden in the Grade 3 Iroquois. The highly regarded son of Brody’s Cause could prove something special if he wins a couple of graded races in his first two lifetime starts.

No word yet on which top filly and mare grass milers will contest the First Lady. Juliet Foxtrot, last year’s second-place finisher, figures to give it a shot. 6-year-old mare Uni, who beat the boys to win the Breeders’ Cup Mile last November, could show up to defend her title.

Santa Anita Park

Grade 2 City of Hope – 1 mile turf – $200,000

Alert Bay, Vyjack, Sharp Samurai, and True Valor are the last 5 winners of the Grade 2 City of Hope at Santa Anita. Of the four, there’s a chance both Sharp Samurai and True Valor show up on Saturday to run in this year’s City of Hope. Both horses remain active.

Pimlico Racecourse

Grade 1 Preakness Stakes – 1 3/16 miles dirt – $1.5 million

With Tiz the Law scratching, Authentic has become a +125 chalk to win the Preakness Stakes. Right now, the Derby winner looks unbeatable. Art Collector and Authentic’s stablemate, Thousand Words, will look to upset him. So will Swiss Skydiver, the second-place finisher in the Kentucky Oaks. We’ll have a full write up on the race later this week!

Previous Betting News

Belmont Park starts their fall meet this week. Santa Anita Park should start their short fall meet, but the Bobcat Fire has forced the City of Arcadia to turn San Anita into a shelter. We’ll see how things develop. For now, let’s add Santa Anita’s graded stakes race on Saturday onto our Top Stakes Races for The Week blog. Check out top plays and Horse Racing Odds for the Top Stakes Races of the Week from Saturday, September 19 to Sunday, September 20. You can also visit our Online Racebook to place your bets on active racetracks.

Horse Racing Odds & Picks for Top Stakes Races of the Week ( Sept. 14th)

Top Stakes Races for The Week

When: Saturday, Sep. 19 – Sunday, Sep. 20

Saturday, Sep. 19 Horse Races

Woodbine Racetrack

Grade 3 Singspiel Stakes – 1 ¼ Miles Turf – $125,000
Grade 1 Ricoh Woodbine Mile – 1 Mile Turf – $1,000,000

The Singspiel Stakes should be a competitive race. Don’t expect a Breeders’ Cup horse to emerge from the event. But, it should be a wonderful race to handicap.

Do expect a couple of BC Mile contenders to emerge from the Woodbine Mile on Saturday. The Ricoh Woodbine Mile is one of the signature turf events of the year. Tepin won the race in 2016, World Approval in 2017, and Oscar Performance in 2018. Last year’s winner, El Tormenta, has yet to get on track this year. Could Tormenta use the Woodbine Mile as the get on track race?

Belmont Park

Grade 1 Belmont Oaks Invitational – 1 ¼ Miles Turf – $250,000

Belmont rescheduled the Oaks Invitational from July to September. Last year, Concrete Rose won the Oaks Invitational. The George Arnold trainee is now one of the top ranked four-year old turf runners in North America. Will this year’s Oaks Invitational produce a star?

Santa Anita Park

Grade 3 Chillingworth Stakes – 6 ½ Furlongs Dirt – $100,000

Hopefully, if Santa Anita Park doesn’t remain a shelter for those affected by the Bobcat Fire, the Great Race Place runs the Chillingworth Stakes on Saturday. Seven horses have shown interest in running in the Chillingworth: Hang A Star, Mother of Dragons, Into Chocolate, Zusha, Biddy Duke, Unique Factor, and Amuse. Richard Mandella trained Amuse could go off the chalk. She finished second in the Grade 3 Rancho Bernardo Handicap in her last.

Sunday, Sep. 20 Horse Races

Woodbine Racetrack

Grade 1 Natalma Stakes – 1 Mile Turf – $250,000
Grade 1 Summer Stakes – 1 Mile Turf – $250,000

Both Grade 1 races at Woodbine on Sunday are for 2-year-old grass runners. The Natalma Stakes is for 2-year-old grass running fillies. The Summer Stakes is for 2-year-old grass running colts. In 2019, Abscond won the Natalma Stakes while Walk in Marakesh finished second. Terrific grass runner Decorated Invader won the 2019 Summer Stakes. Cadet Connelly finished second.

Monmouth Park

Grade 3 Salvatore Mile – 1 Mile Dirt – $150,000

One of the top handicap horses in American probably won’t run in the 2020 Salvatore Mile. However, second tier older dirt horses, like Sunny Ridge, Diamond King, and Bal Harbour, will. Those three ran 1-2-3 in last year’s Salvatore Mile.

Santa Anita Park

Grade 3 Tokyo City Cup – 1 ½ Miles Dirt – $100,000

Seven horses are probable for the 1 ½ miles Tokyo City Cup: Shortlist, Mirinaque, Muralist, Tizamagician, Potantico, Cupid’s Claw, and Combatant. Of the possible entrants, Combatant may get the most looks. But, that’s because he’s run in graded races this year. No horse deserves to go off at underlay odds in the Tokyo City Cup.

Previous Betting News

Stakes race action always slows down the week after the Kentucky Derby. But, just because it’s a slow week for stakes action, it doesn’t mean there isn’t any stakes happening. Check out a list of the horse racing stakes events of the week! Check out top plays and Horse Racing Odds for the Top Stakes Races of the Week from Saturday, September 12 to Sunday, September 13. You can also visit our Online Racebook to place your bets on active racetracks.

Horse Racing Odds & Picks for Top Stakes Races of the Week

Top Stakes Races of the Week

When: Saturday, Sep. 12 – Sunday, Sep. 13

Saturday, Sep. 12

Monmouth Park

Mr. Prospector Stakes – 6 Furlongs Dirt – $100,000

In the 2019 race, Lasting Legacy beat Whyareuawesome and Benefactor. All three finishers remain active, which means all three could show up on Saturday. Of the three, Lasting Legacy looks best. The 6-year-old horse has just 5 races to his credit. He’s won 3-of-5 and hasn’t raced since finishing fourth in the Grade 3 World of Trouble Sprint on Feb. 22.

Woodbine Racetrack

Grade 2 Canadian Stakes – 1 1/8 Miles Turf – $250,000
Bison Stakes – 1 1/8 Miles All-Weather – $250,000
Queen’s Plate Stakes – 1 ¼ Miles All-Weather – $1,000,000

Starship Jubilee figures to offer underlay odds in the Grade 2 Canadian Stakes on Saturday. The 7-year-old, Indy Wind sired mare had won four straight before finishing fourth behind Rushing Fall, Mean Mary, and Sistercharlie in the Grade 1 Diana at Saratoga on August 23. Starship Jubilee has won the last two runnings of the Canadian Stakes

2019 Bison Stakes winner Speedy Soul has yet to race this year. Will Speedy show up in the 2020 Bison Stakes on Sep. 12? Bold Script, last year’s second-place finisher, figures to enter the gate. Trained by Charles Simon, Bold Script finished fifth in the Grade 2 Dance Smartly in her last. She’ll have a big chance to win the 2020 Bison if Simon enters her.

Although it doesn’t have a grade designation, the Queen’s Plate Stakes is one of the most important races for 3-year-olds in North America. It’s Canada’s version of the Kentucky Derby.

On Saturday, there are 16 possible entrants. Leading the charge is Clayton. The Bodemeister sired runner won the Plate Trial Stakes over Woodbine’s all-weather service back in August. Clayton will be followed in the betting by Plate Trial Stakes runner-up Halo Again.

Halo Again finished second. Dotted Line, who took the lead, almost pulled off the upset at 8/1. All three should enjoy serious backing on Saturday as will Woodbine Oaks winner Curlin’s Voyage.

The Josie Carroll trained, Curlin sired, filly made an impressive move along the rail to easily win the Oaks. She could go off second-choice after Clayton. Make sure to check out this week’s top stakes race, the Queen’s Plate at Woodbine on Saturday.

Sunday, Sep. 13

Grade 3 Longacres Mile – 1 Mile Dirt – $100,000

Emerald Downs in Washington rarely runs a stakes race. On Sep. 13, the Grade 3 Longacres Mile happens at the Northwest race track. The Longacres should attract runners from the 7 furlong Pat O’Brien at Del Mar on August 29.

The third place finisher in that race, Law Abidin Citizen, won the 2019 Longacres Mile. CZ Rocket, who won the Pat O’Brien, and Flagstaff, the O’Brien second place finisher, might also enter.

The Longacres Mile is a great way to end the week!

Previous Betting News

Churchill Downs runs the Kentucky Oaks on Friday and the Kentucky Derby on Saturday. Saratoga also has graded stakes action this week. Check out information on this week’s top graded stakes races! Check out top plays and Horse Racing Odds for the Top Stakes Races of the Week from Wednesday, September 2 to Sunday, September 5. You can also visit our Online Racebook to place your bets on active racetracks.

Horse Racing Odds & Picks for Top Stakes Races of the Week

Top Horse Racing Stakes Races of the Week

When: Wednesday, Sep. 2 – Saturday, Sep. 5

Wednesday, September 2

Saratoga Racecourse

Grade 3 With Anticipation Stakes – 1 1/16 Miles Turf – $100,000

The With Anticipation should be an excellent betting race. Just six contender have signed on but none of the entries offers odds of more than 8/1.

Thursday, September 3

Churchill Downs

Grade 3 Pocahontas Stakes – 1 Mile Dirt – $100,000

Undefeated Crazy Beautiful is the 2/1 morning line chalk. She looks tough in this. Inject, though, could be all that and a bag of chips. The Stanley Hough trained runner blasted maidens by 6 lengths in her debut.

Friday, September 4

Churchill Downs

Grade 2 Alysheba Stakes – 1 1/16 Miles Dirt – $400,000
Grade 1 La Troienne Stakes – 1 1/16 Miles Dirt – $500,000
Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks – 1 1/18 Miles Dirt – $1,250,000

The Alysheba projects as a 3-horse race among Bob Baffert trained McKinzie, Brad Cox trained Owendale, and William Calhoun trained By My Standards. Steve Asmussen will enter Title Ready, who won his last race. If he’s finally put things together, Title Ready rates as a possible longshot winner.

Champion Monomoy Girl returns to the races in the Grade 1 La Troinne. Expect 1-to-2 odds on Monomoy. From 11 races, she has 9 wins and 2 second-place finishes. Vexatious, who upset Midnight Bisou in the Grade 1 Personal Ensign in her last, will get some play.

Art Collector, a top Kentucky Derby contender, beat likely Oaks second-choice Swiss Skydiver in the Grade 2 Blue Grass. Since then, Skydiver dominated in the Grade 1 Alabama. Bob Baffert trained Gamine is undefeated and would go off the Kentucky Derby second or third choice if Baffert had decided to run her on Saturday.

Saturday, September 5

Saratoga Racecourse

Grade 1 Woodward – 1 ¼ Miles Dirt – $500,000

Global Campaign and Tacitus will garner the most betting attention in the Grade 1 Woodward at The Spa on Saturday. Todd Pletcher trained Moretti has won 3 of his last 4. He’ll garner action.

Churchill Downs

Grade 1 Derby City Distaff – 7 Furlongs Dirt – $500,000

The Derby City Distaff under the Twin Spires is a rematch between Grade 1 Ballerina winner Serengeti Empress and second-place finisher Bellafina. Expect one of those runners to win this event.

Grade 1 Old Forester Turf Classic – 1 1/8 Miles Turf – $1,000,000

Top grass trainer Chad Brown has two runners in this, Digital Age and Sacred Life. Can Bowie’s Hero or Somelikeithotbrown beat Chad’s horses?

Grade 1 Kentucky Derby – 1 ¼ Miles Dirt – $3,000,000

Tiz the Law could go off at 4/5 to win the Run for the Roses. The Barclay Tagg runner appears to have gotten better with every race. Art Collector, Honor A.P., Authentic, and Thousand Words are the leading contenders.

Betting and watching the Kentucky Derby is an American tradition. Don’t buck tradition.

Have a great week!

Previous Betting News

Belmont Park starts their fall meet this week. Santa Anita Park should start their short fall meet, but the Bobcat Fire has forced the City of Arcadia to turn San Anita into a shelter. We’ll see how things develop. For now, let’s add Santa Anita’s graded stakes race on Saturday onto our Top Stakes Races for The Week blog. Check out top plays and Horse Racing Odds for the Top Stakes Races of the Week from Saturday, September 19 to Sunday, September 20. You can also visit our Online Racebook to place your bets on active racetracks.

Horse Racing Odds & Picks for Top Stakes Races of the Week ( Sept. 14th)

Top Stakes Races for The Week

When: Saturday, Sep. 19 – Sunday, Sep. 20

Saturday, Sep. 19 Horse Races

Woodbine Racetrack

Grade 3 Singspiel Stakes – 1 ¼ Miles Turf – $125,000
Grade 1 Ricoh Woodbine Mile – 1 Mile Turf – $1,000,000

The Singspiel Stakes should be a competitive race. Don’t expect a Breeders’ Cup horse to emerge from the event. But, it should be a wonderful race to handicap.

Do expect a couple of BC Mile contenders to emerge from the Woodbine Mile on Saturday. The Ricoh Woodbine Mile is one of the signature turf events of the year. Tepin won the race in 2016, World Approval in 2017, and Oscar Performance in 2018. Last year’s winner, El Tormenta, has yet to get on track this year. Could Tormenta use the Woodbine Mile as the get on track race?

Belmont Park

Grade 1 Belmont Oaks Invitational – 1 ¼ Miles Turf – $250,000

Belmont rescheduled the Oaks Invitational from July to September. Last year, Concrete Rose won the Oaks Invitational. The George Arnold trainee is now one of the top ranked four-year old turf runners in North America. Will this year’s Oaks Invitational produce a star?

Santa Anita Park

Grade 3 Chillingworth Stakes – 6 ½ Furlongs Dirt – $100,000

Hopefully, if Santa Anita Park doesn’t remain a shelter for those affected by the Bobcat Fire, the Great Race Place runs the Chillingworth Stakes on Saturday. Seven horses have shown interest in running in the Chillingworth: Hang A Star, Mother of Dragons, Into Chocolate, Zusha, Biddy Duke, Unique Factor, and Amuse. Richard Mandella trained Amuse could go off the chalk. She finished second in the Grade 3 Rancho Bernardo Handicap in her last.

Sunday, Sep. 20 Horse Races

Woodbine Racetrack

Grade 1 Natalma Stakes – 1 Mile Turf – $250,000
Grade 1 Summer Stakes – 1 Mile Turf – $250,000

Both Grade 1 races at Woodbine on Sunday are for 2-year-old grass runners. The Natalma Stakes is for 2-year-old grass running fillies. The Summer Stakes is for 2-year-old grass running colts. In 2019, Abscond won the Natalma Stakes while Walk in Marakesh finished second. Terrific grass runner Decorated Invader won the 2019 Summer Stakes. Cadet Connelly finished second.

Monmouth Park

Grade 3 Salvatore Mile – 1 Mile Dirt – $150,000

One of the top handicap horses in American probably won’t run in the 2020 Salvatore Mile. However, second tier older dirt horses, like Sunny Ridge, Diamond King, and Bal Harbour, will. Those three ran 1-2-3 in last year’s Salvatore Mile.

Santa Anita Park

Grade 3 Tokyo City Cup – 1 ½ Miles Dirt – $100,000

Seven horses are probable for the 1 ½ miles Tokyo City Cup: Shortlist, Mirinaque, Muralist, Tizamagician, Potantico, Cupid’s Claw, and Combatant. Of the possible entrants, Combatant may get the most looks. But, that’s because he’s run in graded races this year. No horse deserves to go off at underlay odds in the Tokyo City Cup.

Previous Betting News

Stakes race action always slows down the week after the Kentucky Derby. But, just because it’s a slow week for stakes action, it doesn’t mean there isn’t any stakes happening. Check out a list of the horse racing stakes events of the week! Check out top plays and Horse Racing Odds for the Top Stakes Races of the Week from Saturday, September 12 to Sunday, September 13. You can also visit our Online Racebook to place your bets on active racetracks.

Horse Racing Odds & Picks for Top Stakes Races of the Week

Top Stakes Races of the Week

When: Saturday, Sep. 12 – Sunday, Sep. 13

Saturday, Sep. 12

Monmouth Park

Mr. Prospector Stakes – 6 Furlongs Dirt – $100,000

In the 2019 race, Lasting Legacy beat Whyareuawesome and Benefactor. All three finishers remain active, which means all three could show up on Saturday. Of the three, Lasting Legacy looks best. The 6-year-old horse has just 5 races to his credit. He’s won 3-of-5 and hasn’t raced since finishing fourth in the Grade 3 World of Trouble Sprint on Feb. 22.

Woodbine Racetrack

Grade 2 Canadian Stakes – 1 1/8 Miles Turf – $250,000
Bison Stakes – 1 1/8 Miles All-Weather – $250,000
Queen’s Plate Stakes – 1 ¼ Miles All-Weather – $1,000,000

Starship Jubilee figures to offer underlay odds in the Grade 2 Canadian Stakes on Saturday. The 7-year-old, Indy Wind sired mare had won four straight before finishing fourth behind Rushing Fall, Mean Mary, and Sistercharlie in the Grade 1 Diana at Saratoga on August 23. Starship Jubilee has won the last two runnings of the Canadian Stakes

2019 Bison Stakes winner Speedy Soul has yet to race this year. Will Speedy show up in the 2020 Bison Stakes on Sep. 12? Bold Script, last year’s second-place finisher, figures to enter the gate. Trained by Charles Simon, Bold Script finished fifth in the Grade 2 Dance Smartly in her last. She’ll have a big chance to win the 2020 Bison if Simon enters her.

Although it doesn’t have a grade designation, the Queen’s Plate Stakes is one of the most important races for 3-year-olds in North America. It’s Canada’s version of the Kentucky Derby.

On Saturday, there are 16 possible entrants. Leading the charge is Clayton. The Bodemeister sired runner won the Plate Trial Stakes over Woodbine’s all-weather service back in August. Clayton will be followed in the betting by Plate Trial Stakes runner-up Halo Again.

Halo Again finished second. Dotted Line, who took the lead, almost pulled off the upset at 8/1. All three should enjoy serious backing on Saturday as will Woodbine Oaks winner Curlin’s Voyage.

The Josie Carroll trained, Curlin sired, filly made an impressive move along the rail to easily win the Oaks. She could go off second-choice after Clayton. Make sure to check out this week’s top stakes race, the Queen’s Plate at Woodbine on Saturday.

Sunday, Sep. 13

Grade 3 Longacres Mile – 1 Mile Dirt – $100,000

Emerald Downs in Washington rarely runs a stakes race. On Sep. 13, the Grade 3 Longacres Mile happens at the Northwest race track. The Longacres should attract runners from the 7 furlong Pat O’Brien at Del Mar on August 29.

The third place finisher in that race, Law Abidin Citizen, won the 2019 Longacres Mile. CZ Rocket, who won the Pat O’Brien, and Flagstaff, the O’Brien second place finisher, might also enter.

The Longacres Mile is a great way to end the week!

Previous Betting News

Churchill Downs runs the Kentucky Oaks on Friday and the Kentucky Derby on Saturday. Saratoga also has graded stakes action this week. Check out information on this week’s top graded stakes races! Check out top plays and Horse Racing Odds for the Top Stakes Races of the Week from Wednesday, September 2 to Sunday, September 5. You can also visit our Online Racebook to place your bets on active racetracks.

Horse Racing Odds & Picks for Top Stakes Races of the Week

Top Horse Racing Stakes Races of the Week

When: Wednesday, Sep. 2 – Saturday, Sep. 5

Wednesday, September 2

Saratoga Racecourse

Grade 3 With Anticipation Stakes – 1 1/16 Miles Turf – $100,000

The With Anticipation should be an excellent betting race. Just six contender have signed on but none of the entries offers odds of more than 8/1.

Thursday, September 3

Churchill Downs

Grade 3 Pocahontas Stakes – 1 Mile Dirt – $100,000

Undefeated Crazy Beautiful is the 2/1 morning line chalk. She looks tough in this. Inject, though, could be all that and a bag of chips. The Stanley Hough trained runner blasted maidens by 6 lengths in her debut.

Friday, September 4

Churchill Downs

Grade 2 Alysheba Stakes – 1 1/16 Miles Dirt – $400,000
Grade 1 La Troienne Stakes – 1 1/16 Miles Dirt – $500,000
Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks – 1 1/18 Miles Dirt – $1,250,000

The Alysheba projects as a 3-horse race among Bob Baffert trained McKinzie, Brad Cox trained Owendale, and William Calhoun trained By My Standards. Steve Asmussen will enter Title Ready, who won his last race. If he’s finally put things together, Title Ready rates as a possible longshot winner.

Champion Monomoy Girl returns to the races in the Grade 1 La Troinne. Expect 1-to-2 odds on Monomoy. From 11 races, she has 9 wins and 2 second-place finishes. Vexatious, who upset Midnight Bisou in the Grade 1 Personal Ensign in her last, will get some play.

Art Collector, a top Kentucky Derby contender, beat likely Oaks second-choice Swiss Skydiver in the Grade 2 Blue Grass. Since then, Skydiver dominated in the Grade 1 Alabama. Bob Baffert trained Gamine is undefeated and would go off the Kentucky Derby second or third choice if Baffert had decided to run her on Saturday.

Saturday, September 5

Saratoga Racecourse

Grade 1 Woodward – 1 ¼ Miles Dirt – $500,000

Global Campaign and Tacitus will garner the most betting attention in the Grade 1 Woodward at The Spa on Saturday. Todd Pletcher trained Moretti has won 3 of his last 4. He’ll garner action.

Churchill Downs

Grade 1 Derby City Distaff – 7 Furlongs Dirt – $500,000

The Derby City Distaff under the Twin Spires is a rematch between Grade 1 Ballerina winner Serengeti Empress and second-place finisher Bellafina. Expect one of those runners to win this event.

Grade 1 Old Forester Turf Classic – 1 1/8 Miles Turf – $1,000,000

Top grass trainer Chad Brown has two runners in this, Digital Age and Sacred Life. Can Bowie’s Hero or Somelikeithotbrown beat Chad’s horses?

Grade 1 Kentucky Derby – 1 ¼ Miles Dirt – $3,000,000

Tiz the Law could go off at 4/5 to win the Run for the Roses. The Barclay Tagg runner appears to have gotten better with every race. Art Collector, Honor A.P., Authentic, and Thousand Words are the leading contenders.

Betting and watching the Kentucky Derby is an American tradition. Don’t buck tradition.

Have a great week!