Previous Betting News

The final Kentucky Derby prep race before the Run for the Roses takes place this Saturday when three year old equines give it one last try in the Lexington Stakes at Keeneland in Kentucky. On Friday, Keeneland runs the Grade 1 Makers Mark Mile leading up to the Lexington.

Also, Keeneland has the Grade 1 Jenny Wiley on Saturday and then at Oaklawn Park on Saturday, the Apple Blossom happens.

Check out top races and Horse Racing betting this weekend at Keeneland and Oaklawn Park, for those five races as well as two others happening on this massive thoroughbred racing weekend.

Horse Racing Odds for Keeneland and Oaklawn Park this Weekend | MyBookie Horse Racing Stakes and Race Previews

April’s Top Stakes Races: Second Week | Friday, April 12th – Saturday, April 13th, 2024

Maker’s Mark Mile

Grade 1
1 mile turf – 4 year olds and up

Friday, April 12th
Keeneland

In the Maker’s Mark Mile, our of the world’s top grass milers step onto the racetrack to contest the Keeneland turf course. Charlie Appleby trains two for the Emirates, Master of the Seas and Naval Power. Both could end up the favorite.

 Kubrick goes for Chad Brown while Emanuel runs for Todd Pletcher. Brown’s other runner, Equitize, has the look of a legit longshot. Give Bob Baffert runner Du Jour and Integration from the Claude McGaughey barn decent chances.

Maker’s Mark Mile Stakes
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Lexington Stakes

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

Saturday, April 13th
Keeneland

Saffie Joseph Jr. hopes Dilger can make the jump from maiden special weight winner to graded stakes winner. Dilger has a chance because the 2024 Lexington Stakes field isn’t deep.

Secret Chante, The Wine Steward, and Kenny McPeek trained Footprint are others that could get it done. Hades, Encino, and Everdoit are three more with the talent to win this race. The Lexington is annually a go for broke and try to make the Derby field race. So the winner isn’t likely to be a top Derby contender.

Lexington Stakes
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Jenny Wiley Stakes

Grade 1
1 1/16 miles turf – 4 year old fillies and mares

Saturday, April 13th
Keeneland

One runner stands out from the rest, Frankel sired and Charles Appleby trained English Rose. It’s difficult to see English Rose not going off the favorite in the Jenny Wiley on Saturday.

If you don’t want to back the chalk, consider throwing dollars behind Walkathon, the always dangerous Fluffy Socks, Elusive Princess, or Embrace Me.

Chad Brown not only saddles Fluffy Socks, but he also put the saddle onto Surge Capacity and Gina Romantica. If Brown runs a horse on grass, we always must pay attention.

Jenny Wiley Stakes
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Count Fleet Handicap

Grade 3
6 furlongs dirt – 4 year olds and up

Saturday, April 13th
Oaklawn Park

Steve Asmussen will run two contenders in the Count Fleet. The likely favorite is Jaxon Traveler. Asmussen’s second runner is Skelly.

I’m Wide Awake and Code Five could surprise. Ryvit is on the fence. Asmussen hasn’t decided if he will run a third horse. If Ryvit joins the field, that one is another we must consider. Asmussen owns sprints at Oaklawn. So pay attention to anything he tosses onto the dirt at 6 furlongs.

Count Fleet Handicap
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Apple Blossom

Grade 1
1 1/16 miles dirt – 4 year old fillies and mares

Saturday, April 13th
Oaklawn Park

1 1/16 miles dirt – 4 year old fillies and mares
Oaklawn Park

Horseplayers are set to pound Bob Baffert trained Adare Manor and Wet Paint from the Brad Cox barn down to favoritism. Wet Paint may go off the outright chalk because Cox is having a great year.

Taxed, Flying Connection, and Free Like A Girl all have chances. Misty Veil, Honor D Lady, and Bellamore can also win this. The 2024 Apple Blossom is super deep. Make sure to handicap every runner before deciding on the equine you’re backing.   

Apple Blossom Stakes
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Previous Betting News

This Saturday, two of the most important Kentucky Derby prep races take place when three year olds throw down at the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby in Arcadia, California, and step onto the dirt at Keeneland for the Grade 1 Bluegrass Stakes.

The action breaks from the gate on Friday when the fillies head to Keeneland for the Grade 1 Ashland.

Check out top races and Horse Racing betting this weekend at Keeneland and Santa Anita Park, for those five races as well as two others happening on this massive thoroughbred racing weekend.

Horse Racing Odds for Keeneland and Santa Anita Park this Weekend | MyBookie Horse Racing Stakes and Race Previews

April’s Top Stakes Races: First Week | Friday, April 5th – Saturday, April 6th, 2024

Ashland Stakes

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

Friday, April 5th
Keeneland

Todd Pletcher trained Candied hasn’t run since finishing third in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies last November. But there’s no way Candied doesn’t go off the favorite in this. Pletcher is a master of getting fillies ready for the Oaks. So go against at your own peril.

If you do decide to go against, Pletcher’s other runner, Leslie’s Rose, has a big shot. So does Tom Amoss trained Standoutsensation. Impel, from the Brad Cox barn, could surprise. Just FYI and Jody’s Pride are two others with chances.  

Ashland Stakes | US Horse Racing Odds MyBookie Betting Lines for the Races

Madison Stakes

Grade 1
7 furlongs dirt – 4 year old fillies and mares

Saturday, April 6th
Keeneland

Big Pond, from the Tim Yakteen barn, and Red Carpet Ready will attract action. Maryquitecontrary, though, is the likely odds chalk. The Eddie Plesa Jr. trained miss finished third in the Grade 3 Royal Delta in the last.

Sterling Silver should have her fans. Tom Albertrani puts on the saddle. Usually, Albertrani’s horses are live. Hot and Sultry, Icicles, and Alva Starr will also run.

Madison Stakes | US Horse Racing Odds MyBookie Betting Lines for the Races

Blue Grass Stakes

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

Saturday, April 6th
Keeneland

Dornoch, the Danny Gargan three year old winner of the Holy Bull, is a +900 choice to win the Kentucky Derby There’s no way Dornoch doesn’t go off the favorite in Saturday’s Bluegrass.

Keep an eye on Top Connor from the Chad Brown barn. The word is out that this one has talent. Don’t be surprised if he last out maiden winner finishes in the top three.

Be You, Seize the Grey, and Good Money come from solid barns. Coach D.Wayne saddles Seize the Grey. Lukas is the greatest trainer of all time. So worse comes to worse, seize the odds on The Grey.

Blue Grass Stakes | US Horse Racing Odds MyBookie Betting Lines for the Races

Santa Anita Oaks

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

Saturday, April 6th
Santa Anita Park

Bob Baffert can’t run horses in Kentucky, which is why horseplayers are going to jump all over his two fillies in this: Kinza and Nothing Like You. Baffert has a real chance of running one-two.

Richard Mandella has an equine in Kopion. Any time Papa Mandella saddles a three year old, we must take notice. Where’s My Ring and Corposo are a couple of others that can step it up. Going agianst the Baffert runners, though, may not be wise.

Santa Anita Oaks | US Horse Racing Odds MyBookie Betting Lines for the Races

Santa Anita Derby

Grade 1
1 1/18 miles dirt – 3 year olds

Saturday, April 6th
Santa Anita Park

Baffert runs Wynstock, Imagination, and Maymum in the Grade 1 Santa Anita Derby. But winning the SA Derby won’t be as easy as winning the SA Oaks.

Phil D’Amato trained Stronghold, and Mc Vay from the John Shirreffs shed row are a couple that could bury Bob’s horses. Stronghold won the Grade 3 Sunland Park Derby. D’Amato has a legit Kentucky Derby contender on his hands this year. Expect Stronghold to finish no worse than third.   

Santa Anita Derby | US Horse Racing Odds MyBookie Betting Lines for the Races

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Previous Betting News

The Kentucky Oaks on Friday and the Kentucky Derby on Saturday are this weekend’s two signature races. But those two events aren’t the only graded races on April 30 and May 1. Check out top plays and Horse Racing Odds for the Top Stakes Races of the Week from Friday, April 30th to Saturday, May 1st. You can also visit our Online Racebook to place your bets on active racetracks.

Top Stakes Races for the Week – Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby on April 30 and May 1

Churchill Downs – Friday, April 30

Grade 1 La Troienne – 1 1/16 miles on dirt – $500,000

Brad Cox trained Shedaresthedevil and Chad Brown runner Dunbar Road headline the field in the Grade 1 La Troienne. Finite, from the Steve Asmussen barn, Sanenus, Paris Light, and Kenny McPeek trained Envoutante should also run. 

Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks – 1 1/8 miles on dirt – $1,250,000

14 three-year-old fillies should enter the starting gate for the over $1 million Kentucky Oaks on Friday. Brad Cox trained Travel Column and Malathaat from the Todd Pletcher barn should battle for favoritism. Expect Clairiere to get some looks while Millefeulle and Crazy Beautiful will attract plenty of action.  

Churchill Downs – Saturday, May 1

Grade II Churchill Distaff Turf Mile – 1 mile over turf – $500,000

Only three horses are confirmed for the Distaff Turf Mile on Saturday, Abscond, Blowout, and Got Stormy. Because the purse is for $500,000, we should expect plenty of other runners to join the three in the starting gate. 

Grade II American Turf – 1 1/16 miles over turf – $500,000

Winfromwithin, Palazzi, Lucky Law, Holy Vow, and Fire At Will should all enter the starting gate for the American Turf. At least four to five more horses figure to join the five. Todd Pletcher trained Winfromwithin has won two straight and should go off one of the chalks.  

Grade II Pat Day Mile – 1 mile over dirt – $500,000

Four horses that were on the Kentucky Derby Trail in January and February will now run in the Pat Day Mile. Jackie’s Warrior, Prevalence, Gretzky the Great and Dream Shake were all contenders for the roses. All failed to stay on the Derby path. The Pat Day Mile is a nice consolation. But as good as those horses have looked, Chad Brown trained Excellent Timing my go off the chalk. 

Grade 1 Derby City Distaff – 7 furlongs on dirt – $500,000

Bob Baffert trained Gamine will go off less than even money to win the Derby City Distaff. She won the Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint last year and took the Grade 3 Las Flores in her only race in 2021. Right now, Gamine may be the most talented sprinter in the world.

Grade 1 Turf Classic – 1 1/8 miles turf – $1,000,000

Chad Brown will saddle two in the Turf Classic, Flavius and Digital Age. Todd Pletcher trained Colonel Liam won the Grade 2 Muniz Memorial Classic in the last. Masteroffoxhounds, Ivar, and Spooky Channels are three longshots worth taking a closer look.

Grade 1 Kentucky Derby – 1 ¼ mile on dirt – $3,000,000

Essential Quality and Rock Your World should go off first and second followed by Highly Motivated, Hot Rod Charlie, and Known Agenda. Top longshots include Midnight Bourbon and Dynamic One. Which horse will run to Derby glory and which horses will run up the track? Tune into the 2021 Kentucky Derby to find out. 

Previous Betting News

Horseplayers are used to not expecting much the week before the Kentucky Derby. On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, though, there’s enough interesting stakes action to keep any horse racing fan intrigued. The most interesting race should be the Federico Tesio Stakes, which has become a prep for the Grade 1 Preakness Stakes on May 15. Check out top plays and Horse Racing Odds for the Top Stakes Races of the Week from Friday, April 23rd to Sunday, April 25th. You can also visit our Online Racebook to place your bets on active racetracks.

Horse Racing Odds & Picks from April 23rd to April 25th Races

Top Stakes Races of the Week

When: Friday, April 23 – Sunday, April 25

Keeneland Racecourse – Friday, April 23rd

Grade 3 Bewitch Stakes – 1 ½ miles turf – $150,000

Past winners include Ickymasho, Mom’s On Strike, Quiet Business and Olorda. The Bewitch Stakes often produces a high-priced winner. Make sure to handicap fully before settling on your pick.

Belmont Park – Friday, April 23rd

Affirmed Success Stakes – 6 furlongs dirt – $100,000

The usual group of second-tier sprinters on the east coast figure to battle it out for the winner’s share of this Friday’s Affirmed Success purse. Expect Shared Ride, Chateau, and Wendell Fong to all enter the starting gate. Funny Guy, Tattooed, and Laki could also enter. 

Belmont Park – Saturday, April 24th

Elusive Quality Stakes – 7 furlongs turf – $100,000

Connections for 2019 Elusive Quality Stakes winner Therapist could decide to begin the horse’s 2021 campaign Saturday’s Elusive Quality. Therapist hasn’t raced since November 28. The Cristophe Clement runner remains active, though. Turned Aside, El Tormenta, and True Valour could also enter the starting gate.   

Laurel Park – Saturday, April 24th

Federico Tesio Stakes – 1 1/8 miles dirt – $125,000

Horses that will skip the Kentucky Derby and point to the Preakness will often prep in the Federico Tesio. This year, one such horse is Remsen winner Brooklyn Strong. Don’t be surprised if Crowded Trade and Rombauer also run in the Federico Tesio Stakes. 

Oaklawn Park – Saturday, April 24th

Bachelor Stakes – 6 furlongs dirt – $200,000

Some of the fastest three-year-olds in North America will enter the starting gate for the 2021 Bachelor Stakes. Long Weekend won the 2020 version followed by Echo Town and Lykan. Which top three-year-old sprinter will take this year’s running?

Santa Anita Park – Saturday, April 24th

Grade 2 Santa Margarita – 1 1/8 miles dirt – $200,000

Grade 1 Beholder Mile second-place finisher As Time Goes By is likely to headline the weekend’s top graded race. Bob Baffert trained Crystal Ball should run. So should Harvest Moon and Warren’s Showtime.  

Santa Anita Park – Sunday, April 25th

Singletary Stakes – 1 mile turf – $100,000 

Named after one of the greatest middle linebackers in NFL history, Mike Singletary, the horse Singletary was an awesome turf miler. Singletary’s namesake race could produce a big payoff because horses like Cathkin Peak, Petruchio, Cherubic Factor, Coastal Kid and Du Jour appear to have similar talent. Only back on a short price if your sure. 

Previous Betting News

On Saturday, Oaklawn has one of the biggest days of their season. The Arkansas based racetrack runs the Grade 2 Oaklawn Handicap and the Grade 1 Apple Blossom. One of the best fillies and mares to ever race, Monomoy Girl, will step onto the Oaklawn dirt for the Apple Blossom. Check out top plays and Horse Racing Odds for the Top Stakes Races of the Week from Saturday, April 17th to Sunday, April 18th. You can also visit our Online Racebook to place your bets on active racetracks.

Horse Racing Odds & Picks for April 17th & 18th Races

Top Stakes Races of the Week

When: Saturday, April 17 – Sunday, April 18

Keeneland Racecourse – Saturday, April 17th

Grade 2 Elkhorn Stakes – 1 ½ miles turf – $200,000

Five horses have said they will run in the Grade 2 Elkhorn at Keeneland on Saturday. Phil D’Amato puts the saddle on Say the Word, Shug McGaughey will run North Dakota, Ignacio Correas plans on starting Fantasioso, and Kenny McPeek will send five-year-old gelding Crafty Daddy to the starting gate. The fifth runner is the Bill Mott trained Red Knight. Horseplayers should make either Red Knight or North Dakota the favorite. 

Santa Anita Park – Saturday, April 17th

Grade 2 Californian Stakes – 1 1/8 miles dirt – $200,000

At least eight horses will run in the Grade 2 California on Saturday. Among the eight are 2020 Pacific Classic third-place finisher Midcourt and Grade 2 San Pasqual Stakes winner Express Train. Roadster will also run. Independence Hall, Growth Engine, and Brown Storm have upset potential. 

Oaklawn Park – Saturday, April 17th

Grade 2 Oaklawn Handicap – 1 1/8 miles dirt – $1,000,000

With a purse of $1,000,000, it’s no surprise the Oaklawn Handicap will attract some heavy hitters. Owendale, Warrior’s Charge, and Fearless are all scheduled to run. So will 3 in a row winner Silver State and another Steve Asmussen trained runner, Silver Prospector. The second-place finisher in the Grade 3 Razorback in his last, Silver Prospector is the only horse that hung with eventual Dubai World Cup winner Mystic Guide. Expect Silver Prospector and Owendale to fight for favoritism. 

Grade 1 Apple Blossom – 1 1/16 miles dirt – $1,000,000

Can anyone beat Monomoy Girl? Probably not, but 2020 Preakness Stakes winner Swiss Skydiver will give it another go. The Kenny McPeek trained four-year-old filly won the Beholder Mile Stakes in March. Skydiver beat some decent horses in that race, including As Time Goes By, Harvest Moon, and Golden Principal. Can she turn the tables on her older rival? We shall see.

Santa Anita Park – Sunday, April 18th

Grade 3 Tokyo City Handicap – 1 ½ miles dirt – $100,000

Zestful, Tizamagician, Multiplier, and Lure Him In are the four horses with connections that have said they will contest the 1 ½ mile Tokyo City Handicap on Sunday. Of the four, Richard Mandella trained Tizamagician figures to go off the chalk. 

Grade 3 Kona Gold Stakes – 6 ½ furlongs dirt – $100,000

Kona Gold was one of the greatest sprinters in history. The gelding won the 2000 Breeders’ Cup Sprint, No equine running in this race has talent close to Kona Gold’s. But Cistron, Fight On, and Brickyard Ride are decent horses. Expect more sprinters to join those three in the starting gate in what’s sure to be a super competitive race. 

Previous Betting News

The two final Kentucky Derby prep races of the year take place on Saturday, April 10. The Grade 1 Arkansas Derby will showcase Bob Baffert’s top Derby contender, Street Sense sired Concert Tour. Also on Saturday, Keeneland runs the Grade 2 Lexington. The graded action breaks from the gate on Friday when Keeneland runs the Grade 1 Maker’s Mark Mile. Check out top plays and Horse Racing Odds for the Top Stakes Races of the Week from Saturday, April 9th to Sunday, April 10th. You can also visit our Online Racebook to place your bets on active racetracks.

Horse Racing Odds & Picks for April 9th & 10th Races

Top Stakes Races of the Week

When: Friday, April 9 – Saturday, April 10

Keeneland Racecourse – Friday, April 9

Grade 1 Maker’s Mark Mile – 1 mile turf – $300,000

Two last out winners, including Grade 1 Frank E. Kilroe Mile victor Hit the Road, leads the field for the Maker’s Mark Mile. Four-year-old gelding Get Smokin won the Grade 3 Tampa Bay Stakes in its last. Chad Brown trained Raging Bull starts for the first time since a tough trip in the Breeders’ Cup Mile. Ride a Comet, Somelikeithotbrown, Smooth Like Strait, and Sacred Life are also probable. 

Keeneland Racecourse – Saturday, April 10

Grade 3 Ben Ali Stakes – 1 1/8 miles dirt – $150,000

So far, only Todd Pletcher trained Fearless and Night Ops from the Brad Cox barn are scheduled to run in the Ben Ali. No worries, though, because for a purse of $150,000 a full field figures to enter the starting gate. Fearless won his last race, the Grade 2 Gulfstream Park Mile.

Grade 3 Lexington Stakes – 1 1/16 miles dirt – $200,000

The Lexington is the last chance for horses to pick up enough points to qualify for the May 1 Kentucky Derby. Likely runners include second-place Hutcheson runner Ultimate Badger, fifth-place Louisiana Derby winner Starrininmydreams, King Fury, who finished fifth in the Grade 2 Kentucky Jockey Club in his last, Todd Pletcher trained and fourth-place Grade 2 Tampa Bay Derby finisher Unbridled Honor and Turf Paradise Derby winner It’s My House.  

Grade 1 Jenny Wiley Stakes – 1 1/16 miles turf – $300,000

Chad Brown trained Etoile and Michael Stidham trained Micheline figure to attract the most betting dollars to win the Jenny Wiley Stakes. Etoile won the Grade 1 E.P. Taylor Stakes in the last. Filly Micheline took the Grade 2 Hillsborough in her last. Also probable are Daddy Is a Legend, Juliet Foxtrot, and Tamahere.  

Oaklawn Park – Saturday, April 10

Grade 3 Count Fleet Sprint Handicap – 6 furlongs dirt – $500,000

Some of the best sprinters in the nation will lineup on Saturday for the Count Fleet. Whitmore, No Parole, C Z Rocket, and Mojo Man are all but confirmed. Mr. Jägermeister, Boldor, Empire of Gold, and Mollie’s Rocket may also run.  

Grade 1 Arkansas Derby – 1 1/8 miles dirt – $1,000,000

On paper, it doesn’t look as if any horse can beat Concert Tour in the Arkansas Derby. Tour easily beat Hozier and Caddo River, his two top competitors, in the Rebel Stakes in his last. Roman Centurion will give it a go. So will Super Stock, Get Her Number, and Last Samurai. 

Previous Betting News

On Wednesday, Fonner Park runs a couple of stakes races, including the $50,000 Bosselman. Check out analysis and picks for the Bosselman Stakes as well as analysis and picks for the Al Swihart Memorial Stakes. Race 9, a $10k starter allowance, is also in the mix. Check out top plays and Horse Racing Odds from Fonner Park for Wednesday, April 29. You can also visit our Online Racebook to place your bets on active racetracks.

Fonner Park Horse Racing Picks

When: Wednesday, April 29 at 5:00 pm ET
Where: Grand Isle, NE
Weather: Partly Cloudy

Fonner Park Picks for Wednesday, April 29

Race 4 – 6:25 pm ET – 6 ½ Furlongs Dirt – $15,000 Al Swihart Memorial Stakes

There’s a chance 3/1 on the morning line Eaton’s Memory gets overplayed. She sure looks like a standout on paper, though. The 4-year-old filly has won 3 in a row, including the $10,000 Runza Stakes by 4 ¾ lengths in her last. She’s drawn to the outside, which means jockey Armando Martinez can take the lead or lie off.

In the Runza, Matapan ran into nothing but trouble. The Isai Gonzalez trained 4-year-old filly had to steady at the 9/16ths. She then checked at the 3/16ths. With a better trip, Matapan could win this. Consider on the top and bottom of your exacta.

Chub’s Charmer has finished second in 4 straight. The 8-year-old mare could finish second again if Matapan doesn’t fire. Use in the exacta if you think she makes it 5 in a row.

Win: Eaton’s Memory
Place: Matapan
Show: Chub’s Charmer

Race 8 – 8:20 pm ET – 1 1/16 Miles Dirt – $50,000 Bosselman Stakes

Most handicappers will settle on either Blue Harbor or Mr. Tickle for the top spot. Although those two runners are tough, Sleepy Eyes Todd has the back class to take this. The Miguel Silva trained colt finished second in the 2019 Grade 3 Oklahoma Derby. Silva brings this one to Fonner off a layoff. If Todd fires, he can upset the two chalks.

Of those two chalks, Blue Harbor seems best. He beat Mr. Tickle in the $15,000 Dowd Mile Stakes. Blue Harbor should be closer to the pace than Mr. Tickle. That gives him the nod for place money over his stablemate.

Mr. Tickle closes from the clouds. Often, he gets there in time for the win. If you use him, consider him on the bottom and top of all your exotics.

Win: Sleepy Eyes Todd
Place: Blue Harbor
Show: Mr. Tickle

Race 9 – 8:48 pm ET – 1 1/8 Miles Dirt – $10,000 Starter Allowance

Ted W could take the lead and never look back. Unless jockeys push on the other horses, the 9-year-old gelding might be lone speed. Ted W didn’t fire in the Dowd Mile Stakes. No horses in the same league as Blue Harbor or Mr. Tickle run in the ninth at Fonner on Wednesday, though.

Hesabully has won 2 straight. The Stetson Mitchell trained runner has a nice closing kick. If stablemate Count N Gold pressures Ted W, Hesabully could go roaring past to the wire. Consider for the win if this one keeps it’s 6/1 morning line Horse Racing Odds.

Stetson Rushton puts the saddle on Sneaky Meek. The Shakespeare sired 6-year-old gelding could win if it runs back to its last. But that race was at the $5,000 claiming level. This is a big step up the ladder.

Win: Ted W
Place: Hesabully
Show: Sneaky Meek

Previous Betting News

Gulfstream has a great card on Friday. Two fantastic allowance optional claiming turf races are on the calendar. We handicap both those events as well as the ninth, a $25k allowance optional claiming event on the dirt. Check out top plays and Horse Racing Odds from Gulfstream Park for Friday, April 24. You can also visit our Online Racebook to place your bets on active racetracks.

Gulfstream Park Horse Racing Picks

When: Friday, April 24 at 1:00 pm ET
Where: Hallandale Beach, FL
Weather: Partly Cloudy

Gulfstream Park Picks for Friday, April 24

Race 5 – 3:11 pm ET – 5 Furlongs Turf – $62,500 Allowance Optional Claiming

There is a lot of speed in this race. When there’s a ton of speed, horseplayers can do 1-of-2 things. We can either decide to jump on a closer or go with who we think is the best speed horse in the race. Jockey Luis Saez steps aboard Frenchman Street, a speed horse breaking to the outside of chalky Tiger Blood. Luis should give this one the perfect trip to overtake the favorite in the stretch. So, yep, we’re going with the speed horse we think gets it done.

Tiger Blood is 8-of-9 at this distance. The even money line gelding has 8 wins and a second from 11 races over the sod. No doubt, Blood deserves favoritism, but the 7-year-old isn’t a lock. We’ll play against for the win slot knowing full well we’re playing with fire.

Jane Cibelli puts the saddle on What’s Inside, a 5-year-old Tapizar gelding. What’s Inside has a couple of wins and a couple of seconds in it’s last 4 races. The Cibelli runner ran great in its last. That’s the problem. It’s difficult seeing this one repeating that effort.

Win: Frenchman Street
Place: Tiger Blood
Show: What’s Inside

Race 8 – 4:46 pm ET – 1 1/8 Miles Turf – $75,000 Allowance Optional Claiming

Nope hasn’t raced since October. That’s okay. Trainer Brendan Walsh has great stats with these type of runners and, no doubt, Nope faced similar if not better at Newmarket in the UK. The No Nay Never sired runner stretches out to a distance she should relish while the 10/1 morning line makes her too attractive to ignore.

Christophe Clement doesn’t often win with his first time starters. That’s why Apogee deserves a long look for the exacta box. The Malibu Moon 3-year-old filly won at first asking at Tampa Bay on March 29. If there’s enough speed, Apogee could make it 2-0 to start her career. So, make sure to use on top and bottom of the exotics.

Mark Casse trained Secret Stash last ran in the Grade 3 Florida Oaks. She must improve to get into the exacta but she seems good enough to grab the show money on Friday. Secret Stash has finished third in her last 2 races, including the Florida Oaks.

Win: Nope  
Place: Apogee
Show: Secret Stash

Race 9 – 5:17 pm ET – 1 1/16 Miles Dirt – $25,000 Allowance Optional Claiming

Walsh has another contender in the ninth. Whispering Beauty gets blinkers for her first attempt on dirt. The Arch sired filly has 2 wins, a second, a third, and a fourth in her 5 races. She can sit behind Graceful Princess and Slam Dunk before taking over in the stretch.

Graceful Princess has worked awesome leading up to this. Todd Pletcher takes over for trainer Ralph Nicks. Pletcher wins 30% with ponies going first-time after a layoff of 90+ days. Pletcher has saddled over 300 runners off 90+ days layoffs. That means at least 100 of those runners won. Amazing.

Rodolphe Brisette saddles Slam Dunk. The Into Mischief sired 3-year-old finished third in the Grade 1 Frizette while still a maiden. She came back to win her next race. She’s got a ton of talent, making her a must use on top and bottom.

Win: Whispering Beauty
Place: Graceful Princess
Show: Slam Dunk

Previous Betting News

Gulfstream Park starts it’s racing week on Thursday, April 23. We analyze and make picks for a few competitive races, including the eighth, a $50k starter optional claiming event. Check out top plays and Horse Racing Odds from Gulfstream Park for Thursday, April 23. You can also visit our Online Racebook to place your bets on active racetracks.

Gulfstream Park Horse Racing Picks

When: Thursday, April 23 at 1:00 pm ET
Where: Hallandale Beach, FL
Weather: Chance Rain Showers
Temperature: High 86 – Low 75

Gulfstream Park Picks for Thursday, April 23

Race 5 – 3:11 pm ET – 1 Mile Turf – $29,000 Starter Allowance

Sometimes a horse and jockey fit like a glove. That’s the case for Luis Saez and Voldolobo in the fifth at Gulfstream on Thursday. Trainer Brendan Walsh hasn’t raced this one since January, a win in a $16,000 n2L event over turf. Voldolobo moves up in class, but this is a one-turn mile and the gelding is outside of other speed. 3 straight? We hope so!

Katherine Ritvo wins at a 19% clip at the current meet. That alone makes her horse, Dermot, a contender in this. Dermot gets the chance to break outside of Voldolobo. The Kitten’s Joy sired runner has under performed so far in 4 races. But the colt drops from 1 1/16 miles to this 8-furlong jaunt. Also, Dermot broke his maiden with a nice speed rating. If he puts everything together, he could win.

Morning line favorite Willing to Speed has 2 wins from 4 races at the distance. Speed has won the show money in his last 3. If they go fast enough, he could win. But the guess here is the 4-year-old colt likes to hang.

Win: Voldolobo
Place: Dermot
Show: Willing to Speed

Race 6 – 3:43 pm ET – 1 Mile Dirt – $16,000 Allowance Optional Claiming

Winking at TheDude has 3 wins from 9 races at the distance, breaks outside of chalk Untitled, and takes a slight drop in class. All of it adds up to a possible upset victory over the 6/5 morning line chalk.

That chalk, Untitled, deserves to be an odds-on favorite. Trainer Mark Casse has this 3-year-old primed for a win after a couple of second-place finishes, including a second in the Grad 3 Gotham. Can Untitled take these a mile? He has yet to repeat the maiden win. That’s another issue to consider before going all in.

Todd Pletcher sends Roman Empire back to the dirt after a bad performance in a mile turf event on April 5. Although Roman Empire has talent, the horse broke its maiden by 8 ¾ lengths, Todd doesn’t seem to know what to do with the Empire Maker runner. Odds should be underlaid, which means we’ve got another reason to relegate to third.

Win: Winking at TheDude
Place: Untitled
Show: Roman Empire

Race 8 – 4:46 pm ET – 7 Furlongs Dirt – $50,000 Starter Optional Claiming

Jockey Edgard Zayas takes the call aboard Bird Map, a last-out maiden winner going first time for trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. Saffie wins 35% first after the claim, 27% second off a layoff, and 25% with ponies making their first start against winners. Map looks primed for a repeat effort off the maiden score.

Saez, who rode Bird Map to that maiden win, decides to go with Topo Grigio. The Bodemeister sired 3-year-old filly shows 3 decent works leading up to this. Trainer Todd Pletcher can get them to fire off short layoffs. There isn’t much to dislike except the odds, which should float down from the 4/1 morning line Horse Racing Odds.

Leo’s Diamond broke her maiden at first asking. Her backers enjoyed over 9/1 odds. That happened back in February. Although she shouldn’t beat Bird Map or Topo Grigio, there’s a chance she finishes in the top 3.

Win: Bird Map
Place: Topo Grigio
Show: Leo’s Diamond

Previous Betting News

Tampa Bay Downs’ top race on Saturday goes off as Race 1. The 6 furlong dirt sprint is a $100,000 allowance optional claiming event. In addition to making picks for Race 1, we also make picks for Race 8 and Race 9, a 1-mile turf claiming event. Check out top plays and Horse Racing Odds from Tampa Bay Downs for Saturday, April 18. You can also visit our Online Racebook to place your bets on active racetracks.

Tampa Bay Downs Horse Racing Picks

When: Saturday, April 18 at 12:28 pm ET
Where: Tampa, FL
Weather: Chance of rain showers
Temperature: High 85 – Low 72

Tampa Bay Downs Picks for Saturday, April 18

Race 1 – 12:28 pm ET – 6 Furlongs Dirt – $100,000 Allowance Optional Claiming

It remains to be seen if Mahoning Valley horses can carry their good form to Tampa Bay. But in a short field like this, we must take chances on value horses. That value horse is Mahoning Valley runner Diamond Dust. The Timothy Hamm trained 4-year-old gelding hasn’t run since December. But the works are decent and this one has a great 8-5-1 record from 15 races. Give the 6/1 morning line shot a chance.

Gerald Bennett puts My Boy Lenny up for the claim. It makes sense because Bennett got this one for optional $35K in its last. When Gerald last trained Lenny, the 5-year-old gelding won a 6 ½ furlong race by 6 ¼. No doubt, the 7/5 morning line Horse Racing Odds chalk can win this. But the odds will be much less than 7/5.

Rol Again Question could be the speed of the speed. The Jose Delgado trainee won 2-of-3 before going to the bench. Delgado has 2 winners from 8 runners off 90 days or longer layoffs. The Great Notion sired 7-year-old gelding may not fire right off the bench.

Win: Diamond Dust
Place: My Boy Lenny
Show: Rol Again Question

Race 8 – 4:00 pm ET – 7 Furlongs Dirt –$16,000 Allowance Optional Claiming

Trainer Anthony Ferraro got My Girl Annie to finish second in her first race for him. Annie should get a real nice trip behind the front runners. If jockey Walber Alencar pushes the button at the right time, Annie should fly by the leaders.

10/1 on the morning line Uncommon Factor is in excellent form. The Factor sired 4-year-old filly broke her maiden by 10 lengths in a 6-furlong race in January. She failed in her first against winners but won her last, a 6 ½ furlongs race, by 3 ½. Uncommon Factor can lead this field a long way.

Dreaming Diamonds should go off the chalk. The Cross Traffic runner was fantastic in its first for trainer Victor Carrasco. Antonio Gallardo also sticks. However, this is a jump up in class and a lot of times claimers bounce after lifetime best performances. Will pass for the win money.

Win: My Girl Annie
Place: Uncommon Factor
Show: Dreaming Diamonds

Race 9 – 4:32 pm ET – 1 Mile Turf –$25,000 Claiming

Gallardo gets back aboard Classy Lyn for the ninth. Two races back, Antonio rode Lynn to a 12-length victory going a mile over the turf in a $16K claimer. The slight jump in class shouldn’t bother anyone. Gallardo can put Classy Lyn on the front or see what the other speed does before deciding his initial move.

Here Comes Jackie breaks from post-position 9, but the presser figures to get into a good position before the first turn. Even if Jackie must go wide, she’s talented enough to stay close. Jockey Tom Mejia could take back. She doesn’t often put in a bad run, which means she could close effectively as well. The 2/1 morning line Horse Racing Odds chalk is the top challenger for win honors.

Jockey Daniel Centeno must decide aboard Classy of Course. The front runner can either try to steal this by going fast early. Or, Centeno can try to slow things down and hope to hold off Classy Lyn and Here Comes Jackie. There’s no right answer, which means, Jackie and Lyn should catch Classy of Course.

Win: Classy Lyn
Place: Here Comes Jackie
Show: Classy of Course