Friday 7/18/25 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 07-18-2025, 12:27 PM

Jeremy Plonk: Saratoga Spot Plays | Friday, July 18, 2025

July 18, 2025 | By Jeremy Plonk

The 10-race Friday card at Saratoga features the Grade 2 Shuvee in Race 8, where defending champion Raging Sea figures to be a solid favorite to repeat. Best of luck today at the Spa, where Race 7 also offers up to a $10 money-back special on win bets if your selection finishes second or third, only when you play with 1/ST BET and Xpressbet.

Saratoga | Race 4 | 2:49 pm ET
#4 Inesperee (6-1 morning line odds) didn't want to settle last time when fresh off the bench, but if Joel Rosario can get her to relax, expect more finish. Strong pedigree for the 11 furlongs on turf, the trip trainer Miguel Clement won at this past weekend with Far Bridge in stakes company. Neither Chad Brown trainee entered here looks like a standout, which could elevate the prices on some others as they'll take some money. Win bet #4. Daily Double 4-2 to next play.

Saratoga | Race 5 | 3:23 pm ET
#2 Olivia's Grace (6-1 morning line odds) goes for a Melanie Giddings barn that's 10: 2-2-1 this year at Saratoga going back to the Belmont Stakes Festival meeting -- at average odds of 13-1. This filly ran a good second from a much tougher post locally in June and has trained right on cue since for the graduation. Win bet #2.

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 07-18-2025, 12:30 PM

Brian W. Spencer: Del Mar Opening Day Spot Plays | Friday

July 18, 2025 | By Brian Spencer

Del Mar - Race 8

#4 Lyle the Crocodile: Think that first California try was useful enough to wonder if he can step forward off it to be competitive here. He just flattened a touch late in the last one and doesn't seem too far off the better ones in here.

#3 Iron Man Cal: Not only was he second in the Breeders' Cup last year, he's coming out of a super key race that produced a couple more next-out winners in big stakes spots recently. Expecting better today as the one to beat.

#10 Bodi Zafa: Honest type transferred his form well in the last one to land a share in stakes company, and he might be an OK price right back while in line for another share.

Race Summary: Lyle the Crocodile gets a tougher test today, but I liked the last one a little bit and think it might set him up for something better today.

Del Mar - Race 9

#10 Pokerknightatvees: The form looks OK compared to most of these, and he'll go third off the layoff today with that solid Los Al try under his belt last out. Lots to like today.

#8 Letmein: Honest type has stepped up nicely enough after needing claiming company to graduate, and he has the right kind of tactical pace to get another first-over trip.

#4 The G M: He's one of the ones here despite coming up short at even money last time out, and he's another who should be in line for that good first-run trip.

Race Summary: Pokerknightatvees should get a decent run from the outside here, and I think he'll offer a playable enough price with the Los Al run showing last on his page. Wouldn't be angry to back him in hopes he's a $15 horse.

Del Mar - Race 10

#6 Lady Chic: That was good first turf try last time out despite not being able to sustain that move late in the turf debut, but that was a useful layoff run that should have her set for better, and I liked the winner of her last a bit.

#8 American Privilege: She's back for the first start since her debut here last fall, and I think she has some room to come forward going long if she's ready to fire fresh. Pedigree says yes.

#2 Nafisa: Tactical speed has been knocking on the door and looks competitive here, but that has also been true for almost every start on his page, and the prices are nothing to write home about. She'll probably become the default choice
again here.

Race Summary: Lady Chic caught a solid debut winner in that last one, but that could have her lined up for a bigger run today going second off the layoff.

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 07-18-2025, 12:31 PM

Al Cimaglia: Yonkers Raceway Late Pick 4 Analysis

July 18, 2025 | By Al Cimaglia

Yonkers Raceway has a 9-race card. The $2.00 Late Pick 4 starts in Race 6, and the sequence will be my focus. Comments and selections below are based on a fast track.

Race 6 (8:25 PM EDT)

4-Archery Seelster (2-1)-The short price is tough to swallow and it's difficult to lean into anyone in this affair. But in general this is a group afraid of cameras, and at least the Cullipher entry has been in the hunt at YR versus better (15-1-2-7).
Meets a beatable bunch and when Jason Bartlett steers for this barn he posts 39% winners.
5-Buddy Earl (8-1)-Comes off an even effort in its Yonkers debut, in what was a needed race. The 5-year-old should be a solid price, and George Brennan has some gate speed to use.

Race 7 (8:45 PM EDT)

1-Marlbank Road (2-1)-This is another case of a short price chalk who deserves the rating due to the draw and the suspect quality of the field. Brent Holland is between the pipes tonight and he might be able to get the veteran off the gate close to the lead.
3-C-Bet Hanover (4-1)-This is probably the most consistent of the bunch and can offer value at the morning line price. Colin Kelly should put in play early on and could cash the top check with a sharp steer.

Race 8 (9:05 PM EDT)

1-Creative Venture (7/2)-Going to fade the 9/5 choice P L Oscar (4) and looks for some value. Should enjoy the company and the rail could help but doesn't have big gate speed. Can be in the mix from start to finish but is only 1-19 this year.
6-Dorotea Trio It (8-1)-The Alexander trainee is interesting and should be a price. Could beat this crew if minds its manners. Went off at 8/5 last time against better but broke stride for the 2nd time in 3 starts. Risky but looks worthy of a swing.
8-Bully Boy Hill (8-1)-Has been trying hard but not able to seal the deal. Finished 3rd and a close 2nd two back at 74-1. Returns in sequence against similar and the post makes the price. Could tackle the speed if the fractions are honest.

Race 9 (9:25 PM EDT)

8-Walkin On Sunshine (7/5)-Comes off a 3rd place finish at M1 after finishing 1st in the previous two starts. Three back beat the Invites at Yonkers and with a fair trip can be the best here.

$2 Late Pick 4

4,5/1,3/1,6,8/8
Total Bet=$24

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 07-18-2025, 12:31 PM

Brian W. Spencer's Daily Picks

Del Mar - Race #8

#4 Lyle the Crocodile	Think that first California try was useful enough to wonder if he can step forward off it to be competitive here. He just flattened a touch late in the last one and doesn't seem too far off the better ones in here.
#3 Iron Man Cal	Not only was he second in the Breeders' Cup last year, he's coming out of a super key race that produced a couple more next-out winners in big stakes spots recently. Expecting better today as the one to beat.
#10 Bodi Zafa	Honest type transferred his form well in the last one to land a share in stakes company, and he might be an OK price right back while in line for another share.
Race Summary	Lyle the Crocodile gets a tougher test today, but I liked the last one a little bit and think it might set him up for something better today.

Del Mar - Race #9

#10 Pokerknightatvees	The form looks OK compared to most of these, and he'll go third off the layoff today with that solid Los Al try under his belt last out. Lots to like today.
#8 Letmein	Honest type has stepped up nicely enough after needing claiming company to graduate, and he has the right kind of tactical pace to get another first-over trip.
#4 The G M	He's one of the ones here despite coming up short at even money last time out, and he's another who should be in line for that good first-run trip.
Race Summary	Pokerknightatvees should get a decent run from the outside here, and I think he'll offer a playable enough price with the Los Al run showing last on his page. Wouldn't be angry to back him in hopes he's a $15 horse.

Del Mar - Race #10

#6 Lady Chic	That was good first turf try last time out despite not being able to sustain that move late in the turf debut, but that was a useful layoff run that should have her set for better, and I liked the winner of her last a bit.
#8 American Privilege	She's back for the first start since her debut here last fall, and I think she has some room to come forward going long if she's ready to fire fresh. Pedigree says yes.
#2 Nafisa	Tactical speed has been knocking on the door and looks competitive here, but that has also been true for almost every start on his page, and the prices are nothing to write home about. She'll probably become the default choice again here.
Race Summary	Lady Chic caught a solid debut winner in that last one, but that could have her lined up for a bigger run today going second off the layoff.

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 07-18-2025, 12:31 PM

Frank Carulli's Daily Picks

Del Mar - Race #1

#5 TRUSTY RUSTY (6-1)	Good numbers, good company lines add up to good bet off the claim.
#7 READY TO POUNCE (3-1)	Romped at one mile the last time he ran at Del Mar, should sit ideal trip.
#3 ZIMBA WARRIOR (8-1)	12-time winner didn’t fire best shot last out, enters 22-percent claim barn.
Race Summary	TRUSTY RUSTY’S last four main-track speed figures stack up with anyone in the field with the same sample size. He earned them against the likes of 1-to-5 favorite Wound Up (10-20, $226k), Regal Patriot (7-15, $180k) and Navajo Warrior (4-10, $100k). Start the Del Mar meet running with a win and place bet and a 3-5-7 exacta box.

Del Mar - Race #3

#1 WESTERN AVENUE (6-1)	Good form in short fields, at proper level, price attached.
#5 MAGIC ACCOUNT (8-1)	Won the battle for the lead, lost the war to trip-sitting winner in long sprint.
#2 INVINCIBLE (3-1)	Adapted well to off-pace tactics, squeezed through stretch opening, ran second.
Race Summary	WESTERN AVENUE skipped the nw/2 condition to break his maiden against a weak field at this level three starts back. Then he made a middle move to a brief lead at the stretch call in a follow-up 6-1/2F turf sprint. He earned his top speed figure last out and finished ‘willingly’ behind winning favorite Agency, a low-90 Beyer type. Bet to win and place and play a 1-2-5 exacta box.

Del Mar - Race #4

#6 ANMER HALL (4-1)	Won off similar layoff to begin $68k campaign at age 7, enters new barn.
#2 BETTERDAYSRCOMING (7-2)	Can stalk and pounce in repeat bid for Sadler, first 5F try since debut.
#11 BAD UNCLE BARRY (4-1)	Rallied into rapid pace to win off layoff, starts outside in shorter sprint.
Race Summary	ANMER HALL tries to pick up where he left off as a 7-year-old in 2024. He finished first or second in five consecutive turf races, then rallied too late on the cutback to today’s distance. He got beat 2 lengths in a race that produced two next-out winners and three runners-up with average 87 Beyers. Bet to win and place and play a 2-6-11 exacta box.

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 07-18-2025, 12:32 PM

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Emerald Downs
PURCHASE

Emerald Downs - Race 6	$1 Daily Double /$1 Exacta /$.50 Trifecta $.10 Superfecta
Claiming $20,000 • 6 Furlongs • Dirt • Ages 3 and up • CR: 91 • Purse: $20,000 • Post: 9:10P
FOR FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 121 LBS.; OLDER, 125 LBS. NON-WINNERS OF A RACE IN 2025 ALLOWED 3 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $20,000 (MAIDEN RACES, CLAIMING RACES AND STARTERS RACES FOR $20,000 OR LESS NOT CONSIDERED IN ALLOWANCES). WASHINGTON BRED CLAIMING PRICE $25,000.

Contenders				Race Analysis
P#	Horse	Morn Line	Accept Odds	Race Type: Dominant Front-runner. SING A HAPPY SONG is the Dominant Front-runner of the race. * KEY ANGLES * SING A HAPPY SONG: Horse's win percentage at today's distance(sprint or route)/surface (dirt or turf) is at least 50. Horse had a bullet workout within the last seven days. MISS DYNAMIC: Horse has a TrackMaster "+" designation or an "L" designation. Horse has the highest TrackMaster Power Rating. A ROUSING BABE: Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Speed Figure at the d istance/surface. Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Class Rating at the distance/surface.
7	SING A HAPPY SONG	3/1	4/1
2	MISS DYNAMIC	5/2	5/1
1	A ROUSING BABE	5/1	7/1

P#	Horse (In Running Style Order)	Post	Morn Line	Running Style	Good Class	Good Speed	Early Figure	Finish Figure	Platinum Figure
7	SING A HAPPY SONG	7	3/1	Front-runner	90	90	93.8	87.8	81.8
2	MISS DYNAMIC	2	5/2	Front-runner	90	91	93.6	80.9	75.4
5	SIMPLY GRACIOUS	5	9/2	Front-runner	82	77	83.8	74.8	63.3
8	HARNEY LANE	8	10/1	Front-runner	85	78	69.4	73.8	63.8
1	A ROUSING BABE	1	5/1	Alternator/Front-runner	89	85	74.2	81.6	74.1
3	KRISTIN LEE	3	10/1	Alternator/Stalker	89	83	60.4	77.8	66.3
6	LETS DECLARE PEACE	6	6/1	Trailer	93	85	59.4	86.0	81.5
4	STEPUP	4	15/1	Alternator/Non-contender	77	79	85.4	59.8	45.3

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 07-18-2025, 12:32 PM

F.A.S.T. Sheets Free Race for Woodbine
PURCHASE

Woodbine - Race 4	Rolling Double / Exacta / 0.20 Trifecta / 0.20 Superfecta 0.20 Pick 3 (Races 4-5-6) / 0.20 Pick 4 (Races 4-5-6-7)/ $1 Swinger
Maiden Claiming $15,000 • 6 Furlongs • All-Weather • Ages 3 and up • CR: 64 • Purse: $36,100 • Post: 2:37P
FOR MAIDENS, FILLIES AND MARES THREE YEARS OLD AND UPWARD. THREE YEAR OLDS, 120 LBS.; OLDER, 124 LBS. CLAIMING PRICE $15,000, IF FOR $14,000, ALLOWED 2 LBS.

Contenders				Race Analysis
P#	Horse	Morn Line	Accept Odds	Race Type: Paceless Race. There is no true early speed in this race. * KEY ANGLES * MARYLAND SPIRIT: Horse ranks in the top three in TrackMaster Power Rating. Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Speed Figure at the distance/surface. KIMBERLINA: Today is a sprint and this is the horse's third or fourth start after a layoff. Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. NOYZEE GIRL: Horse had a bullet workout within the last seven days. Today is a sprint and this is the h orse's third or fourth start after a layoff. SULTRY SOPHIE: Horse has run a Good Race within the last 30 days. Horse ranks in the top three in average Equibase Class Rating at the distance/surface.
8	MARYLAND SPIRIT	9/2	5/1
5	KIMBERLINA	5/2	5/1
2	NOYZEE GIRL	7/2	6/1
3	SULTRY SOPHIE	3/1	9/1

P#	Horse (In Running Style Order)	Post	Morn Line	Running Style	Good Class	Good Speed	Early Figure	Finish Figure	Platinum Figure
8	MARYLAND SPIRIT	8	9/2	Stalker	69	64	66.4	56.6	52.1
5	KIMBERLINA	5	5/2	Alternator/Stalker	63	61	74.6	55.4	48.9
3	SULTRY SOPHIE	3	3/1	Alternator/Stalker	60	60	64.8	46.6	37.1
7	SCAT HUMOR	7	8/1	Alternator/Stalker	0	0	63.0	54.0	47.0
2	NOYZEE GIRL	2	7/2	Alternator/Stalker	68	59	58.0	53.0	49.0
1	AMI'S CRY	1	20/1	Alternator/Stalker	62	58	45.2	38.5	25.5
4	MISTY EYED	4	20/1	Alternator/Trailer	0	0	45.7	57.0	44.0
6	SHE'S SO CROATIAN	6	10/1	Alternator/Non-contender	74	62	84.0	39.4	27.9

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 07-18-2025, 12:32 PM

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

PURCHASE

Century Mile - Race #8 - Post: 9:45pm - Claiming - 6.5 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $12,000 Class Rating: 80

Rating:

#9 JOKER MATT (ML=3/1)
#5 AMUSING WAY (ML=4/1)

JOKER MATT - This gelding should give a good account of himself in today's event. AMUSING WAY - This gelding is in nice physical condition, having run a nice race on July 4th, finishing third. This jock and trainer have a fabulous winning pct when they team up. This gelding is very familiar with the winner's circle at Century Mile. I expect a repeat effort in today's race.

Vulnerable Contenders: #3 PERFORMATIVE (ML=5/2), #7 FRANKIE MACHINE (ML=9/2), #2 OMEGASSHOOTINGSTAR (ML=5/1),

PERFORMATIVE - This less than sharp equine will probably bounce off of the last strong outing. FRANKIE MACHINE - Equibase speed figures tell a tale of declining physical condition. OMEGASSHOOTINGSTAR - Today's race is 6 1/2 furlongs. Hasn't hit the board in a short distance race in the last 60 days. Not the best of indicators. This gelding finished out of the money on September 29th and wasn't close to victory in the last race either. Will be hard for this entrant to beat this field off of that last speed figure. Unlikely to improve enough to run a figure close to today's Equibase class figure, so put him on the likely underlays list.

STRAIGHT WAGERS:	Go with #9 JOKER MATT on top if we're getting at least 3/1 odds
EXACTA WAGERS:	Box [5,9]
TRIFECTA WAGERS:	Skip
SUPERFECTA WAGERS:	Pass
SUPER HIGH 5 WAGERS:	None

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 07-18-2025, 12:33 PM

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Wyoming Downs

PURCHASE
Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

Race 4 - Trial - 400y on the Dirt. Purse: $6000 Class Rating: 81

QUARTER HORSE 400Y, FOR THREE YEAR OLDS WHICH HAVE NOMINATED AND REMAIN ELIGIBLE. WEIGHT . 126 LBS.

RECOMMENDED CHOICES
	# 8 GLOCK 9 7/2
# 4 JG SEPARATIST TIMES 4/1
# 5 DIVORY 5/2

I favor GLOCK 9 here. Have to look at solely on class, with some of the most competitive class figs of this group of horses. Is worth considering and may be a bet - strong Equibase speed figs (73 average) at today's distance and surface recently. With a solid jockey who has won at a very strong 17 percent rate over the last month. This has to be one of the top picks. JG SEPARATIST TIMES - The speed rating of 76 from his last affair looks very strong in here. He has been running admirably and the Speed Figures are among the best in this group of horses. DIVORY - Solid average Equibase Speed Figs in short races make this animal a contender. Boasts formidable speed figures on average overall when put alongside the rest of this group of animals.

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 07-18-2025, 12:33 PM

Handicapped by The Turf Club Analysts

PURCHASE

Belterra Park - Race #2 - Post: 1:05pm - Claiming - 8.0 furlongs on the Dirt. Purse: $12,000 Class Rating: 73

Rating:

#2 GHOST NATION (ML=3/1)
#5 ONLY THE GOOD (ML=5/1)

GHOST NATION - Murgia should have him moving big on the turn. The rider/handler duo of Murgia and Matejka has a strong return on investment together. You have to like that most recent race speed figure, 75, which is the best most recent race speed rating of this field. ONLY THE GOOD - Jimenez and Smith perform well when they combine forces. It's hard to beat a +24 ROI for a rider and trainer.

Vulnerable Contenders: #1 WITH FULL HONORS (ML=7/5), #3 BOURBON STATE (ML=5/2), #4 PERMIT TO CARRY (ML=6/1),

WITH FULL HONORS - Somewhat easily forgotten speed fig last time out at Belterra Park at 1 mile. Don't think this questionable contender will improve too much in today's race. BOURBON STATE - Only defeated maiden claimers last time around the track. It's going to be very tough for this entrant to repeat versus winners. The speed fig last time around the track doesn't fit very well in this affair when I look at the class figure of today's event. Mark this thoroughbred as a questionable contender. PERMIT TO CARRY - Mediocre speed fig last race out at Belterra Park at 6 furlongs. Don't think this runner will improve too much in today's event.

STRAIGHT WAGERS:	#2 GHOST NATION to win at post-time odds of 7/5 or better
EXACTA WAGERS:	Box [2,5]
TRIFECTA WAGERS:	Skip
SUPERFECTA WAGERS:	Pass

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 07-18-2025, 12:33 PM

Handicapped by The Walker Group at Cross Country Pick Four

PURCHASE
Always check program numbers.
Odds shown are morning line odds.

Race 1 - Optional Claiming - 8.0f on the Turf. Purse: $120000 Class Rating: 108

SAR - R7 - INNER TURF FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WHICH HAVE NEVER WON $20,000 THREE TIMES OTHER THAN MAIDEN, CLAIMING, STARTER OR STATE BRED ALLOWANCE OR WHICH HAVE NEVER WON THREE RACES OR WHICH HAVE NOT WON $45,000 OTHER THAN MAIDEN, CLAIMING, STARTER OR STATE BRED ALLOWANCE SINCE JANUARY 18, 2025 OR OPTIONAL CLAIMING PRICE OF

RECOMMENDED CHOICES
	# 3 NELSON AVENUE 15/1
# 7 BIG EVEREST (GB) 7/2
# 6 NANTASKET BEACH 3/1

NELSON AVENUE looks to be a very good contender and is a decent value wager given the line. This gelding could improve on Lasix. Abreu has shown excellent profits (+52 return on investment ) with horses in turf route events. Has strong early pace and will probably fare well against this group of animals. BIG EVEREST (GB) - He has garnered solid figs under today's conditions and ought to fare well versus this field. Horses who have been prepared to race at this distance and surface by Clement have shown strong results as of late. NANTASKET BEACH - Looks strong for the conditions of this race today, showing solid figures in turf route races lately. Has competed well in turf route races.