Saturday 3/26/22 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 03-26-2022, 08:27 AM

AI Picks: Louisiana Derby | Saturday, March 26, 2022

March 25, 2022 | By Jeremy Plonk

Saturday’s G2 $1 million Louisiana Derby will be the final stop on the Triple Crown trail for its top finishers en route to Louisville. To assist your handicapping, key stakes selections provided by the 1/ST BET app measure each contender against the 10 leading factors for each race. The 1/ST BET app looks at 52 handicapping factors and more than 200,000 past races to determine its AI selections.

You can use the automated handicapping factors, or create your own factor filters to incorporate angles you prefer. Full-card selections can be found in the 1/ST BET app. We’ve included the official track morning line odds with each runner.

Fair Grounds // Race 12 // 6:44 pm ET // G2 $1 million Louisiana Derby // 1-3/16 miles

#6 Epicenter (7-5) // 31%W
#9 Rattle N Roll (6-1) // 17%W
#8 Galt (8-1) // 14%W
#3 Call Me Midnight (6-1) // 13%W
#7 Pioneer Of Medina (5-1) // 8%W
#5 Kupuna (8-1) // 5%W
#2 Zozos (8-1) // 4%W
#4 Curly Tail (30-1) // 4%W
#1 Silent Power (50-1) // 4%W

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 03-26-2022, 08:27 AM

Race of the Week: $12M Dubai World Cup | Saturday, March 26, 2022

March 23, 2022 | By Jeremy Plonk

The Lead:
The 26th running of the Dubai World Cup has once again lured top dirt horses from America and an international cast stronger than most editions of the Breeders' Cup Classic. It's a true clash from various corners of the globe, but contested at America's A-game, on the dirt. But the previous 25 editions have a surprising ledger: 13 world-based winners, 12 American-based victors.

Post time for the Dubai World Cup, Race 9 from Meydan, will be 12:30 pm ET in the US. The Meydan program opens at 7:45 am ET with the first of nine races. Horseplayers with Xpressbet and 1/ST BET can enjoy up to a $10 money-back special on win bets on the entire Saturday card at Dubai's Meydan if your selection finishes second or third.

Field Depth:
For $12 million, they are no free lunches in terms of field quality. G1 Pegasus World Cup winner LIFE IS GOOD is the top-ranked dirt horse in the world and the standout favorite. American travelers COUNTRY GRAMMER and HOT ROD CHARLIE also are G1 winners. Fellow American MIDNIGHT BOURBON is multiple G1-placed. Among the worldwide contingent are last year's Dubai World Cup 2-3 finishers CHUWA WIZARD of Japan and MAGNY COURS for the Godolphin home team in the UAE. And HYPOTHETICAL is a 2-time winner this season at Meydan, including the G1 Maktoum Challenge local prep for the Dubai World Cup.

Pace:
LIFE IS GOOD has world-class speed and should be flexing that under Irad Ortiz Jr. from the rail post draw. All four American entrants have some semblance of early pace to their game and expect the other trio to line up in pursuit of LIFE IS GOOD, perhaps MIDNIGHT BOURBON the quickest of those others. HYPOTHETICAL made the lead in this race a year ago against softer early pace-types, as well as in the local prep. This should be a fast, high-quality pace.

Our Eyes:
Nothing LIFE IS GOOD to this point suggests there's any regression looming. His easy dispatch of KNICKS GO over 1-1/8 miles answered most of the distance question, though another furlong will be added Saturday for the first time. He's trained as strong as ever up to this from all indications and videos viewed. Bottom line, he has to regress to be beaten.

Among HOT ROD CHARLIE, MIDNIGHT BOURBON and COUNTRY GRAMMER, that's where you'll have to do some evaluation for the exotics. None has faced LIFE IS GOOD, but the closest simulation was HOT ROD CHARLIE chasing Knicks Go in last year's Breeders' Cup Classic over this 10-furlong trip. He could not sustain and flattened out late. With LIFE IS GOOD even more potent up front, I'll swing against HOT ROD CHARLIE for the exacta. Granted, HOT ROD CHARLIE has a prep locally and win over the track in fine fashion, but I'm a strong devotee to pace and how a race sets up; this one works against him.

Would MIDNIGHT BOURBON or COUNTRY GRAMMER do any better? Based on past results, it's hard to project MIDNIGHT BOURBON on any different level than HOT ROD CHARLIE. COUNTRY GRAMMER is the wildcard, and as well as he ran in the Saudi Cup in his first MIddle Eastern foray, he's likely America's best hope to back-end an exacta.

Among the world team, I'll admit international racing is not my forte. CHUWA WIZARD is proven on this stage and the way Japan dominated Saudi Cup night and starred at last year's Breeders' Cup, you have to respect him even more.

Most Certain Exotics Contender:
LIFE IS GOOD is the 4-5 favorite for plenty of good reason.

Best Longshot Exotics Contender:
CHUWA WIZARD can't possibly go off the 30-1 morning line, but should be attractive.

Sending it in ($100 bankroll):
$50 exacta part-wheel LIFE IS GOOD over CHUWA WIZARD and COUNTRY GRAMMER.

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 03-26-2022, 08:29 AM

Gulfstream 5 Facts | March 22-28, 2022

March 22, 2022 | By Jeremy Plonk

Schedule:

Wednesday-Sunday

Carryovers:

$184,549 // Rainbow 6 Jackpot (Wednesday)

$6,463 // Super High 5 (Wednesday)

Feature Race(s):

$75,000 Texas Glitter // 3-year-old turf sprinters // Saturday

$75,000 Melody of Colors // 3-year-old filly turf sprinters // Saturday

Key 1/ST BET Factors (top pick win %, top pick profit/loss):

Avg. E1 Pace (29%, +$127.00)

Trainer Current Meet (31%, -$2.60)

Jockey 1 Year Win % (29%, -$17.80)

Jockey/Trainer Trends from Betmix:

T: Jose Francisco D’Angelo // last week 9: 4-0-1 (44%, $1.07 ROI) // 4-5 with favorites // 14-31 since Feb. 23

T: Todd Pletcher // last week 6: 4-0-1 (67%, $3.35 ROI) // 3-3 with Irad Ortiz Jr. // 2-3 on dirt and 2-3 on turf

T: Jonathan Thomas // last week 3: 3-0-0 (100%, $2.13 ROI) // 3-3 with Luis Saez // 3-3 with favorites // 4-4 since March 11

J: Irad Ortiz Jr. // last week 37: 11-6-6 (30%, $0.90 ROI) // 6-14 with favorites // 3-3 with Todd Pletcher

J: Emisael Jaramillo // last week 13: 4-1-1 (31%, $1.89 ROI) // $3, $6, $14, $24 winners for 4 different trainers

** ROI reflects return on $1 win bet**

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 03-26-2022, 08:29 AM

Santa Anita Park 5 Facts | March 22-28, 2022

March 22, 2022 | By Jeremy Plonk

Schedule:

Friday-Sunday

Carryovers:

$28,953 // Rainbow 6 Jackpot (Friday)

Feature Race(s):

G3 $125,000 Santa Ana // filly & mare turf routers // Saturday

Key 1/ST BET Factors (top pick win %, top pick profit/loss):

Win % (44%, +$19.00)

Best Speed Track (33%, +$16.00)

Best Speed Last 3 (30%, -$0.80) *top-3 factor fifth straight week*

Jockey/Trainer Trends from Betmix:

T: John Sadler // last week 9: 4-0-2 (44%, $3.84 ROI) // $13, $15, $16, $23 winners // 2-3 with John Velazquez

T: Brian Koriner // last week 5: 3-1-0 (60%, $2.40 ROI) // 2-2 with Mike Smith // 3-4 with maidens

T: Steve Miyadi // last week 5: 2-3-0 (40%, $1.98 ROI) // 4: 1-3-0 with favorites + $16 winner

J: Juan Hernandez // last week 16: 5-2-4 (31%, $1.68 ROI) // 3: 2-1-0 with favorites + $13, $26 winners

J: John Velazquez // last week 8: 3-1-1 (38%, $2.76 ROI) // $12, $15, $16 winners // 3: 2-0-1 with John Sadler

** ROI reflects return on $1 win bet**

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 03-26-2022, 08:37 AM

Golden Gate Fields 5 Facts | March 22-28, 2022

March 22, 2022 | By Jeremy Plonk

Schedule:

Friday-Sunday

Carryovers:

$0 // Rainbow 6 Jackpot (Friday)

Feature Race(s):

None scheduled.

Key 1/ST BET Factors (top pick win %, top pick profit/loss):

Avg. Earnings Track (36%, +$43.60)

Avg. Turn Time (33%, +$28.20)

Last Race Class (24%, +$17.20)

Best peed Distance (34%, +$12.60)

Jockey/Trainer Trends from Betmix:

T: Jim Gilmour // last week 4: 3-0-0 (75%, $3.93 ROI) // $6, $8, $16 winners // 2-3 with Julien Couton

T: Ellen Jackson // last week 6: 2-1-2 (33%, $2.17 ROI) // $10, $15 winners + 20-1 runner-up (all at 6F or less)

T: Andy Mathis // last week 3: 2-0-0 (67%, $2.30 ROI) // 6-10 last 2 weeks

J: Pedro Terrero // last week 16: 4-3-1 (25%, $1.15 ROI) // $5, $7, $7, $16 winners // only rode 2 favorites

J: Frank Alvarado // last week 11: 4-3-1 (36%, $1.30 ROI) // 4: 2-1-0 with favorites // 7-22 last 2 weeks

** ROI reflects return on $1 win bet**

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 03-26-2022, 08:38 AM

Laurel Park 5 Facts | March 22-28, 2022

March 22, 2022 | By Jeremy Plonk

Schedule:

Friday-Sunday

Carryovers:

$10,349 // Rainbow 6 Jackpot (Friday)

Feature Race(s):

None scheduled.

Key 1/ST BET Factors (top pick win %, top pick profit/loss):

Avg. Best 2 of Last 3 Speed (32%, -$4.60)

Best Speed Last 3 (32%, -$1.20)

Best Speed Track (28%, -$13.20)

Jockey/Trainer Trends from Betmix:

T: Rodolfo Sanchez-Salomon // last week 11: 2-0-3 (18%, $3.09 ROI) // $12, $55 winners including $100,000 Private Terms Stakes winner Shake Em Loose

T: Michael Gorham // last week 3: 2-0-0 (67%, $10.40 ROI) // $4, $58 winners // all claiming sprinters

T: Keiron Magee // last week 8: 2-1-2 (25%, $1.05 ROI) // $7, $9 winners // 2-5 with Jean Avelo

J: Yan Aviles // last week 8: 4-0-0 (50%, $5.73 ROI) // $7, $11, $14, $58 winners for 4 different trainers

J: Denis Araujo // last week 9: 3-0-0 (33%, $3.20 ROI) // $2, $5, $49 winners // 5-12 last 2 weeks

** ROI reflects return on $1 win bet**

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 03-26-2022, 08:38 AM

Aqueduct Horses in Focus for Saturday, March 26
Posted on March 25, 2022 by David Aragona

RACE 1: EASY TO BLESS (#4)

#2 Its Cold in Dehere been in excellent form ever since turning back to sprint distances in her last couple of starts. She really came to hand in Kentucky last year, but was briefly derailed in her first start off the claim for Linda Rice going a demanding 1 1/8 miles in the Ladies. However, she’s been back to her old self in her last two runs, checking in second in some tougher optional claiming events. The two horses who beat her in those races – Glass Ceiling and Hey Mamaluke – have each returned to win stakes in their subsequent starts. The only major knock against Its Cold in Dehere is that she’s somewhat pace dependent given her closing style, and there isn’t that much speed in here. Her two main rivals are the other two dropping out of the optional claiming ranks. #5 Shesalittle Edgy made one start for Mertkan Kantarmaci off the claim, and appeared to reverse her declining form, showing improved early speed. Her recent numbers are a cut below those of favorite Its Cold in Dehere. That said, she’s now going out for Gustavo Rodriguez, who is 6 for 14 (43%, $4.98 ROI) first off the claim. I slightly prefer #4 Easy to Bless, who could be the best price of this trio. She had been entered in the Correction Stakes a couple of weeks ago before it was cancelled due to weather. She instead comes back in this spot looking to get back on track after a disappointing performance when last seen. She was far more effective in her victory two back when she won by 7 lengths over a sloppy track. She was aided by an outside trip on a day when the rail was dead, so I don’t necessarily expect her to repeat it. Yet her prior efforts are all solid as she typically puts in competitive performances. She has the tactical speed to get the right trip and may go off at a square price with the underrated Jackie Davis riding.

RACE 8: GIOCARE (#7)

#5 Blewitt could go off as the slight favorite as he seeks his fourth victory in his last 5 starts. While he’s done very well over this Aqueduct surface, he’s never raced farther than 9 furlongs, and now he’s being asked to stretch all the way out to 1 3/8 miles. He got great setups when he won twice against cheap claimers to close out his 2021 campaign. He improved on those efforts last time in his second start off the claim for John Toscano, showing a new dimension as he came from just off the pace. He’s dangerous in his current form, but there is plenty of other speed to deal with this time so I’m somewhat skeptical given his expected price. #1A Original Intent is a little more appealing since he has at least proven that he can handle the distance. He’s actually experienced going much farther than this. The major concern for him is current form. However, I don’t want to be too hard on him for finishing off the board in his two races so far this year. He was going too short two back, and last time he was meeting a much classier field of stakes-quality horses. He’s well spotted and should get plenty of pace to close into. Some may give a look to last year’s winner of this race, #4 Air Attack, but I find him difficult to endorse in his current form. I’m more interested in #3 Battalion from the same $40k claimer that one exits. Battalion has handled this distance on turf in the past and may appreciate the stretch-out on dirt. Yet I’m going in a different direction. My top pick is #7 Giocare. He hasn’t run quite as fast as some others in here, but I think he could really appreciate this stretch-out in distance. He finishes off his races like one that should relish added ground. He’s also run well in all three of his starts over this surface, his only recent poor effort coming when he was shipped to Parx last time. He’s by Curlin out of a half-sister to Afleet Alex, so there’s stamina all over his pedigree. He should get plenty of pace ahead of him with so much speed signed on. He also may not be that short a price despite going out for Rudy Rodriguez, given the presence of low-profile rider Luis Rodriguez Castro.

RACE 9: PRINCE JAMES (#1)

This Caixa Eletronica is among the most competitive races of the day. #2 Zoomer and #3 Answer In should vie for favoritism as both come in off strong performances at the optional claiming level. Zoomer arguably has the better recent form as he seeks his third victory in a row. He got a great setup when he won last time, as a runoff leader laid down some fast fractions up front. He’s been successful at a variety of distances throughout his career, so the slight turnback to 7 furlongs shouldn’t be a major issue. I prefer him to Answer In, who finished a solid second against N3X company last time. He appeared to be in position to win that race, but just hung in the late stages. He received a flashy speed figure for the performance, but some horses out of that race haven’t duplicated that figure in subsequent starts. #5 Repo Rocksmight appeal to some as an alternative as he drops out of graded stakes company. However, he wasn’t facing particularly stiff competition in those races, and his tendency to break slowly has been an issue in each of his last couple of starts. My top pick is #1 Prince James. This horse faced some cheaper company earlier in the winter, but he was moved up in class first off the claim for Rob Atras and handled the step up in company quite well. He was the first to make a move into some pretty quick fractions and took over in the stretch before getting run down by the classy New York-bred Amundson. He figures to work out a better trip here sitting in behind the three speeds drawn to his outside. He also should appreciate the stretch-out to 7 furlongs, since he’s been more successful over slightly longer distances in the past. The other horse that I would use prominently is #4 More Graytful. His victory two back is a little dressed up due to a speed bias, but I thought he ran well three back behind Zoomer and Answer In. And last time he was unwisely rated on a day when speed and the rail seemed to have an advantage. He’s a rebound candidate from the front end.

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 03-26-2022, 08:39 AM

Jeff Nahill’s Fair Grounds opinions for Saturday, March 26 (Races 8-12)

EIGHTH RACE: 8-6-4-5 (BEST BET)

NINTH RACE: 2-6-1-4

10TH RACE: 2-3-4-7

11TH RACE: 2-1-6-4

12TH RACE: 9-6-8-3-2

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 03-26-2022, 08:40 AM

Rocket Picks ��: Gulfstream Park, Oaklawn Park, and Fair Grounds for March 26, 2022
By: Aaron Halterman

It’s another major Saturday of racing! For the free pick 4, we will head to Gulfstream Park for the late sequence on the card! We will also have full card selections for Oaklawn Park and Fair Grounds for the paid Rockets, so be sure to check those out. Let’s see if we can stay HOT!

Below is our free Late Pick 4 for Gulfstream Park:

Gulfstream Park March 26, 2022

Race 8: Maiden Special Weight

#5 Bourbon Ready catches a weak field today, and should be tough to beat if none of the first time starts run well. #2 Away From Home debuts after some solid workouts, but this barn usually does not win with first time starters.

Race 9: Texas Glitter Stakes
freestar

#5 High Front was a runaway winner on debut last time out winning by open lengths in gate to wire fashion. #6 Lucci won after a long layoff last time out over this track, and is the logical favorite after that effort.

Race 10: Claiming

#5 Exponential was third at this level last time out, while he defeated tougher horses three starts back over this surface. #10 Veloce was second last time out, finishing ahead of our top choice, but has a tough outside draw today.

Race 11: Maiden Special Weight

#7 Dream of a Day gets back to the turf for this race, while also stretching out in distance, which should help his chances. #8 Celestial City was fourth on debut, and should improve in his second start today.

THE TICKET

$.50 Pick 4 (Races 8-11) 5 / 5,6,7 / 1,5,9,10 / 1,2,3,7,8,10,12 – $42

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 03-26-2022, 08:46 AM

Robin Goodfellow's racing tips: Best bets for Saturday, March 26

By Sam Turner For The Daily Mail

DONCASTER

ROBIN GOODFELLOW

1.15 Persian Force

1.50 Garrus

2.25 General Lee

3.00 Royal Champion (nb)

3.35 Modern News (nap)

4.10 Almuhi

4.46 Love Your Work

5.16 Invincible Soldier

NEWMARKET - 3.35 Mujtaba (nap)

GIMCRACK

1.15 Persian Force

1.50 Diligent Harry

2.25 Star Shield

3.00 Chindit (nap)

3.35 Ametist (nb)

4.10 Groundbreaker

4.46 Red Bond

5.16 Pips Tune

KELSO

ROBIN GOODFELLOW

1.00 Sanosuke

1.35 Son Of The Somme

2.10 Lucky Flight

2.45 Big River

3.15 Theatre Glory

3.46 Kaizer

4.21 Ontherouge

NORTHERNER – 1.35 Son Of The Somme (nap); 4.21 Ontherouge (nb).

GIMCRACK

1.00 Sanosuke

1.35 Headscarf Lil

2.10 Lucky Flight

2.45 Empire Steel

3.15 Theatre Glory

3.46 Wakool

4.21 Ri Na Farraige

KEMPTON

ROBIN GOODFELLOW

1.30 Aldous Huxley

2.05 Felix

2.40 Imperium

3.20 Morag Mccullagh

3.55 Tommy de Vito

4.30 My Dubawi

5.00 Beluga Gold

NEWMARKET – 2.40 Bandinelli (nb)

GIMCRACK

1.30 Sarangani

2.05 Felix

2.40 Bandinelli

3.20 Get Ahead

3.55 Tommy de Vito

4.30 Gold Medal

5.00 Beluga Gold

STRATFORD

ROBIN GOODFELLOW

1.43 Court Royale

2.18 Ballybeen

2.53 Barrakhov

3.28 Sofia’s Rock

4.03 Privatory

4.38 Galahad Quest

5.10 Kracka Nut

GIMCRACK

1.43 Rafferty

2.18 Dariya

2.53 Barrakhov

3.28 Weebill

4.03 Geometrical

4.38 Black Kalanisi

5.10 Lightfoot Lady

WOLVERHAMPTON

ROBIN GOODFELLOW

4.55 Storm Asset

5.30 After The Rain

6.00 Midgetonamission

6.30 Back From Dubai

7.00 Red Alert

7.30 Endowed

8.00 Mr Beaufort

8.30 Jacks Profit

GIMCRACK

4.55 Storm Asset

5.30 After The Rain

6.00 Boudica Warrior

6.30 Calin’s Lad

7.00 Red Alert

7.30 Rebel Redemption

8.00 Mr Beaufort

8.30 Myriad

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 03-26-2022, 08:50 AM

Scully: Handicapping All-Stakes Late Pick 5 on Louisiana Derby program
James Scully

A major qualifier for the Kentucky Derby (G1), Saturday’s 109th running of the TwinSpires.com Louisiana Derby (G2) anchors an outstanding 12-race program at Fair Grounds including eight stakes.

A total of 170 points toward a Kentucky Derby berth will be offered to the top four finishers (100-40-20-10) in the 1 3/16-mile Louisiana Derby. The $400,000 Fair Grounds Oaks (G2) fulfills the same role for the Kentucky Oaks (G1) on May 6, and the 1 1/16-mile event features the return of unbeaten juvenile champion Echo Zulu.

The Louisiana Derby and Fair Grounds Oaks are part of the $500,000 guaranteed All-Stakes Late Pick 5 sequence. Additionally, TwinSpires.com will offer players who opt-in a $5,000 All-Stakes Pick 5 jackpot to be split among all winning tickets.

Tom Benson Memorial S. – Race 8 (4:37 p.m. ET)

Grade 3 winner #4 Gam’s Mission won’t return in the most difficult spot, and the 1 1/16-mile turf affair should set up well for her late kick. She’s 2-for-3 at the trip, the lone setback being a fine effort when she overcame stumbling out of the gate to just miss on the wire last fall, and is a winner over the course. I like her chances.

#1 Lake Lucerne should be forward from her inside post with Joel Rosario and her form last fall makes her a player. #6 Hendy Woods and #9 Lovely Ride also will be added to the ticket.
New Orleans Classic (G2) – Race 9 (5:08 p.m. ET)

#2 Olympiad has thrived since stretching out to two turns, recording a brilliant Gulfstream allowance win and a 2 1/4-length victory in the Mineshaft (G3) at Fair Grounds, and registered encouraging 108 and 106 Brisnet Late Pace ratings for those efforts. He’s squarely the horse to beat. #1 Promise Keeper remains a promising sort for Todd Pletcher and has some appeal as the projected speed from the innermost post. The Grade 3 winner needed his last start, the Razorback (G3), after a lengthy layoff and lost all chance when missing the break.

Muniz Memorial (G2) – Race 10 (5:40 p.m. ET)

#9 Santin traveled extremely wide and raced greenly when appearing to lose focus in upper stretch of the Fair Grounds S. (G3) last time. The lightly-raced colt still managed to find his best stride late, rallying fast to come up a half-length short, and the Brendan Walsh trainee should move forward in the second start back from a freshening. He’s the top pick.

#3 Devamani, who will be the longer of two Chad Brown runners, offered a belated rally when returning from an eight-month vacation last time, and the gelding recorded a sharp score in the Monmouth (G3) last summer when making his second start back off a similar break. He’ll be used along with #7 Another Mystery, a late runner in good form for Chris Block following an upset win (dead-heat) in the John B. Connally (G3) at Sam Houston.

See also: Fair Grounds Pick: How to bet with, and against, Sacred Life in Muniz Memorial
Fair Grounds Oaks (G2) – Race 11 (6:12 p.m. ET)

Echo Zulu will be an overwhelmingly popular choice, but after returning to Steve Asmussen’s stable in late December, she wasn’t able to post her first workout in more than three months until Feb. 8. That left her on a tight schedule to make the Fair Grounds Oaks and with bigger goals on the immediate horizon (the Preakness [G1] on May 17 has been mentioned as a possible target after the Kentucky Oaks), it’s fair to question how fit the speedy filly will be for the long stretch run at Fair Grounds.

#3 Favor, who stamped herself as an up-and-comer in the three-year-old filly ranks by recording convincing wins over maiden and allowance rivals in her last two starts, is a threat to make a serious impact in her stakes debut for Pletcher. I give her top billing and will also use Rachel Alexandra (G2) winner #2 Turnerloose and sharp last-out allowance scorer #4 Bernabreezy on the Pick 5 ticket.

See Also: Value Play for the 2022 Fair Grounds Oaks
Louisiana Derby (G2) – Race 12 (6:44 p.m. ET)

#6 Epicenter has logged a pair of five-furlong bullet works for Asmussen since dominating the Feb. 19 Risen Star (G2) wire-to-wire, and the Louisiana Derby sets up just as favorably for the classy colt. He has the quickness to sprint clear from the starting gate and the cruising speed to leave plenty in reserve for the latter stages.

See Also: Louisiana Derby Contenders, Betting Guide & Tipsheet

Pick 5 ticket: 1,4,6,9 with 1,2 with 3,7,9 with 2,3,4 with 6 = $36

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 03-26-2022, 08:51 AM

Turfway Park: How to bet the 2022 Serena's Song Stakes
John Mucciolo

Sophomore fillies will travel six panels on the Tapeta at Turfway Park in the Saturday feature, the $100,000 Serena’s Song S. A total of seven ladies are signed on for the dash featuring numerous talented youngsters. Conditioner Brad Cox has a trio of lively entrants in the cast, and I will side with a pair hailing from his highly productive barn.

In a race where a wicked and contested pace is expected, the winner is likely going to run from off the pace some, and two horses are of particular interest to me. #2 Sea Level (8-1) has done little wrong in her career at this stage of her development, and I expect the talented miss to give a fine account of herself while making her All-Weather debut on Saturday. By Exaggerator, the three-year-old is 2-for-3 with a good second in her lifetime, exiting a strong runner-up showing in the My Trusty Cat S. at Delta Downs in her juvenile finale.

The Kentucky-bred dark bay comes in fresh for her local bow and has trained steadily in advance of this affair. The homebred has been working in fine fashion as of late, and if she runs to those morning moves, then I expect her to pick off horses in the lane en route to an upset tally at a nice number.

#6 Yin Yang (8-1), also from the Cox shedrow, has proven her worth on both turf and dirt, and I fully expect her to be a factor in her synthetic debut in this spot. The stakes-placed daughter of Point of Entry rated early before exploding late in an allowance sprint victory at Fair Grounds in her seasonal bow, and the versatile lass is of very good value in this endeavor with Joe Talamo taking the reins. I expect the bay to press the pace early on before getting the jump on the closing types in the early stretch.

Three-time stakes heroine #4 Marissa’s Lady (1-1) is the one to beat, and for good reason, for conditioner Bill Morey. The Violence gray is unbeaten from four sprint tries and has an obvious affinity for the surface. In addition, the filly cuts back in trip after trying a route of ground most recently and is a must-use with Bejarano in the irons.

And wildcard #7 Ruthin (7-2) could be any kind from a fine outside post draw for Wesley Ward. The $475,000 daughter of Ribchester aired on debut while sprinting on the Keeneland turf prior to leading early, before being outkicked in the Windsor Castle S. at Royal Ascot in June. The filly has been freshened up for Saturday by a superb layoff conditioner, and she could be the one to catch turning for home under the guidance of Chris Landeros.
Serena’s Song Wagers

$1 trifecta 2,6 with 2,4,6,7 with all ($30)
.50-cent superfecta 2,6 with 2,4,6,7 with 2,4,6,7 with all ($24)

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 03-26-2022, 08:53 AM

The Jury: Bets and fades for March 26

The TwinSpires Jury, consisting of James Scully, Kellie Reilly, and Vance Hanson, are back with thoughts on this weekend's stakes action, highlighted domestically by Louisiana Derby Day at Fair Grounds and overseas by the $12 million Dubai World Cup (G1).
What is your best bet?

James Scully: #4 Gam's Mission (7-2) concluded her three-year-old season on a good note, rallying boldly to just miss in the Winter Memories S. after stumbling out of the gate, and she returns in Saturday's Tom Benson Memorial at Fair Grounds. A winner in her lone start on Fair Grounds' turf last year, the Grade 3 scorer favors the 1 1/16-mile distance (2-for-3), and she won't face the stiffest competition. I like Gam's Mission's chances for Cherie DeVaux.

Kellie Reilly: One of Wesley Ward's Royal Ascot team from last summer, #7 Ruthin (7-2), returns in Saturday night's Serena's Song S. at Turfway Park. The Stonestreet Stables runner was a runaway debut winner on the Keeneland turf, propelling her to 3-1 favoritism versus males in the Windsor Castle S. But she tired to seventh in a 27-horse field, beaten about 3 1/2 lengths, and headed to the sidelines. Ruthin was training sharply at Palm Meadows this winter before dropping off the worktab for a month, then resumed at Stonestreet's Training Center. Her most recent move was a half in :47.80, suggesting she's ready for this six-furlong dash. If Ward doesn't scratch her, Ruthin could be sitting on a big effort.

Vance Hanson: The race flow perhaps could work against him, but it'll be hard for me to pass up the expected price on #6 Chess Chief (8-1) in his title defense of the New Orleans Classic (G2). The bottom line is that the Dallas Stewart trainee brings his A-game every time he sets foot on the Fair Grounds oval (10-5-1-2), and is a complete bet-against everywhere else (0-for-21). Although he does tend to just scrape by, winning last year's New Orleans by a head at a miserly 5-1 and the Dec. 26 Tenacious S. by a nose at a juicier 10-1, I appreciate the fighting instinct he possesses. Race favorite Olympiad does look imposing on paper, but I anticipate Chess Chief giving me a viable run for my investment.

Who is the horse to fade?

JS: Listed as the 2-1 morning favorite in Saturday's Muniz Memorial Classic (G2) at Fair Grounds, #2 Sacred Life (2-1) projects to be even shorter odds at post time given the amount of pace entered in the 1 1/8-mile race. However, the seven-year-old has lost five straight when favored, winning only two of 11 starts since October 2019, and his best distances are a mile or 1 1/16 miles. I'll play against the inconsistent performer.

KR: The Dubai World Cup Day races are too deep and contentious for me to be confident in any opinion, pro or con. Still, my reflexive distrust of #11 Pinehurst (3-1) in the UAE Derby (G2) counts as a fade. Granted, Meydan can carry his speed farther than in the Saudi Derby (G3), where he desperately hung on looking for the wire. But the Bob Baffert pupil has to see out an extra three-sixteenths of a mile against an arguably deeper field. And his only prior two-turn attempt was also the poorest of his life, a fifth in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1) that hasn't worked out too well.

VH: The Chad Brown-trained duo of #2 Sacred Life and #3 Devamani (5-2) are both fades for me in the Muniz Memorial. Both are talented and fast enough to win this renewal, which is a bit more modest than in recent years, but neither looks particularly attractive at the estimated odds. Sacred Life, frankly, has been an underachiever since his importation from France, disappointing at short odds in a variety of spots and failing to win above Grade 3 level. Devamani, meanwhile, has been on the sidelines for much of the past year and a half and has generally shown a preference for ground softer than what he'll likely encounter on Saturday.

What else is worth noting?

JS: A pair of runners from a six-furlong maiden special weight on the Feb. 19 Risen Star Day undercard, runner-up #1 Marsalis (9-5) and seventh-placer #7 Tepeu (8-1), are entered in separate maiden tilts Saturday at Fair Grounds, and I expect both to run well from an anticipated key race. Marsalis ran big on the front end, dueling throughout with Todd Pletcher's Momentous before falling a head short, and the well-bred Curlin colt wound up well clear of third. Installed as the 9-5 morning line choice, Marsalis looks extremely imposing in the seventh race for Steve Asmussen and Joel Rosario. Tepeu got away slowly and made no impact at six furlongs on the main track last time, but he's eligible to thrive stretching out to two turns on turf. A half-brother to a pair of turf winners, the Tapit colt hails from an extremely classy female family, and he should run much better at second asking for Brendan Walsh and Tyler Gaffalione in the second race.

KS: In the Louisiana Derby (G2), I'm really looking forward to seeing how much #9 Rattle N Roll (6-1) has moved forward off the Fountain of Youth (G2). The step up to 1 3/16 miles at Fair Grounds is a better fit for him than 1 1/16 miles at Gulfstream Park. If Epicenter gets early pressure, Rattle N Roll can make his 6-1 morning line look generous. Also, Godolphin could have a productive day from Dubai to New Orleans. #5 Proxy (5-2), who was mixing it up with Mandaloun, Midnight Bourbon, and Hot Rod Charlie on last year's Road to the Kentucky Derby here, tries the New Orleans Classic as an improved four-year-old. And #9 Santin (7-2), whose inexperience might have caught him out last time, could be savvier in the Muniz Memorial.

VH: Besides the goings-on at Meydan and Fair Grounds, I'm personally excited that the British flat (turf) season kicks off Saturday at Doncaster, highlighted by the famed Lincoln Handicap. While the action in Britain doesn't really kick into a high gear until the Craven meeting at Newmarket in mid-April, the ability to watch and wager on racing from the sport's mother country has been a true delight to me for more than a decade. Following the action from over there is a refreshing respite from the general monotony of the domestic product and often yields terrific wagering opportunities (e.g. Royal Ascot). This is all a heads-up to long-time readers that a number of opinions I might be sharing in this space from now through the end of October may have a noticeable English flavor.

**Can'tPickAWinner** · 03-26-2022, 08:53 AM

Top Horse Racing Picks for Saturday, March 26, 2022
By J.W. Paine in Horse Racing

Even though I only visited Meydan Racecourse and Fair Grounds Race Course for my Saturday horseracing picks, we have a plethora of high-stakes races to drool over, including the UAE Derby and the Dubai World Cup, as well as qualifying races for both the Kentucky Derby and the Kentucky Oaks.

Among the heavy favorites I managed to find a couple of underdog moneymakers, as well as a longshot value show ticket.

And while I take a look at eight races between the two tracks, be sure to weigh your wagering options for the full race cards with a visit to one of our best horse racing wagering sites.

Good luck!

Saturday’s Picks for Fair Grounds Race Course

Race nine — the New Orleans Classic Stakes (Grade II), a $500,000 purse, 1-1/8 miles dirt track run for four-year-olds and upward. I’m betting my two dollars on the 8/5 morning-line favorite, Olympiad, piloted by veteran jockey Junior Alvarado.

This four-year-old colt is the standout in this six-horse field, having finished six of his seven career starts in the money, four of them wins, including the Mineshaft Stakes (Grade III) here at Fair Grounds just last month.

Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Famer William I. Mott trains Olympiad for owners Grandview Equine, Cheyenne Stable, LLC, and LNJ Foxwoods.

Race ten — the Muniz Memorial Classic Stakes (Grade II), a $300,000 purse, 1-1/8 miles run on the turf course for four-year-olds and upward. I like the fourth-favored (at 10/1) Cavalry Charge, with Brian Joseph Hernandez, Jr. in the irons.
Frankly, I’m not picking this five-year-old gelding because he’s a star, I’m calling the race for him because he’s the most likely candidate I could find in this surprisingly lackluster field of nine.

For the record, Cavalry Charge moneyed nine of his 16 career starts, winning five, including the Fair Grounds Stakes (Grade III) last month.

Dallas Stewart trains Cavalry Charge for owners West Point Thoroughbreds, William Sandbrook, and Robert Masiello.

Race eleven — the Fair Grounds Oaks (Grade II) a $400,000 purse, 1-1/16 miles dirt track run for three-year-old fillies. This is a qualifying race on the Road to the Kentucky Oaks, and awards Road points to the top four finishers (100-40-20-10).

On a day where virtually every race seems like a no-brainer, this is the one I pick as my no-brainer choice of the day: 3/5 morning-line favorite Echo Zulu, with top jockey Joel Rosario aboard.

This filly won all four of her career starts, from her initial maiden victory blast July at Saratoga, right through her next three stakes races.

And not just any stakes runs. We’re talking the Spinaway Stakes (Grade I) at Sartagoa in September, the Frizette Stakes (Grade I) at Belmont Park in October. and the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies (Grade I) at Del Mar in November.

While her competition in this six-horse field are no slouches, they are all clearly outclassed by Echo Zulu. She goes into this race #6 on the Kentucky Oaks leaderboard, and a win here could put her at the top of the list.

Hall of Famer Steven M. Asmussen trains Echo Zulu for owners L and N Racing LLC and Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC.

Race twelve — the Louisiana Derby (Grade II), a $1,000,000 purse, 1-3/16 miles dirt track run for three-year-olds. This is a qualifying race on the 2022 Road to the Kentucky Derby, and awards R2KD leaderboard points to the top four finishers (100-40-20-10).

Even though this nine-horse field is full of KD hopefuls, none are clearly the superior horse. Still, the 7/5 morning-line favorite, Epicenter, ridden by Joel Rosario, is the right pick.
Already #2 on the 2022 Kentucky Derby leaderboard, a win for this three-year-old colt would easily bump him into the lead for a piece of the starting gate on May 7th for the Kentucky Derby.

For the record, Epicenter moneyed four of his five career starts, three of them wins, including the Gun Runner Stakes (Black Type) in December and the Risen Star Stakes (Grade II) last month, both at Fair Grounds.

While the Risen Star victory gave him the majority of his leaderboard points, he initially got on the board with a second-place finish in the Lecomte Stakes (Grade III) in January. He enters this race at #2 on the leaderboard with 64 points.

Steven M. Asmussen trains Epicenter for Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC.

Saturday Horse Racing Picks for Meydan Racecourse

Race two — the Godolphin Mile (Group 2) is $1,000,000 purse, 1600-meter stakes race for four-year-olds and upward (northern hemisphere) and three-year-olds and upward (southern hemisphere).

While the heavy favorite in this 16-horse field is Al Nefud (at 5/2), I’m seeing this race going to the second-favored Secret Ambition (at 5/1), ridden by Italian jockey Antonio Fresu.

This nine-year-old has finished in the money 25 of his 44 career starts, winning eleven, including last year’s Godolphin Mile (Group 2) here at Meydan.

Secret Ambition has had his ups and downs, but he’s still outracing younger horses—and I just don’t think Al Nefud has got the chops.

Bhupat Seemar trains Secret Ambition for owner Nasir Askar.

Race three — the Dubai Gold Cup is a $1,000,000 purse, 3200-meter (two miles) stakes race on the turf course for NH four-year-olds and upward and SH three-year-olds and upward.

I’m buying a win ticket on the 1/2 morning-line favorite Manobo, with top jockey William Buick in the irons.

It’s hard to argue with this four-year-old gelding’s record: Five career starts, all five of them wins. His two most recent wins were the Qatar Prix Chaudenay (Group 2) at Longchamp Racecourse in France last October, and the Nad Al Sheba Trophy (Group 3) here at Meydan in February.

Charlie Appleby trains Manobo for owner-breeder Godolphin.

Race five — the UAE Derby (Group 2) is a $1,000,000 purse, 1900-meter (1-3/16 miles ) stakes race on the dirt track for NH and SH three-year-olds. It is part of the seconde leg of the Championship Series of prep races that make up the 2022 Road to the Kentucky Derby, and awards the top four finishers R2KD leaderboard points (100-40-20-10).

My money’s on the 3/1 favorite in this tightly matched 16-horse race—Pinehurst, piloted by Flavien Prat.

This three-year-old colt moneyed four of his five career starts, winning three, including the Del Mar Futurity (Grade I) at Del Mar last September and the Saudi Derby (Group 3) at the King Abdulaziz Racecourse just last month.

Thoroughbred racing Hall of Famer Bob Baffert trains Pinehurst for owners SF Racing LLC, Starlight Racing, and Madaket Stables LLC.

Race Eight — the Dubai Sheema Classic (Group 1) is a $6,000,000 purse, 2410-meter (1-1/2 miles) stakes race on the turf track for NH four-year-olds and upward and SH three-year-olds and upward.

I’m betting my two dollars on the 3/1 morning-line favorite, Yibir, with William Buick aboard.

This four-year-old gelding finished nine of his 12 career starts in the money, winning six. His last three races were all wins, including the Great Voltigeur Stakes (Group 2) last August at York Racecourse, the Jockey Club Derby Invitational Stakes (Black Type) at Belmont Park last September, and the Breeders’ Cup Turf (Grade I) at Del Mar last November.

Charles Appleby trains Yibir for owner-breeder Godolphin.

Race nine — the Dubai World Cup (Group 1) is a $12,000,000 purse, 2000-meter (10 furlongs) stakes race on the dirt track for NH four-year-olds and upward and SH three-year-olds and upward.

As you would expect, there are plenty of world-class competitors in this race, easily the richest horse race in the world (Pegasus World Cup? Never heard of it). I agree with the morning-line: Bet on Life Is Good, ridden by top jockey Irad Ortiz, Jr.

This four-year-old colt moneyed all seven of his career starts, winning six, including the Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile (Grade I) at Del Mar last November and the Pegasus World Cup Invitational Stakes (Grade I) at Gulfstream Park this past January.
By the way, in his brief career, Life Is Good hasn’t posted a speed figure below 106. Yeah, he’s got this.

Life Is Good is trained by Hall of Famer Todd A. Pletcher for owners CHC Inc. and WinStar Farm LLC.

Incidentally, if the odds stay long on the morning-line’s 60/1 Aero Trem (with Vagner Leal in the irons), buy a value show ticket on the pair. This six-year-old moneyed 21 of his 23 career starts, winning 11 eleven of them.

His recent wins include the Gran Premio Pedro Pineyrua (Grade I) a year ago last January and the Gran Premio Latinoamericano (Grade I) in October, both at the Hip

Saturday 3/26/22 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

Saturday 3/26/22 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

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