With some intriguing races this weekend, now is a great time to make your way to your local Racetrack or Off Track Betting location. It is never too early to become familiar with racing and betting the horses as the Kentucky Derby and Triple Crown trail are right around the corner. Practice makes perfect!
Finding racing plays can be intimidating with so many tracks running at once. Most importantly, just like with sports betting, odds should dictate what you bet. Here are a three of my favorite plays this weekend across some of the major North American racing circuits.
Saturday, March 30
Gulfstream Park Race 12, $62,500 optional claiming, 5:26 P.M. ET
#3 Neepawa (6/1)
There is lots to like especially the big drop in class out of stakes racing to face off against much easier competition. Although it has been six months since he hit the racetrack, making a return against much easier than he is used to facing off against is a great spot to debut in.
Having John Velazquez on board who rode him in his maiden victory is a huge asset as the best jockey in the world can often get the best out of runners. Take a shot at a very generous price.
Sunday, March 31
Santa Anita Park, Race 4, San Simeon Stakes, 5:35 P.M. ET
#1 Conquest Tsunami (4/5)
Downhill turf sprints are intriguing races as the first turn happens very quickly. This places an emphasis on getting a clean break especially out of the inside posts as horses that draw inside posts can get shuffled back early and boxed in. I like to handicap these races from the outside post in.
This gelding has been very successful within the stakes ranks, which gives him an edge over horses trying their luck against tougher for the first time. He has flaunted very nice early speed which should help him secure the front end early.
He has won three of three of five at Santa Anita Park at this distance, and with not a lot of speed entered, he should make light work of this field.
Sunday, March 31
Oaklawn Park, Race 9, $90,000 Maiden, 6:10 P.M. ET
#3 Golden Notion (9/5)
This horse narrowly missed breaking his maiden in his first ever career start, however he just missed after failing to capitalize off a nice trip. In his first career start, He was heavily bet, and I expect the same today as he showed a nice amount of speed and maturity in his debut.
Unlike the other runners, he has the luxury of already having experience over the Oaklawn Park dirt surface. Knowing the surface, and drawing an inside post could be exactly what he needs to find success on the racetrack and make his way into the winners circle.
