Horse racing betting gets to tackle one of California's premier stakes races this weekend: the Santa Anita Derby on Saturday, June 6.
Racing analyst Monique Vág focuses on the odds and gives her best horse racing tips and betting picks for that race, plus all the events on Saturday's racing card at Belmont Park and Churchill Downs as well, starting at 2:06 p.m. ET.
Churchill Downs Free Picks
Race No. 3, $88,000 Allowance, Post: 2:06 p.m. ET
Pick: No. 5 Romantic Pursuit (3/1)
Although this filly may have been working out stalking trips in her most recent few efforts, she can flaunt some gate speed and I would expect to see her on the lead in a race lacking pace. She looms as a major threat here, especially if she's able to slow things down early on and gets to the front end uncontested, which I see happening Saturday afternoon.
Today she does drop in class out of the stakes ranks to face off against easier, moves to the Brendan Walsh barn and gets a big jockey upgrade to Tyler Gaffalione. Hoping for a price somewhere close to her morning line at post.
Race No. 9, $81,000 Allowance, Post: 5:18 p.m. ET
Pick: No. 2 My Man Flinstone (8/1)
He's yet to race over the turf, but has put forth some solid efforts racing over the all-weather surface — where I'd argue his best tries have been. Today he shortens in distance to race at five-and-a-half furlongs and he definitely has enough early speed to get the jump on some of his main rivals who draw outside.
Today he is raced back after a disappointing effort last time out, after sustaining some pressure and fading to an eighth-place finish. However, he looks to benefit from the shortening in distance and a change of surface.
Belmont Park Free Picks
Race No. 8, $100,000 Intercontinental Stakes, Post: 5:04 p.m. ET
Pick: No. 7 Regal Glory (5/1)
Hasn't raced in nearly seven months, but Chad Brown always has them ready, clicking at a 30 percent rate for horses 90+ days away from the track. I like to see this filly return at the sprinting distance, as she has thrived racing shorter and is a perfect two-for-two under a mile.
Today she has the luxury of drawing outside of the speedy Jakarta, who will be sent along and the one on the lead pending a clean break. If she can stalk some of that early speed and make a late stretch rally, she could easily pull off the minor upset.
Race No. 10, $56,000 Allowance, Post: 6:08 p.m. ET
Pick: No. 3 More Graytful (10/1)
Broke his maiden third start, out of the very difficult 12 post, after losing his first two races by less than a length combined. Today he draws a much better post to work with and gets to drop out of the stakes ranks to face off against allowance horses.
Look for this gelding to leave the gate with some urgency and be somewhere close to the pace early on. If he can work out a stalking trip, or save some ground early on, he could definitely be a major factor late at big odds.
Santa Anita Park Free Picks
Race No. 8, $400,000 RUNHAPPY Santa Anita Derby, Post: 7:09 p.m. ET
Pick: No. 7 Authentic (4/5)
The price in the morning line is very short, but there are others in here that will take some support at post, particularly the one drawing to his inside.
This colt is a perfect three-for-three thus far and will almost surely be the one once again on the front end controlling the tempo. He's managed to get some separation early in his two most recent races, and while that likely won't be the case today, he's proven incredibly tough to beat when getting to the lead and being able to rate. **video
