January 17, 2026

Get ready for a blockbuster Saturday of racing with graded stakes, state-bred championships, and competitive action from coast to coast. Here’s your guide to the day’s must-watch races across multiple tracks.

Fair Grounds: Kentucky Derby Trail Heats Up

Grade 3 Lecomte Stakes (Race 13, 6:00 PM CT)

Purse: $250,000 | 8.5 Furlongs Dirt

The road to the Kentucky Derby makes a critical stop at Fair Grounds with this important prep race. Stop the Car (8/1) brings strong late-race credentials, while Chip Honcho (9/2) has shown steady improvement for trainer Steve Asmussen. Crown the Buckeye (4/1) appears ready to move forward off his last effort. With 10 points to the winner in Derby qualifying, this is a race no Triple Crown fan should miss.

Morning Line Favorite: Chip Honcho (9/2)

Grade 3 Louisiana Stakes (Race 12, 5:30 PM CT)

Purse: $175,000 | 8.5 Furlongs Dirt

The older horse division takes center stage with Moonlight (9/2) looking for redemption after a narrow defeat last time. Just a Touch (8/5) is the morning line favorite for the powerful Brad Cox barn, while Willy D’s (4/1) brings dangerous closing speed.

Santa Anita: California-Bred Championships

California Chrome Cal Cup Derby (Race 8, 3:58 PM PT)

Purse: $175,000 | 8.5 Furlongs Dirt

State-bred 3-year-olds battle for California bragging rights. Sammy Davis (3/1) has tactical speed and should be forwardly placed, while Ocean Bear (5/2) could benefit from the likely honest pace. Trainer John Sadler sends out two live runners in this competitive field.

Don Valpredo California Cup Sprint Stakes (Race 2, 12:58 PM PT)

Purse: $125,000 | 6 Furlongs Dirt

Speed versus speed in this sprint showdown. Man O Rose (9/5) has been razor-sharp in recent starts, but Big City Lights (2/1) could prove tough to collar if he gets loose on the lead. Speedy Wilson (3/1) adds depth to this wide-open affair.

Sunshine Millions Filly and Mare Turf Sprint Stakes (Race 9, 4:28 PM PT)

Purse: $125,000 | About 6.5 Furlongs Turf

Grand Slam Smile (9/5) tops the morning line after consistent turf performances. Watch for Prancingthruparis (7/2) to be coming late, while Take Another Card (8/1) could surprise at a price.

Gulfstream Park: Florida Spotlight

Sunshine Sprint Stakes (Race 10, 4:48 PM ET)

Purse: $75,000 | 6 Furlongs Dirt

Damon’s Mound (1/1) is the heavy favorite and should be tough to beat, but Ms. Bucchero (5/2) brings tactical speed that could disrupt the favorite’s plans. This Florida-bred sprint should produce fast fractions.

Sunshine Turf Stakes (Race 9, 4:18 PM ET)

Purse: $75,000 | 8.5 Furlongs Turf

Florida-breds hit the grass with Echo Lane (9/2) seeking his third straight victory. Neoequos (6/1) and Tank (5/1) provide solid alternatives in what shapes up as a competitive turf test.

Laurel Park: Stakes Double Feature

Geisha Stakes (Race 6, 2:26 PM ET)

Purse: $100,000 | 8 Furlongs Dirt

Takethemoneyhoney (1/1) looks tough to beat off a dominating last performance. Trainer Michael Moore has this filly firing on all cylinders, though Oncourtcommentator (5/2) could provide the upset.

Jennings Stakes (Race 7, 2:56 PM ET)

Purse: $100,000 | 8 Furlongs Dirt

Quint’s Brew (4/5) is the overwhelming choice after impressive recent form. This son of Quality Road should dictate terms from the front, though Maclean’s Rook (4/1) offers value if the favorite falters.

Delta Downs: Stakes Action in Louisiana

Orleans Stakes (Race 6, 7:04 PM CT)

Purse: $100,000 | 5 Furlongs Dirt

Fillies and mares sprint for a $100,000 payday with Hillerito (9/5) bringing the most consistent form. Gloriette (12/1) and Jumpin Judy (4/1) could provide value in the exotics.

Sam’s Town Stakes (Race 8, 8:00 PM CT)

Purse: $100,000 | 5 Furlongs Dirt

Speed meets more speed in this wide-open sprint. Champlin (7/2) exits a sharp effort, while Go Captain (9/2) could be sitting on a career-best performance.

Turfway Park: Winter Championship

Leonatus Stakes (Race 8, 9:25 PM ET)

Purse: $125,000 | 8 Furlongs Synthetic

Three-year-olds test the all-weather surface with Street Beast (8/5) looking for his third consecutive victory. Fulleffort (2/1) trained by Brad Cox provides the main opposition, while Valiant (6/1) could move forward with pace help.

Best Bets of the Day

Single: Quint’s Brew in Laurel’s Jennings Stakes (Race 7) – This one looks like a standout.

Value Play: Crown the Buckeye in Fair Grounds’ Lecomte Stakes (Race 13) – Gets a rider switch and should love the distance.

Longshot Special: Gloriette (12/1) in Delta Downs’ Orleans Stakes (Race 6) – Tactical speed and honest connections.

Wagering Strategies

Late Pick 4 at Fair Grounds (Races 10-13): Focus on the final four races featuring two Grade 3 stakes. Spread in the undercard races, then key horses in the Louisiana and Lecomte.

Cross-Country Pick 3:

• Santa Anita Race 2 (Cal Cup Sprint)

• Fair Grounds Race 13 (Lecomte)

• Turfway Race 8 (Leonatus)

Rolling Exotics: Take advantage of rolling doubles and Pick 3s at Santa Anita throughout the afternoon card.

Post times range from 12:00 PM ET at Laurel Park to 9:55 PM ET at Turfway Park, giving you non-stop action for over nine hours of quality racing.

Remember to gamble responsibly and stay within your budget. Good luck!

Not happy with your current betting app?  Upset that there aren’t enough bonuses? Try the app that was built FOR horse players, BY horse players.  Ironbets is a revolutionary horse betting app that not only covers North American tracks but also international tracks, with new tracks added all the time. Use Aces and Races code “ACES” for even more perks. Betting has never been this simple or fun. Give it a try. In addition, when you sign up, you are helping to support Aces and Races.  Visit the link below to start on your way to winning.