Fountain of Youth Stakes 2026 Analysis (2-28-26)

The Grade 2 Fountain of Youth Stakes at Gulfstream Park is one of the most important early-season tests on the Road to Kentucky Derby 2026. Run at 1 1/16 miles for three-year-olds, this $425,000 event offers valuable Derby points and serves as a key stepping stone toward longer and tougher assignments this spring.

Race Overview

• Race: Grade 2 Fountain of Youth Stakes
• Track: Gulfstream Park
• Distance: 1 1/16 miles
• Surface: Dirt
• Purse: $425,000
• Post Time: 6:11 p.m. ET
• Eligibility: 3-year-olds
• Kentucky Derby Points Race: Yes

Past performance data is powered by Today’s Racing Digest. If you’re playing the full card, you can find detailed analysis and data in the Complete Digest for Gulfstream Park.

Pace & Race Shape

There is legitimate early speed in this field:

• Napoleon Solo – Fast juvenile with early gas
• Solitude Dude – Perfect in three one-turn starts, wired the Swale
• Jackson Hole – Tactical speed from the rail
• Commandment – Versatile, forwardly placed runner

The presence of multiple pace players suggests an honest tempo. The key question: will someone get loose, or does a stalker sitting just off the lead get first run turning for home?

Read more at Today's Racing Digest

Gotham Stakes 2026 Video Analysis (2-28-26)

Gotham Stakes video analysis at Aqueduct Racetrack (2-28-26). This is a Kentucky Derby 2026 points race. Road to Kentucky Derby 2026 video record (22 8-4-2).

Check out horse racing free picks and more at The Runaway Horse.  

Santa Anita Park Pick 6 Carryover Analysis (2-27-26)

There’s a $198,741 Pick Six carryover at Santa Anita for Friday, February 27, and with a two-day carryover, the total pool is expected to climb north of seven figures. That’s the kind of opportunity I circle.

I’ve taken a couple of shots at similar carryovers this meet on $16 tickets—cashable efforts with four and five winners. Now I’m looking to land the full six. Here’s how I’m attacking it using the Complete Digest and its projected Fire Numbers, CPR, Fast Figs, and Final Time Ratings.

Race 4 – Maiden Claiming $20,000 (Cal-Breds)

One Mile – Main Track

The mile on dirt has played speed-friendly:

• Front runners: 33% wins
• Pressers: 57% wins
• Midpack: 9.5%
• Deep closers: 0%

With only five horses entered, positioning is critical.

Key Contenders

• #1 Bandelero (7/5 ML) – Drops from tougher company and stretches back out. Inside post fits the profile.
• #2 Bossing Mo (3/1 ML) – Stretching out after sprint efforts. Strong early speed and competitive figures.
• #5 Oswald (5/2 ML) – Best projected Fire Number and CPR, but shipping from Turf Paradise raises class questions.

Race 5 – Allowance Optional Claiming (State-Breds)

One Mile – Turf

Turf mile profile:

• Front/Pressers: 52% combined
• Midpack: 41%
• Deep closers: 5.9%

You don’t want to be too far back.

Read more at Today's Racing Digest

Davona Dale Stakes 2026 Video Picks (2-28-26)

Davona Dale Stakes video analysis at Aqueduct (2-28-26). This is a Kentucky Oaks 2026 points race. Road to Kentucky Oaks 2026 video record (20 10-3-4).

Check out horse racing free picks and more at The Runaway Horse.  

Kentucky Derby 2026 Video Report (2-24-26)

In this Kentucky Derby 2026 video, I share my Exceptional 11 Derby contenders (2-24-26).

Check out horse racing free picks and more at The Runaway Horse.  

Road to Kentucky Derby Report (2-24-26)

The John Battaglia Memorial at Turfway Park was the latest road to Kentucky Derby prep race and Great White held off Fulleffort by a neck. In this report, I will recap the John Battaglia Memorial, update the points standings, and share my exceptional eleven Derby contenders.

I cover all of the Kentucky Derby 2026 points races on my Runaway Horse video channel, and through 22 points races, my top choices have 8 wins, 4 runner-up finishes, and 2 show finishes. The next Derby points race is the Gotham Stakes at Aqueduct on Feb. 28. The Fountain of Youth at Gulfstream Park will also be run on Feb. 28, and the other Derby points race this week is the Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn on March 1.

Gotham field: 1 – Balboa, 2 – Hammond, 3 – Crown the Buckeye, 4 – Fourth and One, 5 – Right to Party, 6 – Iron Honor, 7 – Exhibition Only, 8 – Creole Chrome, 9 – Dirty Rich.

Fountain of Youth field: 1 – Jackson Hole, 2 – Rockies Balboa, 3 – Talkin, 4 – Commandment, 5 – Bravaro, 6 – Chief Wallabee, 7 – Napoleon Solo, 8 – Bull by the Horns, 9 – Global Aviator, 10 – Solitude Dude, 11 – Lost Money.

Rebel Stakes field: 1 – Bravaro, 2 – Litmus Test, 3 – Class President, 4 – Blackout Time, 5 – Honey’s To Blame, 6 – Strategic Risk, 7 – Silent Tactic, 8 – Rancho Santa Fe, 9 – Time for Music, 10 – Soldier N Diplomat.

Read more at The Runaway Horse.

Busher Stakes Video Picks (2-28-26)

Busher Stakes video analysis at Aqueduct (2-28-26). This is a Kentucky Oaks 2026 points race. Road to Kentucky Oaks 2026 video record (20 10-3-4).

Check out horse racing free picks and more at The Runaway Horse.  

Kentucky Oaks 2026 Video Report (2-23-26)

In this Kentucky Oaks 2026 video, I share my updated Fabulous 5 Oaks contenders (2-23-26).

Check out horse racing free picks and more at The Runaway Horse.  

Road to Kentucky Oaks 2026 Report (2-23-26)

There were two Kentucky Oaks 2026 prep races last week and the winners of those events romped on the front end. In this report, I will recap the UAE Oaks and Cincinnati Trophy, update the points standings, and share my top five Oaks fillies.

I cover all of the Kentucky Oaks points race on my Runaway Horse YouTube channel, and through the first 20 points races, my top choices have 10 wins, 3 runner-up finishes, and 4 show finishes. The next Kentucky Oaks points race is the Busher at Aqueduct on Feb. 28. The Davona Dale at Gulfstream Park will also be contested on Feb. 28, and the other Oaks points race this week is the Honeybee at Oaklawn on March 1.

Busher field: 1 – Nycon, 2 – Current Yield, 3 – Paradise, 4 – Blazing Brat, 5 – Interstatelovesong

Davona Dale field: 1 – My Miss Mo, 2 – Blazing Brat, 3 – Paradise, 4 – Omaha Bay, 5 – Imperatrice, 6 – Haute Diva, 7 – Swing Vote, 8 – She Be Smooth, 9 – On Time Girl

Honeybee field: 1 – Take Charge Macy (20-1), 2 – Sneaky Good (8-1), 3 – Grace is Free (30-1), 4 – Newtown Pike (10-1), 5 – Knickleanddime (12-1), 6 – Search Party (9-2), 7 – Counting Stars (15-1), 8 – Classic Glide (30-1), 9 – Explora (7-5), 10 – Taken by the Wind (5-2).

Read more at The Runaway Horse

Santa Anita Park Handicapping Report (Feb. 20-22)

Santa Anita Recap for Friday (2-20-26)

Fast main track and no turf races carded. Three front running winners on dirt (6f, 6,5f, 6f).

Dirt sprint riding doubles for Abel Lezcano and Tiago Pereira.  

The $2 Pick 6 carryover pool was $206,561 and tickets with six winners paid $417.60. The 5 out of 6 consolation prize was $12.80. 

Feb. 20 Claims: Race 2 – A. P. Again ($25k, Robert Hess, Jr.), Flashy Fritz ($25k, Dan Blacker), Wave With Envy ($25k, Andy Mathis). Race 4 – Austonian ($8k, Isidro Tamayo), Tougherthantherest ($8k, Blaine D. Wright). Race 5 – Ahrens ($32k, John Sadler). Race 6 – The Old Nine ($25k, Jorge Periban). Race 9 – One Smokin Dude ($20k, Ryan Hanson).

Santa Anita Full Card Highlights for Friday (2-20-26)
SA 3 BLACKSMITH ($3.20)
SA 4 AUSTONIAN ($4.00), Exacta ($10.60), Trifecta ($30.40)
Double (races 3-4, $9.80)
SA 5 AHRENS ($5.00), Exacta ($36.80), Trifecta ($71.80)
Double (races 4-5, $15.80)
Pick 3 (races 3-5, $19.00)
Double (races 5-6, $24.80)
Pick 3 (races 4-6, $37.00)
SA 7 SHARONS BEACH ($2.60), Exacta ($11.40)
Double (races 6-7, $10.80)
Pick 3 (races 5-7, $24.40)
SA 8 LINO’S ANGEL (SA Price Play, $9.40)
Double (races 7-8, $17.40)
Pick 3 (races 6-8, $53.80)
SA 9 COACH CRONIN (SA Best Bet, $3.60), Exacta ($8.60)
$5 Late Double (races 8-9, $46.50)
$3 Late Pick 3 (races 7-9, $39.00)
Late Pick 4 (races 6-9, $123.20)
Late Pick 5 (races 5-9, $369.60)
Pick 6 (races 4-9, 5 out of 6) – $12.80

*Full card highlights based on $2 wagers unless otherwise noted.

Read more at The Runaway Horse

Pasadena Stakes 2026 Analysis (2-22-26)

The $100,000 Pasadena Stakes is for three-year-olds traveling one mile on the turf course. It goes as the seventh race at Santa Anita Park on Sunday, Feb. 22 and the scheduled post time is 6:37 PM ET. 

Pasadena Stakes Analysis

With a lot of forward speed likely in this field, Unrivaled Time will need that fast pace to set up his closing kick. He’s shown a strong late burst in previous races, especially with that 23.3-second final fraction in his last effort, and with his solid ratings at this distance and surface, I think he has the ability to close sharply if the race plays out as expected. However, if the pace is slower than anticipated or the other front-runners aren’t as aggressive, he might not get that ideal set-up. But I do trust that his connections will have him prepared for this kind of scenario. That’s where track dynamics and the pace setup are key—it’s not just about the horse, it’s about how the race unfolds.

Greenwich Village is an intriguing horse with a lot of potential in the Pasadena Stakes. His turf form and closing ability make him a strong contender, and with Bob Baffert’s guidance, I think he’ll be able to handle the added distance. The main question is how well he will handle the added challenge of going a mile, but with his running style versatility and ability to finish strong, I see him as one of the top choices in this race.

Read more at Today's Racing Digest

John Battaglia Memorial 2026 Picks (2-21-26)

John Battaglia Memorial Stakes video analysis at Turfway Park (2-21-26). This is a Kentucky Derby 2026 points race. Road to Kentucky Derby 2026 video record (21 8-3-2).

Check out horse racing free picks and more at The Runaway Horse.  

Santa Anita Park Pick 6 Carryover Analysis (2-20-26)

This post and companion video features In-depth Santa Anita Pick 6 carryover analysis for Feb 20. Race-by-race betting strategy, singles, pace insights and a budget ticket from Today’s Racing Digest.

The Pick 6 carryover amount is $34,288 and the sequence begins with the fourth race.

On a card that looks fairly logical on paper, I’m approaching this sequence with a budget-minded strategy — leaning on pace advantages, projected figures, and a few well-placed singles. The past performance data referenced throughout comes from the Complete Digest, and I’ll be using Fire Numbers, CPR, Fast Figs, and Final Time Ratings to break down each leg.

Race 4 – $8,000 Claiming (1 Mile, Dirt)

Profile: Speed-favoring mile distance.

This race sets up as a two-horse battle on paper.

Top Contenders

• #1 Austonian – Best Fire Number (82), best CPR, and top Final Time Rating (120). Strong overall class profile.
• #6 Tougherthantherest – Front-running type with the top Fast Fig (115).

From a pace standpoint, Tougherthantherest figures to be forward early, and at this mile configuration, that’s often dangerous. Austinian brings the most complete figure profile — pace, class, and finishing ability.

I see this race flowing through those two runners.

My Betting Takeaway: Use #1 and #6. Logical two-deep start to the sequence.

Read more at Today's Racing Digest

Cincinnati Trophy 2026 Video Picks at Turfway Park (2-20-26)

Cincinnati Trophy Stakes video analysis at Turfway Park (2-20-26). This is a Kentucky Oaks 2026 points race. Road to Kentucky Oaks 2026 video record (19 10-3-4).

Check out horse racing free picks and more at The Runaway Horse.  

Kentucky Derby 2026 Written Report (2-17-26)

My top ranked Kentucky Derby 2026 contender Paladin made his much anticipated return in the Grade 2 Risen Star at the Fair Grounds on Saturday, Feb. 14, and he stalked the pace and wore down Chip Honcho in a quality effort. In this report, I will recap the Risen Star and Sunland Park Derby, update the points standings, and share my exceptional eleven Derby contenders.

I cover all of the Kentucky Derby 2026 points races on my Runaway Horse video channel, and through 21 points races, my top choices have 8 wins, 3 runner-up finishes, and 2 show finishes. The next Derby points race is the John Battaglia Memorial at Turfway Park on Feb. 21.

Mesquite and Thunderously are both off the Derby trail. The former, trained by Cherie DeVaux, finished second in the Lecomte (G3) in January. He has a soft tissue injury and will be evaluated this week. The latter, a Bill Mott runner, easily won his dirt route debut at Gulfstream on Jan. 10 (88 BSF). He has an undisclosed injury and will be sidelined indefinitely.

Kentucky Derby 2026 Points Race Recaps

Grade 2 Risen Star at Fair Grounds (2-14-26): Chip Honcho (blinkers off) made the running and almost went all the way. Race favorite Paladin ($3.40) stalked from fourth and moved up to challenge Chip Honcho with three furlongs to go, and he gradually wore that one down to prevail by a half-length (93 BSF). Chip Honcho fought hard throughout and was clearly second best in a fine effort. Golden Tempo rallied from the back of the pack to secure the show and Universe was an even fourth. Carson Street (5th), Courting (6th), Quality Mischief (7th), and Colt Forty Seven (8th) also ran. Tyler Gaffalione rode the winner for Chad Brown. Paladin’s regular rider Flavien Prat was in Saudi Arabia on Saturday and he guided Nysos to a runner-up finish in the $20 million Saudi Cup. The Fair Grounds main track played to forwardly placed runners on Saturday and Gaffalione kept Paladin within striking range throughout. Fractions: 23.81, 47.49, 1:11.53, 1:36.37, 1:49.14.

Read more at The Runaway Horse

Kentucky Derby 2026 Video Report (2-17-26)

In this Kentucky Derby 2026 video, I share my updated Exceptional 11 Derby contenders (2-17-26).

Check out horse racing free picks and more at The Runaway Horse. 

Road to Kentucky Oaks 2026 Update (2-16-26)

The Grade 2 Rachel Alexandra Stakes was the big Kentucky Oaks 2026 prep race last week and my top ranked Oaks filly Bella Ballerina ran her record to 3-for-3 with a gutsy performance. A total of 19 Oaks points races have been run so far, and in this report, I will recap the Rachel Alexandra and Sunland Park Oaks, update the points standings, and share my top five Oaks fillies.

I cover all of the Kentucky Oaks points race on my Runaway Horse YouTube channel, and through the first 19 points races, my top choices have 10 wins, 3 runner-up finishes, and 4 show finishes. The next Kentucky Oaks points race is the Cincinnati Trophy at Turfway Park on Friday, Feb. 20.

Kentucky Oaks 2026 Points Race Recaps

Rachel Alexandra at Fair Grounds (2-14-26): Bella Ballerina made the running and Luv Your Neighbor chased from second, and those two dominated throughout. Luv Your Neighbor took a short lead in the stretch and it looked like she might win, but Bella Ballerina ($3.60) bravely fought back along the rail and scored by a half-length under Tyler Gaffalione. Luv Your Neighbor was second best and Just Singing rallied to finish a clear third. Powered by Family (4th), Classic Glide (5th), and Majestical (6th) also ran. Brendan Walsh saddled the winner and she received a BSF of 84 for her victory on Saturday. Fractions: 23.40, 46.98, 1:11.43, 1:36.75, 1:43.38. 

Read more at The Runaway Horse

Kentucky Oaks 2026 Video Report (2-16-26)

In this Kentucky Oaks 2026 video, I share my updated Fabulous 5 Oaks contenders (2-16-26).

Check out horse racing free picks and more at The Runaway Horse.  

Sunland Park Derby and Oaks Picks (2-15-26)

Video analysis of the Sunland Park Oaks and Sunland Park Derby at Sunland Park on 2-15-26. 

The Sunland Oaks (race 7) is a Kentucky Oaks 2026 points race.

Road to Kentucky Oaks 2026 video record (20 8-3-2).

The Sunland Derby (race 9) is a Kentucky Oaks 2026 points race.

Road to Kentucky Derby 2026 video record (18 10-3-4).

Check out horse racing free picks and more at The Runaway Horse.   

Kentucky Derby 2026 Future Wager Pool 4 Video

In this horse racing video, I take a look at Kentucky Derby 2026 Future Wager Pool 4. This pool closes at 6PM ET on Sunday, February 15.   

Check out horse racing free picks and more at The Runaway Horse.

Risen Star Stakes 2026 Picks (2-14-26)

Grade 3 Robert Lewis Stakes video analysis at Santa Anita Park (2-7-26). This is a Kentucky Derby 2026 points race. Road to Kentucky Derby 2026 video record (19 7-3-2).

Check out horse racing free picks and more at The Runaway Horse.   

Rachel Alexandra Stakes 2026 Video Picks (2-14-26)

Rachel Alexandra Stakes video analysis at Fair Grounds (2-14-26). This is a Kentucky Oaks 2026 points race. Road to Kentucky Oaks 2026 video record (17 9-3-4).

Check out horse racing free picks and more at The Runaway Horse.  

Kentucky Oaks 2026 Video Report (2-10-26)

In this Kentucky Oaks 2026 video, I share my updated Fabulous 5 Oaks contenders (2-10-26).

Check out horse racing free picks and more at The Runaway Horse.  

Kentucky Oaks 2026 Report (2-10-26)

Three Kentucky Oaks 2026 prep races were on the docket last week and Zany kept her perfect record intact with a victory in the Suncoast Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs on Feb. 7. A total of 17 Oaks points races have been run so far, and in this report, I will recap the Martha Washington, Suncoast, and Las Virgenes, update the points standings, and share my top five Oaks fillies.

I cover all of the Kentucky Oaks points races on my Runaway Horse YouTube channel, and through the first 17 points races, my top choices have 9 wins, 3 runner-up finishes, and 4 show finishes. There are two Oaks Points races this week, the Rachel Alexandra at Fair Grounds on Feb. 14, and the Sunland Park Oaks on Feb. 15.

Atropa, a close third as the beaten favorite in the Silverbulletday at Fair Grounds on Jan. 17, has not worked since that race. “We’re going to regroup with her,” trainer Cherie DeVaux said. “She needs some time. She will go to Florida and get a work-up done.”

Last year’s Spinaway (G1) and Alcibiades (G1) winner Tommy Jo was supposed to begin her 3-year-old campaign in the Forward Gal (G3) on Jan. 31 but had a setback and will be given some time off. They hope to bring her back to the races later this year.

Kentucky Oaks 2026 Points Race Recaps

Martha Washington at Oaklawn (2-6-26): Knickleandime (19-1) set the pace from the inside post and Maximum Offer (18-1) chased from second. Search Party ($10.20) stalked the pace along the rail, waited for running room, and moved out and fought hard in the stretch to prevail by a neck over 27-1 longshot Newtown Pike. Knickleandime held the show by a neck over Maximum Offer, and Hit Parade (5th), Spitfire (6th), Grace Is Free (7th), and beaten favorite Counting Stars (8th) also ran. Cristian Torres guided home the winner for Mark Casse. She received a BSF of 81 for her win on Friday. Fractions: 23.10, 47.83, 1:13.31, 1:39.10, 1:45.56.

Read more at The Runaway Horse

Kentucky Derby 2026 Video Report (2-9-26)

In this Kentucky Derby 2026 video, I share my updated Exceptional 11 Derby contenders (2-9-26).

Check out horse racing free picks and more at The Runaway Horse.   

Kentucky Derby 2026 Report (2-9-26)

It was a busy week on the road to Kentucky Derby 2026 with four points races and Renegade picked up his first career win in the Sam F. Davis at Tampa Bay Downs on Feb. 7, and that was the fastest of the four preps. In this report, I will recap the Southwest, Withers, Sam F. Davis, and Robert Lewis Stakes, update the points standings, and share my exceptional eleven Derby contenders.

I cover all of the Kentucky Derby 2026 points races on my channel, and through 19 points races, my top choices have 7 wins, 3 runner-up finishes, and 2 show finishes. There are two Derby points races this week, the Risen Star at Fair Grounds on Feb. 14, and the Sunland Derby at Sunland Park on Feb. 15.

Pool 4 of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager opens on Friday, Feb. 13 (12PM ET) and closes on Sunday, Feb. 15 (6PM ET).

Kentucky Derby 2026 Points Race Recaps

Grade 3 Southwest at Oaklawn (8.5f): Morning line favorite Litmus Test and Bricklin both scratched and that left a dozen runners. Romping debut sprint winner D’code was the post time favorite and he made the lead but could not handle the two turn trip and faded. Soldier N Diplomat stalked wide from an outer post, led, and briefly looked like a winner, but Silent Tactic ($26) was closing from the back of the pack and he ran past them all to win by 3 1/4 lengths. Soldier N Diplomat edged Buetane for the place by a head and it was another nose back to Rancho Santa Fe in fourth. Circle Tap (5th), Liberty National (6th), Sleepingonfreedom (7th), D’code (8th), Spirit of Royal (9th), Strategic Risk (10th), Baytown Dreamer (11th), and Reclamation (eased, walked off) completed the order of finish. Cristian Torres rode the winner for Mark Casse (88 BSF). Fractions: 23.52, 47.52, 1:12.81, 1:38.73, 1:44.85.

Read more at The Runaway Horse