Horse Racing Odds: Holiday Weekend Action Schedule

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Holiday Weekend Packed Horse Racing Schedule Featuring Top Stakes and Betting Action

The holiday weekend is stacked with top-level races across Churchill Downs, Del Mar, and Aqueduct. With opportunities for bettors to capitalize on Saratoga betting trends, explore offtrack betting, and analyze evolving horse racing odds, these races bring variety and depth to the late-season stakes schedule. 

Here’s a detailed look at the key graded stakes races this week.

Falls City Stakes (G3) – Churchill Downs  

Distance: 1 1/8 miles (Dirt) | Age: Fillies and Mares, 3-Year-Olds and Up  

Thursday’s Falls City Stakes opens the graded action with a competitive eight-horse field. The favorite, Tarifa, has been a dominant force this season with three Grade 2 wins, including her most recent score in the Mother Goose. 

Trained by Brad Cox, the 3-year-old filly has progressed with each start and will face older mares for the first time. Her Beyer Speed Figure of 88 from her last start matches that of Musical Mischief, the 4-year-old filly who stunned bettors with a Locust Grove (G2) upset earlier this fall. Musical Mischief has had two months of rest, which may give her a slight edge in freshness.  

The depth of the field provides intriguing longshot opportunities. Loved, trained by Brendan Walsh, has been consistently improving and will carry 3-1 morning line odds after finishing fourth in the Spinster (G1). Meanwhile, allowance-level horses like Peignoir and Lexa are stepping into the graded company for the first time and could factor into exotic wagers. 

Neon Icon, another longshot, adds intrigue with a sharp victory in her last allowance start. Bettors should also note that Tarifa carries three more pounds than most of her competition, which could be a factor in this tight contest.

Clark Stakes (G2) – Churchill Downs  

Distance: 1 1/8 miles (Dirt) | Age: 3-Year-Olds and Up  

Friday’s Clark Stakes serves as the marquee event of the Churchill Downs fall meet, showcasing some of the top older dirt males in a division still seeking a standout performer. Hit Show enters as the horse to beat, carrying a three-race winning streak that includes the Lukas Classic (G2) and Fayette Stakes (G2). 

Trained by Brad Cox, the 4-year-old Candy Ride colt has emerged as a serious Eclipse contender in a year without a clear leader in the older male category. His tactical speed and adaptability have been key to his recent success, and he has already proven he can handle the Churchill Downs surface.

Most Wanted, another Cox trainee, brings versatility to the field. A winner of the Oklahoma Derby (G3), he steps into tougher company but has shown steady improvement throughout the year. Crupi, trained by Todd Pletcher, adds intrigue with his grinding style. 

Though he has yet to win at this level, he’s been consistent in graded stakes and could benefit from a hot pace up front. Rattle N Roll, a proven closer, also adds depth to the field and has been a reliable performer in similar contests.

With a field featuring tactical speed types like Hit Show and Most Wanted alongside closers like Crupi and Rattle N Roll, bettors must evaluate the likely pace setup. The Clark Stakes presents an ideal opportunity for multi-race wagers, with Hit Show as the logical single but others offering value in exotics.

Cardinal Stakes (G3) – Churchill Downs  

Distance: 1 1/8 miles (Turf) | Age: Fillies and Mares, 3-Year-Olds and Up  

The Cardinal Stakes provides a challenging handicapping puzzle with 11 entrants, none of whom have dominated the stakes scene this year. Implicated, the 5-2 favorite is the lone horse with a graded stakes win in 2024, having captured the Nassau (G2) at Woodbine earlier in the season. However, her form has tailed off since that victory, with disappointing efforts off Lasix in both the Ladies Turf (G3) and First Lady (G1). This raises questions about her ability to return to her best.

Quality Star is another key contender. The Animal Kingdom mare was lightly raced in 2024 but showed her class a win in the Ellis Park Turf. She has struggled to find consistency but could benefit from a slower pace in this field. Stir Crazy, trained by Mike Maker, has been sharp in allowance company and could surprise at an overlay price. Meanwhile, Magical Lute brings strong dirt form but faces a question mark transitioning back to the turf.

Veteran bettors should consider exotics in this wide-open affair, as the lack of a standout performer suggests this race could produce a high-value payout. Quality Star and Implicated are logical inclusions, but long shots like Stir Crazy and Adrasteia have enough upside to warrant consideration.

Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) – Churchill Downs  

Distance: 1 1/16 miles (Dirt) | Age: 2-Year-Olds  

This final points prep for the Kentucky Derby 2025 is loaded with future stars. Jonathan’s Way headlines the field after a strong Iroquois (G3) win, but his seventh-place finish in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile raises questions about his ability to handle tougher competition.

He’s Not Joking enters off a dominant win in the Grey Stakes (G3) at Woodbine, showcasing his versatility on different surfaces. Tiztastic, who excelled on turf in the Juvenile Mile, will return to dirt and face questions about his stamina at this distance.

Render Judgment and Sonic Skidaddle bring upside as lightly raced colts start their first stakes. Clock Tower, who has been knocking on the door in graded company, is another contender for exotic players. This race combines proven graded stakes horses and promising newcomers, making it a key betting opportunity.

Bettors should monitor the pace closely, as front-running types like He’s Not Joking may face pressure from multiple directions. This field’s depth ensures an exciting finish, with Jonathan’s Way and He’s Not Joking leading the betting but plenty of value among the mid-range contenders.

Golden Rod Stakes (G2) – Churchill Downs  

Distance: 1 1/16 miles (Dirt) | Age: 2-Year-Old Fillies  

The Golden Rod Stakes serves as the final Kentucky Oaks prep of the year at Churchill Downs, showcasing an intriguing field of juvenile fillies with varying experience levels. Leading the way is Good Cheer, a Godolphin homebred with an impeccable 3-for-3 record. 

Trained by Brad Cox, this Medaglia d’Oro filly has been untouchable in her races, with her most recent win in the Rags to Riches Stakes showcasing her ability to handle the distance. Her Beyer Speed Figure of 86 puts her well above her competition, making her the clear favorite.  

Stablemate Éclatant, another Cox trainee, adds depth to the race. Undefeated in two starts, she steps into stakes company for the first time. Her impressive maiden and allowance wins suggest she has untapped potential, but she must prove herself against this tougher field. 

Quietside, trained by John Ortiz, showed promise in her third-place finish in the Alcibiades (G1), where she was only beaten by two lengths. Her tactical speed and stamina make her a strong contender for a placing.

The longshots include Sturgeon Moon and Flash Wear, who have stepped up from allowance company with recent wins at Keeneland and Churchill Downs, respectively. With Good Cheer likely to dictate the pace, the rest of the field must be aggressive to keep up. Bettors should focus on Good Cheer as a decisive win candidate while incorporating Éclatant and Quietside into exacta and trifecta tickets for added value.

Hollywood Derby (G1) – Del Mar  

Distance: 1 1/8 miles (Turf) | Age: 3-Year-Olds  

The Hollywood Derby is one of the final Grade 1 events of the year, and this year’s edition promises a competitive clash among top turf sophomores. Carson’s Run leads the field as the likely favorite after his impressive victories in the Saratoga Derby Invitational (G1) and Jockey Club Derby Invitational (G3). 

Trained by Christophe Clément, the Cupid colt has proven his stamina and versatility, making him a formidable contender. His sharp late kick is ideally suited for the turf course at Del Mar.

Formidable Man, a rising star at Del Mar, has gone 3-for-3 at the track, including his most recent win in the Del Mar Derby (G2). His familiarity with the course and tactical speed makes him a significant threat to Carson’s Run. Stay Hot, a consistent performer in graded stakes enters after a runner-up finish in the Twilight Derby (G2). His ability to handle pressure and finish strong makes him a valuable contender for bettors focusing on exactas and trifectas.

Other notable entrants include King of Gosford, who won the Let It Ride Stakes, and Donegal Momentum, a son of Uncle Mo coming off a win in the Gio Ponti Stakes. The pace setup will be critical in a field with front-runners and closers. Bettors looking for value may want to consider Formidable Man or Stay Hot as alternatives to Carson’s Run.

Matriarch Stakes (G1) – Del Mar  

Distance: 1 mile (Turf) | Age: Fillies and Mares, 3-Year-Olds and Up  

The Matriarch Stakes brings elite turf mares together for a compelling Grade 1 showdown. Gina Romantica is the headliner, boasting three Grade 1 wins at Keeneland, including back-to-back victories in the First Lady. 

Trained by Chad Brown, the Into Mischief mare has been in excellent form, with her ability to stalk the pace and deliver a strong finish, making her the one to beat. However, the Matriarch marks her first trip to Del Mar, adding an element of uncertainty.

Sacred Wish and Aspen Grove bring Grade 3 experience into the mix. Sacred Wish has shown flashes of brilliance in shorter distances, while Aspen Grove has struggled for consistency in top-tier races. 

Nadette, a European import, has been competitive in Group 2 companies overseas and could be a sleeper pick for bettors looking for value. The supporting cast also includes Stay, Scam, and Mouffy, who have shown promise in listed stakes.

Bettors should approach this race with a sharp eye on pace dynamics. Gina Romantica’s stalking style makes her a strong win candidate, but a fast early pace could set up the race for a closer like Nadette or Sacred Wish. This race is also ideal for betting fans who favor tactical runners on turf.

Seabiscuit Handicap (G2) – Del Mar  

Distance: 1 1/16 miles (Turf) | Age: 3-Year-Olds and Up  

The Seabiscuit Handicap features a competitive group of turf specialists looking to close their seasons on a high note. Almendares leads the pack after strong runner-up finishes in the Del Mar Mile (G2) and City of Hope Mile (G2). Trained by Philip D’Amato, this Havana Grey gelding has shown consistency in graded company, making him a top contender. Seal Team, also trained by D’Amato, brings versatility to the field, with a solid victory in the Twilight Derby (G2) earlier this season.

Sumter, trained by Richard Mandella, enters after his victory in the Lure Stakes at Santa Anita, where he held off Mi Hermano Ramón by a neck. Both runners bring tactical speed to the race, and their ability to control the early pace will be crucial. 

Easter, the defending champion of this race, has not been in his best form this year but remains a threat given his past performances at Del Mar. Redistricting and shipping in for Chad Brown add East Coast depth to the field after a strong second in the Knickerbocker (G3) at Aqueduct.

The Seabiscuit Handicap is a puzzle for handicappers, with a mix of proven talent and rising stars. Bettors focusing on horse racing odds should look for value in tactical runners like Seal Team or closers such as Almendares, who can take advantage of a hot pace up front.

Jimmy Durante Stakes (G3) – Del Mar  

Distance: 1 mile (Turf) | Age: 2-Year-Old Fillies  

The Jimmy Durante Stakes brings together an exciting group of juvenile fillies testing their mettle on the turf. Supa Speed, a Justify filly trained by John Sadler, is one of the headliners. Despite a disappointing finish in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint, she has shown promise, particularly with her runner-up effort in the Del Mar Juvenile Fillies Turf earlier this season. 

Sea Runner, trained by Tim Yakteen, has been steadily improving and enters off a maiden-breaking win at Santa Anita. Her tactical speed makes her a solid contender in this competitive field.

Chilly Philly, another Yakteen trainee, is an intriguing entrant after her dominant maiden win at Santa Anita in October. Casalu, trained by Bob Baffert, adds depth to the race as she rebounds from a lackluster effort in the Anoakia Stakes. Acquitted, making her stakes debut for Richard Mandella, could be a sleeper pick for bettors seeking value. Her maiden win in September showcased her ability to handle the mile distance.

This race offers a wide-open betting opportunity with no clear standout. Turf specialists should watch for Supa Speed’s rebound potential, while Sea Runner’s recent form suggests she could be a decisive win contender.

Cecil B. DeMille Stakes (G3) – Del Mar  

Distance: 1 mile (Turf) | Age: 2-Year-Old Colts  

The Cecil B. DeMille Stakes highlights promising juvenile colts looking to make a name on the turf. Pali Kitten leads the group after a breakout win in the Speakeasy Stakes at Santa Anita. Despite a disappointing effort in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint, this Vino Rosso colt trained by Doug O’Neill remains a strong contender. 

Scipio, trained by Richard Baltas, showed promise in his recent fourth-place finish at Santa Anita and looks ready to step up in class.

Sabertooth, a lightly raced colt by Grazen, enters after two promising allowance efforts and looks ready to tackle stakes company. Kale’s Angel, trained by Peter Miller, has shown flashes of brilliance but will need to improve his recent performances. Resolve, a Jonathan Thomas trainee, adds intrigue with a maiden-breaking win earlier this month at Del Mar, showcasing a late-running style that could play well in this field.

With a balanced group of up-and-comers, bettors should analyze pace scenarios closely. Pali Kitten’s tactical speed and Scipio’s improving form make them top choices, while Resolve offers value as a closer in what could be a tightly contested race.

Hollywood Turf Cup (G2) – Del Mar  

Distance: 1 1/2 miles (Turf) | Age: 3-Year-Olds and Up  

The Hollywood Turf Cup is the longest turf race of the weekend, attracting proven stayers and late-season climbers. Indeed, Quality enters as the likely favorite after impressive wins, including the Singspiel Stakes (G3) at Woodbine. 

This Quality Road gelding trained by Jonathan Thomas has shown stamina and tactical versatility, making him a strong contender in this marathon test. Cabo Spirit, a Grade 2 winner, adds depth to the field, though his recent 12th-place finish in the Breeders’ Cup Turf raises questions about his current form.

Rockemperor, trained by Philip D’Amato, brings Grade 1 experience but must bounce back from a disappointing John Henry Turf Championship (G2) finish. Dicey Mo Chara and Seal Team, proven at this distance, offer value for bettors seeking alternatives to the favorite. Nineeleventurbo, stepping up in class, is a longshot to consider for exotic wagers.

This race is an excellent opportunity for bettors focusing on horse racing lines to find value in consistent performers like Truly Quality or pace-dependent closers like Dicey Mo Chara.