America’s Best Racing and handicapper (and avid gambler) Monique Vág team up to provide horseplayers with their best bets of the weekend in a regular feature blog that will run on Fridays.

For some posts, Vág will try to identify a longshot play of the weekend, a nice opportunity to swing for the fences on a win bet or to take a shot with a show bet. She also will look for strong exacta plays for the weekend or occasionally try to spot a nice opportunity for other wagers.

This Weekend’s Bets

Where to Watch and Listen to the Dubai World Cup Races

Saturday, March 25

Best Bet

Meydan, Race 1, Godolphin Mile Sponsored by Meydan Sobha, 7:45 a.m. ET

#7 North America: I like how he’s been perfect while racing stakes in Dubai, so having a fondness for the track certainly adds to his appeal for me. He’s been a perfect 4-for-4 since switching over to dirt and racing the mile distance winning all four of his recent races handily. Looks much the best today.

Longshot Play

Meydan, Race 7, Dubai Turf Sponsored by DP World, 11:30 a.m. ET

#4 Decorated Knight: I love to back horses which are entering races in sharp form, especially when they offer great odds to go along with a win streak. This horse has won four of his last five within the stakes ranks. He’s very well bred for turf and has excelled at distances a little bit longer than a mile. He’s worth a play at double-digit odds.

Best Bet

Meydan, Race 8, Longines Dubai Sheema Classic, 12:05 p.m. ET

#7 Postponed: No horse has ever won the Dubai Sheema Classic twice, much less repeated in back-to-back years, however I think this horse may be the first to accomplish that feat. He meets a small field, many of which are trying their luck against much tougher competition than usual. As much as I find myself looking elsewhere, this horse is surprisingly lightly raced and looks so much the best today.

Best Bet

Meydan, Race 9, Dubai World Cup Sponosred by Emirates Airline, 12:45 p.m. ET

#9 Arrogate: What is there to say about the proven best horse in the world at this point? He’s coming off three unbelievable performances, each one being better than the previous. Don’t overanalyze the race and look to play against this one – just enjoy the treat of watching the best in world do what he does best. Cashing multi-race wagers on an easy single such as Arrogate certainly helps add to the appeal!