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

Saturday, Nov. 4

Longshot Play

Del Mar, Race 3, Qatar Juvenile Turf Sprint, 2:20 p.m. ET

#9 Declarationofpeace: This is a highly competitive race with no clear standouts, so I’m certainly looking for a price play that I think could post an upset. This colt ran exceptionally well in both of his Group 1 efforts finishing four and 3 1/4 lengths back of the eventual winners. His last two impressive starts were on a synthetic track, but I do think his best races were on the turf so it’s nice to see him return to grass. The addition of Lasix (furosemide) could also prove to be a useful addition. I like the connections, pedigree, and price of this longshot.

Best Bet

Del Mar, Race 4, 14 Hands Winery Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies, 3 p.m. ET

#7 Moonshine Memories: I like that this filly already has two wins on the Del Mar main track and has shown that she doesn’t need to be on the front end to win. Her Beyer Speed Figures are definitely up there with the rest, and she’s been training well leading up to this race. It is a huge advantage that she didn’t need to do any traveling as she’s run all three of her races in Southern California. She will be ready.

Best Bet

Del Mar, Race 10, Sentient Jet Breeders’ Cup Juvenile, 6:58 p.m. ET

#11 Bolt d’Oro: Based on how he’s performed in three career races, there’s no doubt he deserves to be the early Kentucky Derby favorite. While much can change from now until May, this colt has shown talent and ability that have truly been unparalleled. His pedigree is as good as it gets, and I think he’s one of the most likely winners on the whole card. While post-position 11 is tricky, I think with a clean break he should be in prime striking position to show off that powerful closing kick as he makes fairly light work of this field.

Best Bet

Del Mar, Race 12, Breeders’ Cup Classic, 8:35 p.m. ET

#1 Arrogate: It’s definitely hard to dismiss two disappointing efforts in a row from undoubtedly the world’s most-talented race horse, however it’s evident he hasn’t been racing at his best. I don’t think there’s any way Bob Baffert would choose to race him again and not go down the route of retirement unless he’s 100% ready and fit and I think glimpses of that have been evident in his workouts. Drawing the rail post is actually a great place for him as he’s able to be sent along to the front end if that’s the best option or sit back and watch the action unfold on the front and show the world his late closing kick that we are so accustomed to seeing.