America’s Best Racing and handicapper (and avid gambler) Monique Vág team up to provide horseplayers with their best bets of the weekend.

Vág will identify her top picks as well as at least one 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 occasionally look for strong exacta plays for the weekend or try to spot a nice opportunity for other wagers.

This Weekend’s Bets

Saturday, Jan. 9

Longshot Play

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Gulfstream Park, Race 4, 1:35 p.m. ET

#6 Mr. Tip: He got a win last start out versus easier company, however this was his second start after almost a year away from racing. I expect him to duplicate the success of his most recent victory and he might be even sharper today.

I think his best shot at winning versus this group would be showing some of that early speed and working out a trip setting the pace, or stalking just behind it.

Longshot Play

Gulfstream Park, Race 7, 3:15 p.m. ET

#9 Seminole Beach: He looked impressive late in his debut last start, rallying from as many as 11 lengths back early to get up for second, beaten only by a head.

Saturday he stretches out from seven furlongs to a one-turn mile and gets on the Lasix (furosemide) program. Both are positive changes which could help to spark a big effort. I’m hoping he’s a little bit closer and is left with a lot less work to do late as he gets added distance this time around.

Best Bet

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Gulfstream Park, Race 10, $100,000 Tropical Turf Stakes, 4:49 p.m. ET

#3 Ride a Comet: He comes in on a three race winning streak and now gets to return to turf where he is an impressive 4-0-1 through five career races.

His most recent two turf victories have come when making a late move; however, he’s also won when positioned closer to the pace. Having that versatility, drawing a good post, and getting Tyler Gaffalione on board all add to the appeal.

Best Bet

Santa Anita Park, Race 8, $200,000 La Canada Stakes, 6:30 p.m. EST

#3 Fighting Mad: She’ll likely be close to odds-on at post time, but looks like a very logical single in your multi-leg wagers. This mare gets to face off against an easier field here and looks to be the lone speed. If she’s able to rate well on the front end and get away with any type of an easy pace upfront, nobody will pass her down the lane in the stretch. I’m building my tickets and exotics around her in this spot.