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, Aug. 12

Best Bet

Saratoga Race Course, Race 10, Fourstardave Handicap, 6:28 p.m. ET

#7 World Approval: As much as I think this gelding prefers racing longer, I don’t necessarily think he’s at a huge disadvantage shortening in distance. It’s always nice to see versatility and this gelding has fared well on the front end, stalking, and coming from off the pace. I think the outside post will have him working out a stalking trip today and he’s flashed hints of greatness throughout his career. The price will be right and he’s my top pick in here.

Longshot Play

Arlington Park, Race 12, Pucker Up Stakes, 8:02 p.m. ET

#5 Dontmesswithjoanne: It’s very possible a speed duel commences on the front end with quite a few in here looking like one-way speed types. If that happens, this filly has already shown a powerful late closing kick and would love faster fractions up front early to help her track them down in deep stretch. The extra eighth of a mile is also favorable for someone with a deep-closing style. She may have both go her way today!

Longshot Play

Del Mar, Race 7, 8:03 p.m. ET

#2 Steph Being Steph: I think the super-competitive field, no clear morning-line favorite and not super-known jockey or trainer will help elevate the odds on this filly at post time. I like what I’ve seen in her workouts with many being the fastest of the day. I wouldn’t be surprised to see her on the front end, and I think that’s a good place to be for maidens sprinting.

Best Bet

Del Mar, Race 10, 9:33 p.m. ET

#5 Kazan: This colt ran well in his first career race, very similar to the conditions he’s entered into today. He was bet heavily in his debut and looking at his pedigree and connections, it’s no surprise he attracted lots of bettors and received a ton of turf play. I think having that one-race experience will prove to be super valuable, and he draws a great post position to work out a stalking trip.