Let ’em Run Review of 2/28/26 and Preview of 3/7/26
It was one heck of a weekend, as both the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks prep races provided potential runners who could be lining up in May. With only a little over two months until the first Friday and Saturday in May arrive, there is still plenty of action ahead over the coming weekends. Let ’em Run provided our takes both in print and on our podcast segments, and it is definitely advisable to catch both. Our Saturday shows at 12:30 are especially valuable, as we provide updated information that helps solidify our opinions on the races we are covering.
Once again, it was a challenging weekend when it came to our selections, as several of our top picks simply could not get the job done at the wire. While we had a number of horses run competitively and hit the board, the winning punch proved difficult to land. A few of our stronger opinions ran into tough trips, while others were overtaken late by longshots that lit up the tote board. That is part of the reality of handicapping this time of year, especially with competitive Derby and Oaks prep fields where improving horses can jump forward at any time. We will regroup, study the results, and continue to look for the angles that can help turn those close finishes into winners in the weeks ahead.
Here is a look back at how we did last weekend, along with the races we covered in Sports Talk Florida.
Aqueduct – Race 2: The Busher Stakes
We had our eye on #1 Nycon, who closed strongly to finish second in the five-horse field behind winner #3 Paradise. That victory earned Paradise 37.5 points toward the Kentucky Oaks.
Aqueduct – Race 10: The Gotham Stakes
The solid favorite #6 Iron Honor did not disappoint as the top choice for many bettors, including Let ‘em Run. We also had our radar on #5 Right to Party, who finished a respectable third place to round out what turned into a chalky result.
Gulfstream Park – Race 9
Our top choice #9 Prevent lived up to his name in the wrong way, as he was prevented from winning and simply did not fire. Our second and third choices, #11 Horsepower and #4 Classic Mo Town, finished second and third behind longshot winner #1 Tomasello, who paid $19.20 for the effort.
Gulfstream Park – Race 10
The best we could do in this marathon turf stakes race was a second-place finish with #9 No Show Sammy Jo (GB). The winner was another longshot, #2 Just Basking, who came flying from the clouds and rewarded backers with a $29.00 win price.
Gulfstream Park – Race 11: The Davona Dale Stakes
Another race offering points on the road to the Kentucky Oaks, with 50 points awarded to the winner. Our top choice, #9 On Time Girl, was not exactly on time and settled for third place. The #8 She Be Smooth looks like she could be headed to the first Friday in May at Churchill Downs.
This race appeared likely to be dominated by the favorites, and the public’s choice, our top pick #9 Lush Lips, delivered with a winning performance. We had our radar on #6 Movin’ on Up, but the best that runner could do was finish fifth.
Gulfstream Park – Race 13
Our focus was squarely on #7 Zverev, as we built our horizontal tickets around this runner to key our wagers. Unfortunately, he did not fire in another turf marathon. The race was won by #5 Grand Sonata.
Gulfstream Park – Race 14: The Fountain of Youth
This race absolutely delivered for horse racing fans. The people’s choice #4 Commandment gutted out a thrilling victory. Our top pick #10 Solitude Dude ran well but had to settle for third in what was a quality and competitive field.
Looking Ahead to This Weekend
The upcoming weekend features a solid card at Tampa Bay Downs on Saturday, highlighted by the Tampa Bay Derby where 50 Kentucky Derby points are on the line for the winner. Another Derby prep will take place on the west coast at Santa Anita with the San Felipe Stakes, which also awards 50 points to the winner.
The Kentucky Oaks prep races are on hiatus this weekend, so the full focus shifts to the Derby trail and “the boys.”
Be sure to tune in Friday for our Happy Hour show at 3pm, and then again Saturday at 12:30. We will have boots on the ground at Tampa Bay to provide on-site insights and updates on the races scheduled for that day.
So remember to bet smart, cheer hard, fast horses can lead to some serious fun, and as always… Let ‘em Run.
