Let ’em Run gets ready for massive derby prep weekend

March Racing Preview Let ’em Run: Rainbow Pick 6 and Major Stakes Action

With March arriving, we have a full slate of serious racing to dig into this weekend. The primary focus of Let ’em Run will be the Rainbow Pick 6 at Gulfstream Park, covering Races 9 through 14, including the Davona Dale and the Fountain of Youth. We will also take a close look at the Gotham Stakes and the Busher at Aqueduct. It’s a deep weekend with Derby and Oaks implications across multiple tracks.

On a side note, it’s good to see jockey Dylan Davis back in action. He has two mounts at Gulfstream on Saturday. Welcome back and best of luck.

Aqueduct – Race 2 – The Busher Stakes

1:13 EST | 1 Mile Dirt | $200K

This is a small field, and it could shrink further with two runners cross-entered in the Davona Dale. If the field holds together, I’m siding with the rail horse, #1 Nycon (3-1). She’s improving and should get the right setup if a speed duel develops. J.A. Torres can afford to be patient early and make one run down the stretch.

Aqueduct – Race 10 – The Gotham Stakes

5:18 EST | 1 Mile Dirt | $300K

Fifty Derby points are on the line, and this is a strong group for a one-turn mile. #6 Iron Honor (6-5) will attract the bulk of the wagering attention, but I’m leaning toward #5 Right to Party (10-1) for trainer Ken McPeek with Chris Elliot aboard. There is plenty of early speed signed on, which should set things up for his late kick. That 105 Timeform US Late Pace figure stands out. I’ll also respect #8 Creole Chrome (12-1). Joe Sharp doesn’t ship north from Fair Grounds without intent.

Gulfstream Park – Rainbow Pick 6 Sequence

Race 9 – Handicap

3:34 EST | 1 Mile Synthetic | $100K

The only synthetic race in the sequence features a full field of twelve. I’m giving a strong look to #9 Prevent (9-2) with John Velazquez aboard. He has experience over this surface and enough tactical speed to stay involved. In multi-race wagers, I would also include #4 Classic Mo Town (10-1), who picks up David Egan, and #11 Horsepower (4-1) with Irad Ortiz Jr. He owns the top Prime Power rating and has the speed to overcome the outside draw.

Race 10 – The Very One Stakes (G3)

4:04 EST | 1 3/8 Mile Turf | $175K

This turf marathon sets up well for #4 Candy Quest (5-2). She has faced strong competition and gets Irad Ortiz Jr. for the first time. #9 No Show Sammy Jo (GB) (9-5) has experience at this distance and may have moved too soon in her last start. If you’re looking for value, #3 Venecia (Fr) (6-1) could try to take them gate to wire.

Race 11 – The Davona Dale Stakes (G2)

4:34 EST | 1 Mile Dirt | $225K

With 50 Oaks points at stake, #9 On Time Girl (9-5) will take money, but I prefer #7 Swing Vote (3-1). The Mott and Alvarado combination is strong, and she owns the best last-out speed figures. Keep an eye on #6 Haute Diva (15-1), who could make it interesting late.

Race 12 – The Honey Fox Stakes (G3)

5:05 EST | 1 Mile Turf | $175K

The Prime Power numbers for #6 Movin’ On Up (3-1), #10 Crevalle d’Oro (5-2), and #9 Lush Lips (2-1) are closely matched. I’m siding with #6 Movin’ On Up. The switch to Luis Saez for Saffie Joseph Jr. is significant, and she has excuses in prior starts.

Race 13 – The Mac Diarmida Stakes (G2)

5:36 EST | 1 3/8 Mile Turf | $225K

I’m taking a firm position with #7 Zverev (5-1). He is two-for-two at the distance, third off the layoff, and picks up Flavian Prat. He owns the top Prime Power figure and should get the right trip.

Race 14 – The Fountain of Youth (G2)

6:11 EST | 1 1/16 Mile Dirt | $425K

This year’s Fountain of Youth drew a competitive field of eleven. After listening to plenty of opinions, I’m making my case for #10 Solitude Dude (5-1). The son of Yaupon is trying two turns for the first time, and Saffie Joseph Jr. has strong numbers with that move. From the outside post, Flavian Prat should be able to settle just off the speed and finish with something left.

It’s a full weekend of meaningful racing, and with Derby prep season picking up, every race carries added weight.

Sunday Spotlight and Weekend Coverage

Sunday keeps the momentum going with the Risen Star being run that afternoon. That guarantees the racing spotlight will shine brightly on another key Kentucky Derby prep race, and it adds even more depth to an already packed weekend schedule.

Be sure to tune in Friday at 3pm for our Happy Hour Podcast. John Kostin and I will take a deep dive into the two prep races at Aqueduct and Gulfstream Park, breaking down pace scenarios, value plays, and how we’re structuring tickets.

I would strongly recommend joining us again on Saturday at 12:30pm. The weather forecast in Hallandale Beach suggests there could be some afternoon moisture in the area. If conditions change, that can impact surfaces, pace setups, and wagering strategy. That’s where we stay ahead of the adjustments and provide the latest updates before the sequence unfolds.

Then on Sunday at 11am, catch Let ’em Run for our Wrap Up Show. We’ll review how the major races played out and also take a deep dive into the Rebel Stakes. Derby prep season is heating up, and these races are only going to grow in importance as the points accumulate.

So as always, keep it in mind to bet smart, cheer hard, remember fast horses can lead to serious fun, and when it’s all said and done… Let ’em Run.