Let ‘em Run Review of 3/21/26 and Preview of 3/28/26: Kentucky Derby field heats up
We are coming to the finish line as the fields for the Kentucky Derby and the Kentucky Oaks are beginning to take shape. But before they become final, there are a few big prep races to shake out this weekend.
On Saturday, the Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park and the Arkansas Derby feature loaded fields to break down. The Gulfstream Park Oaks for fillies will also be run on Saturday.
In a special Friday event, the $1 million Fantasy Stakes will be run at Oaklawn Park. All races are worth 100 points to the winner.
Here is a breakdown of how we did this past weekend, and why tuning in to Saturday’s podcast at 12:30 on Sports Talk Media Network can pay off, as John Kostin locked in the Pick 5 at Fair Grounds.
Turfway Park Recap
The Bourbonette Oaks — Race 11
We started off with an airball here, as the winner #6 Life of Joy, with jockey Flavien Prat aboard, rode to the finish and paid $9.40. Look for her on the first Friday in May.
The Jeff Ruby Stakes — Race 12
Our top pick #2 Full Effort likely earned a spot in the Kentucky Derby with the win. Trainer Brad Cox continues to place his runners in winning positions.
Fair Grounds Recap
Race 10
We were locked in on #4 Lagynos as the likely winner, and he delivered, paying $5.20 to kick off the first leg of the Pick 5.
Race 11
The #5 Bella Ballerina is still likely to make it to the Kentucky Oaks, but she did not show her best on this day. Meanwhile, #6 Life of Joy impressed again, paying $9.40 and remaining one to watch.
Race 12
This was the most thrilling race in the sequence, as #9 Emerging Market edged longshot #1 Pavlovian by a head. Emerging Market paid $6.00 and should be one to watch on the first Saturday in May.
Race 13
We closed strong, with #5 Good Family delivering as our top pick. Guided by Edgar Zayas, the horse paid a solid $12.80.
Race 14
This was our key race, where we focused on one runner. The #1 Dirty Straight Up, the #1 Prime Power selection from BRISnet.com, broke his maiden easily and paid $2.80 as expected.
Podcast Success and Betting Insights ahead of Kentucky Derby
On Saturday’s podcast, partner John Kostin laid out his Pick 5 ticket for a $160 investment that returned $417. He included #1 Pavlovian, and had that runner won, the payout would have been even bigger.
Another reason to tune in: we have also been delivering winners with our BRISnet.com Play of the Day on Mondays and Wednesdays at 2 PM. We will borrow a line from the past and call it “must see TV.”
Looking Ahead to This Weekend
Be sure to check us out Friday at 3 pm for Happy Hour, where we will break down the Derby and Oaks prep races, including the Friday feature. We will also preview the Late Pick 5 on a loaded Gulfstream Park card.
Closing Stretch
As always, bet smart, cheer hard, because fast horses can lead to serious fun, and in the end… Let ‘em Run!
