On Saturday, Churchill Downs has one of its most important days of racing. The Twin Spires runs the Grade 2 Wise Dan, the Grade 2 Fleur de Lis, and the Grade 2 Stephen Foster. Also on Saturday, Belmont runs the Grade 2 Mother Goose. Check out top plays and Horse Racing Odds for the Top Stakes Races of the Week from Saturday, June 26th. You can also visit our Online Racebook to place your bets on active racetracks.

Horse Racing Odds & Picks June 21st Edition

Top Stakes Races For the Week

• When: Saturday, June 26

Belmont Park – Saturday, June 26

• Grade 2 Mother Goose – 1 1/6 miles dirt – $250,000

Four fillies have confirmed they will run in the Grade 1 Mother Goose. The chalk figures to be Steve Asmussen trained Clairiere. But Chad Brown has a potential monster of a racehorse in 2-time winner Always Carina. Todd Pletcher trained Zaajel and Illiogami from the George Arnold barn are also confirmed.  

Churchill Downs – Saturday, June 26

• Grade 3 Bashford Manor – 6 furlongs dirt – $125,000

Whistlewhileyoumow, Whatstheconnection, Lansdowne, Kavod, Double Thunder, and Glacial are all committed to run in the Grade 3 Bashford Manor. Will one of these sprinters, Pletcher trained Double Thunder perhaps, prove worthy for the Breeders’ Cup Sprint in the fall?    

• Grade 2 Fleur de Lis – 1 1/8 miles dirt – $250,000

Some heavy hitters have signed on for the Fleur de Lis. Brad Cox will enter Vault. Hall of fame trainer Shug McGaughey puts the saddle on Point of Honor while Todd Pletcher trained Spice Is Nice will also run. So will Grade 1 Apple Blossom and Grade 1 Ogden Phipps winner Letruska. Envoutante is yet another runner who could win the Fleur de Lis. 

• Grade 2 Wise Dan – 1 1/16 miles turf – $250,000

Named after one of the best race horses in the past twenty years, the Wise Dan is a turf event for a sweet $250k purse. A couple of Mike Maker trained horses could demand the most attention. Both Somelikeithotbrown and Field Pass can win this. Mark Casse trained Ride a Comet always runs well while Brad Cox trained Set Piece has fans. If horseplayers are looking for an underdog with a shot, look no further than Spooky Channel. The gelding loves the Churchill Downs turf. 

• Grade 2 Stephen Foster – 1 1/8 miles dirt – $600,000

Grade 1 winner Maxfield could go off at less than even money if no other horses than those that have already committed join the field. Visitant, American Dubai, Empty Tomb, and Silver Dust are good horses. They aren’t as talented as Maxfield. The chalk’s biggest competition could come from its own barn. Warrior’s Charge has enough experience to possibly pull off the upset. Brad Cox trains both. An all Brad exacta? Sounds probable.