Horse Racing This Weekend: Key Races, Top Horses & Best Bets [Feb 15]
Racing at Fair Grounds (Photo by Hodges Photography)
February 14th, 2026
Jump to each section below for easy access to everything you need for horse racing this weekend!
Get ready for horse racing this weekend
Discover everything you need to know about horse racing this weekend, including top horses, best bets, tournaments, key races, and many great promotional bonus offers you just can't say no to.
Come back to find more weekly horse races and promotional offers every weekend.
2026 Kentucky Derby Corner & the 2026 Kentucky Oaks
Come here every week to discover everything you need to know about the 2026 Kentucky Derby. With many races from last week rescheduled for Friday, it'll be important to check back next week to see all the changes.
- Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Silent Tactic
- Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Talk to Me Jimmy
- Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Plutarch
- Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Renegade
- Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Emerging Market runs fast at Tampa
- Kentucky Derby Roundup: Silent Tactic among four new winners
- Kentucky Oaks Roundup: 50-point races begin
Weekend Windup
If you need us, we'll be in NOLA this weekend at the @fairgroundsnola! โ๏ธ๐๐ฟ๐ @AshleyAnd502 gives the rundown on all things Risen Star weekend on the Road to the @KentuckyDerby! ๐น pic.twitter.com/S8RylF501o
— TwinSpires Racing ๐ (@TwinSpires) February 14, 2026
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast
Jason discusses news of the day and welcomes analyst Joe Kristufek to talk Risen Star Day at Fair Grounds.
Top horses and best bets for horse racing this weekend
Click to jump to each race listed!
Best Bets for the 2026 Risen Stars
Read the full analysis here: Tipsheet: 2026 Risen Star Stakes
A strong field of eight sophomores will travel 1 1/8 miles over the Fair Grounds main oval in Saturdayโs $500,000 Risen Star (G2). The 2026 Road to the Kentucky Derby challenge series contest will reward the top five across the wire with qualifying points on a 50-25-15-10-5 basis.
Risen Star Stakes Picks
- #4 Paladin
- #2 Golden Tempo
- #7 Courting
Risen Star Stakes Wagers
- $30 win #4 Paladin
- $1 superfecta 4 with 2,7 with 2,7 with all
Top Horses for the 2026 Risen Star Stakes
#4 PALADIN: Horse to beat and top choice drove home a nice winner of the Remsen (G2) in his second lifetime appearance and was flattered when the horse he beat came back to romp in the Sam F. Davis S. at Tampa Bay Downs next time out. The $1.9 million son of Gun Runner has combined tactical speed and a fine closing kick, and he will be tough to upend on Saturday with even slight improvement in his sophomore bow. Tyler Gaffalione inherits the ride.
#2 GOLDEN TEMPO: Cherie DeVaux pupil is unblemished from a pair of lifetime runs to date, led by a tally in the local Lecomte (G3) most recently. The well-bred son of Curlin has gone last-to-first in both of his lifetime tries to date and will appreciate getting more ground with which to work with on Saturday. The deep closer retains the services of Jose Ortiz.
#7 COURTING: Especially well-bred son of Curlin was fourth in the Remsen in his juvenile finale and will race with blinkers on for the initial time. The win candidate, who was a whopping $5 million yearling purchase, gives me the impression of a colt who will thrive as the distances increase going forward. John Velazquez will be in the silks and could have the prospect closer to the pace in this endeavor.
RELATED: Meet the Contenders: 2026 Risen Star Stakes
Fair Grounds Scenic - Hodges Photography
Fair Grounds Spot Plays for Risen Star Day Feb. 14, 2026
A tremendous 12-race card awaits fans at Fair Grounds on Saturday for Risen Star Day, and there's not a claiming race in sight. While I have shared several selections for the TwinSpires Triple Play segment on the Feb. 14 edition of Horse Racing Radio Network's Equine Forum, I also want to draw attention to a couple of Al Stall trainees that could be live on Saturday.
Paladin wins the Remsen Stakes at Aqueduct. (Photo by Coglianese Photos/Joe Labozzetta)
Pick 4 of the Week: Fair Grounds Saturday, Feb. 14
The quartet of graded stakes races on the robust Saturday card will comprise the Pick 4 of the Week at Fair Grounds.
Race 9 Wager
- 50-cent Pick 4: 2,4,5,6 with 2,6,7,9 with 1,3,5,7 with 4 ($32)
Best Bets for the 2026 Sunland Park Derby
Read the full analysis here: Tipsheet: 2026 Sunland Park Derby
A well-matched field of seven sophomores will run 1 1/16 miles on the Sunland Park strip in Sundayโs $500,000 Sunland Park Derby. The 2026 Road to the Kentucky Derby challenge series contest will reward the top five finishers with qualifying points on a 20-10-6-4-2 structure.
Sunland Park Derby Picks
- #1 Express Kid
- #7 Daneyko
- #6 Bricklin
Sunland Park Derby Wagers
Top Horses for the 2026 Sunland Park Derby
#1 EXPRESS KID (3-1): Top pick aced his route debut at Remington Park last time out when rolling home to a clear, 6 1/4-length win. Purchased for $800,000 since that victory, the son of Bodexpress has since recorded four swift morning drills on the Sunland surface as of late and seems all set for his 2026 debut. Now in the hands of trainer Justin Evans, the California-bred will be sent from the break with Juan Hernandez in for the ride.
#7 DANEYKO (9-2): Win threat put in a sustained late run to upset the Riley Allison Derby in his route debut last time and is surely improving for Edward Kereluk. The Vekoma colt could appreciate the added distance on Sunday, and he will also receive healthy splits to rally into late in the event, as well. Alfredo Juarez, Jr. has the call once again.
#6 BRICKLIN (7-2): Iโm not sure if the Rodolphe Brisset pupil defeated much in his Oaklawn Park allowance romp last time, but the son of Nyquist did it in the right way and has to get attention in his second run of the season. The $450,000 purchase doesnโt need the lead in order to run well, but I still envision him being in range throughout, with Christian Torres retaining the ride.
RELATED: Meet the Contenders: 2026 Sunland Park Derby
Search Party wins the Martha Washington Stakes at Oaklawn Park. (Photo by Coglianese Photo)
Pick 3 of the Week: Oaklawn Park Saturday, Feb. 14
The Pick 3 of the Week will come from Oaklawn Park on Saturday with a good sequence later in the card.
Race 8 Wager
- $1 Pick 3: 2,3,8 with 1,6,7,10 with 5,10 ($24)
TwinSpires Jury
Nick Tammaro and Darin Zoccali are back for Episode 129 of The TwinSpires Jury, breaking down a massive weekend on the Road to the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaksโplus one of the richest races in the world.
The duo shares their top picks, betting strategies, and pace analysis for the Risen Star Stakes (G3) at Fair Grounds, a major Kentucky Derby prep loaded with points and serious contenders, Sunland Park Derby at Sunland Park, a key Derby steppingstone that could produce a live longshot for Louisville, the Rachel Alexandra Stakes (G3) at Fair Grounds, an important Road to the Kentucky Oaks race featuring rising 3-year-old fillies.
To close the show, Nick & DZ go international with a deep dive into the $20 Million Saudi Cup, analyzing the global showdown featuring defending champion Forever Young. If youโre building Derby futures tickets, tracking Oaks contenders, or betting the biggest races of the weekend, this episode delivers expert insight to help you stay ahead of the curve.
Best Bets for the 2026 Kentucky Derby Future Wagers - Pool 4
Read the full analysis here: Paladin heads Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 4
Pool 4 of the 2026 Kentucky Derby Future Wager (KDFW) will be offered from Friday through Sunday this week, beginning at noon ET on Friday. The pool closes at 6 p.m. on Sunday.
Remsen (G2) winner #25 Paladin, who competes Saturday in the Risen Star (G2) at Fair Grounds, has been installed as the 8-1 individual favorite on the morning line. Other Risen Star contenders with individual pool entries are #6 Carson Street (75-1), #8 Chip Honcho (90-1), #11 Courting (90-1), and #16 Golden Tempo (20-1).
RELATED: Kevin Kerstein's picks for Feb 13 at KY Derby Future Wager
Bottle of Rouge upset stablemate Explora in the Del Mar Debutante (G1) (Photo by Benoit Photo)
How to bet the Sunland Park Oaks
A very good cast of sophomore fillies will battle in Sundayโs $250,000 Sunland Park Oaks at Sunland Park. The race came up a bit deeper compared to many prior editions of the affair, and there are numerous logical contenders in this exciting one-mile tilt.
Sunland Park Oaks Wagers
- $12 win and place #2 Cashed ($24)
- 50-cent trifecta 2,4 with 2,4,7 with all ($12)
- 50-cent superfecta 2,4 with 2,4,7 with 2,4,7 with all ($10)
Ecino (Photo by Coady Photography)
Exotics Plays for the 2026 Dust Commander Stakes
A solid cast of 10 will travel 1 1/16 miles over the Tapeta surface in the Saturday feature at Turfway Park, the $125,000 Dust Commander S. Grade 3 winner and morning-line choice #4 Encino (6-5) is something of a course specialist and will be a formidable foe in the tilt while making his 2026 debut.
Dust Commander Exotics
- $20 exacta 4 with 9 ($20)
- $2 trifecta 4,9 with 4,9 with 2,3,5,10 ($16)
- 50-cent superfecta 4 with 9 with 2,3,5,10 with 2,3,5,10 ($6)
- 50-cent superfecta 4 with 2,3,5,10 with 9 with 2,3,5,10 ($6)
Laurel Park scenic @ Maryland Jockey Club
Sprint Stakes Double at Laurel Park on Saturday
Laurel Park will host a total of four black-type tilts on Saturday, and my focus will be on the pair of one-turn stakes events on the big day of racing.
Race 8 Wager
$5 double 1,2,4 with 4,7 ($30)
Gulfstream Park (Coglianese Photos)
How to bet the 2026 Royal Delta Stakes
An outstanding and accomplished field of eight fillies and mares will run 1 1/16 miles over the Gulfstream Park dirt in Saturdayโs $175,000 Royal Delta (G3). While she is the most lightly raced contender in the affair, I still feel that #4 Shred the Gnar (6-5) will be the one in her seasonal debut for Brian Lynch.
Royal Delta Wagers
Arctic Beast wins the New York Breeders' Futurity at Finger Lakes. (Photo by SV Photo)
How to bet the 2026 Damon Runyon Stakes
Two-time stakes winner #6 Arctic Beast (4-5) will lead a field of six New York-bred runners postward in Saturdayโs $135,000 Damon Runyon S. at Aqueduct. Trained by Mike Maker, the $275,000 yearling purchase graduated on debut at Saratoga in August and followed that tally up with a pair of dominant black-type victories at Finger Lakes. In his most recent performance, the son of Yaupon went off as the 9-10 favorite in the Springboard Mile at Remington Park and finished a clear second behind an impressive winner in his first attempt with open foes.
Damon Runyon Wagers
Gold Phoenix (Photo by Horsephotos.com)
Betting With, and Against, Gold Phoenix in the San Marcos Stakes
The eight-year-old #9 Gold Phoenix (9-5) is the morning-line choice for Saturdayโs $100,000 San Marcos (G3) at Santa Anita. The $2.3 million earner has been among the top turf stayers in California for the last few seasons and will make his first appearance since coming home a respectable fifth in the Breedersโ Cup Turf (G1) at Del Mar on Nov. 1.
Gold Phoenix โ With
- $5 superfecta 9 with 4 with 5,6,7 with 5,6,7 ($30)
- $2 superfecta 9 with 5,6,7 with 4 with 5,6,7 ($12)
Gold Phoenix โ Against
- $30 win #4 Truly Quality ($30)
- 50-cent superfecta key 4 with 5,6,7,9 ($12)
Promotional Bonus Offers
Road to the Kentucky Derby $10,000 WIN Ladder
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Opt in and place $10+ single horse Win wagers in selected races at Sunland Park on Sunday, February 15th. Winning wagers move you up the Win Ladder, the more races you win, the bigger your share of the $5,000 prize pool.
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15% Odds Boost at Oaklawn Park
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5X Rewards Points at Woodbine Mohawk
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Tournament Talk: Recap, upcoming horse racing tourney's, & big winners
It's time for our horse racing tournament talk. We will gather every week to discuss last weekend's tournaments, assess upcoming tournament potential and congratulate our weekend winners. Join us as we bring you everything you need to know about tournaments.
Trackside Coverage
Welcome to our All-Access Trackside Coverage of the 2026 Risen Star Weekend at Fair Grounds.
RELATED: All-Access Trackside Coverage: 2026 Risen Star Weekend at Fair Grounds
.@James_Scully111 is ready to go live from the @fairgroundsnola simulcast desk with @TrustYourLuck for Races 1 & 2 on the Friday, the 13th card! pic.twitter.com/3uFPWJbYHV
— TwinSpires Racing ๐ (@TwinSpires) February 13, 2026
Itโs Risen Star Eve, but itโs also Mardi Gras in NOLA! ๐โ๏ธ๐ฟ@AshleyAnd502 is on the desk with @TrustYourLuck to talk horses for races 3 and 4 at @fairgroundsnola!
— TwinSpires Racing ๐ (@TwinSpires) February 13, 2026
Tune in!!! ๐ pic.twitter.com/kxhJHsLBrA
Interviews
Analysis
Horses
Your Risen Star ML favorite Paladin cooling off after morning exercise. ๐ฎโ๐จ pic.twitter.com/31gOB9jRLL
— TwinSpires Racing ๐ (@TwinSpires) February 13, 2026
Good morning from Risen Star (G2) contender Courting @fairgroundsnola ๐คฉ pic.twitter.com/7vyWmZgI4E
— TwinSpires Racing ๐ (@TwinSpires) February 13, 2026
๐จ FREE PPs ๐จ @TwinSpires
— ๐๐ซ๐ข๐ฌ๐ง๐๐ญ.๐๐จ๐ฆ (@Brisnet) February 13, 2026
We've got FREE past performances for tomorrow's G2 Risen Star at @fairgroundsnola! ๐คฉ๐
๐: https://t.co/AANHvwfCpM pic.twitter.com/qwyIKMZxwb
