Playing the $3 All-Turf Pick 3 at Ellis Park July 25, 2026

A new wager gaining popularity of late is the $3 All-Turf Pick 3, a player-friendly 15% takeout offering on the menu at both Ellis Park and Del Mar this summer. 

Here’s a look at how I’ll be tackling the Ellis Park version on the upcoming Saturday program.

Pick 3 Bet

• $3 Pick 3: 3,4,8 with 1,8 with 4,8 = $36

Race 5: Maiden, 2:44 p.m. ET

Wartime has three losses from as many starts, so my attention will instead go toward the first-time starter options. #4 Jack Attack (4-1) seems a must-use, given he hails from the barn of Brendan Walsh, who has started the meet 11-for-25. Jack Attack is by the precious Jack Christopher and out of a half-sister to the capable turf sprinter Inspired.

Two longer shots on the morning line, both by first-crop sire Olympiad, are also bolstered by their dams. #3 Just Got Paid (15-1) is out of Sweet Emma Rose, who placed in the Queen Mary (G2) at Royal Ascot at two and later won a turf sprint stakes at Monmouth. The filly #8 Won’tcatchmecryan (10-1) was produced by the Florida Oaks (G3)-winning Outburst.

Race 7: Allowance, 3:42 p.m. ET

#1 Next Up (9-2) makes a long overdue return to turf here after racing on synthetic and dirt since December. Her grass form last summer and fall was relatively good, including a second in the Ellis Park Turf S. and a commendable fourth in the Valley View (G3) at 69-1.

#8 Good Long Cry (7-2) ended last season on a high note with back-to-back wins, has been working well, and is positively spotted back in the allowance ranks by George Weaver.

Race 9: Maiden Claiming, 4:42 p.m. ET

Only two obvious horses to use in this modest event over one mile. #4 Daring Madison (7-5) is the potential controlling speed and might just last this time after proving second best in her last two. However, #8 Union Rose (5-2) is putting two races together for the first time in her career and is sure to improve off her June 3 comeback from an extended spell.