Horseplayers are used to not expecting much the week before the Kentucky Derby. On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, though, there’s enough interesting stakes action to keep any horse racing fan intrigued. The most interesting race should be the Federico Tesio Stakes, which has become a prep for the Grade 1 Preakness Stakes on May 15. Check out top plays and Horse Racing Odds for the Top Stakes Races of the Week from Friday, April 23rd to Sunday, April 25th. You can also visit our Online Racebook to place your bets on active racetracks.

Horse Racing Odds & Picks from April 23rd to April 25th Races

Top Stakes Races of the Week

• When: Friday, April 23 – Sunday, April 25

Keeneland Racecourse – Friday, April 23rd

• Grade 3 Bewitch Stakes – 1 ½ miles turf – $150,000

Past winners include Ickymasho, Mom’s On Strike, Quiet Business and Olorda. The Bewitch Stakes often produces a high-priced winner. Make sure to handicap fully before settling on your pick.

Belmont Park – Friday, April 23rd

• Affirmed Success Stakes – 6 furlongs dirt – $100,000

The usual group of second-tier sprinters on the east coast figure to battle it out for the winner’s share of this Friday’s Affirmed Success purse. Expect Shared Ride, Chateau, and Wendell Fong to all enter the starting gate. Funny Guy, Tattooed, and Laki could also enter. 

Belmont Park – Saturday, April 24th

• Elusive Quality Stakes – 7 furlongs turf – $100,000

Connections for 2019 Elusive Quality Stakes winner Therapist could decide to begin the horse’s 2021 campaign Saturday’s Elusive Quality. Therapist hasn’t raced since November 28. The Cristophe Clement runner remains active, though. Turned Aside, El Tormenta, and True Valour could also enter the starting gate.   

Laurel Park – Saturday, April 24th

• Federico Tesio Stakes – 1 1/8 miles dirt – $125,000

Horses that will skip the Kentucky Derby and point to the Preakness will often prep in the Federico Tesio. This year, one such horse is Remsen winner Brooklyn Strong. Don’t be surprised if Crowded Trade and Rombauer also run in the Federico Tesio Stakes. 

Oaklawn Park – Saturday, April 24th

• Bachelor Stakes – 6 furlongs dirt – $200,000

Some of the fastest three-year-olds in North America will enter the starting gate for the 2021 Bachelor Stakes. Long Weekend won the 2020 version followed by Echo Town and Lykan. Which top three-year-old sprinter will take this year’s running?

Santa Anita Park – Saturday, April 24th

• Grade 2 Santa Margarita – 1 1/8 miles dirt – $200,000

Grade 1 Beholder Mile second-place finisher As Time Goes By is likely to headline the weekend’s top graded race. Bob Baffert trained Crystal Ball should run. So should Harvest Moon and Warren’s Showtime.  

Santa Anita Park – Sunday, April 25th

• Singletary Stakes – 1 mile turf – $100,000 

Named after one of the greatest middle linebackers in NFL history, Mike Singletary, the horse Singletary was an awesome turf miler. Singletary’s namesake race could produce a big payoff because horses like Cathkin Peak, Petruchio, Cherubic Factor, Coastal Kid and Du Jour appear to have similar talent. Only back on a short price if your sure.