Welcome to Noel Michaels’ Weekend Winners, the place to go for weekend best bets and spot plays from veteran handicapper and tournament-play pioneer Noel Michaels. Check back every week for a couple of highlighted selections designed to help you cash a few bets and make some money.
Queen praises family of BBC commentator Hunt for their bravery
Her Majesty shares her own experience of assault in a discussion with John and Amy Hunt about violence against women.
2026 Smarty Jones Stakes at a Glance
While people will be saying “Happy New Year!” on Thursday, all Thoroughbreds will be celebrating their birthdays. Horses that were 2 at the start of the week will turn 3 on Thursday and that’s when the talk about the 2026 Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve really begins to intensify.
Balboa Can Land Knockout Punch in 2026 Jerome Stakes
The first Road to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve qualifier of 2026 is Saturday’s $150,000 Jerome Stakes at Aqueduct, which will be followed by the Smarty Jones Stakes at Oaklawn Park later that afternoon.
