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.
2026 Shoemaker Mile Stakes at a Glance
A competitive renewal of the Shoemaker Mile Stakes anchors Santa Anita Park’s traditional Memorial Day card. Although it’s not a “Win and You’re In” Challenge Series race this year, the Grade 1 Shoemaker is still an important late-spring test for turf milers pointed to the Breeders’ Cup this fall.
An Early Look at the Probable Field for the 2026 Belmont Stakes
The Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve and the Preakness Stakes are in the books, so now is the time to shift focus to the $2 million Belmont Stakes Presented by NYRA Bets June 6 in Saratoga Springs, N.Y.
Preakness Win Propels Napoleon Solo in Triple Crown Power Rankings
Each week, members of the national media vote on the nation's top contenders on the Triple Crown trail in the National Thoroughbred Racing Association (NTRA) Top Thoroughbred Poll.
