The Road to the 2021 Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve gained momentum with the turn of the calendar, as one qualifying points prep was held on New Year’s Day and another on Jan. 2. Two horses – one under the radar, another arguably the biggest “buzz” horse of the prep season so far – jumped onto the contenders list, and now the action picks up going forward with major races scheduled almost every weekend.

America’s Best Racing and handicapper (and avid gambler) Monique Vág team up to provide horseplayers with their best bets of the weekend.

Vág will identify her top picks as well as at least one longshot play of the weekend, a nice opportunity to swing for the fences on a win bet or to take a shot with a show bet. She also will occasionally look for strong exacta plays for the weekend or try to spot a nice opportunity for other wagers.

Saturday, Jan. 2