Whether it’s the run up to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands or the Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series, there’s great racing action nearly every weekend of the year. Starting this year, America’s Best Racing is challenging some of the brightest minds in horse betting to come up with their top three picks for key races leading up to the Derby and the Breeders’ Cup.

Making the Grade, which will run through the 2017 Belmont Stakes, focuses on the winners or top performers of the big races, usually from the previous weekend, who could impact the next Triple Crown. We’ll be taking a close look at impressive winners and evaluating their chances to win classic races based upon ability, running style, connections (owner, trainer, jockey) and pedigree.