How to bet the Remington Park Derby and Oaks on Sept. 27

Classy 3-year-olds will take center stage in the $200,000 Remington Park Derby (G3) and the $100,000 Remington Park Oaks (G3) on Sunday at Remington Park.

Both races have drawn large fields with plenty of options for handicappers to consider, so let’s play along on a $50 budget.

Race 4: Remington Park Oaks (G3, 5:24 p.m. ET)

In terms of Brisnet Speed ratings, #4 Envoutante (7-5) is a clear standout in this 1 1/16-mile event. The improving daughter of Curlin has posted figures in the 91-100 range in her last four starts on dirt, including on-the-board efforts against elite competition in the Ashland (G1) and Alabama (G1).

Trained by Kenneth McPeek, Envoutante has tactical speed and figures to enjoy a perfect trip stalking the pace under Remington’s leading rider David Cabrera. On paper, the only filly fast enough to challenge Envoutante down the homestretch is her stablemate #8 Jeweled Princess.

A former claimer, Jeweled Princess improved significantly during the summer, recording three straight victories on the Kentucky circuit. Fresh off an allowance win racing 1 1/16 miles at Churchill Downs, Jeweled Princess can round out a 1-2 finish for the McPeek stable.

$20 exacta: 4 with 8

Race 10: Oklahoma Derby (G3, 8:12 p.m. ET)

Indiana Derby (G3) winner #5 Shared Sense (5-2) and Ohio Derby (G3) winner #9 Dean Martini (7-2) are the most accomplished runners in the Oklahoma Derby field, but both finished off the board in the Aug. 9 Ellis Park Derby and seem tough to trust at short prices in Sunday’s 1 1/8-mile event.

Instead, I’ll think outside the box with #7 Avant Garde (6-1). A son of Belmont Stakes (G1) winner Tonalist, Avant Garde has shown tremendous improvement since being claimed by trainer Jesus Lander, winning four straight races by daylight margins. He was especially impressive in a 1 1/16-mile starter allowance event on Sept. 5 at Gulfstream Park, racing comfortably in traffic before shifting out and exploding clear to win by 4 1/2 lengths.

Avant Garde’s turn-of-foot was visually terrific, and he finished legitimately fast, earning a 100 Brisnet Late Pace rating and a 101 Brisnet Speed rating. He’s bred to stretch out over 1 1/8 miles, so let’s bet Avant Garde to win and play him on top in the trifecta.

$20 to win on #7 Avant Garde
$0.50 trifecta: 7 with 1,2,3,5,8 with 1,2,3,5,8 ($10)
Total: $30

Good luck!