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Horse Racing Tournament Talk: Weekend recap, upcoming, & big winners
Betting With, and Against, Nic’s Style in the Filly and Mare Sprint Stakes
Need for Speed: What the Fastest Breeds Teach Us About Racehorse Evolution
Video of Kentucky Derby Workouts & Exclusive Trackside Interviews by TwinSpires [VIDEO]
Pick 4 of the Week: Gulfstream Park Saturday, April 25
Kentucky Oaks Roundup: Probables Prepare for first Friday in May
Exotics Plays for the Royal Heroine Stakes
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Kentucky Derby Jockey Profile: Flavien Prat
A champion apprentice jockey in his native France, Flavien Prat has been on a steady rise to stardom.
Racing
Churchill Downs track update for April 27
All eyes are on Churchill Downs for the Kentucky Derby. But, before making your final decisions, let's take a look back to see who has been successful.
Racing
Mucciolo: How I am playing the Kentucky Oaks
A superb field of 14 three-year-old fillies will vie in Friday’s centerpiece at Churchill Downs, the $1.25 million Kentucky Oaks (G1).
Racing
Kentucky Derby 2021 by the numbers
To get you ready for the most exciting racing event of the year, check out these fast facts and figures, as we break down the 2021 Kentucky Derby by the numbers.
Racing
Value plays on the Kentucky Oaks undercard
A sensational 13-race card will be hosted by Churchill Downs on Friday, headlined by the $1.25 million Kentucky Oaks (G1).
Racing
147th Kentucky Derby field and ML
The field and morning line odds for the 147th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.
Racing
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Kentucky Derby jockey profile: David Cohen
Through the years, jockey David Cohen has carved out a productive career at racetracks across the country.
Racing
Kentucky Derby jockey profile: Corey Lanerie
The shortest path around a racetrack is the inside rail, and few jockeys have capitalized on this advantage as well as Corey Lanerie.
Racing
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays for April 27
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares his picks and plays for Tuesday, April 27 at Indiana Grand and Churchill Downs, plus thoughts on vulnerable favorites in Churchill’s $5,348 Pick 6 carryover.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: April 27, 2021
Jason opens the show talking about Kentucky Derby week, preparations for the big weekend, and just some general horseplaying thoughts. He also discusses some Pick 6 topics from around racing and more.
Racing
One Hundred Years Ago, Colonel Bradley Goes for the One-Two
A century ago, the Kentucky Derby was blossoming into the Run for the Roses, America’s most famous horse race. Names now iconic in Derby history contributed to its growing popularity, these humans and horses synonymous with cascading blankets of roses and icy cups of mint juleps: Regret and Exterminator, Harry Payne Whitney and Colonel Matt Winn. In the 1920s and 1930s, another Kentucky colonel added his name to that list, Edward Riley Bradley.
Kentucky Derby
Hoosier Park harness plays: April 28
For the program on April 28 at Hoosier Park, we suggest some horses for selected plays that may fit in any type of wager.
Betting Info
Kentucky Derby Jockey Profile: Luis Saez
The rise of jockey Luis Saez has been meteoric. Ever since he started riding, he’s been a force to be reckoned with.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Jockey Profile: Mike Smith
The 55-year-old from New Mexico has partnered with some of racing’s most legendary horses since picking up his first official victory.
Racing
Kentucky Derby workouts and bubble watch: April 26, 2021
The field is set, the post draw is right around the corner, and all the serious pre-race workouts are complete. The Kentucky Derby is just five days away, and you can feel the tension building.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Jockey Profile: Ricardo Santana Jr.
It’s safe to say Ricardo Santana Jr. is a jockey on the rise. The 28-year-old from Panama has made almost uninterrupted progress since September 2009.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Jockey Profile: Joel Rosario
Jockey Joel Rosario. Few North American jockeys have enjoyed greater or more sustained success over the last decade than Joel Rosario.
Racing
Stakes plays at Churchill Downs for April 29
Two competitive stakes races will highlight a strong 11-race card beneath the Twin Spires on Thursday.
Racing
Ward duo looms large in Kentucky Juvenile S. on April 28
A field of eight two-year-old prospects will dash five furlongs on the Churchill Downs dirt in Wednesday’s $150,000 Kentucky Juvenile S.
Racing
How to bet the Isaac Murphy Marathon S. on April 27
The feature of a nine-race card at Churchill Downs on Tuesday is the $130,000 Isaac Murphy Marathon S.
Racing
Five festive Kentucky Derby drinks that aren't a mint julep
Not everyone acquires the taste of the mint julep, the traditional Kentucky Derby libation made of one part water, one part sugar, bourbon, mint, and a heap of crushed ice.
Racing
147th Kentucky Oaks field and ML
The field and morning line for the 147th Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs on April 30.
Racing
Keeler Johnson's top five contenders to watch for the Kentucky Oaks
Although most handicappers are focused on analyzing the Kentucky Derby, Friday’s $1.25 million Kentucky Oaks (G1) at Churchill Downs is a great race in its own right.
Racing
Keeler Johnson's top five contenders to watch for the Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby (G1) is just five days away, and the post position draw is coming up in about 24 hours. It’s time to start finalizing our selections for the “Run for the Roses."
Racing
How the rose became the Kentucky Derby's signature flower
It is every owner’s dream to receive the huge garland presented to the winner of the Run for the Roses each year. But where does the tradition come from?
Racing
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays for April 26
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares his picks and plays for Monday, April 26 at Indiana Grand and Thistledown, including thoughts on a $30,248 Pick 6 jackpot carryover.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: April 26, 2021
Jason looks back at the racing weekend including a huge stakes filled card from Golden Gate Fields with the San Francisco Mile as the headliner. He also discusses racing from Belmont Park, Churchill Downs, Santa Anita, and more!
Racing
Harness Weekly Update: Six Double-Digit Wins Top Plays
The TwinSpires Harness Blog Weekly Update covers our results from the older pacing series at Yonkers, our selected features, and the horses-to-watch list (H2W) successes and failures.
Betting Info
The best horses to lose the Kentucky Derby
These five horses made their mark in racing history in spite of their shortcomings in the Kentucky Derby.
Kentucky Derby
2021 Kentucky Derby: Brisnet Speed Rating Report
The Kentucky Derby is the most analyzed race in North America, and Brisnet Speed ratings serve as a useful handicapping tool for the big event.
Racing
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays of the day for April 25
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares his picks and plays for Sunday, April 25 at Belmont Park and Santa Anita, along with thoughts on a pair of mandatory-payout carryovers at Hawthorne.
Wagering
Hong Kong: Spot plays for Champions Day at Sha Tin
The 2020-21 racing season in Hong Kong reaches its second semiannual peak on Sunday, when Sha Tin Racecourse hosts a trio of Group 1 races comprising “Champions Day.”
Wagering
How to bet the Santa Margarita Stakes
A compact field of five will head to post in Saturday’s $200,000 Santa Margarita S. (G2) at Santa Anita.
Racing
Best exotics to play in Tesio Stakes
The $125,000 Federico Tesio S. is the main attraction on a big Saturday of racing at Pimlico where a total of six black-type events will take place.
Racing
Why didn't Man o' War run in the Kentucky Derby?
Considered by many to be the greatest thoroughbred racehorse of all-time, Man o’ War wasn't even entered in the 1920 Kentucky Derby, a head-scratching decision even now.
Racing
Churchill Downs: Vulnerable favorites and a viable single in Saturday's Pick 4 sequences
Get ready, Churchill Downs bettors! Saturday’s opening-night card offers a trio of Pick 4 wagers, and TwinSpires is celebrating with a $6,000 “Hit It and Split It” promotion.
Wagering
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays of the day for April 24
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares his picks and plays for Saturday, April 24 at Belmont Park, Churchill Downs, and Pimlico—coincidentally, the homes of the three Triple Crown races.
Wagering
Pimlico: Handicapping the all-stakes Pick 5 for April 24
We're only a week out from the Kentucky Derby (G1), which means the Preakness (G1) is not far behind.
Racing
Meet the Kentucky Derby contenders of 2021
Discover each of the Kentucky Derby contenders with TwinSpires' official Meet the Kentucky Derby Contenders free download! This document will introduce you to each Kentucky Derby runner by exclusive family information and reveal true abilities to run the 1 1/4 miles distance at Churchill Downs in a style or effort that past horses have found success with.
Racing
Opening-night spot plays for April 24 at Churchill Downs
The spring meet at Churchill Downs begins Saturday evening with a 10-race program, highlighted by the $150,000 William Walker S. for three-year-olds at 5 1/2 furlongs on turf. First post is 6 p.m. ET
Racing
QUIZ: Learn your Kentucky Derby style
Before you tune in to the Run for the Roses on Saturday, May 1, make sure you know what to wear with our Kentucky Derby style quiz!
Racing
Churchill Downs: Tips and trends for betting the 2021 spring meet
One year after COVID-19 prompted the postponement of the 2020 Kentucky Derby (G1) by four months, a sense of normalcy has returned to Churchill Downs.
Racing
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays for April 23
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares his picks and plays for Friday, April 23 at Belmont Park and Keeneland, including tickets for Keeneland’s mandatory-payout Super High Five carryover.
Wagering
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: April 23, 2021
It's Friday and we're looking ahead to racing action from Golden Gate Fields, Belmont Park, and opening night at Churchill Downs. Ed, James, and Scott join Jason for the weekly Jury segment to talk Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby.
Racing
Closing day spot plays for Keeneland
Friday marks the closing day of the always fantastic spring racing at Keeneland. A 10-race card is on the slate, topped by the $150,000 Bewitch S.
Racing
How to bet the 2021 William Walker Stakes
An overflow field 12 of is entered for the opening day feature at Churchill Downs, the $150,000 William Walker S.
Racing
Do you know your horse racing lingo?
Horse racing has some of the most colorful lingo of any sport, but how much of it do you really know?
Racing
The 5 greatest trainers that have never won the Kentucky Derby
A horseman’s greatness is often determined by their success in Triple Crown races, particularly the Kentucky Derby (G1). These five outstanding trainers are without a win in the "Run for the Roses."
Racing
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays for April 22
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares his picks and plays for Thursday, April 22 at Belmont Park, Lone Star Park, and Keeneland, including tickets for a $13,538 Super High Five carryover.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: April 22, 2021
It's Horseplayer Thursday and Jason opens the show discussing the Keeneland races from Wednesday and discussing some betting topics including Pick 5's and exactas.
Racing
Grand Circuit Betting Spring Arrives
The stakes are high as the Grand Circuit heats up with traditional events offering early season value.
Betting Info
Kentucky Derby Context: Essential Quality
Essential Quality will take some beating as the Kentucky Derby favorite. They gray colt exhibited his will to win in the final prep race, determinedly getting up by a neck in the Blue Grass S. (G2) to remain unbeaten.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Context: Highly Motivated
TwinSpires.com horse racing analyst James Scully attended his first Kentucky Derby in 1981. Along with a brief profile of this year’s contenders, he is providing some historical context.
Racing
Hoosier Park harness plays for April 21
Frank Cotolo offers deep handicapping for Hoosier Park to expose horses with better chances than their odds.
Betting Info
Who is the most intriguing Kentucky Derby longshot?
Get to know some of the most interesting dark-horse candidates for the greatest two minutes in sports.
Racing
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays for April 21
Handicapper Keeler Johnson shares his picks and plays for April 21 at Indiana Grand and Turf Paradise, along with thoughts on a pair of enticing non-jackpot carryovers at Indiana Grand and Keeneland.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Apr. 21, 2021
Jason opens the show discussing some of the various news around the world of racing. Then we welcome in the voice of Churchill Downs Travis Stone to talk about the upcoming Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks, and more!
Racing
Hong Kong: Happy Valley Race 9 for April 21
Be Ready looks ready to continue his winning ways in the Queen’s Road Central Handicap at Happy Valley on Wednesday night. Be Ready looks ready to continue his winning ways in the Queen’s Road Central Handicap at Happy Valley on Wednesday night. The son of Love Conquers All has raced just twice this campaign, resuming with a fifth-place finish in February before thrashing a useful Class 3 field on March 24.
Racing
The Kentucky Derby's luckiest (and unluckiest) draws
The number your pick draws in the Kentucky Derby could decide your fate before you even place a bet.
Racing
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays for April 20
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares his picks and plays for Tuesday, April 20 at Indiana Grand and Will Rogers Downs, including a ticket for the $11,154 Pick 6 carryover at Indiana Grand.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: April 20, 2021
Jason opens the show by discussing some of the news of the day and responding to listener emails. Then, we're very happy to welcome in long time Tampa Bay Downs announcer Richard Grunder to talk about his retirement from race calling, his career in the booth, the growth of Tampa Bay Downs, and more!
Racing
Watch: The bond between O Besos' two riders
Jockey Marcelino Pedroza and exercise rider Magarito Fierro have more in common than the Greg Foley-trained Kentucky Derby contender O Besos.
Racing
Churchill Downs by the numbers
Get ready for the 147th running of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 1 with this collection of scintillating stats and facts about Churchill Downs.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Context: Super Stock
Super Stock broke through in the Arkansas Derby (G1), earning a spot in the Kentucky Derby field with a 12-1 upset at Oaklawn Park. Read this and the full series by James Scully on TwinSpires Edge!
Racing
Kentucky Derby Pedigree Profile: Hidden Stash
Sometimes, we examine the breeding of a Kentucky Derby contender and think to ourselves, “No complaints about this pedigree.” Such is the impression generated by the bloodlines of Hidden Stash.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Context: Hidden Stash
A rallying second in the Tampa Bay Derby (G2), Hidden Stash did not receive the right set-up and experienced a troubled trip finishing fourth in the Blue Grass S. (G2) at Keeneland. His late kick could prove more effective in the Kentucky Derby.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Pedigree Profile: Crowded Trade
Can Crowded Trade handle the 1 1/4-mile distance of the Kentucky Derby? That’s a tough question, because his pedigree can be read in multiple ways, and it doesn’t provide a clear answer.
Racing
Defections mean shrinking number of Derby bubble horses
Less than two weeks out from the Kentucky Derby (G1), it appears nearly everyone who wants to run in the Churchill Downs classic may have the opportunity.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Workouts and Bubble Watch: April 19, 2021
Just 12 days remain until the 147th running of the Kentucky Derby, which means the field is coming into focus and the contenders are busy turning in critical pre-race workouts.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Pedigree Profile: Dream Shake
For some horses, the Kentucky Derby (G1) is the race they were born to pursue. But other horses have backup plans built into their pedigrees, with Dream Shake being a perfect example.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Pedigree Profile: O Besos
Kentucky Derby winners might be elite racehorses, but they don’t necessarily make elite stallions. Derby winners who sire Derby winners are a relative rarity; can Orb pull off the double with O Besos?
Racing
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays for April 19
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares his picks and plays for Monday, April 19 at Indiana Grand, Parx Racing, and Turf Paradise, including thoughts on Turf Paradise’s $225,649 Pick 6 carryover.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: April 19, 2021
Jason looks back at the weekend of racing action, including the thrilling matchup in the Apple Blossom (G1) at Oaklawn Park.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Context: O Besos
To make the Kentucky Derby field, O Besos needed a top three finish in the TwinSpires.com Louisiana Derby (G2). He was the only contestant to make an impact from off the pace in an eight-horse field, rallying well for third.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Context: Soup and Sandwich
Soup and Sandwich secured a Kentucky Derby bid by holding for second in the Florida Derby (G1). The gray colt will make his fourth career start in the Kentucky Derby.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Context: Midnight Bourbon
Midnight Bourbon has never finished out of the money from seven career starts. The hard-trying colt earned points in five consecutive qualifying races prior to the Kentucky Derby, including a victory in the Lecomte S. (G3) at Fair Grounds.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Context: Rock Your World
Rock Your World took no prisoners in the Santa Anita Derby (G1), crushing foes wire-to-wire by a 4 1/2-length margin, and he may have the skills to carry his form forward in the Kentucky Derby.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Context: Sainthood
Sainthood earned his way to the Kentucky Derby by finishing second in the Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3) at Turfway Park, a newly added major qualifier on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Context: Dynamic One
Dynamic One stamped his Kentucky Derby ticket with a head second in the Wood Memorial S. (G2) at Aqueduct.
Racing
Harness Weekly Update: Tall Prices Fall Short; Public Scores
The TwinSpires Harness Blog Weekly Update covers our results from the remaining leg of the older pacing series at Yonkers, our selected features aside from the horses-to-watch list (H2W) successes and failures.
Betting Info
Kentucky Derby Context: Known Agenda
A convincing winner of the Florida Derby (G1), Known Agenda tops an expected four-horse contingent for two-time Kentucky Derby-winning trainer Todd Pletcher.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Context: Helium
After rallying to win the Tampa Bay Derby (G2), Helium will make his second start of the year in the Kentucky Derby.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Pedigree Profile: Sainthood
Looking for a horse who’s bred to handle the Kentucky Derby distance, even if his pedigree isn’t particularly flashy? Look no further than Sainthood.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Pedigree Profile: Soup and Sandwich
What do you get when you cross the bloodlines of the two most successful U.S. stallions of the last decade? You get Soup and Sandwich, an up-and-coming contender for the Kentucky Derby (G1).
Racing
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays of the day for April 18
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares his picks and plays for Sunday, April 18 at Aqueduct and Santa Anita, including a ticket for Santa Anita’s $197,942 Rainbow Pick 6 carryover.
Wagering
Kentucky Derby Pedigree Profile: Dynamic One
One of the most expensive horses in the 2021 Kentucky Derby field is Wood Memorial (G2) runner-up Dynamic One, who brings an appropriately classy pedigree to the mix.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Pedigree Profile: Highly Motivated
One year ago, many handicappers would have examined the pedigree of Highly Motivated and concluded he had little chance to win the 1 1/4-mile Kentucky Derby (G1). But times have changed.
Racing
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays for April 17
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares his picks and plays for Saturday, April 17 at Keeneland, Oaklawn, and Santa Anita, along with thoughts on mandatory Pick 6 dispersals at Gulfstream and Mahoning.
Wagering
Kentucky Derby Context: Medina Spirit
Winner of the Robert B. Lewis S. (G3) in late January, Medina Spirit exits a pair of runner-up finishes in the San Felipe S. (G2) and Santa Anita Derby (G1).
Racing
Kentucky Derby Context: Mandaloun
Mandaloun secured a Kentucky Derby berth over the winter at Fair Grounds, recording a win in the Risen Star S. (G2) and a close third in the Lecomte S. (G3) in his first two stakes appearances.
Racing
Champions clash in stellar Apple Blossom
The much-anticipated meeting of champion Monomoy Girl and reigning sophomore champ Swiss Skydiver will take place on Saturday.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Context: Like the King
Winner of the Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3), Like the King captured two of three starts on the Tapeta track at Turfway Park this winter.
Racing
Who has the best shot to win 2021 Kentucky Derby?
Which one of these 100-point prep winners has the best shot leading into the Kentucky Derby?
Racing
Kentucky Derby Context: Hot Rod Charlie
With a convincing win in the TwinSpires.com Louisiana Derby (G2), Hot Rod Charlie became a serious Kentucky Derby contender.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Context: Bourbonic
Bourbonic earned his Kentucky Derby spot in a surprising manner, recording a 72-1 upset in the Wood Memorial S. (G2) at Aqueduct on April 3.
Racing
Exotics plays for the Oaklawn Handicap
The especially well-matched field features some budding stars in the handicap division and promises to be a thrilling event.
Wagering
Keeneland Spot Plays for April 17
A 10-race Saturday card will be hosted by Keeneland on Saturday, led by the $200,000 Elkhorn S. (G2).
Racing
Racing Spotlight: Express Train, Kendrick Carmouche, Antonio Sano
Racing Spotlight is a weekly series that highlights a horse, jockey, and trainer with insightful information.
Racing
How to pick a Kentucky Derby horse if you're not a handicapper
From meaningful moniker to coat color, here are a few alternate ways to find a winning Kentucky Derby horse if you're not an expert handicapper.
Racing
Raging Bull has put himself in the fight, like Jake LaMotta
It isn't often a racehorse can — or should — be compared to a boxer. But it works for Raging Bull.
Racing
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