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Thursday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Thurby plays at Churchill Downs
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Thursday, May 1 at Churchill Downs, along with a horse to single in Hawthorne’s $7,717 Pick 6 carryover.
Racing
Thursday Thoughts with Jason Beem for May 1, 2025
Jason shares some final thoughts on the Kentucky Derby and gives his official picks!
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast May 1, 2025
Jason discusses the Kentucky Derby and shares some final thoughts on the undercard and the event itself. Kellie Reilly joins us for the International Radar segment to discuss Luxor Cafe and Admire Daytona's chances on Saturday.
Racing
2025 Kentucky Derby Brisnet Speed Rating report
We will focus on the final two prep races, ranking the Kentucky Derby field by last-out number.
Kentucky Derby
STUDY: Do Kentucky Derby winners earn more per second than other athletes?
When Mystik Dan battled to a narrow victory in the 2024 Kentucky Derby (G1), he claimed a first-prize purse worth $3.1 million.
Analysis
Betting With, and Against, Mindframe in the Churchill Downs Stakes
An excellent field of 11 will travel seven-eighths on the famed main oval in Louisville in Saturday’s lucrative, $1 million Churchill Downs S. (G1).
Racing
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Post Positions That Produced The Most & Fewest Kentucky Derby Winners
What post position wins the Kentucky Derby the most? When analyzing Kentucky Derby winners by post position, it is important to look at the win percentage and in-the-money percentage of each position.
Racing
The biggest upsets in Kentucky Derby history
From Donerail in 1913 to Country House in 2019, we rank the five most shocking upsets in Kentucky Derby history.
Racing
Kentucky Derby scratches that changed history
While a comprehensive list of Kentucky Derby scratches since 1875 is not possible, these four withdrawals perhaps were the most significant.
Kentucky Derby
Japanese Horses In the Kentucky Derby: Racing Stars From Japan
Japanese Horses In the Kentucky Derby: Racing Stars From Japan
Racing
Who was the biggest underdog ever to win the Kentucky Derby?
Most recent underdogs weren’t facing an overwhelming favorite or toppling a budding superstar or two. In fact, many underdog winners can be judged less on how much they paid, but by who they beat.
Kentucky Derby
Best trainers never to have won the Kentucky Derby
The Kentucky Derby is America's signature race, but victory in it unfortunately eluded (or has) some of the finest and most accomplished horsemen in history.
Features
Top 10 Most Successful Trainers in Kentucky Derby History
Based on overall number of victories, as well as second- and third-place finishes, here are the 10 most successful trainers in Kentucky Derby history.
Kentucky Derby
20 Fun and Memorable Kentucky Derby Quotes & Sayings
What are some of the most iconic Kentucky Derby quotes and Kentucky Derby sayings that have stayed with fans throughout history?
Racing
20 songs for your Kentucky Derby playlist
Do you know these 20 familiar songs referencing horse racing or the Kentucky Derby?
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast April 30, 2025
Jason welcomes in TwinSpires' own Darin Zoccali to join him to preview all the contenders in this year's Kentucky Derby.
Racing
Exotics plays for the American Turf Stakes
An overflow field of 18 three-year-olds has been entered to contest the lucrative, $1 million American Turf S. (G1) at Churchill Downs on Saturday.
Racing
Wednesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: The Tabulator’s sibling debuts
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Wednesday, April 30 at Churchill Downs and Horseshoe Indianapolis, including a first-time starter at 10-1 odds.
Racing
Kentucky Derby International Scouting Report: Luxor Cafe, Admire Daytona
After Japan came closer than ever in the 2024 Kentucky Derby (G1), the two Japanese shippers for the 2025 Run for the Roses will attract plenty of attention.
Racing
The Jury: Expert Picks, Bets, and Fades for May 2-3, 2025
A special TwinSpires Jury of James Scully, Darin Zoccali, Ashley Anderson, and Nick Tammaro gather ahead of the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Oaks (G1) to dish out their top picks in the big races at Churchill Downs on Friday, May 2, and Saturday, May 3.
Racing
Horses: $177 Billion annually to the US Economy
For many Americans, Kentucky Derby day is the one big day when they take an interest in horse racing. In the popular mindset, all roads lead to the first Saturday in May at Louisville. But as spectacular as that one day is, it’s merely the high point of a multi-billion dollar industry that employs thousands of people.
Features
Tuesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: West Hollywood can rebound
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Tuesday, April 29 at Horseshoe Indianapolis and Churchill Downs, including a cold double bet.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast April 29, 2025
Jason is joined by Gulfstream Park announcer Pete Aiello to discuss this years Kentucky Oaks and all the contenders.
Racing
Churchill Downs: How to bet the 2025 Kentucky Juvenile Stakes
This year’s Kentucky Juvenile has drawn an eight-horse field, and morning-line favorite #5 Pinky Finger (8-5) looks like a standout.
Racing
Race for the Crown episode 3 recap: The Road to the Derby - Part 2
Race for the Crown episode 3—titled "The Road to the Derby: Part 2"—slightly deviates from the chronological sequence of the 2024 Derby preps, focusing on the Santa Anita Derby (G1) and the Arkansas Derby (G1).
Racing
Kentucky Derby Roundup: Latest workouts and position post draw
The 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1) is five days away. Catch up on the latest news and notes as the first Saturday in May approaches:
Racing
Churchill Downs: How to bet the 2025 Isaac Murphy Marathon
Since its inaugural edition in 2019, high-quality marathoners like Next and Lone Rock have won the Isaac Murphy Marathon. Lambeth looks ready to join the club.
Racing
STUDY: Is the Kentucky Derby's Apollo Curse a negative or positive?
Is a lack of juvenile racing experience a detriment in the Kentucky Derby, or is the Apollo Curse a myth resulting from an insufficient sample size of horses?
Racing
Monday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Mendelssohns Music should like turf
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Monday, April 28 at Will Rogers Downs, Thistledown, and Turf Paradise, including a trifecta.
Racing
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem for April 28, 2025
Jason discusses the week ahead as we build up to the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast April 28, 2025
Jason discusses some racing from this past weekend and also talks Kentucky Derby and Oaks draws, morning lines, and much more!
Racing
STUDY: Is the average age of Kentucky Derby-winning jockeys rising?
Anecdotally, it appears the average age of Kentucky Derby-winning jockeys has increased over the past 100 years. Does this hold up under closer scrutiny?
Racing
Analyzing Sunday carryovers at Hawthorne and Santa Anita
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares horses to play in a pair of Sunday carryovers at Hawthorne and Santa Anita, including a first-time starter at 6-1 odds.
Racing
Journalism draws post 8, pegged as 3-1 favorite in 2025 Kentucky Derby
Post positions and morning-line odds for the 2025 Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks
Racing
LIVE
2025 Kentucky Derby post position draw with LIVE handicapping commentaryJoin our expert panel as they comment on the contenders post positions prior, after, and during the draw, and so much more!
Analysis
Horse Racing This Weekend: Key Races, Top Horses & Best Bets [April 26-27]
Find out everything you need to know about key races, top horse, and best bets with TwinSpires horse racing this weekend.
Analysis
Plays for the $800 Churchill Downs KDBC Qualifier tournament
Saturday is opening day of the Churchill Downs spring meet, and there are a couple of excellent reasons to play the 10-race card.
Racing
A Glass Full of Memories: A History of the Derby's Iconic Mint Julep Glasses
From their humble beginnings in the 1930s to their collectible designs in 2025, the mint julep glass is another piece of the Kentucky Derby experience that leaves fans with lasting memories of their day under the Twin Spires.
Education
Kentucky Derby: 4 stories of ordinary bettors winning big
You don’t need to be a millionaire to win a big bet on the Kentucky Derby (G1). Play the right horse(s) in the right situation, and even a small budget can yield a lucrative payoff.
Racing
Synthetic vs. turf vs. dirt: How surface transitions affect horse racing
When a horse transitions from one racing surface to another, the impact on their performance can be substantial.
Racing
How to Calculate Fair Odds for the 2025 Kentucky Derby
Calculating a fair odds line for the 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1) is a multi-step process, but it helps determine which horse(s) to bet and is worth the effort.
Analysis
Race for the Crown episode 2 recap: The Road to the Derby - Part 1
Episode 2 of Race for the Crown, titled “The Road to the Derby – Part 1,” highlights two critical Kentucky Derby prep races: the Florida Derby (G1) and the Blue Grass S. (G1), both offering Derby qualifying points to the top five finishers.
Racing
Race for the Crown episode 1 recap: The Greatest 2 Minutes in Sports
Race for the Crown opens with episode 1, “The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports,” spotlighting the difficulty of getting to the Kentucky Derby. A voiceover sets the stakes: “20,000 horses born every year. 20 in the starting gate.”
Racing
Champions Day in Hong Kong: Tabbing El Vencedor in QEII Cup
Sha Tin plays host to a 10-race Champions Day program that boasts three Group 1 events, and the action kicks off late Saturday night 12:45 a.m. ET.
Racing
Growth in Kentucky Derby Day betting virtually unabated in its modern history
Growth in Kentucky Derby Day is not up for debate. Betting virtually is firmly a part of modern history.
Racing
Pick 3 of the Week: Aqueduct Saturday
The Pick 3 of the Week will come from Aqueduct on Saturday in a sequence that includes the headliner of the afternoon, the $125,000 Woodhaven S. on the grass for three-year-olds.
Racing
How to bet the Natural State Breeders’ Stakes
A total of 10 Arkansas-bred fillies and mares will travel one-mile in Sunday’s $150,000 Natural State Breeders’ S. at Oaklawn Park.
Racing
How to bet the Royal Heroine Stakes
A massive field of 13 fillies and mares will go eight panels on the Santa Anita lawn in Saturday’s $100,000 Royal Heroine S. (G3).
Racing
Friday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Santa Anita’s $68,636 Pick 6 carryover
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Friday, April 25 at Aqueduct and Keeneland, along with a single for the $68,638 Pick 6 carryover at Santa Anita.
Racing
Betting With, and Against, Sandy Bottom in the Roxelana Stakes
The opening-night feature at Churchill Downs on Saturday is the $200,000 Roxelana S. Seven fillies and one mare will go postward in the six-furlong heat on the main oval.
Racing
Pick 4 of the Week: Churchill Downs Saturday
The last of the three Pick 4 wagers offered at Churchill Downs on opening day comprises the final four races on the slate, including the feature, the Roxelana S.
Wagering
Exotics Plays for the Monroe Stakes
A total of 11 fillies and mares will travel 1 1/16 miles over the Gulfstream Park green in Saturday’s $75,000 Monroe S.
Wagering
How to bet the Bewitch Stakes
The closing-day feature at Keeneland on Friday is the $350,000 Bewitch S. (G3), a 1 1/2-mile turf affair for fillies and mares.
Wagering
The Jury: Expert Picks, Bets, and Fades for April 26, 2025
The TwinSpires Jury of Ashley Anderson and guest Nick Tammaro are back to debate their best bets and fades at Churchill Downs for Opening Night of the 43-day spring meet, plus they look at a high-profile matching at Aqueduct on Saturday.
Racing
Thursday Thoughts with Jason Beem for April 24, 2025
Jason discusses 'wise guy' and 'narrative' horses that might get bet in this year's Kentucky Derby.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast April 24, 2025
Jason is joined by TwinSpires' own Kellie Reilly for this week's International Radar segment. Then we welcome in Joe Kristufek from Churchill Downs to talk Kentucky Derby and Oaks.
Racing
Thursday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Single for Keeneland’s $25,217 Pick 6 carryover
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Thursday, April 24 at Keeneland and Turf Paradise, including a horse to single in Keeneland’s $25,217 Pick 6 carryover
Racing
The Official EARLY 2025 Kentucky Derby Betting Guide
The EARLY 2025 Kentucky Derby Betting Guide focuses on getting to know the contenders probable to enter the Kentucky Derby.
Analysis
British Spot Plays: Sandown selections April 25
The two fixtures for older horses at Sandown on Friday appear wide open.
Racing
Render Judgment – Kentucky Derby Context
Runner-up in the Virginia Derby, Render Judgement will face a tall challenge if he makes the 20-horse Kentucky Derby field.
Kentucky Derby
Wednesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Keeneland’s $10,587 Super High 5 carryover
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Wednesday, April 23 at Keeneland, Horseshoe Indianapolis, and Charles Town, including horses to play in Keeneland’s $10,587 Super High 5 carryover.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast April 23, 2025
Jason discusses the reaction to the recently released Netflix series about horse racing and discusses some betting topics for horseplayers.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Roundup: Workouts, jockeys, shipping plans
The 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1) is 12 days away. Catch up on the latest news and notes as two-dozen contenders finalize preparations for the first Saturday in May:
Racing
Racing Roundtable: Easter weekend review and appealing longshots for the Kentucky Derby, Oaks
The Racing Roundtable of Ashley Anderson, James Scully, and Vance Hanson congregate to go over what caught their eye over the weekend in racing, but mostly to look ahead to the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Kentucky Oaks (G1).
Racing
Hong Kong: Selections for Happy Valley April 23
Racing at Happy Valley begins at 6:40 a.m. ET. Selections and analysis by Luke Middlebrook.
Racing
Race for the Crown Premiers on Netflix: Follow Along with TwinSpires
Race for the Crown premieres on Netflix April 22. The six-part docuseries follows jockeys, trainers, and owners through the 2024 Triple Crown season, beginning with the previous season’s Breeders’ Cup.
Racing
STUDY: How many prep races are ideal for Kentucky Derby horses?
How many prep races are ideal to prepare a horse for victory in the Kentucky Derby? Let’s crunch the numbers and find out.
Racing
Built - Kentucky Derby Context
Built established himself as a promising prospect over the winter, recording a pair of commendable stakes efforts at Fair Grounds, but his last two performances raise doubts about his affinity for the 1 1/4-mile Kentucky Derby distance.
Kentucky Derby
Rodriguez – Kentucky Derby Context
After placing in his first two stakes, Rodriguez shipped east to record a convincing win in the Wood Memorial (G2)—the speedy colt figures to add speed to the Kentucky Derby for six-time winner Bob Baffert.
Kentucky Derby
Luxor Café – Kentucky Derby Context
A winner of four straight, Luxor Cafe qualified for the Kentucky Derby via the Japan Road and the late runner will bring a strong turn of foot to his first international appearance at Churchill Downs.
Kentucky Derby
Admire Daytona – Kentucky Derby Context
After setting the pace, Admire Daytona dug in gamely to win the U.A.E. Derby by a nose, and he will be third consecutive Japanese-based winner of the race to contest the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.
Kentucky Derby
Baeza – Kentucky Derby Context
After a fine second in the Santa Anita Derby (G1), Baeza counts 2023 Kentucky Derby winner Mage as a half-brother and rates as a serious win contender if he draws into the 20-horse field.
Kentucky Derby
Coal Battle - Kentucky Derby Context
Trained by 72-year-old Lonnie Briley, Coal Battle swept three consecutive Kentucky Derby qualifiers and will try to rebound after finishing third in the Arkansas Derby (G1).
Kentucky Derby
Neoequos – Kentucky Derby Context
Third in the Florida Derby (G1) and Fountain of Youth (G2), Neoequos will bring tactical speed to the Kentucky Derby (G1) if he draws into the main body of the 20-horse field.
Kentucky Derby
East Avenue - Kentucky Derby Context
A juvenile Grade 1 winner, East Avenue figures to show speed in the Kentucky Derby (G1) after earning a spot in the 20-horse field with a nose second in the Blue Grass S. (G1).
Kentucky Derby
Grande – Kentucky Derby Context
Trained by two-time Kentucky Derby winner Todd Pletcher, Grande will enter the Kentucky Derby off an encouraging runner-up finish in the Wood Memorial (G2) at Aqueduct.
Kentucky Derby
Final Gambit - Kentucky Derby Context
An upset Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3) winner, Final Gambit, will bring a strong closing kick to his first dirt start in the Kentucky Derby (G1).
Kentucky Derby
Journalism - Kentucky Derby Context
After sweeping three consecutive stakes races in California, Journalism will be an imposing favorite in the 151st Kentucky Derby (G1) on May 3.
Kentucky Derby
Horse racing betting: What is a bridge jumper?
The sport of horse racing is filled with specific (and sometimes creative) lingo and jargon. The term “bridge jumper” is an example.
Racing
Tappan Street - Kentucky Derby Context
Tappan Street captured the Florida Derby (G1) in his third career start, establishing himself as a serious Kentucky Derby contender, and the progressing colt will look to get first run on the deep closers at Churchill Downs.
Kentucky Derby
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast April 22, 2025
We welcome in Brian Arrigoni from Horseshoe Indianapolis to talk about their season getting underway, handicapping betting the races at Horseshoe Indianapolis, and much more!
Racing
Tuesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Cold double at Horseshoe Indianapolis
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Tuesday, April 22 at Horseshoe Indianapolis and Will Rogers Downs, along with a horse to single in the $4,901 Pick 5 carryover at Turf Paradise.
Racing
Watch Netflix's Race for the Crown along with TwinSpires
TwinSpires will recap each episode of Netflix's Race for the Crown as we count down to the 151st Kentucky Derby.
Racing
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem for April 21, 2025
Jason discusses two tracks that open up this week, Mountaineer and Thistledown.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast April 21, 2025
Jason looks back at the weekend of racing including some stakes action from Keeneland and the Oaklawn Handicap from Oaklawn Park.
Racing
Monday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Parx’s mandatory-payout $545,802 Pick 5
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Monday, April 21 at Thistledown and Will Rogers Downs, along with a ticket for the mandatory-payout $545,802 Pick 5 carryover at Parx Racing.
Racing
Hawthorne: Analyzing Pick 6 and Super High 5 carryovers
A couple of carryovers are up for grabs on Sunday at Hawthorne.
Racing
Burnham Square - Kentucky Derby Context
Burnham Square came on when adding blinkers this winter, breaking his maiden and winning the Holy Bull (G3) at Gulfstream. The fast-closing gelding then jumped to the top of the Kentucky Derby leaderboard, winning the Blue Grass (G1).
Kentucky Derby
Owen Almighty – Kentucky Derby Context
Owen Almighty will bring speed to the 20-horse Kentucky Derby field, going gate-to-wire in two of his three stakes wins. The 1 1/4-mile distance will be a challenge, however.
Kentucky Derby
Tall Tales of the Track – A Bargain Mare Yields a High Class Horse
The product of an unwanted mare and an unheralded stallion, Lieutenant Gibson was a record-breaking Kentucky Derby winner and a beloved horse, his too-short life unable to give him the legacy that his performances might have merited.
Racing
Horse Racing This Weekend: Key Races, Top Horses & Best Bets [April 19-20]
Find out everything you need to know about key races, top horse, and best bets with TwinSpires horse racing this weekend.
Analysis
Keeneland: A single for the $82,329 Pick 6 carryover
Get ready—the Saturday card at Keeneland features a huge $82,329 carryover in the $1 Pick 6. We can expect thousands of additional dollars to join the pool.
Racing
How to bet the American Stakes
A cast of seven will run one-mile on the Santa Anita lawn in Sunday’s $100,000 American S. (G3).
Racing
The Jury: Expert Picks, Bets, and Fades for April 19, 2025
The TwinSpires Jury of Ashley Anderson and guest Nick Tammaro discuss their best bets and fades at Keeneland, Oaklawn Park, and Gulfstream Park.
Racing
Hong Kong: Selections for Sha Tin the night of April 19
Racing at Sha Tin begins at 12:45 a.m. ET. Selections and analysis by Luke Middlebrook.
Racing
Betting With, and Against, Pay Billy in the Federico Tesio Stakes
A well-matched field of 10 sophomores will run 1 1/8 miles on the Laurel Park main strip in Saturday’s $150,000 Federico Tesio S.
Racing
Madaket Road - Kentucky Derby Context
Runner-up in the Rebel S. (G2) two starts back, Madaket Road figures to revert to stalking tactics in the Kentucky Derby (G1).
Kentucky Derby
Publisher - Kentucky Derby Context
Following an encouraging runner-up in the Arkansas Derby (G1), Publisher will look to earn his first career win in the Kentucky Derby (G1).
Kentucky Derby
Sandman – Kentucky Derby Context
Sandman established himself as a major Kentucky Derby (G1) contender with a rallying win in the Arkansas Derby (G1).
Kentucky Derby
Pick 4 of the Week: Oaklawn Park Saturday
A pair of stakes races, led by the lucrative, $1.25 million Oaklawn H. (G2), will be a part of the Pick 4 of the Week from Oaklawn Park on Saturday.
Racing
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