Playing the $3 All-Turf Pick 3 at Ellis Park July 25, 2026
A new wager gaining popularity of late is the $3 All-Turf Pick 3, a player-friendly 15% takeout offering on the menu at both Ellis Park and Del Mar.
Wagering
Vance Hanson
Vance Hanson has been a contributing writer and editor for BRISnet.com, TwinSpires.com and KentuckyDerby.com since 2008. Prior to joining the Churchill Downs Inc. family, he served as a publicity assistant at Canterbury Park and as a handicapper/writer for Daily Racing Form.
International
Crusader and the star-studded 1926 Cincinnati Derby
The 1926 Cincinnati Derby attracted two of the season's three classic winners and produced a track record still untouched a century later.
History
Spot Plays for Stephen Foster Day, June 27, 2026
This year's spring session closes with a vintage renewal of the Stephen Foster (G1).
Wagering
Royal Ascot 2026: Selections for Friday, June 19
The bookies overseas might be quaking in their boots on Friday as there will be some heavily backed horses that will take some beating.
Royal Ascot
Royal Ascot 2026: Selections for Thursday, June 18
Day 3 of Royal Ascot has a slightly different look this year, but the 2 1/2-mile Gold Cup (G1) remains the centerpiece.
Royal Ascot
The best longshot to bet in the 2026 Belmont Stakes
"Longshot" is a relative term in the $2 million Belmont (G1) at Saratoga on Saturday.
Belmont Stakes
British Spot Plays: Epsom for June 6, 2026
This year's Derby Day at Epsom is greatly enhanced by the presence of the Coronation Cup (G1), which features a rematch of last year's top two, Jan Brueghel and Calandagan.
International
Spot Plays for 2026 Belmont Stakes Day
Graded stakes make up half the Belmont Stakes Day program, but it's best not to overlook the quality maidens and allowances on the rest of the program.
Triple Crown
British Spot Plays: Epsom for June 5, 2026
A look at the Diomed (G3), a modest Group 3 for older horses at 1 1/16 miles, as well as the 1 1/2-mile Oaks (G1) on the Friday card.
International
Spot plays for 2026 Stephen Foster Preview Day at Churchill Downs
Stephen Foster Preview Day at Churchill Downs will undoubtedly be the most popular card in the country on Saturday, with none of the stakes looking particularly lopsided.
Wagering
British Spot Plays: Sandown for May 28, 2026
Sandown's annual late-May fixture, which runs into early evening local time Thursday, is loaded with quality.
International
A Day at the Races: Au revoir to Aqueduct
Two years after acknowledging the "long goodbye" to Aqueduct, I bid my adieu earlier this month by spending two days of racing there.
History
The best longshot to bet in the 2026 Preakness Stakes
This one-off edition of the Preakness at Laurel has attracted an unusual capacity field, so perhaps the chances of another surprise have inherently increased.
Preakness Stakes
May 16, 2026 Spot Plays: Newbury, Laurel, Churchill Downs
I'll be spanning the globe in search of opportunities on Preakness Day.
Preakness Stakes
The best longshot to bet in the 2026 Preakness Stakes
This one-off edition of the Preakness at Laurel has attracted an unusual capacity field, so perhaps the chances of another surprise have inherently increased.
Preakness Stakes
International
British Spot Plays: Chester for May 7, 2026
Wednesday through Friday this week is a three-day meeting at Chester, a course so old the Romans are said to have initiated racing on the grounds.
International
Betting the Kentucky Derby Day All-Turf Pick 4
The quartet of scheduled grass races at Churchill Downs on Kentucky Derby Day is linked in a special 50-cent minimum Pick 4.
Kentucky Derby
British Spot Play: 2000 Guineas at Newmarket
This Guineas doesn't appear to be a vintage one on paper, though it's understandable why the current market leaders are in that position.
International
2026 Kentucky Derby Day spot plays
It's the most wagered on card in American racing, and this year's 152nd edition of the Derby is beyond fascinating.
Triple Crown
Under the Radar contenders for the 2026 Kentucky Derby
The bulk of the 2026 Kentucky Derby (G1) win pool is likely to center on the handful or so of leading contenders, but are there win threats percolating under the radar?
Kentucky Derby
Spot Plays for 2026 Kentucky Oaks Day at Churchill Downs
Kentucky Oaks Day will have a different twist this year. A later starting time to the Friday card (12:30 p.m.) at Churchill Downs ensures the feature will be run just after sunset.
Wagering
Spot Plays for Thurby at Churchill Downs April 30, 2026
Total handle exceeded $22 million on the Thurby programs in both 2024 and 2025, and the expectations are for another big betting day this week.
Wagering
British Spot Plays: Sandown for April 24, 2026
Three stakes highlight the Friday card at Sandown, highlighted by an outstanding renewal of the Sandown Mile (G2).
International
British Spot Plays: Newbury for April 18, 2026
The English flat focus turns to Newbury and its two Guineas trials on Saturday.
International
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
Five of the biggest shocks in Kentucky Derby history
Unlike games of chance that you might encounter in a casino, the result of a Thoroughbred horse race is far from a random outcome event. That’s not to say that there aren’t inexplicable surprises from time to time. In its century and a half of longevity, the Kentucky Derby has seen its share.
Kentucky Derby
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.
Triple Crown
British Spot Plays: Newmarket April 15, 2026
A staple of my annual wagering is on the traditional British flat turf season, which kicks into high gear this week.
International