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
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.
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
Jockeys and weight in the Kentucky Derby
Being the most identifiable human participants on average in Thoroughbred racing, jockeys will be a major focus in this week’s 150th edition of the Kentucky Derby.
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
Keeneland: Spot Plays for April 10
Friday's card at Keeneland is highlighted by a tremendous renewal of the Maker's Mark Mile (G1).
Wagering
Playing the All-Turf Pick 3 at Keeneland April 3
The All-Turf Pick 3 encompasses the final three scheduled grass races on opening day.
Wagering
Spot Plays for 2026 Arkansas Derby Day at Oaklawn Park
The second of two massive cards in the U.S. on Saturday, Arkansas Derby Day at Oaklawn Park, seemingly offers a number of terrific betting opportunities.
Oaklawn Park
Spot Plays for 2026 Florida Derby Day at Gulfstream Park
The Gulfstream Park Championship meeting reaches its climax on Saturday with a behemoth 14-race program, highlighted by the Florida Derby (G1).
Gulfstream Park
Spot Plays for 2026 Louisiana Derby Day at Fair Grounds
Saturday is the signature program of the meeting, with five open stakes among the seven on offer.
Wagering
Spot Plays for Colonial Downs, Oaklawn, March 14, 2026
Horses of interest on the big cards at Colonial Downs and Oaklawn Park.
Wagering
Spot Plays for Gulfstream, Fair Grounds Feb. 28, 2026
I'll concentrate on a couple of plays in the early Double there, and will take a look at the feature at Fair Grounds later in the afternoon.
Wagering
Pick 3 play for Fair Grounds Feb. 17, 2026
Fair Grounds will be running six days this week, including a special Tuesday program on Mardi Gras.
Fair Grounds
Fair Grounds Spot Plays for Risen Star Day Feb. 14, 2026
A tremendous 12-race card awaits fans at Fair Grounds on Saturday for Risen Star Day, and there's not a claiming race in sight.
Wagering
Spot Plays for Oaklawn Park Feb. 6, 2026
The rescheduled Southwest Day card on Friday is forecast to have abundant sunshine and a high of around 70 degrees.
Wagering
Spot Plays for Tampa, Gulfstream Jan. 31, 2026
With much of the country still frozen out on offering live racing this weekend, most eyes and dollars will be directed toward the action offered at Florida's two racetracks.
Wagering