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.

Spot Plays for Black-Eyed Susan Day May 16

Wed May 14 2025Vance Hanson

From this view, Friday's Black-Eyed Susan Day undercard at Pimlico offers more intriguing options than Saturday's Preakness Day program.
The best longshot to bet in the 2025 Preakness Stakes

Wed May 14 2025Vance Hanson

Who among Saturday's group has a chance of being in the same position, hoping to topple heavy favorite Journalism?
2025 Kentucky Derby reflection: What were the odds?

Tue May 06 2025Vance Hanson

The widespread popularity of the Kentucky Derby, in conjunction with some offbeat results in recent years, has resulted in a highly inefficient betting market, at least in the win pool. This past Saturday was yet another example.
Hanson: Betting the Kentucky Derby and 2000 Guineas

Fri May 02 2025Vance Hanson

The horse that beat Baeza in the Santa Anita Derby (G1), morning line favorite #8 Journalism (3-1), remains our top selection.
Hanson: The best longshot to bet in the 2025 Kentucky Derby

Fri May 02 2025Vance Hanson

Determining the best longshot to play in the Kentucky Derby (G1) is very much like choosing your top selection.
2025 Kentucky Derby Day spot plays

Fri May 02 2025Vance Hanson

In addition to the Kentucky Derby (G1), the Saturday program at Churchill Downs offers a plethora of intriguing graded stakes, most of which have no short-priced stickouts.
2025 Kentucky Oaks Day spot plays

Thu May 01 2025Vance Hanson

With 27 races carded for Friday and Saturday at Churchill Downs, including, of course, the Kentucky Derby (G1), there is no shortage of options for bettors to sink their teeth into on the most popular weekend in American racing.
Jockeys and weight in the Kentucky Derby

Thu May 01 2025Vance Hanson

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.
Five of the biggest shocks in Kentucky Derby history

Thu May 01 2025Vance Hanson

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 scratches that changed history

Thu May 01 2025Vance Hanson

While a comprehensive list of Kentucky Derby scratches since 1875 is not possible, these four withdrawals perhaps were the most significant.
Who was the biggest underdog ever to win the Kentucky Derby?

Thu May 01 2025Vance Hanson

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.
Best trainers never to have won the Kentucky Derby

Thu May 01 2025Vance Hanson

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.
Growth in Kentucky Derby Day betting virtually unabated in its modern history

Fri Apr 25 2025Vance Hanson

Growth in Kentucky Derby Day is not up for debate. Betting virtually is firmly a part of modern history.