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 2026 Arkansas Derby Day at Oaklawn Park

Fri Mar 27 2026Vance Hanson

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.
Spot Plays for 2026 Florida Derby Day at Gulfstream Park

Fri Mar 27 2026Vance Hanson

The Gulfstream Park Championship meeting reaches its climax on Saturday with a behemoth 14-race program, highlighted by the Florida Derby (G1).
Best trainers never to have won the Kentucky Derby

Fri Mar 20 2026Vance 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.
Spot Plays for 2026 Louisiana Derby Day at Fair Grounds

Wed Mar 18 2026Vance Hanson

Saturday is the signature program of the meeting, with five open stakes among the seven on offer.
Jockeys and weight in the Kentucky Derby

Wed Mar 18 2026Vance 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

Wed Mar 18 2026Vance 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.
Who was the biggest underdog ever to win the Kentucky Derby?

Wed Mar 18 2026Vance 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.
Spot Plays for Colonial Downs, Oaklawn, March 14, 2026

Fri Mar 13 2026Vance Hanson

Horses of interest on the big cards at Colonial Downs and Oaklawn Park.
Kentucky Derby scratches that changed history

Mon Mar 09 2026Vance Hanson

While a comprehensive list of Kentucky Derby scratches since 1875 is not possible, these four withdrawals perhaps were the most significant.
Spot Plays for Gulfstream, Fair Grounds Feb. 28, 2026

Fri Feb 27 2026Vance Hanson

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.
Pick 3 play for Fair Grounds Feb. 17, 2026

Mon Feb 16 2026Vance Hanson

Fair Grounds will be running six days this week, including a special Tuesday program on Mardi Gras.
Fair Grounds Spot Plays for Risen Star Day Feb. 14, 2026

Fri Feb 13 2026Vance Hanson

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.
Spot Plays for Oaklawn Park Feb. 6, 2026

Tue Feb 03 2026Vance Hanson

The rescheduled Southwest Day card on Friday is forecast to have abundant sunshine and a high of around 70 degrees.