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The Derby Decimal Classifications: March 16, 2020
A by-the-numbers review of the latest news and developments on the Road to the 2020 Kentucky Derby.
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Under-the-radar Kentucky Derby contenders, volume 8
A weekly look at under the radar 3-year-olds who could step up and make an impact on the Road to the 2020 Kentucky Derby
Racing
Kentucky Derby Pedigree Profile: Nadal
As with Nadal, stamina is a question mark for every Kentucky Derby contender, because until we actually see them stretch out over 1 1/4 miles, there’s no sure way to predict which horses will handle the Derby’s testing distance.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Mar. 16, 2020
We look back at the weekend of racing including the Rebel Stakes card at Oaklawn Park, the Jeff Ruby Steaks at Turfway, and more! ...
Racing
Kentucky Derby Pedigree Profile: Field Pass
Take one glance at the past
performances of Field Pass , and it’s
easy to conclude this $37,000 yearling purchase is a turf/synthetic specialist
without any affinity for dirt racing.
A tenacious winner of the $250,000
Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3) ...
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Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: An "Extraordinary" performance
What new horses have sparked interest on the Kentucky Derby trail? Take a look at Extraordinary, Cajun Brother, and Beg to Differ.
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Double-Digit Wins; Cold $25 Exacta In Limited Action
Considering the COVID-19 emergency situation that has upset the normal schedules of racing and our reporting, we have less to update than usual. Our addendum post on the racetracks closing indicated dates for their return to racing, but that is subje ...
Racing
Turf Sprints Bookend Fair Grounds Pick 3 Play
A pair of turf sprints help comprise a Pick-3 sequence at Fair Grounds on Saturday. Now's a good time to take a swing at what could be a healthy return.
Racing
Jeff Ruby Steaks Day plays
The Jeff Ruby and Rebel are just a couple of stakes races this weekend. Here we will look at some other cards at play and my picks for them.
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Handicapping the Rebel, Jeff Ruby Steaks
A pair of Kentucky Derby Preps run this weekend and James Scully has the handicap analysis for both. The Rebel will award 50-20-10-5 points and the Jeff Ruby awards 20-8-3-2 points.
Racing
Stakes Spot Plays for March 14
Thoroughbred racing in the U.S. will be largely conducted before empty houses Saturday , but the show will go on and there's no easier way to follow and bet the action than at TwinSpires.com .
Here are thoughts on some of the stakes on Saturd ...
Racing
Shapiro's picks for Oaklawn's penultimate Derby Prep
With a smaller but competitive field, the $1 million Rebel is 85 qualifier point event. Shapiro analyzes each of the conteders and offers his picks.
Racing
Turfway Park Stakes Plays for March 14
A large docket of stakes races comes this weekend at Turfway Park, highlighted by the Jeff Ruby Steaks. See the top picks from each of these races.
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Oaklawn Park Stakes Plays for March 14
The much anticipated $1 million Rebel (G2) headlines a big day of racing at Oaklawn Park on Saturday. In total, a trio of especially competitive black-type events will be contested on the 11-race slate. I will take aim at the big events, as well ...
Racing
How to bet the Rebel Stakes
Handicapping Saturday’s Rebel (G2) at Oaklawn Park boils down to one key question—is Nadal a deserving favorite, or is he vulnerable to defeat at a short price?
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How to bet the Jeff Ruby Steaks
What type of horse will emerge victorious in Saturday's Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3), a Road to the Kentucky Derby prep race at Turfway Park?
Racing
A suprising 'King' in the Tampa Bay Derby
With 49-1 odds and a new track to race on, no one expected a new king to emerge.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Mar. 13, 2020
The JB HRP Jury joins Jason to talk about some of their best longshot selections over the years. Then Jason looks ahead to weekend stakes action including the Jeff Ruby Steaks from Turfway Park, the Rebel from Oaklawn, and more! ...
Racing
Tipsheet: Jeff Ruby Steaks
The $250,000 Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3) will be run Saturday as race 11 at Turfway Park. The 1 1/8-mile event is for 3-year-olds and is part of the 2020 Road to the Kentucky Derby series with 20-8-4-2 points going to the top four finishers.
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Tipsheet: Rebel Stakes
The $1 million Rebel will be run Saturday at Oaklawn Park. Part of the 2020 Road to the Kentucky Derby series, the Rebel awards 50-20-10-5 points for the top four finishers.
Racing
Harness News: Some Programs Pause Per Covid19; Others Persevere
Harness racing updates related to the novel coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. Who is running, who is suspending?
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Mar. 12, 2020
We're talking about the Jeff Ruby Steaks coming up at Turfway Park with Dan Cronin (FBG) joining the show. ...
Racing
The Kentucky Derby sartorial seersucker suit
While extravagant Derby hats are a hallmark of feminine Kentucky Derby fashion, the gentlemen have sartorial traditions too.
Racing
M-G-M/Yonkers Pacing Series Ensue; Matchmaker Co-Stars
The first of six legs of the MGM Borgata Pacing Series (formerly the George Morton Levy) for older male pacers begins on March 14. The accompanying series for mares, the Blue Chip Matchmaker, starts March 13 The rest of the series glide through early ...
Racing
Freeplay Game Selections by Ed DeRosa and Keeler Johnson: March 14, 2020
These free-to-play handicapping contests challenge you to pit your abilities against fellow horseplayers in a fun, no-pressure environment.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Mar. 11, 2020
We discuss the news of the day and welcome in Rick Sacco from Red Oak Stable to talk about their big weekend which included a win in the Tom Fool with Mind Control and a good second first off the bench for King For a Day. ...
Racing
Kentucky Derby Top 10: Lose the battle, win the war
On a busy weekend of Kentucky Derby preps, a runner-up may have turned in the most impressive performance.
Racing
Hong Kong Spot Plays: Celebrate an extra hour of sleep
Guess what? There is an advantage to the start of daylight
savings time!
Setting our clocks forward by an hour is a bit of a nuisance, but once you switch, it means the weekly Wednesday racing action at Happy Valley in Hong Kong will take place ...
Racing
Kentucky Derby Pedigree Profile: Mischevious Alex
Speed is the mark of a talented racehorse. If you can’t keep up with your rivals, you won’t get very far. Learn about the speed in Msichevious Alex's family.
Racing
The Derby Decimal Classifications: March 9
A by-the-numbers review of the latest news and developments on the Road to the 2020 Kentucky Derby.
Racing
Under the radar Kentucky Derby contenders, volume 7
A weekly look at under the radar 3-year-olds who could step up and make an impact on the Road to the 2020 Kentucky Derby:
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast 3/10/20
We look back at the Gotham Stakes day card from Aqueduct on Saturday as well as the big arrest scandal that reverberated all across racing on Monday. ...
Racing
Kentucky Derby contender profile: King Guillermo
Turf or dirt, it doesn’t matter to King Guillermo. Give him a suitable route of ground and he’ll handle either surface just fine, making him a dangerous contender for the 2020 Kentucky Derby.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Pedigree Profile: King Guillermo
Tampa Bay Derby winner King Guillermo has a pedigree that could place him as a legit Kentucky Derby contender.
Racing
Kentucky Derby contender profile: Mischevious Alex
From a green-as-can-be 2-year-old to a seemingly unstoppable sophomore, Mischevious Alex has made a ton of progress along the Road to the Kentucky Derby. One major hurdle awaits, and that is the imposing, 1 1/4-mile distance of the Kentucky Derby (G1) itself.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Roundup: March 9, 2020
Stay up to speed on the Road to the Kentucky Derby with a weekly roundup of all the latest news and developments. Authentic, Honor A. P., works and more!
Racing
Kentucky Oaks Roundup: March 9, 2020
Stay up to speed on the Road to the Kentucky Oaks with a weekly roundup of all the latest news and developments. Donna Veloce, Water White, Motu, works and more!
Racing
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Giocare gives Pletcher another winner
A weekly series analyzing recent maiden winners poised to join the Road to the Kentucky Derby. Giocare, Liam's Pride, Will Sing for Wine
Racing
Authentic closes as individual favorite in Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 3
An eye-catching victory in Saturday’s San Felipe (G2) at Santa Anita stamped Authentic as the new favorite for the 2020 Kentucky Derby (G1).
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Mar. 9, 2020
We look back at a big Tampa Bay Derby day card at Tampa Bay Downs including King Gulliermo's upset victory. We also look back at Big Cap day at Santa Anita. ...
Racing
Exotic Elements In Play; $22 Win Tops Tepid Weekend
Thursday, March 5 Power Plays (PoP) at Saratoga presented particular outsiders to be considered for the average player’s Pick-4 combo ticket, as well as for single-race exotics. We supplied a single winner, More More More ($3.80, $2.50, $2.10), w ...
Racing
Mischevious Alex has Zacneys dreaming Derby again
Those 2019 dreams were thwarted by injury, and Maximus Mischief was retired after his fourth start, the Holy Bull. Learn more about Mischevious Alex!
Racing
Handicapping Kentucky Derby, Oaks qualifiers at Aqueduct
Saturday’s 11-horse Gotham (G3), a Road to the Kentucky Derby qualifier that awards points on a 50-20-10-5 scale to the top four finishers, has attracted an abundance of early speed.
Racing
California's top Derby hopefuls take center stage in San Felipe
California-based 3-year-olds have won five of the last eight editions of the Kentucky Derby (G1), so you’re advised to pay close attention when some of the Golden State’s best sophomores face off in Saturday’s $400,000 San Felipe (G2) at Santa Anita.
Racing
Hanson: Stakes Spot Plays for Mar. 7
If you like stakes, you're going to love the wagering menu available coast-to-coast on Saturday. While the trio of Kentucky Derby preps and the historic "Big 'Cap" take center stage, there are quite a few other opportunities available.
Racing
'Jean' the Key in Gulfstream Late Pick 4
A pair of stakes races on the turf help comprise the late Pick-4 sequence at Gulfstream Park on Saturday. While the stakes races appear logical to me, I do expect to receive value in the pair of allowance races on the slate.
Racing
Storm the Court takes next step on Derby trail in San Felipe
You could almost feel the Storm the Court bandwagon get lighter as the horses crossed the wire in the San Vicente (G2) Feb. 9 at Santa Anita Park.
Racing
Santa Anita Stakes Plays for March 7
Four excellent graded stakes races will be hosted by Santa Anita on Saturday. The fields for each event are stacked with talented horses, and each race will be both thrilling and competitive.
Racing
Shapiro's picks for three Derby qualifiers
A big Saturday on the Road to the Kentucky Derby is upon us with three 50-point races up for grabs: the Tampa Bay Derby, Gotham, and San Felipe.
Racing
Aqueduct Stakes Plays for March 7
The Gotham caps a big day of action at Aqueduct on Saturday. Four stakes races are on the card and there is value to be found in each of the events.
Racing
Tampa Bay Downs Stakes Plays for March 7
The $400,000 Tampa Bay Derby is the centerpiece of a big card at Tampa Bay Downs. A total of five stakes races are on the slate.
Racing
Kentucky Derby and Oaks Future Wager Analysis
Wagering on Pool 3 of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager will commence on Friday and run through Sunday. Here are a handful of value horses of interest.
Racing
Ete Indien comes out of the shadows
Ete Indien was hidden in the shadows through the winter. Now he's under the spotlight.
Racing
Betting a double in the Honeybee Stakes
Motu is the filly to beat in Saturday’s Honeybee (G3) at Oaklawn Park.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Mar. 6, 2020
It's a big weekend coming up and we look at the cards from Tampa Bay Downs, Santa Anita, and Aqueduct. The Jury joins us to talk about which jobs in the industry they'd love to try. ...
Racing
5 storylines to follow in the Tampa Bay Derby
The Road to the Kentucky Derby continues Saturday, with the $400,000 Tampa Bay Derby (G2), a 1 1/16-mile event that has produced a pair of Kentucky Derby (G1) winners since 2007.
Racing
How to bet the Gotham Stakes
Handicapping Saturday’s $300,000 Gotham (G3) at Aqueduct boils down to one key question—is Mischevious Alex the real deal?
Racing
Tipsheet: San Felipe Stakes
The $400,000 San Felipe (G2) will be run Saturday at Santa Anita. The 1 1/16-mile race awards 50-20-10-5 points towards the Kentucky Derby.
Racing
Tipsheet: Tampa Bay Derby
The $400,000 Tampa Bay Derby (G2) will be run Saturday at Tampa Bay Downs. The 1 1/16-mile race awards 50-20-10-5 points towards the Kentucky Derby.
Racing
Tipsheet: Gotham Stakes
The $300,000 Gotham (G3) will be run Saturday at Aqueduct. The one-turn mile race awards 50-20-10-5 points to the Kentucky Dearby.
Racing
Kentucky Derby contender profile: Chares
From a yearling nobody wanted to a stakes winner with a world of potential, Chares has come a long way in a short amount of time.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Mar. 5, 2020
It's Horseplayer Thursday and we're excited to welcome in Brian DiDonato from the Thoroughbred Daily News to join us for a 'State of the Derby Trail' discussion as we get his opinions on the horses along the trail. ...
Racing
Kentucky Derby Pedigree Profile: Chares
Chares may have scored an impressive front-running victory in the 1-mile Road to the Kentucky Derby Condition S. at Kempton Park, earning 20 qualification points on the European Road to the Kentucky Derby. But from a pedigree perspective the Jane Chapple-Hyam-trained colt seems an unlikely candidate to wear the roses on the first Saturday in May.
Racing
Fabulous Features, Exotics On Tap In Search Of Fortunes
As we march, so to speak, into the stakes season (horses are prepping for the Yonkers parade of pacers in mid-month) harness prospects line up for profits and we are there at every folding of the gate. Respect our off-the-beaten-track opinions that m ...
Racing
Kentucky Oaks Future Wager opens with Venetian Harbor listed at 8-1
Venetian Harbor romped by 9 1/4 lengths when making her stakes debut in the Feb. 8 Las Virgenes (G2) at Santa Anita, and the exciting 3-year-old filly is the 8-1 morning line favorite among 23 individual betting interests in this weekend’s Kentucky ...
Racing
Tiz the Law listed at 8-1 in Pool 3 of Kentucky Derby Future Wager
The Pool 3 of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager has been announced, with recent Holy Bull winner Tiz the Law listed at 8-1 on Churchill Downs oddsmaker.
Racing
Byroad to the Kentucky Derby: The Presidents
The sport of kings is also the pastime of presidents. Richard Nixon was the only acting attendee, eight other presidents also witnessed the most exciting two minutes in sports.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Mar. 4, 2020
We catch up on the news of the day from around the racing world and then welcome in Rick Hammerle from Oaklawn Park to talk about the upcoming Rebel Stakes, his first season at Oaklawn, purse increases, and more! ...
Racing
Kentucky Derby Top 10: The winds of change
Saturday, March 7 is going to be a busy day on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.
Racing
How to bet the Road to the Kentucky Derby Condition Stakes
Kentucky Derby prep races aren’t typically held on Wednesdays, but there will be an exception this week when Kempton Park in England hosts the Road to the Kentucky Derby Condition S.
Racing
Under-the-radar Triple Crown nominees: Sharecropper and Sonneman
Highlighting two Triple Crown nominees who have slipped under the radar. Sharecropper and Sonneman are worth watching down the road.
Racing
Hot trainer spotlight: Michael McCarthy
A rising star in the trainer ranks, Michael McCarthy is
enjoying a fine 2020 season. The Southern California-based conditioner has won
12-of-37 starts (31% win rate) this year.
RELATED: Brisnet Trainer Stats
Two wins have come at Golden ...
Racing
The Derby Decimal Classifications: March 1
A by-the-numbers review of the latest news and developments on the Road to the 2020 Kentucky Derby.
Racing
Under-the-radar Kentucky Derby contenders, volume 6
Here is our weekly look at under-the-radar 3-year-olds who could step up and make an impact on the Road to the 2020 Kentucky Derby.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Mar. 3, 2020
We discuss the news of the day and welcome in jockey Kendrick Carmouche to talk about his career in the saddle, riding in New York, leaving Louisiana, and much more! ...
Racing
Kentucky Derby contender profile: Ete Indien
The transformation of Ete Indien from a modest grass runner into a full-fledged dirt star was made complete when the improving colt landed a blowout victory in the Fountain of Youth (G2).
Racing
4 takeaways from the Fountain of Youth
Saturday’s Fountain of Youth (G2) at Gulfstream Park produced a surprising mix of results. Here are four key takeaways from the 1 1/16-mile Road to the Kentucky Derby prep race:
Racing
Kentucky Derby contender profile: Crossfirehurricane
Crossfirehurricane certainly has the talent to compete in the 2020 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. But does he have the pedigree to excel on the first Saturday in May?
Racing
Kentucky Oaks Roundup: Mar. 1, 2020
Tonalist’s Shape made advances after the Devona Dale with some shake up potential this weekend. Stay up to speed on the Road to the Kentucky Oaks.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Roundup: Mar. 1, 2020
Ete Indien make an impressive win and an injury drops a contender. Stay up to speed on the Road to the Kentucky Derby with the weekly roundup.
Racing
Hong Kong Spot Plays: An early double at Happy Valley
Rise and shine! You’ll have to be an early bird to play the Wednesday card at Happy Valley in Hong Kong, which gets underway at 6:15 a.m. ET.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Three winners impress at Gulfstream Park
A weekly series analyzing recent maiden winners poised to join the Road to the Kentucky Derby: Three horses broke their maiden this weekend at Gulfstream.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Mar. 2, 2020
We look back at the Fountain of Youth card at Gulfstream Park including Ete Indien's big win in the feature. We also look back at the Inaugural Saudi Cup. ...
Racing
Kentucky Derby Pedigree Profile: Ete Indien
With his rousing 81/2-length victory in the Fountain of Youth (G2), Ete Indien has emerged as a major player on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Pedigree Profile: Crossfirehurricane
Crossfirehurricane hails from a classy family, but his breeding is geared strongly toward turf racing. His sire, Kitten’s Joy, was North America’s champion grass male of 2004, and the progeny of Kitten’s Joy have almost exclusively excelled on turf. ...
Racing
Public Picks Rifle-Sharp; $24 Cal-Expo Win Tops Week
Thursday, Feb. 27 Wallyworld VII at Pompano resulted in some scattered success for Wally and the Never-Wallys. He wound up with a mount in Race 1 (he lost to a favorite) though he was not listed when we posted. We picked up at Race 2, where Wally ...
Racing
Fountain of Youth anchors all-stakes Pick 5 play at Gulfstream Park
One of the top ranked contenders for the Kentucky Derby , Dennis’ Moment returns in Saturday’s $400,000
Fountain of Youth (G2) at Gulfstream Park. The 1 1/16-mile race sets up as
a good prep with plenty of speed in the 12-horse field, which shou ...
Racing
O'Brien trainees Crossfirehurricane, Choice of Mine run 1-2 in Patton Stakes
Up-and-coming trainer Joseph O’Brien enjoyed a productive day on the European Road to the Kentucky Derby, saddling the top two finishers in the Patton S. on Friday evening at Dundalk.
Racing
Spring Fever at Oaklawn sets up for What a Fox
Plenty of speed is signed on for Saturday’s $125,000 Spring Fever S. at Oaklawn Park.
Racing
Price horses to consider on Saudi Cup Day
The first ever Saudi Cup Day already has a quality in common with other major international events – fields deep enough to find classy contenders at a price. Whether you’re taking stabs against certain favorites or just seeking to add value to the ...
Racing
Fountain of Youth Day Spot Plays
The action will come fast at Gulfstream Park as they host a 14-race card for Fountain of Youth Day. Here are several horses of interest on the program.
Racing
Singling 'Blue' In Late Gulfstream Pick 3
Gulfstream will host a star-studded 14-race card on Saturday. The Fountain of Youth caps the day off, and I am focusing on the late Pick 3 as a value wager.
Racing
Searching for Value in Fair Grounds Early Pick 4
An inviting early sequence at Fair Grounds on Saturday has me leaning towards taking aim at the early Pick 4. I believe that beating one of the expected short-priced favorites will spike the return on the ticket, while knocking both off could yield a very healthy payout.
Racing
Gulfstream Park Graded Stakes Plays for Feb. 29
I will highlight a horse of interest among the massive 14-race card Saturday, led by the $400,000 Fountain of Youth, hosted by Gulfstream Park.
Racing
Fair Grounds Stakes Plays for Feb. 29
A pair of stakes races on the turf highlights the Saturday card at Fair Grounds. Hieronymus will aim to make it two straight stakes wins on the course.
Racing
How to Bet the Pasadena Stakes
A field of nine 3-year-olds will contest the grassy $100,000 Pasadena S. at Santa Anita on Saturday. The pace of the Pasadena could be a lively one.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Top 10: Fountain of Youth is can't-miss TV
A handful of acclaimed Kentucky Derby contenders will square off in Saturday’s Fountain of Youth (G2) at Gulfstream Park.
Racing
Battle of Liege leads the charge in Patton Stakes
The stakes will be high when the European Road to the Kentucky Derby resumes Friday, with the Patton S. at Dundalk
Racing