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Under-the-radar Kentucky Derby contenders, volume 5
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 contender profile: Cafe Pharoah
With his abundant speed and powerful finishing kick, Cafe Pharoah might be the brightest Kentucky Derby prospect to ever emerge from Japan.
Racing
Spot Plays for Mardi Gras at Fair Grounds
If you're not able to make it to the French Quarter, then arguably the next best thing about Mardi Gras is the annual Fair Grounds special program.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Roundup: Feb. 24, 2020
The action shifted to Japan last week with the running of the Hyacinth Stakes. Stay up to speed on the Road to the Kentucky Derby with the weekly roundup.
Racing
Kentucky Oaks Roundup: Feb. 24, 2020
Down On Da Bayou makes an entrance and Frank's Rockette wins by seven lengths. Stay up to speed on the Road to the Kentucky Oaks with the weekly roundup.
Racing
Hong Kong Spot Plays: An amazing ascent for Amazing Star
Wednesday mornings aren’t typically when racing fans expect to watch a superstar racehorse in action, but there are exceptions to every rule.
Racing
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Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Liam’s Map sires a pair of winners
A weekly series analyzing recent maiden winners poised to join the Road to the Kentucky Derby. This week's focus is Jerry the Nipper and Kiss Today Goodbye.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Pedigree Profile: Cafe Pharoah
Some horses are capable of defying their pedigrees, excelling under conditions they aren’t necessarily bred to relish. The latest example is Cafe Pharoah.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Feb. 24, 2020
We look back at the weekend of racing including several Maiden Special Weight events from around the country that could have Derby and Oaks ramifications. We also discuss the Buena Vista from Santa Anita, the Haynesfield from Aqueduct, and more! ...
Racing
Meadows Power Plays Make Noise; Place, Show Best On Board
Thursday, Feb. 20 Wallyworld VI at—where else—Pompano again opened this week’s action, but with seven races. The card only offered eight and we were competing in seven. Wally was missing from Race 2, and popped up in Race 1 (information not avail ...
Racing
Handicapping the Hyacinth on the Japan Road to Kentucky Derby
Saturday night’s Hyacinth S. at Tokyo (post time 12:25 a.m. ET) features six Triple Crown nominees seeking points on the Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby, but one looks like a budding star.
#3 Cafe Pharoah , a
son of American Pharoah and Grad ...
Racing
Discover five ways to determine a vulnerable favorite
My tips for finding a vulnerable favorite is not a ‘fail safe’ strategy, either, they are merely factors that aid me in my elimination process.
Racing
Sunland Park stakes plays for February 23
A total of four stakes races will headline a big card at Sunland Park on Sunday. The headliner is the $100,000 Mine That Bird Derby Stakes.
Racing
Pick 5 play at Gulfstream Saturday
A pair of sprint stakes highlight the Late Pick 5 at Gulfstream Park on Saturday, and an entry-level allowance for 3-year-olds kicks it off. Here are my thoughts on the sequence:
Race 8
The 7-furlong allowance serves as a possible stepping ...
Racing
A Pick 4 play at Oaklawn Park on Saturday
Oaklawn Park features a solid late Pick 4 on Saturday, which features a pair of entry-level allowances, a maiden special weight for 3-year-old fillies, and the $125,000 Downthedustyroad Breeders' S. for Arkansas-bred distaffers.
Racing
Sons of American Pharoah step up in Hyacinth at Tokyo
The Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby will take a major turn when Tokyo Racecourse hosts the Hyacinth on Sunday.
Racing
What to know for 2020 Saudi Cup Day
The world’s richest horse race, the $20 million Saudi Cup, will be held for the first time on Sat., Feb. 29 in Riyadh, bet the race here.
Racing
Turfway Park play of the day: Yellen finds an easier spot
A filly with promising form lines against Kentucky Oaks (G1) contenders will aim to reach the winner’s circle Saturday night at Turfway Park.
Racing
Fair Grounds play of the day: Shaq Jack can lead them home
The Saturday opener at Fair Grounds (post time 1:30 p.m. ET) came up with a small field, but from a handicapping perspective, the race is surprisingly intriguing.
Racing
Turfway Park Pick 3 play for February 22
A pair of maiden events are the bookends of a Pick-3 sequence that I will take aim at on the Saturday card at Turfway Park.
Racing
A single to commence the Late Pick 4 at Fair Grounds
An intriguing four-race sequence will conclude the nine-race card at Fair Grounds on Saturday. We're very interested in a contender in the opening leg.
Racing
Mucciolo’s Gulfstream stakes picks for February 22
A pair of stakes events will headline a fine 12-race card at Gulfstream Park on Saturday. Read our analysis and wagering suggestions for both races.
Racing
History repeating with Mr. Monomoy and Modernist
Whether it ties into pedigree or connections, sometimes the next big thing in horse racing sounds familiar—a jazzy riff, a sultry timbre, a little bit of history repeating.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Feb. 21, 2020
It's Friday and we're looking ahead to some Saturday action from Aqueduct, Gulfstream, and Santa Anita Park. We also welcome the Jury in to talk about which recent losers on the Derby and Oaks trail that they are not giving up on. ...
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Feb. 20, 2020
It's Horseplayer Thursday and we're joined by Paul Cush to talk horseplaying, his hot start in the tournament world, and we look into the $203,000 Thursday Gulfstream Park Late Pick 5 sequence. ...
Racing
$203,727 Pick 5 carryover awaits Gulfstream Park bettors
The popular Rainbow Pick 6 at Gulfstream Park made headlines when one lucky bettor cashed the winning sequence for a life-changing $1,208,573.86 payoff.
Racing
Kentucky Derby contender profile: Silver Prospector
Durability is an asset for any racehorse, particularly those hoping to handle the grind of the Triple Crown. And it seems safe to say Silver Prospector has the fortitude to survive and thrive in the Kentucky Derby and beyond.
Racing
Profit Prospects Abound In Multi-Race Selected Features
More attacks on the mainstream this weekend as our selected features address profitable prospects for wins and in Power Plays (PoP).
Racing
Kentucky Derby Top 10: Baffert is loaded for 2020
Just how many talented sophomores does trainer Bob Baffert have in contention for the 2020 Kentucky Derby?
Racing
The Derby Decimal Classifications: Feb. 18, 2020
A by-the-numbers review of the latest news and developments on the Road to the 2020 Kentucky Derby.
Racing
Kentucky Derby contender profile: Mr. Monomoy
Bred from top to bottom to excel in the spring classics, Mr. Monomoy joined the Road to the Kentucky Derby with his victory in the Risen Star (G2) at Fair Grounds.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Feb. 19, 2020
We're talking Golden Gate Fields with jockey William Antongeorgi who joins the show to talk about riding in the Bay Area, winning on his first mount, riding synthetic surfaces, and more! ...
Racing
Hong Kong Spot Plays: A day for dirt at Sha Tin
A rare Wednesday night card at Sha Tin in Hong Kong will place the focus on dirt horses, with all eight of the races taking place on the all-weather track.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Pedigree Profile: Mr. Monomoy
Following champion Monomoy Girl's victory in the Kentucky Oaks, her improving half-brother Mr. Monomoy is seeking a victory under the historic Twin Spires.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Roundup: Feb. 17, 2020
The two divisions of the Risen Star (G2) on Saturday at Fair Grounds kicked off the Kentucky Derby Championship Series and awarded 50 points.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Feb. 18, 2020
Jason discusses the terrible news about Taraz as well as his recent trip to Santa Anita. Then looks back at the Presidents' Day racing action from Oaklawn Park which included the Southwest Stakes. ...
Racing
Under the radar Kentucky Derby contenders, volume 4
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 contender profile: Modernist
One year after winning the Kentucky Derby via disqualification, trainer Bill Mott could return to Churchill Downs with Modernist.
Racing
Kentucky Oaks Roundup: Feb. 17, 2020
Stay up to speed on the Road to the Kentucky Oaks with a weekly roundup of all the latest news and developments.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Charlatan brings memories of Justify
Take a look at horses that may be running under the radar in this weekly series analyzing recent maiden winners poised to join the Road to the Kentucky Derby.
Racing
Kentucky Derby contender profile: Azul Coast
Can El Camino Real Derby winner Azul Coast one-up his Bob Baffert-trained predecessor Cavonnier with a victory in the Kentucky Derby?
Racing
Triple Crown veterans face off in Razorback Handicap
The Razorback H. (G3) and Bayakoa (G3) are among the Presidents' Day highlights at Oaklawn Park.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Pedigree Profile: Modernist
You would be hard-pressed to find a better-bred Kentucky Derby contender than Modernist, who joined the Road to the 2020 Kentucky Derby with his victory.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Pedigree Profile: Azul Coast
What do you get when you cross a Kentucky Derby winner with a stakes-winning turf miler? You get Azul Coast, a versatile colt ready to handle any track.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Feb. 17, 2020
We look back at the weekend of racing from around the country including the huge Risen Star Day Stakes at Fair Grounds. Jason also discusses his weekend visits to Golden Gate Fields and Santa Anita Park. ...
Racing
Gulfstream Park Late Pick 4 for Monday, Feb. 17
Gulfstream Park will play host to 10 stakes races on a fine 11-race card on Presidents’ Day. The latter four events of the day (Races 8-11) are of particular interest to me, as I believe that a few short-priced contenders could be vulnerable. Playin ...
Racing
Buffalo Blasts Continue With $46 Win; Positive Pompano Challenge
Sunday, Feb. 9 Wallyworld IV took place a day after our weekend deadline, so here are the results from those races at Pompano. There was one scratch, Rockin Machine in Race 3. In Race 1, Wally did not show up. We were fourth with Fritze Pic Up ...
Racing
Southwest Stakes Day spot plays at Oaklawn Park
The $750,000 Southwest (G3) tops a strong Holiday card at Oaklawn Park on Monday. The 2020 Road to the Kentucky Derby event is accompanied by a pair of competitive Grade 3 tilts.
Racing
How to bet the Southwest Stakes
It’s safe to say Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen has his sights set on winning the $750,000 Southwest (G3) on Monday at Oaklawn Park.
Racing
Thoughts on the Louisiana Derby Preview Day $100,000 guaranteed Pick 4
Pick 4s are spread liberally throughout Saturday's 13-race Louisiana Derby Preview Day at Fair Grounds, but only two carry pool guarantees.
Colleagues
Scott Shapiro and
James Scully have covered the all-graded stakes version that runs fr ...
Racing
Scully’s All-Stakes Pick 4 on Risen Star Day at Fair Grounds
Fair Grounds will offer a $400,000 guaranteed All-Stakes Pick 4 Saturday (Races 10-13) that wraps up with split divisions of the $400,000 Risen Star (G2), each awarding points on a 50-20-10-5 scale toward a Kentucky Derby berth. Fast and firm condi ...
Racing
Spot Plays for Louisiana Derby Preview Day
A splendid 13-race card will be hosted by Fair Grounds on Saturday, led by two divisions of the $400,000 Risen Star (G2). In total, seven stakes races are on tap with five of those of the graded stakes variety. I found a handful of horses that I ...
Racing
Spot Plays for Laurel Park's Sprintfest Winter Carnival
A total of five stakes events highlight the nine-race card at Laurel Park on Saturday. The big day of racing is led by a pair of Grade 3 tussles, and my focus will be on the black-type events. General George (G3) Lucrative dash attracted an ex ...
Racing
How to bet the Santa Monica Stakes
A compact field of five will travel 7 furlongs at Santa Anita in the $200,000 Santa Monica (G2) on Saturday. The race is led by a budding superstar who might just be scratching the surface of her abilities. Analysis
#1 Road Rager has s ...
Racing
Shapiro excited for the Risen Star Pick 4 on Feb. 15
Handicapper Scott Shapiro is excited about the all stakes pick 4 Saturday, here are his picks for Risen Star day.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Feb. 14, 2020
It's another big racing weekend and Jason discusses the Fair Grounds undercard, the El Camino Real Derby, and the Laurel Saturday card. The Jury stops by to catch up and talk about their favorite Vegas memories. ...
Racing
Sole Volante and the myth of Icarus
Approaching the Sam F. Davis S. quarter pole, Independence Hall seized the lead so many thought he would keep, but then Sole Volante loomed.
Racing
Betting a cold Pick 3 on Saturday at Fair Grounds
The Rachel Alexandra (G2) and the two divisions of the Risen Star (G2) are linked in a Pick 3 that appears winnable on a small budget.
Racing
Tipsheet: El Camino Real Derby
The $100,000 El Camino Real Derby will be run Saturday as race 7 at Golden Gate Fields. The 1 1/8-mile race on the Tapeta is part of the 2020 Road to the Kentucky Derby series.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Feb. 13, 2020
It's Horseplayer Thursday and we're happy to welcome Eric Bialek to the show to talk about his weekend at NHC, his 7th place finish in the event, and more. We also discuss the two divisions of the Risen Star Stakes coming up Saturday. ...
Racing
How to bet the second division of the Risen Star
The second division of the $400,000 Risen Star (G2) on Saturday at Fair Grounds is packed with a dozen talented sophomores.
Racing
Blackberry Wine stands out first division of Risen Star
Horses without stakes experience rarely win the Risen Star. Could Blackberry Wine defy this trend?
Racing
Tipsheet: Risen Star Stakes - 2nd division
The second division of the $400,000 Risen Star (G2) will be run Saturday evening as race 13 at Fair Grounds. A 3-year-old series with 50-20-10-5 points going to the top four finishers.
Racing
Tipsheet: Risen Star Stakes - 1st Division
1st division of the $400,000 Risen Star (G2) will be run Saturday as race 12 at Fair Grounds. A Kentucky Derby prep for 3-year-olds and worth 50-20-10-5 points.
Racing
Spot Plays, Power Plays, Across-The-Board Boosters On Race Menu
Rolling into February 2020 our selected features action, on a steady positive roll, is once again loaded with hot prospects to win and connected to Power Plays (PoP). Do your own handicapping and respect our off-the-beaten-track opinions to spike you ...
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Feb. 12, 2020
We're excited to welcome in longtime Southern California owner/handicapper Jon Lindo to talk So. Cal racing, being an owner there, the future of the hillside course, and much more! ...
Racing
Under-the-radar Kentucky Derby contenders, volume 3
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
Hot trainer spotlight: Rob Atras
Since Jan. 4, Rob Atras has posted a 47% strike rate with nine
wins from 19 starts. He also has five seconds and four thirds, with 95% of his
starters finishing in the money.
All starts have come at Aqueduct this year, and Atras is
presently on ...
Racing
Hong Kong Spot Plays: The show goes on at Happy Valley
Although a cloud of uncertainty currently hovers over racing in Hong Kong, the sport will nevertheless continue forward with an eight-race card on Wednesday at Happy Valley.
Concerns about the spread of the coronavirus in Hong Kong have led to ...
Racing
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Spa City impresses with fast win at Gulfstream
A weekly series analyzing recent maiden winners poised to join the Road to the Kentucky Derby.
Racing
The Derby decimal classifications: Feb. 10, 2020
A by-the-numbers review of the latest news and developments on the Road to the 2020 Kentucky Derby.
Racing
Kentucky Derby contender profile: Sole Volante
With his eye-catching triumph in the Sam F. Davis (G3), Sole Volante has proven he has what it takes to challenge classy dirt horses on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Feb. 11, 2020
Jason looks back at the NHC tournament, the weekend in Vegas, and more. He also welcomes in Oaklawn based trainer John E. Cox to talk about his win with Beemie Award on Friday, his training career, and more! ...
Racing
Kentucky Derby Roundup: Feb. 10, 2020
Stay up to speed on the Road to the Kentucky Derby with a weekly roundup of all the latest news and developments.
Racing
Kentucky Oaks Roundup: Feb. 10, 2020
Stay up to speed on the Road to the Kentucky Oaks with a weekly roundup of all the latest news and developments.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Pedigree Profile: Sole Volante
Take one glance at the pedigree of Sole Volente, and you’ll conclude—rightfully so—that’s he bred to excel on turf. But some horses defy their breeding...
Racing
Nadal, Tiz the Law close at 8-1 in Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 2
Following three days of betting, Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 2 closed on Sunday with a pair of widely-hyped 3-year-olds ranking as the co-favorites among individual betting interests.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Feb. 10, 2020
We look back at the weekend action including a big day at Tampa Bay Downs that included Sole Volante scoring in the Sam F. Davis and Got Stormy losing the Endeavour. We also discuss Santa Anita, Aqueduct, and Gulfstream racing action. ...
Racing
Buffalo Scores At $79, $21; Exacta Run; Feature Overlays
Thursday, Feb. 6 Freehold yielded a win with a fair price for our suggested contender, Stick That Lip Out ($6.20, $2.60, $2.10). We almost hit a cold exacta but our second choice to cash that bet—Belladonna Zette ($3.20)—came in third At Yonker ...
Racing
Projected speed in King Cotton the key to Oaklawn Pick 3
Share the Upside has the potential to be the controlling speed in the King Cotton Stakes.
Racing
Hanson: Stakes spot plays for Feb. 8
One Kentucky Derby (G1) and two Kentucky Oaks (G1) preps highlight this Saturday's stakes action, but our spot plays will primarily focus on the older runners as we go coast-to-coast within the span of a couple hours.
Suncoast -- Tampa Bay ...
Racing
Storm the Court has owners, trainer on another magical ride
Every horse, be it a low-level claimer or a decorated champion, runs down its own path, but for Exline-Border Racing and trainer Peter Eurton, they've certainly found a sweet spot.
Racing
Playing the Pick 5 on Festival Preview Day at Tampa Bay
Good luck!
RELATED: Independence Hall the one to beat in eight-horse Sam F. Davis ...
Racing
Jackpot carryovers on the line at Aqueduct, Fair Grounds
Heading into another busy weekend of racing, there are several carryover pools on the horizon to entice optimistic bettors in search of a life-changing payoff.
Racing
Sophomore spot plays at Tampa Bay Downs
Race 4 -- Maiden Special Weight
A nice field of 3-year-olds will run long on the dirt in the
maiden fray. I have a lot of interest in first-time starter #4 Wind Ridge (6-1) for Christophe Clement.
Son of Tonalist has trained like clockwork sin ...
Racing
Santa Anita stakes plays for February 8
A pair of
graded stakes events will take place at the “Great Race Place” on Saturday.
Las Virgenes (G2) Analysis
A compact
field of five will vie in the one-mile affair for sophomore fillies. The
feature did not attract the top fillies o ...
Racing
How to bet the King Cotton Stakes
King Cotton Contenders
#1 SHARE THE UPSIDE
(3-1) -- Asmussen pupil makes his first appearance since August and has
compiled a nifty 4-3-1-0 local line. Ontario-bred gelding has pace in a field
lacking it, and he looms large with a good break f ...
Racing
Five Horseplayers to watch & improve your handicapping
A look at the entries in the National Horseplayers Championship shows handicapping and tournament play is a male-dominated pursuit, but plenty of women are excelling in these endeavors. These savvy female horseplayers are handicappers to watch and learn from.
Racing
Tipsheet: Sam F. Davis Stakes
The $250,000 Sam F. Davis (G3) will be run Saturday at Tampa Bay Downs. The 1 1/16-mile race is for 3-year-olds and is part of the 2020 Road to the Kentucky Derby series.
Racing
A closer look at the Shantel Lanerie Memorial Stakes
Alms looms as a formidable favorite in the 1-mile Shantel Lanerie Memorial at Fair Grounds.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Feb. 6, 2020
We look ahead to some of the action coming up this weekend including a stakes packed card at Tampa Bay Downs headlined by the Sam F. Davis Stakes. ...
Racing
4 horses to consider in Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 2
These four talented sophomores are all 30-1 or higher in the second Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool.
Racing
The reboot: Beavis and Butt-Head, Funny Cide, and Tiz the Law
The most compelling story on the 2020 Derby trail so far is another reboot that does the original justice—Sackatoga Stable.
Racing
Cavalcade Of Possible Plays On Tap; Pocono Action Opens
February 2020 offers some more action than in 2019. Pocono opens, sharing a rich herd of contestants, equine and human, with the Meadowlands and Yonkers as it presents a wider choice for our selected feature events and Power Plays (PoP). Do your own ...
Racing
Mucciolo: Two offer appeal in second Kentucky Derby Future Wager pool
Champagne (G1) winner #22 Tiz the Law (8-1) , who recently captured the Holy Bull (G3) in his sophomore debut, has been made the 8-1 individual morning-line favorite for Pool 2 of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager . The Barclay Tagg trainee was al ...
Racing
Hot trainer spotlight: Danny Gargan
With divisions at Aqueduct and Gulfstream Park, Danny Gargan
has won 13-of-25 starts (52% win) since Jan. 5.
He went a sizzling 8-for-12 over the six-day period from Jan. 20-25, and
captured 2-of-4 starts last week.
Gargan is a rising star ...
Racing
Kentucky Derby Top 10: Tiz the Law ascends
A trio of promising 3-year-olds took center stage on the Road to the Kentucky Derby last Saturday.
Racing
Kentucky Derby contender profile: Max Player
You won't hear anyone knocking the pedigree of Max Player, who joined the Road to the Kentucky Derby with a decisive victory in the Withers (G3).
Racing