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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
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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
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Feb. 5, 2020
We open the show discussing the news of the day around horse racing. Then we welcome in Twinspires' own Ed DeRosa to talk about his article on his 2019 betting results, analysis of his horseplaying, changes he's making, and more! ...
Racing
Scully, Hanson find common ground in Pool 2 of Kentucky Derby Future Wager
With Pool 2 of the 2020 Kentucky Derby Future Wager opening Friday , Brisnet.com editors James Scully and Vance Hanson have put their heads together and reached a consensus on an individual entry they both like. They also scanned the remaining op ...
Racing
Hong Kong Spot Plays: Moreira set for big day at Happy Valley
Acclaimed jockey Joao Moreira has been on fire in Hong Kong this season. With 69 winners since the start of the 2019-20 season in September, Moreira is leading all other jockeys in Hong Kong by a wide margin.
Moreira will ride all eight races on ...
Racing
The Derby Decimal Classifications: Feb. 3
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 2
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: Thousand Words
They say a picture is worth a thousand words. And Thousand Words could be worth a few million dollars following his professional victory in the $150,000 Robert B. Lewis (G3) on Feb. 1 at Santa Anita.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Feb. 4, 2020
We discuss some of the Oaks division runners from the weekend including Taraz and Harvey's Lil Goil both winning impressively. Also excited to welcome in Mid-Atlantic based jockey Katie Davis to the show to talk about her riding career, racing in Ma ...
Racing
Kentucky Derby Roundup: Feb. 3, 2020
Stay up to speed on the Road to the Kentucky Derby with a weekly roundup of all the latest news and developments:
Changes on the Leaderboard
With three Road to the Kentucky Derby prep races taking place last Saturday,
the leaderboard ...
Racing
Kentucky Oaks Roundup: Feb. 3, 2020
Stay up to speed on the Road to the Kentucky Oaks with a weekly roundup of all the latest news and developments:
Changes on the Leaderboard
Three fillies scored dominant victories on the Road to the Kentucky Oaks last
weekend. Taraz
...
Racing
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Baffert unveils West Sider
A weekly series analyzing recent maiden winners poised to join the Road to the Kentucky Derby :
Edge of Fire: Bred and owned by Chiefswood Stables, Edge of Fire is a
stoutly-bred son of Curlin out of the Tapit mare Leading Edge. With this
...
Racing
Kentucky Derby contender profile: Tiz the Law
Could lightning strike twice for Sackatoga Stable and trainer Barclay Tagg, the team behind 2003 Kentucky Derby winner Funny Cide?
Racing
Kentucky Derby Pedigree Profile: Max Player
Although Honor Code is still largely unproven at stud—his first foals are 3-year-olds of 2020—early results indicate he's passing stamina on to his progeny. In addition to Max Player, Honor Code is the sire of 1 1/8-mile Santa Anita Derby (G1) winner ...
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Feb. 3, 2020
It was a big weekend on the Kentucky Derby trail so we look back at the Holy Bull, the Withers, The Robert B. Lewis, and more! ...
Racing
Meadows’ Power Play Picks Perform; Beating Best At Pompano
Thursday, Jan. 30 At Freehold, Fat Boy (33-1) raced very well from the 8 hole, finishing fourth to the race favorite. Night racing took us to Wallyworld III at Pompano, where we prompted bettors to defeat the track’s top driver, Wally Hennesse ...
Racing
Early Pick 3 at Turfway offers a challenge
Looking for a super-competitive sequence of races to play this weekend—the type that could generate a big payoff?
Racing
Hot Melissa key to the early Pick 4 at Fair Grounds
The early Pick 4 on Saturday at Fair Grounds features small but competitive fields, with the opener looming as an especially compelling challenge.
Racing
Scully: Stakes plays for February 1
Tiz the Law and Thousand Words will be heavy favorites in the Holy Bull (G3) and Robert B. Lewis (G3), respectively, and neither appears to face deep competition in the early-season Kentucky Derby prep races. Instead of trying to beat them, I will ...
Racing
Finding value in Turfway’s closing Pick 4
A challenging sequence featuring large fields headlines the
late Pick 4 at Turfway Park on Saturday. I will take aim at the play with an
affordable ticket, which has the potential to yield a big return.
Race 5 -- Claiming
A dozen fillies ...
Racing
Duke of Carthania key to Fair Grounds Pick 3 sequence
Three-year-olds will contest Saturday’s $60,000 Randy P. Romero S. at Fair Grounds, and plenty of speed is signed on for the one-mile turf affair.
Racing
If Smarty Jones winner Gold Street sang karaoke
If horses could sing karaoke, it would have been no surprise to see Gold Street leave Oaklawn Park, gallop off to the bar, grab the microphone, and serenade the crowd with Garbage's signature anthem—"Only Happy When It Rains."
Racing
Picks for three Kentucky Derby preps Feb. 1
Fans of the Road to the Kentucky Derby have plenty to to be excited about with three preps Feb. 1. Here is who to play.
Racing
Hanson: Spot Plays for the Randy Romero Memorial and Swale
The three Road to the Kentucky Derby preps rightly take center stage on Saturday, but there are several other interesting stakes across the country with potentially vulnerable favorites. Here are a couple I'll be looking at.
Randy Romero M ...
Racing
How to bet the Santa Anita all-stakes Pick 3
A trio of graded stakes races will highlight the Saturday
card at Santa Anita. The first two legs of the all-stakes Pick-3 appear to be
quite logical, but the closing race is a wide-open event that could yield an
upset.
Here is how I am attacki ...
Racing
Shapiro: Against the favorites in trio of Kentucky Derby preps
A busy Saturday of 3-year-old racing features a trio of 10-point races on the Road to the Kentucky Derby . Here are my thoughts and suggested wagers on the three events. Withers (G3) (Aqueduct, Race 8) Coming off his half-length score in ...
Racing
Playing Gulfstream’s all-sophomore stakes Pick 3
A trio of exciting stakes races for sophomores help highlight a huge day at Gulfstream Park on Saturday. I believe the favorite in each leg of the Pick-3 sequence has the potential to get upset, which can make for an excellent value play.
...
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Jan. 31, 2020
We welcome in the Jury to get their "Big Game" predictions as well as how they did on Pegasus weekend. Then we look ahead to Saturday's Stakes races including the Holy Bull, the Withers, and the Robert B. Lewis. ...
Racing
Quality fillies and mares featured Saturday in Oaklawn stakes
By Sara Dacus
On the second Saturday of racing at Oaklawn, the ladies take
center stage in stakes action, with the one-mile Martha Washington, the first
of the track’s three Kentucky Oaks points races; and the 6-furlong American
Beauty for olde ...
Racing
Strong maiden race key to Fair Grounds Saturday wagers
The $60,000 Randy P. Romero Memorial on the turf is the highlight of the Saturday card at Fair Grounds.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Jan. 30, 2020
It's horseplayer Thursday and we're excited to welcome in handicapper Mike Mulvihill who joins us to talk about his 3rd place finish in this past weekend's Pegasus Betting Challenge, playing contests, and more. We also discuss the news of the day. ...
Racing
Outsiders Outstanding For Exotics; Contenders Could Win Big
The bridge between January and February is a brief jump on our harness racing calendar. Let us ensue with our selected feature events and Power Plays (PoP). Do your own handicapping and respect our off-the-beaten-track opinions to spike your to your ...
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Jan. 29, 2020
We're excited to welcome in Dean Towers of the Pullthepocket blog to talk about the racing industry, sports betting, horse betting, and much more! ...
Racing
Hot trainer spotlight: Bret Calhoun
Since Jan. 4, Bret Calhoun has won 17-of-45 starts, a 38%
strike rate. He went 5-for-10 over a five-day stretch from Jan. 19-24.
The Midwest-based trainer has captured his lone start at
Oaklawn Park, 2-of-4 starts at Delta Downs, 5-of-20 starts ...
Racing
Under-the-radar Kentucky Derby contenders, volume 1
While many handicappers are busy debating the merits of Road to the Kentucky Derby prep race winners, there’s a good chance the 2020 Kentucky Derby (G1) victor is still an unheralded, inexperienced colt flying under the radar.
Let’s check ou ...
Racing
Kentucky Derby contender profile: Gold Street
If the skies open up at Churchill Downs before the 2020 Kentucky Derby, you can rest assured Gold Street won’t have any difficulty negotiating the wet going.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Top 10: Change is coming
The Road to the Kentucky Derby will take some serious turns Saturday. The agenda of prep races includes the Withers Stakes (G3) at Aqueduct, the Holy Bull (G3) at Gulfstream Park, and the Robert B. Lewis (G3) at Santa Anita.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Jan. 28, 2020
We're talking Oaklawn Park as we welcome in Oaklawn tv host and analyst Nancy Holthus to join the show. We look back at opening weekend and ahead to the rest of the meet. ...
Racing
Kentucky Derby Roundup: Jan. 27, 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: Jan. 27, 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: Pletcher saddles two weekend winners
If this trend continues, the 2020 Derby winner should be breaking his maiden about now. Not sure where to look?
Racing
The Derby Decimal Classifications: Jan. 27, 2020
A weekly, by-the-numbers review of the latest news and developments on the Road to the 2020 Kentucky Derby...
Racing
Hong Kong Spot Plays: Check out this Amazing Star at Happy Valley
Two promising sprinters will headline Wednesday’s racing
action at Happy Valley in Hong Kong, including the as-of-late unchallenged Amazing Star .
What could be better than enjoying breakfast while watching future equine stars in action? Not mu ...
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Jan. 27, 2020
We look back at the big weekend at Gulfstream Park including the Pegasus World Cup Dirt and Turf, the undercard, the Rainbow 6, and more. Also discuss Sam Houston's big Sunday and the Jazil at Aqueduct. ...
Racing
Kentucky Derby Pedigree Profile: Gold Street
Gold Street’s sire, Street Boss, was a two-time Grade
1-winning sprinter who has proven versatile at stud. Although the average
winning distance of his foals is just 6.6 furlongs, Street Boss has sired
several high-level winners running 1 1/8 miles o ...
Racing
Cold $142 Pompano Exacta; Meadowlands Power Plays Pays
Thursday, Jan. 23 Afternoon racing at Freehold showed a win but little profit as the crowd went along with us for Sheer Talent ($2.80, $2.40, $2.10). Fat Boy (12-1), our second choice on the program, finished fifth to a 5-1 shot. ”Wallywor ...
Racing
A look at the early Pick 5 on Houston Ladies Classic Day
Sunday is the biggest day of the 2020 Sam Houston meet , a day when bettors across the country can perhaps focus on the track more than usual as it hosts a rare weekend afternoon card.
Of course, Sam Houston's main attraction is its 12% takeou ...
Racing
How to play the Gulfstream Rainbow 6 mandatory payout
The Rainbow 6 pool continues to grow at Gulfstream Park in advance of a mandatory payout on Sunday. A pool that could reach, or exceed, $10 million is expected, and I will map out how I am structuring my ticket. Race 6 -- Allowance #2 Rebe ...
Racing
Pegasus World Cup Turf Study Guide
An overflow field of 13 will travel 1 3/16 miles on the
Gulfstream Park lawn in Saturday’s $1 million Pegasus World Cup Turf
Invitational (G1). With contenders throughout the field, the second edition of Pegasus
World Cup Turf is one of the most wide ...
Racing