How to Bet the Quality Derby Week Maiden Races at Churchill Downs

Wed May 01 2019J. Keeler Johnson

The Kentucky Derby , Kentucky Oaks  and 11 other graded stakes races are the obvious highlights at Churchill Downs this week, but racing’s future will also be on display in a series of quality maiden special weight races. Across Friday a ...
Want to make the trainer of a horse in the Kentucky Derby think really hard?

Wed May 01 2019TwinSpires Staff

The fourteen post saw a significant number of early trouble comments and I have to think the positioning of that outside gate – if a horse ran straight from the aux gate he’d hit the rail before the first turn – is the reason why.  It’s interest ...
Final Kentucky Oaks works round-up: Notes and quotes from coast-to-coast

Wed May 01 2019John Mucciolo

A total of 13 sophomore fillies put in their final major morning preparations over the past week in advance of Friday’s $1.25 million Kentucky Oaks (G1) at Churchill Downs . Grade 2 princess Positive Spirit previously drilled a bullet four pan ...
How is Keeler Johnson Playing the 2019 Kentucky Derby?

Wed May 01 2019J. Keeler Johnson

While I’m still plotting out my wagering strategy for the 2019 Kentucky Derby , I’ve essentially nailed down my overall opinions of each horse and have determined whether I’ll be using them on my tickets. The Tuesday morning post position draw ...
Dick Powell’s Australian Pick of the Week May 1

Wed May 01 2019Dick Powell

Race 3 at Warrnambool (Australia A) on Wednesday night is a seven-furlong benchmark 78 handicap for fillies and mares. The track is expected to be “Soft-7,” so horses with wet-track form should be noted. CASA DE LAGO (#1) (15-2) is a four-year-o ...
Hoosier Park Harness Race of the Week for May 1, 2019

Wed May 01 2019John Mucciolo

RACE 7 at Hoosier Park on Wednesday attracted a field of eight for a one-mile trotting event. “The Death Star” is a conditioned race for now-winners of four and looks like a very good betting opportunity. Don’t forget to get your GAIT INSURANCE ...

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What to take away from Kentucky Derby contender works with clocker Gary Young

Wed May 01 2019TwinSpires Staff

The special Kentucky Derby editions of Turf Talk features exclusive analysis with highly respected clocker Gary Young. Analysts Scott Shapiro and Ed DeRosa discuss with Gary how Kentucky Derby contenders look as they prepare for the First Saturday in ...
Kentucky Derby: Who’s Hot, Who's Not with Nicolle Neulist

Wed May 01 2019Rowan Ward

We know who the favorites are going to be: Bellafina in the Oaks and Omaha Beach in the Derby. But maybe you don't like to bet chalk or you’re working out who to play in exotics. Either way, you’re going to want to know who’s coming into the races ho ...
What are the 2019 Kentucky Derby Odds?

Tue Apr 30 2019J. Keeler Johnson

Unlike last year, when I listed six horses as overlays or fair value in the Kentucky Derby , just two horses strike me as offering value this year: Omaha Beach and Maximum Security . This is partly because I hold a very positive view of Omaha Bea ...
Winners and Losers at the 2019 Kentucky Derby Post Position Draw

Tue Apr 30 2019J. Keeler Johnson

Who drew well and who drew poorly when post positions for the 2019 Kentucky Derby (G1)  were assigned Tuesday morning? Three of the 20 horses received highly favorable post positions, while three others were compromised by their assignments. W ...
Who is Running in the 2019 Kentucky Derby?

Tue Apr 30 2019J. Keeler Johnson

Omaha Beach was shaping up to be the favorite for the 2019 Kentucky Derby (G1) , even beforethe Tuesday morning post position draw at Churchill Downs , but when the talented colt drew favorably in post position #12, his status as favorite wa ...
2019 Kentucky Derby Jockey Assignments, Facts and Trends

Tue Apr 30 2019J. Keeler Johnson

It is often said that jockeys are unable to make horses run beyond their abilities, but the difference between victory and defeat can come down to the skills of a rider in saving ground, timing moves correctly and riding hard to the finish line. T ...
Churchill Downs Pick of the Week for May 1

Tue Apr 30 2019TwinSpires Staff

Kentucky Derby week continues Wednesday with a 10-race card at Churchill Downs, and it's the finale that appears a highly competitive wagering event. A six-furlong, $30,000 maiden claimer for 3-year-olds and up, #6 GRAYSSHOOTINGSTAR (10-1 ) is a ...