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A Glass Full of Memories: A History of the Derby's Iconic Mint Julep Glasses
From their humble beginnings in the 1930s to their collectible designs in 2025, the mint julep glass is another piece of the Kentucky Derby experience that leaves fans with lasting memories of their day under the Twin Spires.
Education
Kentucky Derby: 4 stories of ordinary bettors winning big
You don’t need to be a millionaire to win a big bet on the Kentucky Derby (G1). Play the right horse(s) in the right situation, and even a small budget can yield a lucrative payoff.
Racing
Synthetic vs. turf vs. dirt: How surface transitions affect horse racing
When a horse transitions from one racing surface to another, the impact on their performance can be substantial.
Racing
Race for the Crown episode 2 recap: The Road to the Derby - Part 1
Episode 2 of Race for the Crown, titled “The Road to the Derby – Part 1,” highlights two critical Kentucky Derby prep races: the Florida Derby (G1) and the Blue Grass S. (G1), both offering Derby qualifying points to the top five finishers.
Racing
Race for the Crown episode 1 recap: The Greatest 2 Minutes in Sports
Race for the Crown opens with episode 1, “The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports,” spotlighting the difficulty of getting to the Kentucky Derby. A voiceover sets the stakes: “20,000 horses born every year. 20 in the starting gate.”
Racing
Champions Day in Hong Kong: Tabbing El Vencedor in QEII Cup
Sha Tin plays host to a 10-race Champions Day program that boasts three Group 1 events, and the action kicks off late Saturday night 12:45 a.m. ET.
Racing
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Growth in Kentucky Derby Day betting virtually unabated in its modern history
Growth in Kentucky Derby Day is not up for debate. Betting virtually is firmly a part of modern history.
Racing
Pick 3 of the Week: Aqueduct Saturday
The Pick 3 of the Week will come from Aqueduct on Saturday in a sequence that includes the headliner of the afternoon, the $125,000 Woodhaven S. on the grass for three-year-olds.
Racing
How to bet the Natural State Breeders’ Stakes
A total of 10 Arkansas-bred fillies and mares will travel one-mile in Sunday’s $150,000 Natural State Breeders’ S. at Oaklawn Park.
Racing
How to bet the Royal Heroine Stakes
A massive field of 13 fillies and mares will go eight panels on the Santa Anita lawn in Saturday’s $100,000 Royal Heroine S. (G3).
Racing
Friday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Santa Anita’s $68,636 Pick 6 carryover
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Friday, April 25 at Aqueduct and Keeneland, along with a single for the $68,638 Pick 6 carryover at Santa Anita.
Racing
Betting With, and Against, Sandy Bottom in the Roxelana Stakes
The opening-night feature at Churchill Downs on Saturday is the $200,000 Roxelana S. Seven fillies and one mare will go postward in the six-furlong heat on the main oval.
Racing
Pick 4 of the Week: Churchill Downs Saturday
The last of the three Pick 4 wagers offered at Churchill Downs on opening day comprises the final four races on the slate, including the feature, the Roxelana S.
Wagering
Exotics Plays for the Monroe Stakes
A total of 11 fillies and mares will travel 1 1/16 miles over the Gulfstream Park green in Saturday’s $75,000 Monroe S.
Wagering
How to bet the Bewitch Stakes
The closing-day feature at Keeneland on Friday is the $350,000 Bewitch S. (G3), a 1 1/2-mile turf affair for fillies and mares.
Wagering
The Jury: Expert Picks, Bets, and Fades for April 26, 2025
The TwinSpires Jury of Ashley Anderson and guest Nick Tammaro are back to debate their best bets and fades at Churchill Downs for Opening Night of the 43-day spring meet, plus they look at a high-profile matching at Aqueduct on Saturday.
Racing
Thursday Thoughts with Jason Beem for April 24, 2025
Jason discusses 'wise guy' and 'narrative' horses that might get bet in this year's Kentucky Derby.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast April 24, 2025
Jason is joined by TwinSpires' own Kellie Reilly for this week's International Radar segment. Then we welcome in Joe Kristufek from Churchill Downs to talk Kentucky Derby and Oaks.
Racing
Thursday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Single for Keeneland’s $25,217 Pick 6 carryover
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Thursday, April 24 at Keeneland and Turf Paradise, including a horse to single in Keeneland’s $25,217 Pick 6 carryover
Racing
The Official EARLY 2025 Kentucky Derby Betting Guide
The EARLY 2025 Kentucky Derby Betting Guide focuses on getting to know the contenders probable to enter the Kentucky Derby.
Analysis
British Spot Plays: Sandown selections April 25
The two fixtures for older horses at Sandown on Friday appear wide open.
Racing
Render Judgment – Kentucky Derby Context
Runner-up in the Virginia Derby, Render Judgement will face a tall challenge if he makes the 20-horse Kentucky Derby field.
Kentucky Derby
Wednesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Keeneland’s $10,587 Super High 5 carryover
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Wednesday, April 23 at Keeneland, Horseshoe Indianapolis, and Charles Town, including horses to play in Keeneland’s $10,587 Super High 5 carryover.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast April 23, 2025
Jason discusses the reaction to the recently released Netflix series about horse racing and discusses some betting topics for horseplayers.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Roundup: Workouts, jockeys, shipping plans
The 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1) is 12 days away. Catch up on the latest news and notes as two-dozen contenders finalize preparations for the first Saturday in May:
Racing
Racing Roundtable: Easter weekend review and appealing longshots for the Kentucky Derby, Oaks
The Racing Roundtable of Ashley Anderson, James Scully, and Vance Hanson congregate to go over what caught their eye over the weekend in racing, but mostly to look ahead to the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Kentucky Oaks (G1).
Racing
Hong Kong: Selections for Happy Valley April 23
Racing at Happy Valley begins at 6:40 a.m. ET. Selections and analysis by Luke Middlebrook.
Racing
Race for the Crown Premiers on Netflix: Follow Along with TwinSpires
Race for the Crown premieres on Netflix April 22. The six-part docuseries follows jockeys, trainers, and owners through the 2024 Triple Crown season, beginning with the previous season’s Breeders’ Cup.
Racing
STUDY: How many prep races are ideal for Kentucky Derby horses?
How many prep races are ideal to prepare a horse for victory in the Kentucky Derby? Let’s crunch the numbers and find out.
Racing
Built - Kentucky Derby Context
Built established himself as a promising prospect over the winter, recording a pair of commendable stakes efforts at Fair Grounds, but his last two performances raise doubts about his affinity for the 1 1/4-mile Kentucky Derby distance.
Kentucky Derby
Rodriguez – Kentucky Derby Context
After placing in his first two stakes, Rodriguez shipped east to record a convincing win in the Wood Memorial (G2)—the speedy colt figures to add speed to the Kentucky Derby for six-time winner Bob Baffert.
Kentucky Derby
Luxor Café – Kentucky Derby Context
A winner of four straight, Luxor Cafe qualified for the Kentucky Derby via the Japan Road and the late runner will bring a strong turn of foot to his first international appearance at Churchill Downs.
Kentucky Derby
Admire Daytona – Kentucky Derby Context
After setting the pace, Admire Daytona dug in gamely to win the U.A.E. Derby by a nose, and he will be third consecutive Japanese-based winner of the race to contest the Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.
Kentucky Derby
Baeza – Kentucky Derby Context
After a fine second in the Santa Anita Derby (G1), Baeza counts 2023 Kentucky Derby winner Mage as a half-brother and rates as a serious win contender if he draws into the 20-horse field.
Kentucky Derby
Coal Battle - Kentucky Derby Context
Trained by 72-year-old Lonnie Briley, Coal Battle swept three consecutive Kentucky Derby qualifiers and will try to rebound after finishing third in the Arkansas Derby (G1).
Kentucky Derby
Neoequos – Kentucky Derby Context
Third in the Florida Derby (G1) and Fountain of Youth (G2), Neoequos will bring tactical speed to the Kentucky Derby (G1) if he draws into the main body of the 20-horse field.
Kentucky Derby
East Avenue - Kentucky Derby Context
A juvenile Grade 1 winner, East Avenue figures to show speed in the Kentucky Derby (G1) after earning a spot in the 20-horse field with a nose second in the Blue Grass S. (G1).
Kentucky Derby
Grande – Kentucky Derby Context
Trained by two-time Kentucky Derby winner Todd Pletcher, Grande will enter the Kentucky Derby off an encouraging runner-up finish in the Wood Memorial (G2) at Aqueduct.
Kentucky Derby
Final Gambit - Kentucky Derby Context
An upset Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3) winner, Final Gambit, will bring a strong closing kick to his first dirt start in the Kentucky Derby (G1).
Kentucky Derby
Journalism - Kentucky Derby Context
After sweeping three consecutive stakes races in California, Journalism will be an imposing favorite in the 151st Kentucky Derby (G1) on May 3.
Kentucky Derby
Horse racing betting: What is a bridge jumper?
The sport of horse racing is filled with specific (and sometimes creative) lingo and jargon. The term “bridge jumper” is an example.
Racing
Tappan Street - Kentucky Derby Context
Tappan Street captured the Florida Derby (G1) in his third career start, establishing himself as a serious Kentucky Derby contender, and the progressing colt will look to get first run on the deep closers at Churchill Downs.
Kentucky Derby
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast April 22, 2025
We welcome in Brian Arrigoni from Horseshoe Indianapolis to talk about their season getting underway, handicapping betting the races at Horseshoe Indianapolis, and much more!
Racing
Tuesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Cold double at Horseshoe Indianapolis
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Tuesday, April 22 at Horseshoe Indianapolis and Will Rogers Downs, along with a horse to single in the $4,901 Pick 5 carryover at Turf Paradise.
Racing
Watch Netflix's Race for the Crown along with TwinSpires
TwinSpires will recap each episode of Netflix's Race for the Crown as we count down to the 151st Kentucky Derby.
Racing
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem for April 21, 2025
Jason discusses two tracks that open up this week, Mountaineer and Thistledown.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast April 21, 2025
Jason looks back at the weekend of racing including some stakes action from Keeneland and the Oaklawn Handicap from Oaklawn Park.
Racing
Monday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Parx’s mandatory-payout $545,802 Pick 5
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Monday, April 21 at Thistledown and Will Rogers Downs, along with a ticket for the mandatory-payout $545,802 Pick 5 carryover at Parx Racing.
Racing
Hawthorne: Analyzing Pick 6 and Super High 5 carryovers
A couple of carryovers are up for grabs on Sunday at Hawthorne.
Racing
Burnham Square - Kentucky Derby Context
Burnham Square came on when adding blinkers this winter, breaking his maiden and winning the Holy Bull (G3) at Gulfstream. The fast-closing gelding then jumped to the top of the Kentucky Derby leaderboard, winning the Blue Grass (G1).
Kentucky Derby
Owen Almighty – Kentucky Derby Context
Owen Almighty will bring speed to the 20-horse Kentucky Derby field, going gate-to-wire in two of his three stakes wins. The 1 1/4-mile distance will be a challenge, however.
Kentucky Derby
Tall Tales of the Track – A Bargain Mare Yields a High Class Horse
The product of an unwanted mare and an unheralded stallion, Lieutenant Gibson was a record-breaking Kentucky Derby winner and a beloved horse, his too-short life unable to give him the legacy that his performances might have merited.
Racing
Horse Racing This Weekend: Key Races, Top Horses & Best Bets [April 19-20]
Find out everything you need to know about key races, top horse, and best bets with TwinSpires horse racing this weekend.
Analysis
Keeneland: A single for the $82,329 Pick 6 carryover
Get ready—the Saturday card at Keeneland features a huge $82,329 carryover in the $1 Pick 6. We can expect thousands of additional dollars to join the pool.
Racing
How to bet the American Stakes
A cast of seven will run one-mile on the Santa Anita lawn in Sunday’s $100,000 American S. (G3).
Racing
The Jury: Expert Picks, Bets, and Fades for April 19, 2025
The TwinSpires Jury of Ashley Anderson and guest Nick Tammaro discuss their best bets and fades at Keeneland, Oaklawn Park, and Gulfstream Park.
Racing
Hong Kong: Selections for Sha Tin the night of April 19
Racing at Sha Tin begins at 12:45 a.m. ET. Selections and analysis by Luke Middlebrook.
Racing
Betting With, and Against, Pay Billy in the Federico Tesio Stakes
A well-matched field of 10 sophomores will run 1 1/8 miles on the Laurel Park main strip in Saturday’s $150,000 Federico Tesio S.
Racing
Madaket Road - Kentucky Derby Context
Runner-up in the Rebel S. (G2) two starts back, Madaket Road figures to revert to stalking tactics in the Kentucky Derby (G1).
Kentucky Derby
Publisher - Kentucky Derby Context
Following an encouraging runner-up in the Arkansas Derby (G1), Publisher will look to earn his first career win in the Kentucky Derby (G1).
Kentucky Derby
Sandman – Kentucky Derby Context
Sandman established himself as a major Kentucky Derby (G1) contender with a rallying win in the Arkansas Derby (G1).
Kentucky Derby
Pick 4 of the Week: Oaklawn Park Saturday
A pair of stakes races, led by the lucrative, $1.25 million Oaklawn H. (G2), will be a part of the Pick 4 of the Week from Oaklawn Park on Saturday.
Racing
2025 Kentucky Derby Trackside Coverage: Expert picks, odds, and all-access coverage
The 2025 Kentucky Derby is quickly approaching! Catch all the horse racing news directly from the race track for Kentucky Derby 2025. Stay up-to-date with exclusive interviews, picks, live odds and more.
Kentucky Derby
Pick 3 of the Week: Keeneland Saturday
The Pick 3 of the Week comes from Keeneland on Saturday in a sequence that concludes with the feature of the day.
Racing
Friday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Play this Keeneland double
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Friday, April 18 at Keeneland and Gulfstream Park, including a cold daily double.
Racing
How to bet the 2025 Doubledogdare Stakes
A fantastic field of seven fillies and mares will travel 1 1/16 miles on the Keeneland dirt in Friday’s $350,000 Doubledogdare S. (G3). The feature attracted four previous graded stakes heroines, including two of the Grade 1 kind, in an exciting affair with an abundance of quality to it.
Racing
Exotics Plays for the Elkhorn Stakes
An overflow field of 13 turf marathoners will travel 1 1/2 miles on the Keeneland lawn in Saturday’s $350,000 Elkhorn S. (G2).
Wagering
Flying Mohawk – Kentucky Derby Context
Flying Mohawk earned a Kentucky Derby berth finishing second in the Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3) at Turfway Park, and the confirmed closer will make his first dirt start at Churchill Downs on Derby Day.
Kentucky Derby
Tiztastic – Kentucky Derby Context
Kentucky Derby Context for Louisiana Derby (G2) winner Tiztastic, who promises to bring a late kick to the 151st running of the Kentucky Derby on May 3.
Kentucky Derby
American Promise – Kentucky Derby Context
Virginia Derby romper American Promise will represent the legendary D. Wayne Lukas, a four-time Kentucky Derby winner, and the speedy colt promises to add to the Kentucky Derby pace.
Kentucky Derby
Chunk of Gold - Kentucky Derby Context
After making his first two starts at Turfway Park, Chunk of Gold recorded consecutive runner-up finishes in the Risen Star S. (G2) and Louisiana Derby (G2) to guarantee himself a Kentucky Derby spot.
Kentucky Derby
Thursday Thoughts with Jason Beem for April 17, 2025
Jason talks about how to balance and respond to a bad day at the races.
Racing
Thursday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Aqueduct’s $21,551 Pick 6 carryover
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Thursday, April 17 at Gulfstream Park, Keeneland, and Charles Town, along with a horse to single in Aqueduct’s $21,551 Pick 6 carryover.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast April 17, 2025
Jason discusses some Kentucky Derby news and is joined by TwinSpires' own Kellie Reilly for the International Radar. Then Jason talks Oaklawn and Keeneland weekend racing.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Neoequos
Speed is a strong suit for Neoequos. But does he have the stamina to stretch out over 1 1/4 miles in the Kentucky Derby (G1)?
Racing
Citizen Bull – Kentucky Derby Context
Champion two-year-old male Citizen Bull did not turn in his best effort in the Santa Anita Derby (G1) and is a candidate to rebound for six-time Kentucky Derby winner Bob Baffert at Churchill Downs.
Kentucky Derby
Wednesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: 30-1 at Horseshoe Indianapolis
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Wednesday, April 16, at Keeneland and Horseshoe Indianapolis, along with tickets for the $3,014 Super High 5 carryover at Tampa Bay Downs.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast April 16, 2025
Jason welcomes in Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith to talk about his early days in New Mexico, an amazing career, his recent Wood Memorial win, and more!
Racing
Racing Roundtable: Early Horse of the Year debate, Kentucky Derby top 5, and Keeneland stakes
The Racing Roundtable of Ashley Anderson, James Scully, and Vance Hanson conduct an early debate on potential Horse of the Year contenders following Thorpedo Anna's Apple Blossom (G1) victory, then look over Keeneland stakes action from the weekend, and give out their Kentucky Derby (G1) top five.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Render Judgment
Render Judgment’s pedigree suggests he’ll stay 1 1/4 miles without issue, but does the stretch-running colt have enough speed to win the Kentucky Derby?
Racing
Hong Kong: Selections for Happy Valley April 16
Racing at Happy Valley begins at 6:40 a.m. ET. Selections and analysis by Luke Middlebrook.
Racing
Tuesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Horseshoe Indianapolis opening day
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Tuesday, April 15 at Horseshoe Indianapolis and Will Rogers Downs, including a pair of exactas.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast April 15, 2025
Jason welcomes in owner C.J. Johnsen from CJ Thoroughbreds to talk Keeneland, breeding owning horses, and much more!
Racing
Kentucky Derby Roundup: Burnham Square wins the Blue Grass
The 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1) is 19 days away. Catch up on the latest news and notes as the Road to the Kentucky Derby unfolds:
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Madaket Road
Does Madaket Road have the requisite stamina to race 1 1/4 miles in the Kentucky Derby? His pedigree suggests classic distances might be a little longer than ideal.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Gosger
The final leg of the 2024-25 Road to the Kentucky Derby was the 1 1/16-mile Lexington (G3) at Keeneland, in which maiden winner Gosger successfully stepped up in class to win by two lengths.
Racing
British Spot Plays: Craven meeting at Newmarket April 15
Newmarket's three-day Craven meeting this week features more trials for the 2000 Guineas (G1) and 1000 Guineas (G1).
Racing
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem for April 14, 2025
Jason discusses Saturday's objection in the Jenny Wiley and how inquiries and objections are conducted and looked at in racing.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast April 14, 2025
Jason looks back on the racing weekend including a controversial Jenny Wiley at Keeneland, the Lexington, as well as Thorpedo Anna's win in the Apple Blossom.
Racing
Monday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Gray Lightning can win comeback
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Monday, April 14 at Parx Racing and Will Rogers Downs, including a play in the Wilma Mankiller S.
Racing
Gulfstream: Betting the $558,782 Pick 6 mandatory payout
The Sunday card at Gulfstream Park is highlighted by the mandatory payout of a $558,782 jackpot carryover in the Rainbow Pick 6.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Grande
Grande qualified for the 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1) via a strong runner-up finish in the 1 1/8-mile Wood Memorial (G2) at Aqueduct.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Flying Mohawk
Can Flying Mohawk successfully switch from synthetic to dirt for the Kentucky Derby? His pedigree suggests it’s not a guarantee.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: River Thames
A review of River Thames' pedigree suggests stretching out over classic distances for the Triple Crown series could be a question mark.
Racing
Horse Racing This Weekend: Key Races, Top Horses & Best Bets [April 12-13]
Find out everything you need to know about key races, top horse, and best bets with TwinSpires horse racing this weekend.
Racing
Picks: Keeneland’s Grade One Gamble tournament, Mahoning’s $23,027 Pick 6 mandatory payout
A mandatory-payout Pick 6 carryover at Mahoning Valley and a lucrative tournament at Keeneland are among the best betting options to pursue on Saturday.
Racing
Pick 3 of the Week: Keeneland Sunday
The Pick 3 of the Week will come from Keeneland on Sunday, concluding with the ultra-competitive Giant’s Causeway S.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Publisher
Although Publisher has yet to win a race, he qualified for the Kentucky Derby (G1) via a runner-up finish in the Arkansas Derby (G1) and aims to become the first maiden to win the Kentucky Derby since 1933.
Racing
POPULAR ARTICLES
Kentucky Derby: 4 stories of ordinary bettors winning big
Synthetic vs. turf vs. dirt: How surface transitions affect horse racing
Race for the Crown episode 2 recap: The Road to the Derby - Part 1
Race for the Crown episode 1 recap: The Greatest 2 Minutes in Sports
Champions Day in Hong Kong: Tabbing El Vencedor in QEII Cup
VIDEOS
LATEST
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