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Wednesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Turfway’s $11,566 Super High 5 carryover
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Wednesday, Dec. 11 at Mahoning Valley and Turfway Park, including horses to play in Turfway’s $11,566 Super High 5 carryover.
Best Bets
Racing Roundtable: Cigar Mile, Remsen, and Demoiselle takeaways
This week, the Racing Roundtable examines the Cigar Mile (G2), plus the Remsen (G2) and Demoiselle (G2) — Kentucky Derby (G1) and Oaks (G1) prep races, respectively, held at Aqueduct on Saturday.
Analysis
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Dec. 10, 2024
Jason is joined by long time River Downs handicapper and publicity guy John Englehardt to tell stories of the great old Cincinnati track, John's decades of photographing racing, and much more!
Racing
Tuesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Double bet at Mahoning Valley
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Tuesday, Dec. 10 at Mahoning Valley, including a cold double wager.
Best Bets
Hong Kong: Selections for Happy Valley Dec. 11
Wednesday’s racing action at Happy Valley kicks off at 5:40 a.m. ET. Luke Middlebrook guides you through the card with his selections and analysis.
Wagering
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Treaty of Rome wins for Brown
In a one-mile maiden special weight for juveniles at Aqueduct, Chad Brown’s second-time starter Treaty of Rome delivered victory as the favorite.
Triple Crown
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Kentucky Derby Roundup: Poster stars in the Remsen
No fewer than five Kentucky Derby (G1) qualifiers are taking place in the U.S. and Japan this month. The first was contested last week, and three more are on the agenda this week.
International
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Poster
After opening his career with a pair of turf wins, Poster switched to dirt and joined the Road to the Kentucky Derby with a triumph in the Remsen (G2).
Triple Crown
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem Dec. 9, 2024
Jason discusses some races from the weekend and talks about how he'd like to see more races at various distances.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Dec. 9, 2024
Jason looks back at a big Cigar Mile day card from Aqueduct as well as opening weekend at Oaklawn and stakes action from Tampa.
Racing
Monday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Mahoning’s $8,099 Pick 5 carryover
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Monday, Dec. 9 at Zia Park and Turf Paradise, along with a single for the $8,099 Pick 5 carryover at Mahoning Valley.
Best Bets
$400 Fair Grounds tournament, $12,364 Gulfstream carryover
A tournament at Fair Grounds and a Super High 5 carryover at Gulfstream Park are among the betting options for horseplayers to pursue this Sunday.
Tournaments
May Day Ready meets Forever Young’s half-sister in Hanshin Juvenile Fillies
Best of the rest behind European star Lake Victoria in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1), May Day Ready takes on Japan’s most promising prospects in the Hanshin Juvenile Fillies (G1) late Saturday night at 1:40 a.m. ET.
Analysis
Carryover and Tournament Picks for Saturday, Dec. 7
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares horses to play in a pair of carryovers and a trio of TwinSpires tournaments on Saturday.
Tournaments
Top picks, price plays for 2024 Hong Kong International Races
If it might not pay to get too creative with top picks for the Hong Kong International Races late Saturday night, there’s ample scope for the imagination in potential price plays and exotics longshots at Sha Tin.
International
Betting With, and Against, Mullikin in the Cigar Mile Handicap
A deep field of 11 will vie in Saturday’s lucrative $500,000 Cigar Mile H. (G2) at Aqueduct. The deserving favorite and horse to beat is the Grade-1 winning #5 Mullikin (3-1) for conditioner Bill Mott.
Wagering
Friday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Turfway double-digit longshots
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Friday, Dec. 6 at Fair Grounds and Turfway Park, including double-digit longshots to play in Turfway’s $3,535 Super High 5 carryover.
Best Bets
The Jury: Expert Picks, Bets, and Fades for Dec. 4-Dec. 8 [VIDEO]
[LIVE] Ashley, James and Darin explore the fields of Oaklawn Park, Fair Grounds, Woodbine and Cigar Mile!
Wagering
How to bet the Garland of Roses Stakes
A talented field of eight fillies and mares will jaunt six panels on the Aqueduct dirt in Sunday’s $135,000 Garland of Roses S.
Wagering
Hong Kong: Selections for Sha Tin night of Dec. 7
The fantastic Hong Kong International Races program at Sha Tin kicks off Saturday night at 11:25 p.m. ET.
International
Exotics Plays for the Allen Jerkens Stakes
A large field of 11 turf stayers will go two miles on the Gulfstream Park turf in Saturday’s $115,000 H. Allen Jerkens Handicap.
Wagering
Thursday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Turfway’s $155,887 Pick 5 carryover
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Thursday, Dec. 5 at Turf Paradise and Turfway Park, including longshots to play in Turfway’s $155,887 Pick 5 carryover.
Best Bets
Thursday Thoughts with Jason Beem Dec. 5, 2024
Jason looks ahead to the potential big debut for Flightline's baby sister, Flight of Fancy, on Saturday at Tampa Bay Downs.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Dec. 5, 2024
Jason discusses Turfway's opening day, some news from around the racing world, and looks ahead to stakes action this weekend from Tampa and Aqueduct.
Racing
Pleasanton Pick 3 Play for Saturday
The Saturday feature at Pleasanton is the $75,000 Golden Gate Debutante S. which is carded as the 8th Race. I’ll take a swing at the closing Pick 3 on the card which includes the marquee event of the afternoon.
Wagering
Finding Kentucky Derby Horses in Hidden Places
The path to the First Saturday in May at Churchill Downs goes through the Road to the Kentucky Derby challenge series.
Horse
NEW Turfway Park Handicapping Championship; Prize Pool, KDBC Seats
TwinSpires Tournaments is offering a brand new Handicapping Championship at Turfway Park with KDBC Seats and a $10k Prize Pool!
Tournaments
Oaklawn Park: Pick 3 play for Friday, Dec. 6, 2024
A total of 10 contests are on the slate for opening day at Oaklawn Park on Friday, led by the $150,000 Advent S. which is carded as Race 9.
Racing
Tipsheet: 2024 Remsen Stakes
A field of seven juvenile colts will travel 1 1/8 miles on the Aqueduct dirt in Saturday’s $250,000 Remsen S. (G2).
Wagering
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Dec. 4, 2024
Jason opens the show discussing Saturday's Cigar Mile. Then we welcome in horseplayer Raul Pantoja to talk about his win in the Del Mar Fall Challenge Betting Contest.
Quiz
Wednesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Turfway Park opening day
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Wednesday, Dec. 4 at Turfway Park, along with a ticket for the $2,369 Super High 5 carryover at Tampa Bay Downs.
Best Bets
Racing Roundtable: Thanksgiving weekend recap
The Roundtable this week looks back on an action-packed Thanksgiving holiday weekend, with emphasis on the two-year-old action at Churchill Downs and elsewhere.
Features
Meet the Contenders: 2024 Remsen Stakes
Meet the horses running in the 2024 Remsen Stakes at Aqueduct. For each horse, we're listing a pro, a con, and a rating of potential.
Racing
Hong Kong: Selections for Happy Valley Dec. 4
Racing at Happy Valley begins at 5:30 a.m. ET. Selections and analysis by Luke Middlebrook.
International
2024 Hong Kong Vase: Trends and storylines
Unlike the other three Hong Kong International Races, the about 1 1/2-mile Hong Kong Vase (G1) remains a happy hunting ground for invaders. The trend is expected to continue in Sunday’s renewal at Sha Tin.
Features
Tuesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Truckin can win at Zia
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Tuesday, Dec. 3 at Mahoning Valley and Zia Park, including a trio of win bets.
Best Bets
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Dec. 3, 2024
Jason is joined by Oaklawn-based trainer Jade Cunningham to talk about the upcoming season, the start of her training career, road tripping with D. Wayne Lukas, and more!
Quiz
2024 Hong Kong Sprint: Trends and storylines
Breeders’ Cup winner Starlust will attract the notice of North American racing fans, but the center of gravity in Sunday’s Hong Kong Sprint (G1) lies with the locals led by Ka Ying Rising.
Features
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: First Resort
A pace-tracking victory in the 1 1/16-mile Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) suggests running long on dirt is First Resort’s true strong suit.
Pedigree
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Barnes, Patch Adams impress
During closing week of the Churchill Downs fall meet, a bevy of promising maiden winners stamped their credentials as 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1) threats.
Triple Crown
Kentucky Derby Roundup: First Resort joins the leaderboard
We’re closing in on a milestone: Wednesday marks 150 days until the 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1) at Churchill Downs.
Features
Monday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: First-timers at Zia Park
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Monday, Dec. 2 at Zia Park and Turf Paradise, including a pair of first-time starters at enticing odds.
Best Bets
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem Dec. 2, 2024
Jason looks back at Churchill's final weekend of the year and the big season for trainer Kenny McPeek.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Dec. 2, 2024
Jason looks back at a big holiday weekend of racing from Churchill Downs, Del Mar, and much more!
Racing
Barnes, Into Mischief close as individual favorites in KDFW Pool 2, Sire Future Wager
Although Barnes just won his 5 1/2-furlong career debut by a head at Churchill Downs on Wednesday, bettors were smitten enough to make him the 13-1 individual favorite in Pool 2 of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager (KDFW).
Wagering
2024 Hong Kong Mile: Trends and storylines
The retirement of Golden Sixty has created a golden opportunity for a new star to emerge in the Dec. 8 Hong Kong Mile (G1), but it’s less obvious to predict his successor at Sha Tin.
Features
Churchill Downs: $240,017 mandatory-payout Pick 6, plus tournament
Sunday is closing day of the Churchill Downs fall meet. The highlight is the mandatory payout of a $240,017 Pick 6 carryover.
Tournaments
2024 Hong Kong Cup: Trends and storylines
Two-time defending champion Romantic Warrior furnishes the leading storyline going into the Hong Kong Cup (G1) while illustrating recent trends in the Sha Tin feature.
Analysis
2024 Champions Cup: One-line assessments
Japan’s reigning champion dirt horse, Lemon Pop, will try to conclude his career on a high note as he defends his title in Saturday night’s Champions Cup (G1) at Chukyo.
Wagering
Hong Kong: Selections for Sha Tin the night of Nov. 30
Racing at Sha Tin begins at 12 a.m. ET. Selections and analysis by Luke Middlebrook.
International
Saturday picks: KDBC Qualifier, Fair Grounds $13,529 Pick 6
A valuable tournament and a five-figure Pick 6 carryover are among the betting options for horseplayers to pursue on the final day of November.
Tournaments
Betting the Cherokee Mile Stakes 2024 with Injuction
The first running of the $250,000 Cherokee Mile S. attracted a diverse group of 11 in a wildly entertaining handicapping puzzle. A combination of horses cutting back in distance, sprinters stretching out for the one-turn mile, recent claims, and horses return
Wagering
Scully, Hanson share picks for KDFW Pool 2, Sire Future Wager
The lone Kentucky Derby Sire Future Wager, where fans can wager on sires of Kentucky Derby prospects, will run concurrently with Pool 2, and TwinSpires analysts James Scully and Vance Hanson have selections for both wagers.
Kentucky Derby
Tipsheet: 2024 Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes
A nice field of 10 sophomores will vie for your best bet around 1 1/16 miles on the Churchill Downs main surface in Saturday’s $400,000 Kentucky Jockey Club S. (G2).
Racing
2024 Hong Kong International Races: Early look at the main players
A perennial highlight on the racing calendar, the Hong Kong International Races now offer an even greater incentive to bettors: the four Group 1s will be World Pool events at Sha Tin Dec. 8.
International
Friday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: First-time starter at 10-1
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Friday, Nov. 29 at Churchill Downs and Fair Grounds, including analysis of Super High 5 and Pick 6 carryovers.
Best Bets
Saturday Stakes Plays for Gulfstream Park with Rated by Merit, Stunner Anchoring Picks
A pair of black-type races for Florida-bred juveniles will highlight the Saturday action at Gulfstream Park.
Wagering
Finding Value in the Deep Hollywood Derby
A massive field of 13 sophomores will go 1 1/8 miles on the Del Mar lawn in Saturday’s $300,000 Hollywood Derby (G1). In a cast with so many viable options, I feel that value can be found with nearly any contender in the crew.
Wagering
Betting the 2024 Mrs. Revere Stakes
An overflow field of 15 sophomore fillies are entered for Friday’s $300,000 Mrs. Revere S. (G2) at Churchill Downs. The 1 1/16-mile turf affair lacks a true standout in my view, and it looks like an event to take a shot with a progressive type for top honors.
Wagering
Thursday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Fair Grounds $32,902 Pick 5
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Thursday, Nov. 28 at Churchill Downs and Fair Grounds, including horses to play in the $32,902 Pick 5 carryover at Fair Grounds.
Best Bets
Exotics Plays for the Hollywood Turf Cup Stakes 2024
A big cast of 11 will travel 1 1/2 miles on the Del Mar green in Friday’s feature, the $200,000 Hollywood Turf Cup S. (G2). I’ll focus on a trio of runners in the especially well-matched field.
Racing
Betting With, and Against, Hit Show in the Clark Stakes
A total of nine horses will aim to upend morning-line choice #6 Hit Show (3-1) in Friday’s $600,000 Clark S. (G2) at Churchill Downs.
Wagering
Wednesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Mandatory-payout $58,109 Pick 5
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Wednesday, Nov. 27 at Churchill Downs, along with a ticket for the mandatory-payout $58,109 Pick 5 carryover at Parx.
Best Bets
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Nov. 27, 2024
Jason looks ahead to some of the big races coming up this holiday weekend at Churchill Downs, Aqueduct, and Del Mar. He also discusses what he's thankful for on Thanksgiving!
Quiz
Thanksgiving Day 2024 Spot Plays at Fair Grounds
A nice 10-race card kicks off at 1 p.m. ET on Thursday, with several interesting maiden and allowance races leading up to the featured Thanksgiving Classic.
Racing
How to bet the Falls City Stakes
A strong field of eight fillies and mares will vie in the Thanksgiving Day co-feature at Churchill Downs, the $400,000 Falls City S. (G3).
Wagering
How to bet the 2024 Thanksgiving Classic Stakes
A deep field of 11 sprinters will jaunt six panels on the Fair Grounds dirt in Thursday’s $225,000 Thanksgiving Classic S.
Wagering
Meet the Contenders: 2024 Kentucky Jockey Club
Meet the horses running in the 2024 Kentucky Jockey Club at Churchill Downs. For each horse, we're listing a pro, a con, and a rating of potential.
Racing
The Jury: Expert Picks, Bets, and Fades for Nov. 28-Dec. 1 [Video]
Racing analysts James Scully, Ashley Anderson, and Darin Zoccali hash out their best bets and fades for Thanksgiving week at Churchill Downs. Ashley and James give their thoughts in the written portion below. Be sure to check out Darin's opinions in our on-camera portion as well!
Wagering
Hong Kong: Selections for Happy Valley Nov. 27
The Wednesday action at Happy Valley gets underway at 5:40 a.m. ET. Selections and analysis by Luke Middlebrook.
International
Tuesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Zia Park all-stakes Pick 3
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for a trio of stakes on Tuesday, Nov. 26 at Zia Park.
Best Bets
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Nov. 26, 2024
Jason welcomes in New York Racing Association analyst/handicapper Sara Elbadwi to talk New York racing, handicapping, and much more! Jason also tells a story of a crazy night at his house!
Quiz
Chancer McPatrick, East Avenue made co-favorites for KDFW Pool 2; Sire Future Wager on tap
Pool 2 of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager (KDFW), along with the one and only Sire Future Wager, will run concurrently over Thanksgiving weekend.
Wagering
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Baffert, Cox unveil new winners
Last week, Baffert and Cox saddled flashy debut winners with the potential to make noise on the 2024-25 Road to the Kentucky Derby.
Features
Kentucky Derby Roundup: Natural Rise wins the Cattleya Stakes
The Road to the Kentucky Derby is heating back up, and the Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby is officially underway.
Features
Monday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Stakes plays at Mahoning, Zia Park
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Monday, Nov. 25 at Mahoning Valley and Zia Park, along with a single for the $4,749 Pick 6 carryover at Finger Lakes.
Best Bets
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Nov. 25, 2024
Jason looks back at the weekend of racing and news from around the horse racing world.
Racing
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem Nov. 25, 2024
Jason discusses the Fall Highweight and talks about weight in horse racing.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Natural Rise
A brief glance at Natural Rise’s pedigree suggests he’s cut out for success on turf rather than dirt. But dig deeper, and dirt influences become evident.
Triple Crown
Tournaments, mandatory Pick 6 payout: What to bet on Sunday
Two tournaments and a mandatory-payout Pick 6 carryover are among the enticing betting options for horseplayers to pursue on Sunday.
Tournaments
2024 Japan Cup: One-line assessments
Saturday night’s 44th running of the Japan Cup (G1) has attracted a terrific international cast of 14, including European celebrities Auguste Rodin and Goliath.
Analysis
How to bet the 2024 Zia Park Derby
A very good field of 10 sophomores will travel 1 1/16 miles on the main strip in Tuesday’s $300,000 Zia Park Derby.
Wagering
Stakes Pick 3 Plays for Zia Park on Monday
A total of seven black-type races for New Mexico-bred runners highlights a big Monday at Zia Park.
Wagering
Best bets for the $1,000 Churchill Downs KDBC/NHC Qualifier
TwinSpires tournament players have a big prize to chase on Saturday: the $1,000 Churchill Downs KDBC/NHC Qualifier.
Tournaments
Hong Kong: Selections for Sha Tin Nov. 23
Racing at Sha Tin begins at 11:45 p.m. ET. Selections and analysis by Luke Middlebrook.
International
Betting the 2024 Red Carpet Stakes
A well-matched field of eight fillies and mares will travel 1 3/8 miles on the Del Mar green in Sunday’s $100,000 Red Carpet S. (G3).
Wagering
How to bet the 2024 Native Diver Stakes
Six will go postward at Del Mar on Saturday in the $100,000 Native Diver S. (G3).
Wagering
Friday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: 8-1 shot on Fair Grounds opening day
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Friday, Nov. 22 at Churchill Downs and Fair Grounds, along with analysis of Gulfstream Park’s $64,848 Pick 5 carryover.
Best Bets
The Jury: Expert Picks, Bets, and Fades for Nov. 22-23 [Video]
Racing analysts James Scully, Ashley Anderson, and Darin Zoccali confer about their best bets and fades at Churchill Downs and Fair Grounds. Ashley and James offer their thoughts in the written portion below. Be sure to check out Darin's opinions in our on-camera portion as well!
Wagering
Trying for Lilies and Roses: Fillies Who Ran in the Kentucky Derby and Won the Kentucky Oaks
In its 150 years, five fillies were able to win the Kentucky Oaks after their turn in the Kentucky Derby, putting these distaffers in a class of their own.
Features
Grade 3 Chilukki trends and field analysis
The $300,000 Chilukki (G3) is one of two graded stakes on Churchill Downs' 11-race card on Saturday.
Racing
Exotics Plays for the Commonwealth Turf Stakes
A total of nine three-year-olds will vie in Saturday’s $300,000 Commonwealth Turf S. (G3) at Churchill Downs.
Wagering
Betting With, and Against, Two Sharp in the Chilukki Stakes
A total of eight fillies and mares will go one mile on the main oval in Saturday’s $300,000 Chilukki S. (G3) at Churchill Downs.
Wagering
Thursday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Navy Seal cuts back in distance
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Thursday, Nov. 21 at Churchill Downs, including a trio of win bets.
Best Bets
Thursday Thoughts with Jason Beem Nov. 21, 2024
Jason looks back on Tampa Bay Downs opening day and other opening day cards.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Nov. 21, 2024
Jason opens the show discussing some online betting discussions. Then he looks ahead to weekend stakes action at Churchill Downs and Del Mar!
Quiz
Fair Grounds Pick 4 Play for Saturday
A quartet of black-type races for Cajun-bred runners will highlight a very good card at Fair Grounds on Saturday.
Wagering
How to bet the Joseph R. Peluso Memorial Stakes
A talented field of seven Cajun-bred juveniles will dash six panels on the Fair Grounds main oval in Friday’s $100,000 Joseph R. Peluso Memorial S
Wagering