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Keeler Johnson's picks and plays of Sept. 1
Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Friday, Sept. 1 at Saratoga and Del Mar, along with horses to single in Pick 6 carryovers at Saratoga (where the prize pool is $111,630) and Colonial Downs.
Wagering
Exotics Plays for the Jockey Club Gold Cup Stakes
A very competitive field of eight will travel 1 1/4 miles over the Saratoga main surface in Saturday’s $1 million Jockey Club Gold Cup S. (G1). The 10-furlong feature lacks a confirmed front runner and all of the pace in the heat will break from the outer post slots.
Wagering
How to bet the 2023 Del Mar Handicap
The finale on the signature day of racing of the Del Mar meeting will see 11 travel 1 3/8 miles on the lawn in the $300,000 Del Mar H. (G2). A very well-matched group will compete in the turf marathon, and I will center many of my wagers around an up-and-coming sort who will be making his stakes debut in this endeavor.
Wagering
How to bet With, and Against, Geaux Rocket Ride in the Pacific Classic
An outstanding field of 11, including a trio of fantastic sophomores, will vie in Saturday’s $1 million Pacific Classic S. (G1) at Del Mar.
Analysis
How to bet the Mint Millions Stakes
A huge field of 12 will travel one-mile on the Kentucky Downs lawn in Saturday’s lucrative $2 million Mint Millions S. (G3).
Wagering
Saturday Stakes Selections for Colonial Downs
A handful of black-type events on the turf for the Virginians will highlight a big Saturday of racing at Colonial Downs.
Analysis
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Jason Beem's Thursday Column for Aug. 31, 2023
Jason looks back at his exercise of doing the morning line for a race card at Colonial.
Racing
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays of Aug. 31
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Thursday, Aug. 31 at Saratoga, Horseshoe Indianapolis, and Kentucky Downs, including tickets for the With Anticipation (G2).
Wagering
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: Aug. 31, 2023
Jason looks ahead to some racing coming up this weekend, including the return of the Super Derby to Louisiana Downs. He also discusses some betting topics and more.
Racing Podcast
Harness Preview: Picks and Horses to Watch Aug. 31-Sept. 4
Selected features, stakes coverage, and the never-ending TwinSpires’ horses-to-watch list (H2W) share keys to success in exotics, win, place, and show payoffs.
Harness
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: Aug. 30, 2023
Jason opens the show discussing some industry topics and business talk. Then we welcome in Michelle Yu to talk some Del Mar, being a mom at the track, the Pacific Classic, chicken coup repair, and more!
Racing Podcast
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays of Aug. 30
J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Wednesday, Aug. 30 at Horseshoe Indianapolis and Assiniboia Downs, including tickets for the $3,073 Super High 5 carryover at Horseshoe Indianapolis.
Wagering
Presque Isle Downs Selections and Analysis For Wednesday, Aug. 30, 2023
Dick Powell offers his selections and analysis for Wednesday's card at Presque Isle Downs.
Wagering
Catching My Eye: Closing Weekend at Ellis Park
These are names we know and it’s no surprise to see them saddle a big maiden-winner over closing weekend at Ellis Park.
Analysis
Racing Roundtable: Arcangelo, Echo Zulu, and rebound candidates from Travers weekend
James Scully, Kellie Reilly, and Vance Hanson comment on what we learned from the Travers (G1) and other action from the weekend at Saratoga.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: Aug. 29, 2023
Jason opens the show discussing some news and topics from around the racing world. Then we welcome in Ed Meyer from Belterra Park to talk about the season, Perry Ouzts, and they share some old River Downs stories.
Racing Podcast
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays of Aug. 29
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Tuesday, Aug. 29 at Horseshoe Indianapolis and Assiniboia Downs, along with thoughts on the Super High 5 carryover at Louisiana Downs.
Wagering
Improving horses can turn the tables on seemingly superior rivals
Just because one horse beats another the first time they face off doesn’t mean the outcome won’t be reversed in subsequent meetings. The history of horse racing is replete with examples.
Racing
Presque Isle Downs Selections and Analysis for Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2023
Dick Powell offers his selections and analysis for Tuesday's card at Presque Isle Downs.
Wagering
Saratoga: Recent trends in Week 8 Saturday stakes
The eighth and final Saturday of the 2023 Saratoga season features three graded stakes, two of which are relatively new additions to the Spa calendar.
Analysis
Breeders' Cup Juvenile Maiden Watch: Fierceness stuns at Saratoga
Did we see the 2023 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) winner debut at Saratoga last Friday?
Breeders Cup
Breeders' Cup Roundup: Aug. 28, 2023
Each week, J. Keeler Johnson reviews the latest news and results on the road to the 2023 Breeders’ Cup at Santa Anita.
Breeders Cup
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem Aug. 28, 2023
Jason looks back at Travers Day and the win by Arcangelo.
Features
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays Aug. 28
J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Monday, Aug. 28 at Ellis Park, Horseshoe Indianapolis, and Assiniboia Downs, including tickets and horses to play in a pair of carryovers at Ellis.
Wagering
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: Aug. 28, 2023
Jason looks back at the weekend of racing, including the Travers Day card at Saratoga. We also discuss Charles Town Classic night and racing from Del Mar.
Racing Podcast
Harness
Presque Isle Downs Selections and Analysis for Monday, Aug. 28, 2023
Dick Powell offers his selections and analysis for Monday's card at Presque Isle Downs.
Wagering
Ellis Park: Live longshots for the $32,743 Pick 5 carryover
Want to win a share of a five-figure Pick 5 carryover? Then check out the Sunday card at Ellis Park. The 50-cent Late Pick 5 gets underway in Race 5 and features a carryover worth $32,743.
Wagering
Betting Strategy: So you like an underlay favorite, what now?
You’re handicapping and you see a horse you like--a form pattern, a trainer angle, speed figures, whatever the angle. This horse should win, you think. What now?
Education
Analyzing Aug. 26 carryovers at Monmouth, Ellis, and Colonial
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares horses to play (or oppose) in a trio of non-jackpot carryovers on Saturday at Monmouth Park, Ellis Park, and Colonial Downs.
Racing
The Jury: Bets and fades for Aug. 26-27
A scaled-down Jury assembly this week concentrates on the big Travers Day program at Saratoga, with thoughts on some of the graded stakes as well as opportunities on the undercard.
Wagering
How to bet the Ellis Park Turf Stakes
A deep field of 11 fillies and mares will run 1 1/16 miles on the Ellis Park lawn in Sunday’s $125,000 Ellis Park Turf S.
Wagering
How to bet the Rancho Bernardo Handicap
A total of eight fillies and mares will travel 6 1/2 furlongs on the Del Mar dirt in Sunday’s $125,000 Rancho Bernardo H. (G3).
Wagering
Betting With, and Against, Anarchist in the Pat O'Brien Stakes
A deep field of 11 will travel seven-eighths on the Del Mar main strip in Saturday’s $250,000 Pat O’Brien S. (G2).
Wagering
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays of Aug. 25
Keeler Johnson shares picks for Saratoga and Charles Town plus horses to single in the mandatory-payout $54,491 Pick 6 carryover at Charles Town and the $1,412 Pick 6 carryover at Colonial Downs.
Racing
Exotics Plays for the 2023 H. Allen Jerkens Memorial
A high-quality field of six sophomores will run seven furlongs on the Saratoga main oval in Saturday’s $500,000 H. Allen Jerkens Memorial (G1).
Wagering
How to bet the 2023 Sword Dancer Stakes
An evenly matched field of seven will travel 1 1/2 miles on Saratoga's inner turf course in Saturday’s $750,000 Sword Dancer S. (G1).
Wagering
Tipsheet: 2023 Travers Stakes
A sensational field of seven top three-year-olds will travel 1 1/4 miles over the main surface at Saratoga in Saturday’s $1.25 million Travers S. (G1).
Wagering
How to bet the 2023 Charles Town Classic and Oaks
John Mucciolo shares picks and plays for the Charles Town Classic (G2) and Charles Town Oaks (G3) on Friday night at Charles Town.
Wagering
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Aug. 24, 2023
Jason is joined by James Scully of TwinSpires to discuss to this weekend's Travers (G1). Jason also looks ahead to the the Saratoga weekend and Charles Town Classic (G2).
Racing
Jason Beem's Thursday Column for Aug. 24, 2023
Jason looks ahead to the weekend racing and talks about Charles Town Classic night and his love of night racing.
Features
How to bet the 2023 Ballerina Handicap
A sensational field of eight fillies and mares will travel seven furlongs on the Saratoga dirt in Saturday’s $500,000 Ballerina H. (G1) at Saratoga.
Racing
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays of Aug. 24
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Thursday, Aug. 24 at Delaware Park and Saratoga, including an exacta in the Ballston Spa (G2).
Wagering
How to bet the 2023 Personal Ensign Stakes
A small, but fantastic, field of six fillies and mares will run 1 1/8 miles on the Saratoga main strip in Friday’s $500,000 Personal Ensign S. (G1).
Wagering
What is a Quarter Horse and why is it named that?
Versatility, agility, strength, and speed are the overarching qualities that make the Quarter Horse such a stunning and special equine breed.
Education
Harness Preview: Picks and Horses to Watch Aug. 24-28
Selected features, stakes coverage, and the never-ending TwinSpires’ horses-to-watch list (H2W) share keys to success in exotics, win, place, and show payoffs.
Harness
First-crop sires: Vino Rosso, one more stud for Spendthrift
Winner of the 2019 Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1), in the final start of his career, Vino Rosso is back on the racing scene, this time as a prominent first-crop sire in 2023.
Pedigree
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: Aug. 23, 2023
Jason welcomes in Frank Scatoni from Del Mar to talk about the Del Mar season, Southern California horseplayers, doing newcomer seminars, and much much more!
Racing Podcast
York: Spot Plays for Day 1 of 2023 Ebor Festival
Six two-year-olds were declared for the Acomb (G3), five three-year-olds for the Great Voltigeur (G2), and only three are set to take on Paddington in the Juddmonte International (G1).
Wagering
Presque Isle Downs Selections and Analysis for Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023
Dick Powell gives his selections and analysis for Presque Isle Downs for Wednesday, Aug. 23, 2023.
Wagering
Catching My Eye: Cox Bags Five Over the Weekend at Ellis
Cox racked up five more wins with nine starters, putting him at 18 wins and in position to win his fifth Ellis Park trainers' title since 2015.
Analysis
Pedigree notebook: Randomized expands Nyquist's portfolio
After Crimson Advocate captured the Queen Mary (G2) at Royal Ascot, and unbeaten New York Thunder rumbled in the Amsterdam (G2) on the Saratoga dirt, Nyquist was in the spotlight as the sire of dazzling sprinters. Now that Randomized carried her speed over 1 1/4 miles in last Saturday’s Alabama (G1), she’s expanded the horizons.
Pedigree
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays of Aug. 23
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Wednesday, Aug. 23 at Horseshoe Indianapolis and Saratoga, along with a horse to single in the $3,019 Pick 6 carryover at Finger Lakes.
Wagering
Racing Roundtable: Randomized steps up in Alabama; anticipation builds for Travers
In this week's edition of the Racing Roundtable, James Scully, Kellie Reilly, and Vance Hanson comment on what Randomized's victory in the Alabama (G1) means for the three-year-old filly division.
Features
Horses debuting in stakes can win and pay nicely
Once in a while, you’ll see an unraced horse enter a stakes. You might assume an inexperienced first-time starter is overmatched against stakes-caliber rivals, but that isn’t always the case.
Education
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays of Aug. 22
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for a trio of stakes on Tuesday, Aug. 22 at Parx Racing, along with tickets for the $1,741 Super High 5 carryover at Mountaineer.
Wagering
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: Aug. 22, 2023
Jason opens the show discussing doing a morning line as an exercise and why he thinks it's an important skill to have. Then he welcomes in Doug McPherson from Fort Erie and Woodbine to talk Ontario racing, King's Plate Day, owning horses, and much more!
Racing Podcast
Presque Isle Downs Selections and Analysis for Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2023
Dick Powell gives his selections and analysis for Presque Isle Downs for Tuesday, Aug. 22, 2023.
Wagering
International spotlight: York's Ebor Festival offers Breeders' Cup spots
While it’s Travers Week stateside, the British racing scene is focused on the Ebor Festival at York from Wednesday through Saturday. A trio of Breeders’ Cup Challenge events will highlight the first three days, with star power in the Juddmonte International (G1) on Wednesday’s opening day.
International
Breeders' Cup Roundup: Vandeek qualifies; Randomized, Anisette win G1s
A couple of Grade 1 races for three-year-old fillies contested last Saturday could have Breeders’ Cup implications.
Breeders Cup
Breeders' Cup Juvenile Maiden Watch: Risk It romps at Saratoga
The 2023 Breeders’ Cup is 2 1/2 months away, and while key contenders for some races are well-established, it’s possible the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) winner hasn’t even started yet.
Breeders Cup
First-crop sires: Flameaway passing speed to offspring
Unheralded when entering stud in 2020, Flameaway has made an immediate impact with his first crop, putting himself among leading freshman sires.
Pedigree
Saratoga: Recent trends in Week 7 Saturday stakes
The biggest Saturday of the Saratoga season this week features five Grade 1 stakes, led by the $1.25 million Travers (G1).
Analysis
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem Aug. 21, 2023
Jason looks back at the King's Plate and racing from Woodbine.
Features
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays Aug. 21
J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Monday, Aug. 21 at Presque Isle Downs and Parx Racing, along with a 20-1 longshot to key on top in the $506 Super High 5 carryover at Louisiana Downs.
Wagering
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: Aug. 21, 2023
Jason looks back at the weekend of racing, including the Alabama Stakes at Saratoga as well as the big King's Plate card at Woodbine.
Racing Podcast
Harness Weekly Update: $72 winner leads prolific H2W results
Hoosier $72 winner tops strong harness betting weekend
Harness
Presque Isle Downs Selections and Analysis for Monday, Aug. 21, 2023
Dick Powell gives his selections and analysis for Presque Isle Downs for Monday, Aug. 21, 2023. Find out more!
Wagering
Woodbine: A live longshot for Early Pick 5 carryover on King's Plate Day
Sunday is King’s Plate Day at Woodbine, and the Pick 5 starting in Race 2 features a non-jackpot carryover worth CAD $81,774 (USD $60,128.) Plus, Ellis Park has a $2,137 Super High 5 carryover.
Wagering
How to bet the Sorority Stakes
Eight two-year-old fillies will travel one-mile on the Monmouth Park main oval in Sunday’s $200,000 Sorority S.
Racing
How to bet the Bolton Landing Stakes
A total of six juvenile fillies will travel 5 1/2 furlongs on the Saratoga lawn in Sunday’s $150,000 Bolton Landing S.
Racing
Chasing carryovers: Ellis Park and mandatory payout at Gulfstream Park
Ellis Park has a $2,828 carryover up for grabs in the $1 Super High 5 on Saturday. Later in the afternoon is the mandatory payout of a $338,577 Pick 6 jackpot at Gulfstream Park.
Racing
How Fast Can a Horse Run: The Science of Horse Racing
Whether they pull a sulky, run a long distance, or sprint over a short quarter mile, three breeds are the stars of the sport we all love, but, of the three, who is the fastest and why?
Features
First-Crop Sires: Maximus Mischief takes the early lead
Maximus Mischief showed talent during his brief racing career. Now he’s back in the headlines thanks to a promising first crop of foals.
Racing
First-crop sires: Hopeful-bound Pirate makes waves for Omaha Beach
With his fashionable pedigree and exceptional record on the racetrack, Omaha Beach is eligible to become a top sire.
Pedigree
The Jury: Bets and Fades for Aug. 19
James Scully and Vance Hanson tackle the major stakes action at Saratoga, Del Mar, and Woodbine in this week's jury.
Wagering
Colonial Downs carryovers: Horses to play in the $29,378 Pick 5 and $1,747 Pick 6
The Friday card at Colonial Downs is absolutely loaded with opportunities for horseplayers to chase excellent betting value.
Wagering
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays of Aug. 18 & Ellis Park P5 Carryover
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Friday, Aug. 18 at Saratoga, Del Mar, and Remington Park, along with a horse to single in the $92,036 Pick 5 carryover at Ellis Park.
Wagering
First-Crop Sires: Mitole striking early with fillies
There was arguably no finer champion male sprinter in the 2010s than Mitole, who capped the decade with a tremendous campaign in 2019 that included four Grade 1 wins from six furlongs to one mile.
Pedigree
How to bet with, and against, Wet Paint in the 2023 Alabama Stakes
A fantastic field of 10 three-year-old fillies will hope to endure 1 1/4 miles in Saturday’s $600,000 Alabama Stakes (G1) at Saratoga.
Wagering
Introducing the first-crop sires series for 2023
Our team is profiling five prominent stallions making a splash with their juveniles.
Pedigree
How to bet the 2023 King's Plate
A massive field of 17, with an additional two on the also-eligible list, will contest Sunday’s $1 million King’s Plate S. at Woodbine.
Wagering
How to bet the 2023 Philip H. Iselin Stakes
A compact field of six will go postward in the Monmouth Park feature on Saturday, the $250,000 Philip H. Iselin S.
Wagering
How to bet the 2023 King Edward Stakes
A fine field of 11 will travel one-mile on the Woodbine turf course in Saturday’s $200,000 King Edward S. (G2).
Racing
How to bet the 2023 Del Mar Oaks
A field of 10 three-year-old fillies will run 1 1/8 miles on the turf in Saturday’s $300,000 Del Mar Oaks (G1).
Racing
Exotics Plays for the 2023 Lake Placid Stakes
A total of 10 sophomore fillies will go postward in the $200,000 Lake Placid S. (G2) at Saratoga on Saturday. Conditioner Chad Brown has won four of the last six editions of the affair, and looks well-stocked for the event once again.
Wagering
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays of Aug. 17
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Thursday, Aug. 17 at Horseshoe Indianapolis, Presque Isle Downs, and Saratoga, including a 12-1 longshot.
Wagering
Presque Isle Downs Selections and Analysis for Thursday, Aug. 17, 2023
Dick Powell offers his selections and analysis for Thursday's card at Presque Isle Downs.
Wagering
Jason Beem's Thursday Column for Aug. 17, 2023
Jason discusses this past weekend's Longacres Mile, his love of the race, and changing of traditions.
Racing Podcast
Harness Preview: Picks and Horses to Watch Aug. 17-21
Selected features, stakes coverage and the never-ending TwinSpires’ horses-to-watch list (H2W) share keys to success in exotics, win, place and show payoffs.
Harness
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: Aug. 17, 2023
Jason discusses some current conversations in racing, including social media. He also talks about this weekend's Alabama Stakes and more!
Racing Podcast
Three-Year-Olds rule early Classic projections
The Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) landscape changed when the presumed favorite, Cody’s Wish, faltered on the stretch-out to 1 1/8 miles in the Whitney (G1) at Saratoga, checking in fourth at odds-on. Three-year-olds appear poised to play a serious role in the Classic outcome.
Breeders Cup
Presque Isle Downs Selections and Analysis for Wednesday, Aug. 16, 2023
Dick Powell offers his selections and analysis for Wednesday's card at Presque Isle Downs.
Wagering
Look for horses beaten by talented rivals; they can offer nice odds
In many horse races, there is a tendency among bettors to favor horses who enter in winning form. But a horse who ran well in defeat against a talented rival can be just as likely to factor.
Education
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: Aug. 16, 2023
Jason opens the show talking about being a contrarian and some other betting topics. Then we welcome in trainer Grant Forster to talk about winning his second Longacres Mile this past weekend.
Racing Podcast
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays of Aug. 16
Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Wednesday, Aug. 16 at Presque Isle Downs, Horseshoe Indianapolis, and Delaware Park, along with horses to play in carryovers at Delaware Park and Saratoga.
Wagering
Racing Roundtable: Rhyme Schemes and the turf division
James Scully, Kellie Reilly, and Vance Hanson take a look back at a promising juvenile, the big turf stakes at Saratoga and Colonial Downs, and much more in this week's Racing Roundtable.
Racing
Presque Isle Downs Selections and Analysis for Tuesday, Aug. 15, 2023
Selection and analysis of Presque Isle Downs for Tuesday, August 15, 2023 by Dick Powell.
Wagering