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When three-year-olds face older horses, the class level matters
Traditional handicapping guidance explains that three-year-old Thoroughbreds are rarely ready to challenge older horses before autumn. But the equation can change at lower class levels.
Racing
Betting With, and Against, Charge It in the Oaklawn Handicap
A strong field of seven will travel 1 1/8 miles on the Oaklawn Park dirt on Saturday in the $1 million Oaklawn H. (G2).
Wagering
Two Phil's – Kentucky Derby Context
A midpack stalker, Two Phil’s switched to Turfway Park’s synthetic Tapeta track for his final prep, rolling to a 5 1/4-length win in the Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3) in late March
Kentucky Derby
Practical Move – Kentucky Derby Context
The top-ranked contender out west, Practical Move will enter the Kentucky Derby on a three-race win streak, recording convincing triumphs in the San Felipe (G2) and Los Alamitos Futurity (G2) before courageously holding for a nose score in the Santa Anita Derby (G1)
Kentucky Derby
Kingsbarns – Kentucky Derby Context
Projected to show speed, Kingbarns rates as a pacesetting candidate after leading from gate to wire in the Louisiana Derby (G2) at Fair Grounds
Kentucky Derby
Rocket Can – Kentucky Derby Context
A projected stalker, Rocket Can will seek to establish up-close positioning in the Kentucky Derby.
Kentucky Derby
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Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Sun Thunder
By picking up Road to the Kentucky Derby qualifying points in a quartet of prep races, Sun Thunder earned his ticket to the 2023 Kentucky Derby (G1).
Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Verifying
There are many well-bred horses slated to start in the 2023 Kentucky Derby (G1), but few—if any—can boast as blueblood a pedigree as Blue Grass (G1) runner-up Verifying.
Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: First Mission
The Road to the Kentucky Derby wrapped up with the 1 1/16-mile Lexington (G3) at Keeneland, in which the beautifully bred First Mission battled up the inside to score a tenacious victory.
Triple Crown
Catching My Eye: Keeneland racing Sunday, April 16
I’ve been enjoying this Keeneland meet: the fields, the performances, and the payouts have all been strong.
Analysis
Harness Preview: Picks and Horses to Watch April 20-24
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
Keeneland selections and analysis for Wednesday, April 19
We're back for another five-day week of racing at Keeneland! Let's get to Wednesday's eight-race card.
Wagering
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays of April 19
J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Wednesday, April 19 at Keeneland and Tampa Bay Downs, including a horse to play in Keeneland’s $60,501 Pick 6 carryover and $20,691 Super High 5 carryover.
Wagering
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: April 19, 2023
Today we welcome in Churchill Downs analyst Joe Kristufek to talk about his prep leading up to the Kentucky Derby and discuss many of the contenders for that race.
Racing Podcast
Racing Roundtable: Lexington Stakes and Grade 1 older stars
James Scully, Kellie Reilly, and Vance Hanson touch on the final Road to the Kentucky Derby prep and some Grade 1 performances from the older set in this week's Racing Roundtable.
Analysis
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays of April 18
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares $90 worth of picks and plays for Tuesday, April 18 at Parx Racing and Turf Paradise, including a trifecta capitalizing on the Trifecta Tuesday promotion.
Wagering
Pedigree notebook: Chez Pierre brings down the house for Mehmas, and Lure
The latest standout for Mehmas, Chez Pierre is out of a mare by Orpen, who has preserved the legacy of his fertility-challenged sire – two-time Breeders’ Cup Mile star Lure.
Pedigree
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: April 18, 2023
Jason welcomes back Emily Gullikson to the show to talk about a wide variety of topics. They talk about the current Hawthorne meet, the upcoming Woodbine meet, as well as a lot of handicapping talk.
Racing Podcast
Tall Tales of the Track: I Am Woman, Watch Me Win!
In the first years of the 19th century, Alicia Meynell rode in not one but two match races against a man on an English racecourse, demonstrating that same self-assurance and drive that many a woman, including Annie Oakley, would need in their male-dominated pursuits.
Features
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays April 17
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Monday, April 17 at Will Rogers Downs and Turf Paradise, including a cold exacta keying a 9-2 shot on top.
Wagering
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: April 17, 2023
Jason looks back at the weekend of racing from Keeneland, including the Lexington Stakes and the Jenny Wiley. He also talks about the Apple Blossom matchup between Clairiere and Secret Oath.
Racing Podcast
Harness Weekly Update: Cold $171 exacta
Huge cashing week for TwinSpires harness blog includes cold $171 exacta
Harness
Gulfstream Park: How to bet the $2,925 Super High 5 carryover
Do you think you can solve Sunday’s first race at Gulfstream Park? If you can select the top five finishers in the correct order, you’ll win a share of the $2,925 carryover in the $1 Super High 5.
Wagering
Keeneland selections and analysis for Sunday, April 16
We've got a nine-race card Sunday at Keeneland, including the final Kentucky Oaks prep in Race 8!
Wagering
Keeneland: A single and a longshot for the $93,613 Pick 6 carryover
The action-packed second Saturday of the Keeneland spring meet boasts a $93,613 carryover in the $1 Pick 6. Planning to play along? We’ve identified a suggested single and a live longshot worth building tickets around.
Racing
How to bet the 2023 Beaumont Stakes
A total of seven sophomores will travel about seven furlongs on the Keeneland dirt in Sunday’s $400,000 Beaumont S. (G2).
Wagering
Keeneland selections and analysis for Saturday, April 15
Ashley Anderson breaks down her picks for Keeneland's Saturday card, including the final Kentucky Derby prep race.
Wagering
Grand National Preview 2023: Gaillard Du Mesnil a leading chance
The huge field, the handicap conditions, the extreme distance of 4 1/4 miles, and the challenging fences mean the uncertainties are high.
International
The Jury: Bets and fades for April 14
The quorum of James Scully and Vance Hanson have assembled to provide their best plays of the weekend in this edition of the TwinSpires Jury.
Wagering
Handicapper's Debate: Count Fleet Sprint Handicap
Saturday's $500,000 Count Fleet Sprint H. (G3) at Oaklawn Park is shaping up as one of the best races of the weekend.
Racing
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays of April 14
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Friday, April 14 at Keeneland, including exacta and double wagers.
Wagering
Keeneland selections and analysis for Friday, April 14
We’ve been fortunate to experience amazing weather the first four days of Keeneland, and now we get a test on Friday, with scattered thunderstorms in the forecast.
Wagering
The impact of the new Road to the Kentucky Derby points system
Four consistent horses that in previous years would not have made the Kentucky Derby field are set to make it this year under the new points system that rewards those which run more often in prep races.
Kentucky Derby
Betting Strategy: Chris Larmey, “Nobody wants to be a fish"
To succeed long term, a horseplayer needs to know how to bet in order to cash in. Chris Larmey has begun a new podcast “Bet With the Best” aimed at exactly that.
Education
Laurel Park: How to bet the 2023 Federico Tesio Stakes
A well-matched field of nine sophomores will travel 1 1/8 miles on the Laurel Park dirt oval in Saturday’s $125,000 Federico Tesio S.
Wagering
Tipsheet: 2023 Lexington Stakes
An intriguing and well-matched field of 11 three-year-olds will travel 1 1/16 miles on the Keeneland main surface in Saturday’s $400,000 Lexington Stakes (G3).
Wagering
Kentucky Derby Report – Thrilling conclusion to major qualifiers
The Blue Grass (G1), Santa Anita Derby (G1), and Wood Memorial (G2) concluded the eight major qualifiers in the Road to the Kentucky Derby series, each race awarding points on a 100-40-30-20-10 basis to the top five finishers, and a 20-horse field has taken shape for Churchill Downs on May 6.
Kentucky Derby
Jason Beem's Thursday Column for Apr. 13, 2023
Jason follows up on a discussion from his podcast about the "all-button".
Analysis
Exotics Plays for the 2023 Maker's Mark Mile
A fantastic field of eight will travel one mile on the Keeneland lawn in Friday’s $600,000 Maker’s Mark Mile S. (G1).
Wagering
Harness Preview: Picks and Horses to Watch April 13-17
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
Meet the Contenders: 2023 Lexington Stakes
Meet the horses running in the 2023 Lexington (G3) over 1 1/16 miles at Keeneland. For each horse, we're listing a pro, a con, and a rating of potential.
Racing
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays April 13
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Thursday, April 13 at Gulfstream Park and Keeneland, along with a horse to single in the $66,705 Pick 6 carryover at Aqueduct.
Wagering
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: April 13, 2023
Jason opens the show discussing some racing news as well as sharing some thoughts on the "all button." He also discusses some of the Keeneland and Oaklawn Stakes coming up this weekend.
Racing Podcast
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: April 12, 2023
Jason opens the show discussing more retirements around the world of racing as well as the Wednesday Keeneland card. Then we welcome in jockey Tyler Conner to the show to talk about riding at Penn National, the travel of a Mid-Atlantic jockey, and much more!
Racing Podcast
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays of April 12
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Wednesday, April 12 at Keeneland, along with horses to play in a pair of non-jackpot carryovers at Keeneland and Tampa Bay Downs.
Racing
Swimming in the pools of Kentucky Derby betting enthusiasm
Betting handle reveals the enthusiasm for the Kentucky Derby (G1). Contested annually on the first Saturday in May, the Kentucky Derby serves as the standard-bearer for the North America Thoroughbred racing industry.
Kentucky Derby
Should you bet or dismiss a horse off a bad race?
It happens all the time. A horse enters a race off a poor performance in its previous start, leaving bettors to wonder—will the horse rebound, or run badly again?
Education
Racing Roundtable: Developments on the road to the Kentucky Derby and Oaks
James Scully, Kellie Reilly, and Vance Hanson discuss developments on the final major weekend of Kentucky Derby (G1) and Kentucky Oaks (G1) preps in this edition of the Racing Roundtable.
Analysis
MC Hammer, Bacharach & Steinbrenner: Kentucky Derby celebrities are uniquely fans and participants
However, what differentiates the Derby from, say, the Super Bowl or Wimbledon, is that not only can well-known personalities come to Churchill Downs to watch the big race, but they also have an opportunity, however small the chances, to actually participate in it.
Kentucky Derby
Pedigree notebook: Starspangledbanner yet waves with Papilio, and more
By the time that Papilio got up in Saturday’s Appalachian (G2) at Keeneland, sire Starspangledbanner was already having quite a weekend.
Pedigree
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays April 11
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Tuesday, April 11 at Turf Paradise and Mahoning Valley, including a trifecta capitalizing on the Trifecta Tuesday promotion.
Wagering
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: April 11, 2023
Jason opens the show discussing the Santa Anita Derby from this past weekend. Then he welcomes in horseplayer Nico from Tampa to talk about how he crushed the Wood Memorial, his horseplaying journey, Twitter Spaces, and much more!
Racing
Catching My Eye: Keeneland Opening Day
Horses that caught my eye on the opening day of the Keeneland 2023 spring meeting.
Features
Kentucky Derby International Scouting Report: Derma Sotogake
Derma Sotogake rates as Japan’s leading Kentucky Derby (G1) contender after his front-running coup on Dubai World Cup night.
Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby International Scouting Report: Continuar
Having lost all three match-ups with leading Japanese contender Derma Sotogake, is there a case for Continuar to turn the tables in the Kentucky Derby (G1)?
Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Lord Miles
Few bettors expected Lord Miles to win the Wood Memorial (G2), but the pace-tracking colt defied expectations to prevail by a nose at 59-1, stamping his ticket to the 2023 Kentucky Derby (G1).
Kentucky Derby
Jason Beem's Monday Morning Message April 10, 2023
Jason looks back at the weekend and discusses Tapit Trice's win as well as the current Kentucky Derby points leaderboard.
Racing
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays April 10
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares $90 worth of picks and plays for Monday, April 10 at Will Rogers Downs and Turf Paradise, including exactas and a trifecta.
Wagering
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: April 10, 2023
Jason looks back at the huge prep weekend, including Tapit Trice's big win in the Blue Grass at Keeneland. He discusses Keeneland's opening weekend as well as the Wood Memorial card at Aqueduct.
Racing Podcast
Harness Weekly Update: Big parlay hit tops highlights
Parlay provides $134; Borgata $74 hit; cold and hot exactas flow
Harness
Top 5 horse racing songs
We look at the top five horse racing songs customarily played at Thoroughbred racetracks around the country, and give honorable mention to one toe-tapping tune broadcast before a harness race in Ohio as well as a beloved ballad sung by racegoers Down Under.
Features
Golden Gate: How to bet the $2,560 Super High 5 carryover
If you’re still excited from Saturday’s slate of Kentucky Derby prep races, perhaps you’d like to try your luck at winning a share of Sunday’s $2,560 Super High 5 carryover at Golden Gate Fields.
Wagering
The Heart that Wears the Crown: Omaha
When any Triple Crown winner goes to stud, the high expectations set by winning that coveted trophy come along, as fans eagerly anticipate the next generation. Can he copy himself and produce another just like him? Of the 13 to have worn the crown, only one has done what is nearly impossible, a feat unlikely to be duplicated anytime soon: siring another Triple Crown winner.
Education
Chasing lucrative Pick 6 carryovers at Keeneland, Santa Anita
A giant Saturday of racing just got even better. Keeneland has a $53,845 Pick 6 carryover up for grabs, while Santa Anita has scheduled the mandatory payout of a $391,547 Rainbow Pick 6 jackpot.
Wagering
Mattress Mack: A colorful gallery of big bet action
There are few more colorful people in the United States than Houston Furniture store tycoon "Mattress Mack". Successful businessman, he's also a unique figure in Thoroughbred racing.
Kentucky Derby
Handicappers Debate: 2023 Blue Grass at Keeneland
This week’s debate features a major qualifier in the Road to the Kentucky Derby series, as handicappers Ashley Anderson and James Scully offer differing opinions on Saturday’s $1 million Blue Grass (G1) at Keeneland.
Racing
Keeneland selections and analysis for Saturday, April 8
Racing analyst Ashley Anderson provides her top picks for the 11-race card at Keeneland on Saturday featuring the Blue Grass Stakes.
Wagering
The Jury: Bets and fades for April 8
Classic preps and other top class offerings at Keeneland, Aqueduct, and Santa Anita are the focus in this week's meeting of the TwinSpires Jury.
Wagering
Free Download: 2023 Betting Guides for Blue Grass Stakes, Wood Memorial Stakes, Santa Anita Derby
The Blue Grass Stakes, Wood Memorial Stakes, and Santa Anita Derby Betting Guides are editorial content to help you form a strong betting ticket for these Road to the Kentucky Derby events.
Kentucky Derby
Ashland Stakes: Betting with, and against, Wonder Wheel
After a surprise defeat for Wonder Wheel on her three-year-old debut, it’s entirely reasonable to look elsewhere in the Ashland for a winner.
Wagering
Exotics plays for the 2023 Transylvania Stakes
If the morning line odds are anything to go by, the one to beat in the Transylvania is a maiden winner untested in stakes company.
Wagering
Santa Anita: Stakes Spot Plays for April 8
A total of six black-type races will headline a blockbuster day of racing at Santa Anita on Saturday.
Wagering
Santa Anita Derby International Scouting Report: Mandarin Hero
After two Japanese horses are already in the Kentucky Derby (G1) – Derma Sotogake by romping in the UAE Derby (G2) and Continuar accepting the Japan Road invitation – Mandarin Hero tries to make it three in Saturday’s Santa Anita Derby (G1).
Kentucky Derby
Aqueduct: Stakes Spot Plays for April 8
A quartet of excellent graded stakes races will highlight the action at Aqueduct on Saturday, led by the $750,000 Wood Memorial S.
Wagering
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays of April 7
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Friday, April 7 at Keeneland, along with horses to single in the $31,586 Pick 6 carryover at Aqueduct.
Wagering
Sydney Preview: The 2023 Championships Day 2
Sydney’s autumn carnival reaches its climax with day two of The Championships at Royal Randwick.
International
Catching My Eye: In Person at the Arkansas Derby
I walked the last block, taking in the Arkansas Derby Day crowd. Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort was buzzing.
Features
Kentucky Derby Report – Forte rallies dramatically, Angel of Empire soars
Kentucky Derby favorite Forte saved his best for the stretch drive, and Angel of Empire continued his progression with an authoritative win.
Kentucky Derby
Jason Beem's Thursday Column for April 6, 2023
Jason discusses his favorite race call of all time, the 2005 American Oaks from Hollywood Park.
Racing
Meet the Contenders: 2023 Santa Anita Derby
Meet the horses running in the 2023 Santa Anita Derby at Santa Anita Park with pro/cons and star ratings.
Racing
Meet the Contenders: 2023 Blue Grass Stakes
Meet the horses running in the 2023 Blue Grass (G1) over 1 1/8 miles at Keeneland. For each horse, we're listing a pro, a con, and a rating of potential.
Racing
Meet the Contenders: 2023 Wood Memorial
Meet the horses running in the 2023 Wood Memorial (G2) over 1 1/8 miles at Aqueduct on April 8. For each horse, we're listing a pro, a con, and a rating of potential.
Racing
Tipsheet: 2023 Santa Anita Derby
A fantastic field of nine sophomores will travel 1 1/8 miles on the dirt in Saturday’s exciting $750,000 Santa Anita Derby (G1).
Wagering
Tipsheet: 2023 Blue Grass Stakes
An excellent field of 11 three-year-olds will travel 1 1/8 miles on the Keeneland main surface in Saturday’s $1 million Blue Grass Stakes (G1).
Wagering
Tipsheet: 2023 Wood Memorial Stakes
A dozen three-year-olds will travel 1 1/8 miles on the dirt at Aqueduct in Saturday’s $750,000 Wood Memorial S.
Kentucky Derby
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: April 6, 2023
Jason discusses an interesting Pick 5 sequence and payout at Tampa to open the show. Then he discusses the huge upcoming Kentucky Derby prep races, including the Santa Anita Derby, the Wood Memorial, and the Blue Grass.
Racing Podcast
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays of April 6
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Thursday, April 6 at Aqueduct, Gulfstream Park, and Charles Town, including a trio of exactas.
Wagering
Harness Preview: Picks and Horses to Watch April 6-10
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
Pedigree lingo: Phrases to known in horse racing
Words like “sire,” “dam,” and “broodmare” don’t necessarily mean a lot to those unfamiliar with horses or horse racing. Fortunately, the lingo isn’t as complicated as it sounds.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: April 5, 2023
Jason opens the show discussing all the different kinds of biases people have and how they might affect your horseplaying and handicapping. Then he looks ahead to the Keeneland opening day card.
Racing Podcast
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays of April 5
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Wednesday, April 5 at Mahoning Valley and Turf Paradise, including tickets for Tampa’s $2,672 Super High 5 carryover.
Wagering
Hong Kong Preview: Helene Feeling to build on debut HK effort
Helene Feeling can build upon his impressive first outing in Hong Kong and take out the Lusitano Challenge Cup Handicap at Happy Valley on Thursday.
International
Racing Roundtable: Florida Derby and Arkansas Derby
James Scully, Kellie Reilly, and Vance Hanson discuss the two major Kentucky Derby (G1) preps of the past week and also a little Kentucky Oaks (G1) talk in this edition of the Racing Roundtable.
Features
Pedigree notebook: Grace blooms for Amazing family
German import Amazing Grace combines several themes — an imperiled sire line, excellent family, and connections to current headliners in both Europe and Australia — along with individual appeal in the female turf division.
Pedigree
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays April 4
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Tuesday, April 4 at Mahoning Valley and Will Rogers Downs, including a superfecta.
Wagering
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: April 4, 2023
Jason opens the show discussing racing and some things it could learn from other sports. Then we welcome in Nick Tammaro to talk Sam Houston racing, the upcoming Keeneland meet, morning lines, and much more!
Racing Podcast
How and when to bet a Power Box
Boxing bets. There have always been pros and cons to this catch-all strategy. If only there were a way to box bets in a more nuanced manner. Well guess what? That’s what a Power Box is for.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast April 3, 2023
Jason looks back at the big weekend of racing including the Florida Derby card at Gulfstream Park. He talks about Forte's win, Mage's big effort, and more!
Racing