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Catching Freedom – Kentucky Derby Context
After being cut off a couple of strides out of the gate, Catching Freedom dropped back to last and offered a dynamic closing kick to win the 1 3/16-mile Louisiana Derby (G2) at Fair Grounds by a length.
Wagering
Preakness berth on the line in Federico Tesio Stakes
An automatic entry in the May 18 Preakness S. (G1) at Pimlico is at stake in Saturday’s $125,000 Federico Tesio S. at Laurel Park.
Wagering
Keeneland Expert Picks: Thursday, April 18, 2024
Wednesday’s weather report called for thunderstorms at Keeneland, but Thursday we should get a break from the rain. Let’s look at the first five races on the card, which includes four maiden races and just one on the turf.
Wagering
Thursday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Gulfstream’s $121,788 Pick 5 carryover
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Thursday, April 18 at Aqueduct and Charles Town, along with a ticket for the $121,788 Pick 5 carryover at Gulfstream Park.
Best Bets
Thursday Thoughts with Jason Beem Apr. 18, 2024
Jason discusses racing fans who came to the sport during the pandemic and the excitement of marketing to people who are new in the game.
Features
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Apr. 18, 2024
Jason looks ahead to some of the events coming up in the world of racing this weekend including stakes action from Keeneland, Oaklawn, and Hawthorne.
Racing Podcast
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150 years of Kentucky Derby Winners: 1925-1974
Kentucky Derby 150 is just around the corner! Celebrate by exploring the rich history of Derby winners and Kentucky Derby Results.
Features
150 years of Kentucky Derby winners throughout the years: 1875-1924
Kentucky Derby 150 is just around the corner! Celebrate by exploring the rich history of Derby winners and Kentucky Derby Results.
Kentucky Derby
The Big Payoff: Donerail’s Derby
In 1913, Donerail became the talk of the town and the nation with his surprise Derby win, establishing a record that may never be broken.
Features
Catching up with champions: Second careers for two fan favorites
Fan favorites Whitmore, 2020 Eclipse champion sprinter, and Finnick the Fierce, the one-eyed gelding who captured hearts on the 2020 Derby Trail, both demonstrate what second careers can look like and why aftercare should be a focus for everyone who loves the sport of horse racing.
Aftercare
Honor Marie – Kentucky Derby Context
Honor Marie has shown an affinity for Churchill Downs, winning the Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) last November, and he will bring a closing kick to the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby (G1) on May 4.
Wagering
Society Man – Kentucky Derby Context
After winning a maiden race the fourth time out in mid-March, Society Man earned a spot in the Kentucky Derby (G1) field by finishing second in the Wood Memorial (G2) at 106-1 odds
Wagering
Domestic Product – Kentucky Derby Context
A midpack stalker, Domestic Product overcame a tough trip in traffic behind a glacial pace in the Tampa Bay Derby (G3) on March 9, getting up determinedly to prevail by a neck
Wagering
Wednesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Oil Man is working fast
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Wednesday, April 17 at Tampa Bay Downs and Horseshoe Indianapolis, including a win bet on a fast-working first-time starter.
Best Bets
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Apr. 17, 2024
Jason welcomes in former trainer Seth Benzel to talk about his life in racing, working for Todd Pletcher and Bill Mott, his career as an artist, and much more!
Racing Podcast
When a speed horse is dominant, a closer can finish second
When you handicap a horse race and conclude that a runner with early speed—a pacesetter—appears much the best, it can pay to play a stretch runner for second place in the exacta.
Analysis
Racing Roundtable: Encino's Lexington win, the Jenny Wiley, and more
The Racing Roundtable discusses Encino's chances in the Kentucky Derby (G1) should he make the 20-horse field, Grade 1 action from the weekend, and more.
Kentucky Derby
Catalytic – Kentucky Derby Context
Catalytic earned a spot in the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby (G1) by finishing second in his stakes debut and third career start, the Florida Derby (G1)
Wagering
Mystik Dan – Kentucky Derby Context
After racing on or close to the lead in his first four starts, Mystik Dan became more effective when switching to rating tactics two starts back, and the bay colt will look to make a serious impact from off the pace in the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby (G1)
Wagering
West Saratoga – Kentucky Derby Context
West Saratoga gamely outfinished four rivals for second in the Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3), guaranteeing his participation in the 150th Kentucky Derby (G1) on May 4.
Wagering
Hong Kong: Selections for Happy Valley April 17
Racing at Happy Valley begins at 6:40 a.m. ET. Selections and analysis by Declan Schuster of the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
International
Keeneland expert picks: Wednesday, April 17, 2024
It’s a new week at Keeneland and another chance to win some money! TwinSpires is back with our Daily Double Down promo.
Wagering
Hanson: Spot Plays for Newmarket April 17
Horseplayers looking to turn an annual profit are typically advised to exploit their handicapping strengths and limit their relative weaknesses. There's a particular strength of mine that I hope to exploit again, starting this week.
International
Derby Gives 2024: Racing for more
A few days following the official Kentucky Derby post-position draw, there will be a second draw Derby fans should pay close attention to.
Racing
Tuesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Double-digit first-timers
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Tuesday, April 16 at Horseshoe Indianapolis, including double-digit longshots in a double wager.
Best Bets
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Apr. 16, 2024
Jason talks about some betting topics to open the show, then we welcome in Jim Miller to talk Hawthorne racing.
Racing Podcast
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem April 15, 2024
Jason looks back at the Masters tournament and discusses how sports traditions get formed as well as how do we keep people who watch just these big events to stay as year-round fans?
Features
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast April 15, 2024
Jason looks back the weekend of racing and discusses action from Keeneland and Oaklawn Park.
Racing Podcast
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Just Steel
Just Steel is a capable competitor on dirt, but that’s arguably in defiance of his bloodlines. A glance at his pedigree suggests turf might be his best surface.
Analysis
Monday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: A couple of cold exactas
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Monday, April 15 at Will Rogers Downs and Turf Paradise, including two cold exactas.
Best Bets
Keeneland: Analyzing the $9,927 Super High 5 carryover
The Super High 5 carryover up for grabs on Sunday at Keeneland isn’t quite in the five-figure range, But it’s close, coming in at $9,927.
Wagering
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Just a Touch
One of the most beautifully bred horses in the prospective 2024 Kentucky Derby (G1) field is Just a Touch, the lightly raced runner-up in the Blue Grass (G1) and Gotham (G3) on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.
Pedigree
Keeneland expert picks: Pick 5 ticket for Sunday, April 14, 2024
Let’s close out the second week of Keeneland's Spring Meet with a Late Pick 5 ticket for Sunday’s nine-race card.
Wagering
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Society Man
Running long is a strong suit for Society Man, runner-up in the 1 1/8-mile Wood Memorial (G2) and a maiden winner over the same distance. Stretching out over 1 1/4 miles for the Kentucky Derby (G1) should fit the chestnut gelding just fine.
Pedigree
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Catalytic
It’s difficult to say based off Catalytic’s racing record and pedigree whether the Kentucky Derby’s 1 1/4-mile distance is within his wheelhouse.
Pedigree
Tall Tales of the Track, Kentucky Derby Edition: A Question of Calks
Blue Larkspur had what it takes to win the 1929 Kentucky Derby – speed, power, and tactical talent – yet met defeat for one surprising reason: calks.
Features
Mahoning: Betting the $105,393 Pick 6 mandatory payout
Saturday is closing day of the Mahoning Valley race meet, which means the $105,393 jackpot carryover in the 20-cent Pick 6 is slated for a mandatory payout.
Wagering
How to bet the 2024 Park Avenue at Aqueduct
A total of eight sophomore fillies bred in the Empire State will go 6 1/2 furlongs on the Aqueduct dirt in Sunday’s $200,000 New York Stallion S. (Park Avenue Division). The trio of horses drawn outside in the affair appear to be best, and I will center my plays around them.
Analysis
Hong Kong: Selections for Sha Tin April 13
Racing at Sha Tin begins at 11:59 p.m. ET. Selections and analysis by Declan Schuster of the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
International
Keeneland expert picks: Saturday, April 13, 2024
We’ve got the final Road to the Kentucky Derby prep, the Grade 3 Lexington, in Race 10 today, as well as the Grade 3 Giant’s Causeway and Grade 1 Jenny Wiley.
Wagering
Keeneland Fast Facts for April 13, 2024
TwinSpires Fast Facts is a new tool we are working on to enhance and streamline your handicapping!
Racing
The Jury: Expert Picks, Bets and Fades for April 13 [Video]
Racing analysts Ashley Anderson, James Scully, and Darin Zoccali talk their bets and fades for Keeneland and Oaklawn. 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
Friday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Aqueduct’s $23,062 Pick 6 carryover
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Friday, April 12 at Tampa Bay Downs, Gulfstream Park, and Aqueduct, including horses to play in Aqueduct’s $23,062 Pick 6 carryover.
Best Bets
Exotics Plays for the 2024 Jenny Wiley Stakes
A superb field of 10 fillies and mares will travel 1 1/16 miles on the Keeneland lawn in Saturday’s $600,000 Jenny Wiley S. (G1).
Wagering
Betting With, and Against, Elm Drive in the Giant’s Causeway Stakes
Las Cienegas S. (G3) second #11 Elm Drive (7-2) has been installed as the morning-line choice for Saturday’s $300,000 Giant’s Causeway S. (G3) at Keeneland.
Wagering
How to bet the 2024 Apple Blossom Handicap
An accomplished cast of nine fillies and mares will go postward in Saturday’s lucrative $1.25 million Apple Blossom H. (G1) at Oaklawn Park.
Wagering
How to bet the 2024 Count Fleet Sprint Handicap
Conditioner Steve Asmussen has the three of the leading contenders for Saturday’s $500,000 Count Fleet H. (G3) at Oaklawn Park.
Wagering
Keeneland expert picks: Friday, April 12, 2024
The Grade 1 Maker’s Mark Mile and 5 1/2-furlong Limestone S. headline Friday’s 10-race card.
Wagering
Meet the Contenders: 2024 Lexington Stakes
Meet the horses running in the 2024 Lexington S. at Keeneland. For each horse, we're listing a pro, a con, and a rating of potential.
Kentucky Derby
Thursday Thoughts with Jason Beem Apr. 11, 2024
Jason discusses turf sprints and why they are so tricky for him as a handicapper.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Apr. 11, 2024
Jason looks ahead to the weekend of racing including a trio of stakes from Keeneland and some Oaklawn racing as well. He also discusses some issues in the sports betting world and some racing news.
Racing Podcast
Thursday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Cold Gulfstream double
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Thursday, April 4 at Gulfstream Park and Turf Paradise, including a cold $20 double wager.
Best Bets
Keeneland expert picks: Thursday, April 11, 2024
It’s another rainy day at Keeneland with potential for severe thunderstorms the first half of the day. Like Wednesday, we’ll stick to a Pick 5 ticket for the first five races, all scheduled for the dirt.
Wagering
How to bet the 2024 Maker’s Mark Mile
A fantastic field of eight will vie in Friday’s $600,000 Maker’s Mark Mile (G1) on the Keeneland turf. Defending Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1) star #4 Master of the Seas (4-5) will make his six-year-old debut in this one for Charlie Appleby, but I will aim to upset the morning-line choice in a field lacking pace.
Wagering
Tipsheet: 2024 Lexington Stakes
A total of 10 sophomores will run 1 1/16 miles on the Keeneland dirt in Saturday’s $400,000 Lexington S. (G3).
Wagering
Keeneland expert picks: Pick 5 ticket for Wednesday, April 10, 2024
We kick off a new week of racing at Keeneland with an Early Pick 5 ticket. With a high-percentage chance of rain, we’ve got the toughest challenge of the spring meet so far.
Wagering
Racing Roundtable: Takeaways from Blue Grass S., Ashland, and more Derby/Oaks prep action
The Racing Roundtable examines the results of the Blue Grass S. (G1) and Ashland (G1), and who stood out from a number of Kentucky Derby (G1) and Oaks (G1) prep races this past weekend.
Kentucky Derby
Wednesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Keeneland’s $7,472 Super High 5
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Wednesday, April 10 at Tampa Bay Downs and Will Rogers Downs, along with horses to play in the $7,472 Super High 5 carryover at Keeneland.
Best Bets
How betting longshots exiting deep races can reap rewards
It's not uncommon to analyze the entries for a horse race and see multiple runners coming out of a common previous race. If the previous race was a deep and classy contest, consider the possibility the horses exiting that race will sweep the top two or three finishing positions in the race you're currently handicapping.
Features
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Apr. 10, 2024
Jason opens the show discussing the news of the day. Then we welcome in horseplayer Alexa Zepp to talk about her path to racing through tournaments, owning horses, horseplaying, and more!
Racing Podcast
Hong Kong: Selections for Happy Valley April 10
Racing at Happy Valley begins at 6:40 a.m. ET. Selections and analysis by Declan Schuster of the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
International
Tuesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Top of My Game is hot
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Tuesday, April 9 at Will Rogers Downs and Turf Paradise, including a 9-2 shot in hot form.
Best Bets
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Apr. 9, 2024
Jason welcomes in Keeneland track announcer Kurt Becker to talk about the opening weekend of the spring meet, his work in NASCAR, announcing stories, and more!
Racing Podcast
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem April 8, 2024
Jason looks back at the Derby preps from the weekend and a huge day for jockey Frankie Dettori.
Features
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast April 8, 2024
Jason looks back at the big weekend of Kentucky Derby preps from Keeneland, Aqueduct, and Santa Anita.
Racing Podcast
Monday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: $376,658 Pick 5 mandatory payout
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Monday, April 8 at Horseshoe Indianapolis, along with a ticket for the mandatory-payout $376,658 Pick 5 carryover at Parx Racing
Best Bets
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Resilience
Pedigree handicappers are aware of Resilience’s Kentucky Derby (G1) potential. After all, his pedigree is packed with speed, stamina, class, and—most importantly—Kentucky Derby winners.
Analysis
Fierceness hardens into Kentucky Derby favoritism at 5-2 in Pool 6
Champion Fierceness ranked as the 5-2 favorite in the final Pool 6 of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager, which closed before Saturday's major preps.
Wagering
Aqueduct: A single for the $72,394 Pick 6 carryover
No one hit the $1 Pick 6 on Saturday at Aqueduct, triggering an enticing non-jackpot carryover worth $72,394 for Sunday’s card.
Wagering
Kentucky Derby International Scouting Report: T O Password
Japan Road invitee T O Password brings a 2-for-2 record into Churchill Downs, but he’s yet to race at anywhere near the level of compatriot Forever Young.
International
Keeneland expert picks: Pick 5 ticket for Sunday, April 7, 2024
We're closing out opening weekend with a Late Pick 5 ticket to play Sunday at Keeneland, beginning in Race 5.
Wagering
Keeneland carryovers: $66,548 Pick 6, $11,321 Super High 5
No one hit the $1 Pick 6 on opening day at Keeneland, triggering an enticing non-jackpot carryover worth $66,548 for Saturday’s stakes-packed card.
Wagering
The Power Hour for Friday, April 5, 2024
TwinSpires brings you another live Power Hour with Ashley Anderson, James Scully, and Darin Zoccali!
Racing
Hong Kong: Selections for Sha Tin April 6
Racing at Sha Tin begins at 11:59 p.m. ET. Selections and analysis by Declan Schuster of the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
International
How to bet the Angels Flight Stakes
An excellent cast of nine three-year-old fillies will travel 6 1/2 panels down the Hillside Turf Course at Santa Anita on Sunday in the $100,000 Angels Flight S.
Wagering
How to bet with, and against, Life Talk in the Gazelle
Ten sophomore fillies with Kentucky Oaks (G1) aspirations will vie in Saturday’s $200,000 Gazelle S. (G2) at Aqueduct.
Wagering
Kentucky Derby International Scouting Report: Forever Young
Forever Young is arguably Japan’s best chance so far in the Kentucky Derby (G1), not just because he’s undefeated, and trained by a master horseman in Yoshito Yahagi.
International
Friday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: 10-1 longshot at Keeneland
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Friday, April 5 at Keeneland and Oaklawn Park, along with horses to play in the $3,283 Super High 5 carryover at Tampa Bay Downs.
Best Bets
Keeneland expert picks: Saturday, April 6, 2024
The Blue Grass S. (G1) is the main feature on Saturday’s 11-race card. Mage’s full-brother Dornoch goes head to head with Sierra Leone, who was beaten just a nose by Dornoch in the Remsen S. (G2) last winter.
Wagering
The Jury: Expert Picks, Bets and Fades for April 6 [Video]
Racing analysts Ashley Anderson, James Scully, and Nick Tammaro talk their bets and fades for Keeneland opening weekend and more. Ashley and James give their thoughts in the written portion below. Be sure to check out Nick's opinions in our on-camera portion as well!
Wagering
Tipsheet 2024 Santa Anita Derby
A total of eight three-year-olds will run 1 1/8 miles in Saturday’s $750,000 Santa Anita Derby (G1).
Kentucky Derby
Exotics Plays for the 2024 Transylvania Stakes
The $400,000 Transylvania S. (G3) at Keeneland on Friday might be the most competitive domestic race that I have handicapped in some time.
Wagering
How to bet the 2024 Ashland Stakes
An octet of three-year-old fillies with Kentucky Oaks aspirations will vie in the opening day feature at Keeneland, the $600,000 Ashland S. (G1).
Wagering
Tipsheet: 2024 Wood Memorial Stakes
A huge field of 13 three-year-olds will go postward at Aqueduct in the $750,000 Wood Memorial S. (G2) on Saturday.
Kentucky Derby
Meet the Contenders: 2024 Santa Anita Derby
Meet the horses running in the 2024 Santa Anita Derby at Santa Anita. For each horse, we're listing a pro, a con, and a rating of potential.
Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby Purse: How much prize money the winning jockey will earn
In addition to the worldwide attention and acclaim Sonny Leon received for his spectacular ride aboard Rich Strike, Leon—a first-time Derby participant in 2022—also collected a portion of the $3 million purse.
Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby Purse: How much prize money the winning owner and trainer will earn
The Kentucky Derby (G1) is the most coveted prize in U.S. horse racing. It can also be a lucrative endeavor for the owners and trainers of Kentucky Derby starters.
Kentucky Derby
Keeneland expert picks: Friday, April 5, 2024
It’s opening day for the 2024 Keeneland Spring Meet, headlined by the Grade 1 Ashland, a Kentucky Oaks (G1) prep worth 100 points to the winner.
Wagering
Thursday Thoughts with Jason Beem April 4, 2024
In this week's Thursday Thoughts column, Jason discusses second chances in racing.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: April 4, 2024
Jason discusses some racing news and then looks ahead to the weekend of racing from Keeneland and Aqueduct.
Racing Podcast
Thursday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Two Sunland carryovers
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Thursday, April 4 at Gulfstream Park, Oaklawn Park, and Santa Anita, along with horses to play in a pair of Sunland Park carryovers.
Best Bets
Meet the Contenders: 2024 Wood Memorial Stakes
Meet the horses running in the 2024 Wood Memorial Stakes at Aqueduct. For each horse, we're listing a pro, a con, and a rating of potential.
Wagering
Meet the Contenders: 2024 Blue Grass Stakes
Meet the horses running in the 2024 Blue Grass S. at Keeneland. For each horse, we're listing a pro, a con, and a rating of potential.
Kentucky Derby
Tipsheet: 2024 Blue Grass Stakes
A talented field of 11 three-year-olds will travel nine furlongs on the Keeneland main oval in Saturday’s $1 million Blue Grass S. (G1).
Kentucky Derby
If a race is wide open, don’t dismiss out-of-state shippers
A horse shipping in from a different track or state can be inadvertently underestimated in your quest to rank the local runners, but sometimes the newcomer winds up being superior to all the locals.
Analysis
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: April 3, 2024
Jason opens the show discussing Keeneland's Friday opening day and the Ashland (G1). Then we welcome in Anthony Stabile to talk about his new announcing job at Finger Lakes, calling harness races, his last year, and more!
Racing Podcast
Wednesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Tampa’s $11,195 Super High 5 carryover
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Wednesday, April 3 at Mahoning Valley and Turf Paradise, along with tickets for the $11,195 Super High 5 carryover at Tampa Bay Downs.
Best Bets