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Friday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: $54,675 Pick 6 at Fair Grounds
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Friday, Dec. 29 at Turfway Park and Delta Downs, along with analysis of the $54,675 Pick 6 carryover at Fair Grounds.
Best Bets
First-crop sires: Next wave of prospects storming in for Omaha Beach
Since our last installment on juveniles to watch by Omaha Beach, the blueblood freshman sire has doubled his tally of winners to 22.
Features
How to bet the 2023 Eddie Logan Stakes
A well-matched field of nine juveniles will travel one mile on the Santa Anita lawn in Friday’s $100,000 Eddie Logan S. Conditioner Phil D’Amato has been a dominant figure on the turf scene in California for some time and has two major contenders in the cast, but I’ll look to upset his duo in this engagement.
Racing
Thursday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Turfway’s $6,428 Super High 5
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Thursday, Dec. 28 at Turfway Park and Delta Downs, including horses to play in Turfway’s $6,428 Super High 5 carryover.
Best Bets
Jason Beem's Thursday Column for Dec. 28, 2023
Jason discusses the topic of whether or not horse racing should run on Christmas or not.
Features
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: Dec. 28, 2023
Jason opens the show discussing some stories and talking about some racing. Then the second part of the show he looks back at the second part of 2023.
Racing Podcast
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Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: Dec. 27, 2023
Jason opens the show discussing some racing from the holiday weekend, including a big Saturday at Fair Grounds as well as Santa Anita's opening day. Then he looks back on some of the highlights from the first part of 2023 in the first of two Year in Review segments.
Racing Podcast
Wednesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Price plays at Turfway
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Wednesday, Dec. 27 at Turfway Park, including horses to play in the $1,923 Super High 5 carryover.
Best Bets
Catching My Eye: How the Gun Runner Pace Unfolded
In order to get a clear handle on what happened in the Gun Runner last Saturday at Fair Grounds, we need to keep in mind the old adage: it's not how fast they run but how they run fast.
Analysis
Hot jockey-trainer duos can generate lofty win percentages
When a hot trainer teams up with a hot jockey, their win percentage together can rise to impressive heights.
Analysis
Tuesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Santa Anita opening day
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Tuesday, Dec. 26 at Santa Anita, including plays in a pair of Grade 2 stakes.
Best Bets
How to bet With, and Against, Clearly Unhinged in the La Brea Stakes
A well-matched field of 10 sophomore fillies will go postward in the $300,000 La Brea S. (G1) at Santa Anita on opening day.
Wagering
Merry and Bright Holiday Picks for Monday, Dec. 25
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Monday, Dec. 25 at Randwick (AUS) and Urawa (JPN), including exacta and trifecta tickets.
Best Bets
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Cox colts shine at Fair Grounds
A pair of 1 1/16-mile maiden special weights contested at Fair Grounds on Saturday could have 2024 Kentucky Derby (G1) implications.
Features
Gulfstream Park: How to bet the $6,903 Super High 5 carryover
Feel like chasing a Super High 5 carryover? Then check out the Sunday card at Gulfstream Park, which features a Super High 5 prize pool worth $6,903.
Wagering
Exotics Plays for the 2023 American Oaks
A total of seven sophomore fillies will travel 1 1/4 miles on the Santa Anita lawn in Tuesday’s $300,000 American Oaks (G1).
Wagering
How to bet the 2023 Malibu Stakes
A superb field of eight sophomores will run seven-eighths on the Santa Anita main oval in Tuesday’s $300,000 Malibu S. (G1).
Wagering
TwinSpires horse racing podcast playlist December 17-24, 2023
Come join our TwinSpires experts as they make special appearances on horse racing podcasts, including At the Races, Horse Racing Radio, Jason Beem's podcast, and TwinSpires Jury. Be sure to tune in before races begin!
Racing Podcast
Joe Kristufek's picks for Dec. 23 at Fair Grounds
Find out what Joe Kristufek's picks are for December 23, 2023 at Fair Grounds. Follow him and other experts to find horse racing expert picks before the races.
Wagering
Fair Grounds: How to bet the $10,775 Pick 6 carryover
Saturday’s action-packed card at Fair Grounds features an all-stakes Pick 6 with a non-jackpot carryover worth $10,775.
Wagering
Hong Kong preview: Joyful Hunter preps for Four-Year-Old Series
Keen to convert quality opportunities into more wins after a frustrating recent run, Vincent Ho hopes Joyful Hunter and The Heir can add further luster to an unforgettable December at Sha Tin on Saturday (beginning late Friday night stateside).
Racing
How to bet the 2023 Sugar Swirl Stakes
An octet of fillies and mares will speed six panels on the Gulfstream Park dirt in Saturday’s $125,000 Sugar Swirl S. (G3).
Wagering
How to bet the 2023 Mr. Prospector Stakes
A total of nine three-year-olds and up will dash seven-eighths on the Gulfstream Park dirt in Saturday’s $125,000 Mr. Prospector S. (G3). The heat features an accomplished and well-matched group, and I’ll tab the 2022 winner to defend his crown in the event.
Wagering
How to bet the 2023 Gowell Stakes
A dozen two-year-old fillies will dash six panels on the All-Weather strip at Turfway Park in Saturday’s $125,000 Gowell S.
Wagering
Friday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Ladan can outrun 30-1 odds
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Friday, Dec. 22 at Turfway Park, along with analysis of the $3,054 Pick 6 carryover at Fair Grounds.
Best Bets
The Jury: Expert Picks, Bets and Fades for Dec. 23 [Video]
Racing analysts Ashley Anderson, James Scully, and Darin Zoccali talk stakes races at Fair Grounds, and more. Ashley and James provide their thoughts in the written portion below. Be sure to check out Darin's opinions in our on-camera portion as well!
Wagering
How to bet the Untapable Stakes
A compact but talented field of two-year-old fillies will vie in Saturday’s $100,000 Untapable S. at Fair Grounds. Second-time starter #5 Legadema (3-1) ran off to a convincing debut score at Churchill Downs in a 5 1/2-furlong dash at Churchill Downs on November 23, and the Arrogate filly will be the one to catch and beat while making her route debut on Saturday.
Wagering
How to bet With, and Against, Agoo in the Sugar Bowl Stakes
A total of six colts will speed three-quarters of a mile on the Fair Grounds dirt in Saturday’s $100,000 Sugar Bowl S.
Wagering
Exotics Plays for the 2023 Tropical Park Derby
An overflow field of 14 three-year-olds will go postward in Saturday’s $125,000 Tropical Park Derby at Gulfstream Park. The 1 1/16-mile test on the turf attracted some very talented runners in a tough handicapping assignment.
Racing
Jason Beem's Thursday Column for Dec. 21, 2023
Jason discusses some horse racing gift and holiday ideas in his weekly Thursday column.
Features
Thursday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Wager on this 12-1 longshot
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Thursday, Dec. 21 at Turfway Park, along with analysis of Super High 5 carryovers at Turfway and Gulfstream Park.
Best Bets
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: Dec. 21, 23
Jason looks ahead to the weekend and talks about Saturday racing coming up this weekend at both Gulfstream Park and Fair Grounds.
Racing Podcast
Meet the Contenders: 2023 Gun Runner Stakes
Meet the horses running in the 2023 Gun Runner Stakes at Fair Grounds. For each horse, we're listing a pro, a con, and a rating of potential.
Analysis
How to bet the Allen H. Jerkens Memorial Handicap
A total of eight turf stayers will travel a demanding two miles on the Gulfstream Park lawn in Sunday’s $100,000 Allen H. Jerkens Memorial H.
Racing
How to bet the 2023 Joseph Broussard Stakes
An octet of fillies and mares will go two turns on the Fair Grounds dirt in Friday’s $100,000 Joseph E. Spanky Broussard Memorial S. The well-matched field boasts a pair of runners from the barn of Kenny McPeek, including top selection #1 Corningstone (4-1).
Wagering
Tipsheet: 2023 Gun Runner Stakes
A sharp field of eight two-year-old prospects will travel 1 1/16 miles on the Fair Grounds dirt in Saturday’s $100,000 Gun Runner S. The 2024 Road to the Kentucky Derby challenge series contest will give the top-five finishers qualifying points towards Churchill Downs on May 4 on a 10-5-3-2-1 structure.
Racing
Catching My Eye: Week 5 at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots
With Road to the Derby Kickoff Day on Saturday, Dec. 23, and all the two-year-old/soon-to-be three frenzy about to take hold, let’s first take a look back at some strong efforts from week five at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots.
Analysis
Wednesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: 12-1 longshots at Turfway
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Wednesday, Dec. 20 at Turfway Park, including a 12-1 longshot to use in the $1,419 Super High 5 carryover.
Wagering
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: Dec. 20, 2023
Jason opens the show discussing big class-dropping horses in lower-level races. Then we welcome in trainer William E. Morey to talk about training at Turfway, running at Tampa for the first time, memories of Golden Gate Fields, and more!
Racing Podcast
Catch lucrative payoffs betting up-and-coming trainers
If you pay close attention to which trainers are rising to new heights percentage-wise, you can land enticing payoffs before the majority of bettors catch on.
Analysis
Tuesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: 8-1 longshot at Zia
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Tuesday, Dec. 19 at Mahoning Valley and Zia Park, including a $25 cold exacta.
Wagering
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: Dec. 19, 2023
Jason opens the show discussing some news and topics from around racing. Then we welcome in jockey Ferrin Peterson to talk riding at Turfway, her summer riding and travels, and much more!
Racing Podcast
Remembering the champions we lost in 2023
Through Dec. 18, nine former Eclipse Award-winning Thoroughbreds are known to have died in 2023.
Features
First-crop sires: Stakes horses shine for Maximus Mischief
With two weeks left in 2023, Maximus Mischief is holding his own among the year’s leading first-crop sires.
Features
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Winners from coast to coast
All around the country, promising 2-year-olds posted sharp maiden victories last week, throwing their names in the ring as potential 2024 Kentucky Derby (G1) contenders.
Features
Pedigree profile: Wynstock
Stretching out in distance has worked wonders for Wynstock. After failing to factor in his first two starts sprinting, the chestnut colt has been unstoppable in two-turn races, dominating a one-mile maiden special weight before battling to victory in the 1 1/16-mile Los Alamitos Futurity (G2) at Los Alamitos.
Analysis
Monday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: $4,761 Pick 5 at Mahoning
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Monday, Dec. 18 at Mahoning Valley, including a ticket for the $4,761 Pick 5 carryover.
Wagering
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: Dec. 18, 2023
Jason looks back at the weekend from racing, including some stakes action from Aqueduct, Turfway Park, Los Alamitos, and more!
Racing Podcast
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem Dec. 18, 2023
In his final Monday column of the year, Jason looks back at some of his favorite moments from racing in 2023 as well as some personal highlights.
Racing Podcast
Analyzing carryovers galore at Fair Grounds and Woodbine
J. Keeler Johnson shares horses to play in Sunday carryovers at Fair Grounds and Woodbine, including Woodbine’s mandatory-payout $113,156 Pick 6.
Wagering
TwinSpires horse racing podcast playlist December 15-17, 2023
Come join our TwinSpires experts as they make special appearances on horse racing podcasts, including At the Races, Horse Racing Radio, and Jason Beem's podcast. Be sure to tune in before races begin!
Racing Podcast
How to bet the 2023 King Glorious Stakes
A total of eight California-bred juveniles will travel one-mile on the Los Alamitos oval in Sunday’s $100,000 King Glorious S.
Wagering
Pick 6 carryovers: $32,472 at Aqueduct, $948 at Fair Grounds
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson analyzes a pair of non-jackpot Pick 6 carryovers available to chase on Saturday at Aqueduct and Fair Grounds.
Wagering
The Science of Horse Racing: Understanding the Equine Mind
In the world of animal intelligence, few possess the fascinating intellect of the horse. Their ancient partnership with humans and intricate social dynamics within herds have intrigued scientists and equestrians alike with their seemingly profound understanding and emotional depth.
Education
Ping Hai Galaxy packs larger impost for Sha Tin feature
With five winners from the past four Sha Tin meetings, Alexis Badel hopes Ping Hai Galaxy can extend the Frenchman's productive streak when the veteran gelding contests the Class 2 Lukfook Jewellery Cup Handicap on Sunday.
International
Friday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Turfway’s $118,541 Pick 5
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Friday, Dec. 15 at Turfway Park and Remington Park, including live longshots to use in Turfway’s $118,541 Pick 5 carryover.
Wagering
The Springboard Mile Stakes Tipsheet
A very good group of nine two-year-old prospects will travel one mile on the Remington Park dirt in Friday’s $300,000 Springboard Mile S. The 2024 Road to the Kentucky Derby contest will give the top-five finishers qualifying points towards Churchill Downs on a 10-5-3-2-1 basis.
Analysis
The Jury: Expert Picks, Bets and Fades for Dec. 16 [Video]
Racing analysts Ashley Anderson, James Scully, and Darin Zoccali discuss races at Aqueduct, Gulfstream Park, Oaklawn Park, Turfway Park, and more. 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
Exotics Wagers for the 2023 Prairie Bayou Stakes
An overflow field of 14 will run 1 1/16 miles on the Turfway Park All-Weather surface in Saturday’s $100,000 Prairie Bayou S.
Racing
How to bet With, and Against, Strong Quality in the Tinsel Stakes
A total of seven talented runners will take aim at the $200,000 Tinsel S. at Oaklawn Park on Saturday.
Racing
The Los Alamitos Futurity Tipsheet
A compact field of six will travel 1 1/16 miles in Saturday’s $200,000 Los Alamitos Futurity S. (G2). Conditioner Bob Baffert has half of the contenders in the 2024 Road to the Kentucky Derby challenge series event.
Analysis
Stakes Spot Plays for Remington Park Dec. 15
A total of six black-type races will be hosted by Remington Park on Friday night, led by the Remington Park Mile S. I’ll take a look at a few of the undercard events in this piece.
Wagering
How to bet the 2023 Bayakoa Stakes at Los Alamitos
A talented field of seven fillies and mares will travel 1 1/16 miles on the Los Alamitos dirt in Friday’s $100,000 Bayakoa S. (G3).
Wagering
Meet the Contenders: 2023 Los Alamitos Futurity
Meet the horses running in the 2023 Los Alamitos Futurity at Los Alamitos, CA.
Analysis
Meet the Contenders: 2023 Remington Springboard Mile
Meet the horses running in the 2023 Springboard Mile at Remington Park.
Analysis
James Scully's picks for Dec. 14 at Aqueduct
Find out what James Scully's picks are for December 14, 2023 at Aqueduct. Follow him and other experts to find horse racing expert picks before the races.
Wagering
Thursday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Lobo longshots at Turfway
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Thursday, Dec. 14 at Turfway Park, along with horses to play in the $10,955 Pick 6 carryover at Fair Grounds.
Wagering
Jason Beem's Thursday Column for Dec. 14, 2023
Jason discusses what makes an "expert" in horse racing and what someone would have to do in their area of the sport to be considered one.
Racing Podcast
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: Dec. 14, 2023
Jason looks ahead to the weekend and some of the premier races from around the country. He discusses the Springboard Mile from Remington Park, the Stallion Series races from Aqueduct, and the Allen Jerkens from Gulfstream Park.
Racing Podcast
How to bet the 2023 Fifth Avenue Stakes
A full field of 12 Empire State-bred juvenile fillies will run seven furlongs on the Aqueduct dirt in Saturday’s lucrative $500,000 New York Stallions Series S. (Fifth Avenue Division).
Wagering
Catching My Eye: Touchuponastar Leads Coteau Grove Farms’ $150,000 Classic Trifecta
It’s not often you see one breeder behind the top-three finishers, especially in a stakes race, but that is exactly what happened on Saturday in the $150,000 Louisiana Champions Day Classic at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots.
Wagering
Late Bloomer, Bowl Game underrated stars of the Super 70s
For a racing fan in 1970s America, it was an era of indulgence and pure gluttony. Roughly two dozen Hall of Fame inductees made their mark on the flat during those 10 illustrious seasons, and that doesn’t even begin to count many other talents whose exploits have receded more rapidly from the collective memory.
History
Breeders’ Cup to ungraded stakes is a big class drop
The drop in class from a Breeders’ Cup race into an ungraded stakes can be monumental.
Analysis
Keeler Johnson’s picks and plays of Dec. 13, 2023
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Wednesday, Dec. 13 at Turfway Park, including a horse to key on top in the $1,343 Super High 5 carryover.
Wagering
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: Dec. 13, 2023
Jason opens the show discussing some stewarding topics in racing. Then he welcomes in his childhood friend Flynn Cochran to talk about their early gambling days, Flynn's time as a Navy SEAL officer, and his work as a leadership trainer.
Racing Podcast
Will new program boost international competition at Churchill, Epsom, and Ascot?
Fans of international horse racing have cause to celebrate. American horses have been competing abroad with increasing frequency over the last dozen years, and the trend may expand in 2024.
Analysis
Racing Roundtable: Oaklawn Park opening weekend, a look ahead to 2024, and more
This week, the Racing Roundtable looks back at Oaklawn Park's opening weekend plus other notable performances across the country and then looks ahead to horses to watch in 2024.
Analysis
Keeler Johnson’s picks and plays of Dec. 12, 2023
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Tuesday, Dec. 12 at Mahoning Valley and Zia Park, including a horse to single in Zia Park’s $13,763 Pick 5 carryover.
Wagering
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: Dec. 12, 2023
Jason opens the show discussing some of the news of the day. Then we welcome in horseplayer Drew Coatney to the show to talk about his betting, his 2022 BCBC win, his work with In the Money Media, and much more!
Racing Podcast
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Speed Runner runs to his name
Two-time Kentucky Derby (G1)-winning trainer Todd Pletcher already conditions Fierceness, the early favorite for the 2024 Run for the Roses. But Pletcher’s contingent of possible Derby contenders keeps getting deeper.
Features
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem Dec. 11, 2023
Jason looks back at a race and a situation that came up nearing the finish of that race, and how it was a good reminder of just how unpredictable parts of our game can be.
Features
Keeler Johnson’s picks and plays of Dec. 11, 2023
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Monday, Dec. 11 at Mahoning Valley and Zia Park, including a cold double wager.
Wagering
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: Dec. 11, 2023
Jason looks back at some of the racing and stories from the weekend. He talks the Starlet Stakes from Los Al, racing from Gulfstream, Fair Grounds, and Oaklawn as well.
Racing Podcast
Fair Grounds: A single for the $6,919 Pick 6 carryover
It’s been days since anyone managed to hit the Pick 6 at Fair Grounds. As a result, there’s a triple carryover worth $6,919 up for grabs in Sunday’s Pick 6.
Wagering
Singles for Pick 6 carryovers at Aqueduct and Fair Grounds
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares horses to single in a pair of Saturday Pick 6 carryovers at Aqueduct and Fair Grounds.
Wagering
Look to Japan for price plays in Hong Kong International Races
With the exception of the Hong Kong Vase (G1), the home team for Sunday's Hong Kong International races sure seems locked and loaded. Romantic Warrior, Golden Sixty, and Lucky Sweynesse all figure to be favored in the other three events, and might very well come through at short prices.
International
Hong Kong 2023 International Races Preview
Hong Kong’s international raceday is one of the most lucrative in the world, and it regularly attracts some of the world’s best horses. However, the standard of Hong Kong racing is such that it’s difficult for foreign raiders to win, especially over the shorter distances. Here is a look at some options for playing the big races on Sunday morning.
International
Tall Tales of the Track: When Fortune Smiled on Johnny
For one Hall of Fame jockey, fate intervened at the right moment to steer him toward the life that he dreamed of and a career that made him a vital part of racing's history.
Features
Keeler Johnson’s picks and plays of Dec. 8, 2023
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Friday, Dec. 8 at Turfway Park, along with a horse to single in Pick 5 and Pick 6 carryovers at Fair Grounds.
Wagering
The Jury: Expert Picks, Bets and Fades for Dec. 9 [Video]
Racing analysts Ashley Anderson, James Scully, and Darin Zoccali discuss a number of stakes at Fair Grounds, Oaklawn Park, Turfway Park, and more. 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
Betting With, and Against, Noted in the Pulpit Stakes
A total of 11 juveniles will run 7 1/2 furlongs on the Gulfstream Park turf in Saturday’s $100,000 Pulpit S.
Wagering
Exotics Plays for the 2023 Starlet Stakes
A total of six two-year-old fillies will run 1 1/16 miles at Los Alamitos in Saturday’s $200,000 Starlet S. (G2).
Wagering
How to bet the 2023 Mistletoe Stakes
A total of 11 fillies and mares will go postward in Saturday’s $150,000 Mistletoe S. at Oaklawn Park. The wide-open affair features numerous legitimate win threats in what will be an exciting run to the wire in the one-mile affair.
Wagering
Jason Beem's Thursday Column Dec. 7, 2023
Jason discusses setting post times and why it's important for tracks to be apart from their competition.
Features
Keeler Johnson’s picks and plays of Dec. 7, 2023
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Thursday, Dec. 7 at Turfway Park, including a horse to key on top in the $7,458 Super High 5 carryover.
Wagering
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: Dec. 7, 2023
Jason opens the show discussing some news from racing, including the Belmont moving up to Saratoga. Then he previews some weekend racing from Gulfstream Park, Fair Grounds, and Tampa.
Racing Podcast
Catching My Eye: Big Weekend for Dallas Stewart/Dream Team Racing and James Graham
What a weekend for trainer Dallas Stewart and breeder/owner Dream Team Racing. Sure, Hoist the Gold won the Cigar Mile, earning a 106, his top Brisnet Speed figure to date, but how about the way his sister turned heads on Sunday at Fair Grounds?
Analysis
Stakes Spot Plays for Louisiana Champions Day at Fair Grounds
A total of nine black-type events for Cajun-bred runners will be hosted by Fair Grounds on Saturday as part of Louisiana Champions Day.
Wagering