VIDEOS
LATEST
Keeler Johnson’s picks and plays of Dec. 1, 2023
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Friday, Dec. 1 at Fair Grounds and Turfway Park, including tickets for Turfway’s $1,067 Super High 5 carryover.
Wagering
The Jury: Expert Picks, Bets and Fades for Dec. 2 [Video]
Racing analysts Ashley Anderson, James Scully, and Darin Zoccali examine stakes races at Aqueduct, Turfway Park, and more. 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
How to bet the 2023 Hollywood Derby
A well-matched field of nine sophomores will go 1 1/8 miles on the Del Mar turf in Saturday’s $300,000 Hollywood Derby (G1). Conditioner Chad Brown has saddled three winners of the race in the past seven years, and I expect him to make it four from eight at the conclusion of this tilt.
Wagering
Exotic Plays for the 2023 Cigar Mile Handicap
An excellent and full field of 12 will vie in Saturday’s lucrative Cigar Mile H. (G2) at Aqueduct. The race is loaded with numerous talented runners that are deep-closing types, and I will tab the contenders that will be forwardly placed from the opening bell in the well-matched cast.
Wagering
Betting With, and Against, Marissa’s Lady in the Holiday Inaugural Stakes
An overflow and talented field of 14 fillies and mares are signed on for the Saturday feature at Turfway Park, the $125,000 Holiday Inaugural S.
Wagering
How to bet the 2023 In Reality Stakes
A total of seven juveniles will run 1 1/16 miles on the Gulfstream Park dirt in Saturday’s $300,000 In Reality S. The Florida Sires Stakes event is led by the exciting #2 Bentornato, who is unbeaten from four lifetime appearances for conditioner Jose D’Angelo.
Wagering
ADVERTISEMENT
Spot Plays for the 2023 Claiming Crown at Fair Grounds
A total of eight starter stakes races for some of the top blue-collar horses in training will be contested at Fair Grounds on Saturday in the 25th edition of the Claiming Crown.
Wagering
The 2023 Remsen Stakes Tipsheet
A very good group of 10 two-year-old prospects will travel 1 1/8 miles on the Aqueduct dirt surface in Saturday’s $250,000 Remsen S. (G2).
Wagering
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: Nov. 30, 2023
Jason opens the show talking about some gambling topics and sharing a story about gambling deception. He also discusses some of the weekend racing coming up, including the Cigar Mile card at Aqueduct as well as the Hollywood Derby at Del Mar.
Racing Podcast
Jason Beem's Thursday Column for Nov. 30, 2023
Jason discusses the momentum of Turfway Park and talks about some examples of tracks in the last 20 years who caught big waves of momentum among players and fans.
Features
First-crop sires: Winners keep coming for Maximus Mischief
Maximus Mischief picked up his third black-type stakes winner on Nov. 22 when Carmelina stormed to a runaway victory in the $100,000 Shamrock Rose S. at Penn National.
Features
Keeler Johnson’s picks and plays of Nov. 30, 2023
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Thursday, Nov. 30 at Mahoning Valley and Turfway Park, along with horses to single in Pick 6 carryovers at Aqueduct and Fair Grounds.
Wagering
Fabre bringing two live contenders for Hong Kong International Races
With a total of 18 runners spread across the past 24 editions of the Hong Kong International Races, master trainer Andre Fabre has been one of Europe's most consistent supporters of the meeting.
International
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: Nov. 29, 2023
Jason opens the show looking ahead to Turfway Park's opening night. Then we welcome in Turfway Park's Director of Racing and Racing Secretary Tyler Picklesimer to the show to talk about the season, the growth at Turfway, its history, and more!
Features
Like father, like son doesn’t always apply in horse racing
It’s tempting to simplify pedigree handicapping down to “Sire X thrived under Y conditions; therefore his foals will also appreciate Y conditions.” But reality is often more complicated.
Education
Keeler Johnson’s picks and plays of Nov. 29, 2023
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Wednesday, Nov. 29 at Turfway Park, along with tickets for the $1,197 Super High 5 carryover at Tampa Bay Downs.
Wagering
Racing Roundtable: Kentucky Jockey Club, Golden Rod, and other Thanksgiving weekend results
This week the Roundtable discusses the winners of the Kentucky Derby and Oaks prep races at Churchill and other notable performances from the Thanksgiving weekend.
Analysis
Is Equinox the best racehorse in the world?
Is Equinox the best racehorse in the world? He certainly looked the part when delivering a blowout victory in the Japan Cup (G1) at Tokyo Racecourse last Sunday.
Features
Keeler Johnson’s picks and plays of Nov. 28, 2023
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Tuesday, Nov. 28 at Zia Park, including a cold double wager.
Wagering
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: Nov. 28, 2023
Jason opens the show discussing some of the news of the day from around the world of horse racing. Then we welcome in Maggie Wolfendale to talk Aqueduct racing, Cigar Mile day, interviewing people, and more!
Racing Podcast
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Five graduate at Churchill
Possible contenders for the 2024 Kentucky Derby (G1) were out in abundance during Thanksgiving week at Churchill Downs.
Analysis
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem Nov. 27, 2023
Jason looks back at the opening weekend at Tampa Bay Downs and discusses some of the highs and lows of the weekend.
Features
Keeler Johnson’s picks and plays of Nov. 27, 2023
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Monday, Nov. 27 at Mahoning Valley and Zia Park, including an 8-1 longshot.
Wagering
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: Nov. 27, 2023
Jason looks back at the weekend of racing from around the country. He discusses stakes action from Churchill Downs and Del Mar as well as opening weekend at Tampa Bay Downs.
Racing Podcast
Fierceness popular in Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 2
Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 2 closed on Sunday with runaway Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) winner Fierceness listed as the 8-1 individual favorite.
Kentucky Derby
Churchill Downs: A single for the $33,346 Pick 6 mandatory payout
Sunday is closing day of the Churchill Downs fall meet, which means the $33,346 carryover up for grabs in the 20-cent “Derby City” Pick 6 is slated for mandatory payout.
Wagering
Foreign contingent selected for 2023 Hong Kong International Races
The Hong Kong Jockey Club announced this week a stellar cast of foreign participants for the Hong Kong International Races (HKIR) at Sha Tin on Dec. 10.
International
Catching My Eye: Opening Weekend at Fair Grounds
As racing wraps up at Churchill Downs, many non-Kentucky connections will try to snag the purses and several of Fair Grounds’ stakes days are L.A.-bred delights.
Analysis
Scott Shapiro's picks for Nov 25 at Churchill Downs
Find out what Scott Shapiro's picks are for November 25, 2023 at Churchill Downs. Follow him and other experts to find horse racing expert picks before the races.
Wagering
Fair Grounds: Analyzing the $1,766 Pick 6 carryover
A busy Thanksgiving week continues with a Saturday card at Fair Grounds highlighted by a $1,766 carryover in the $1 Pick 6.
Wagering
How to bet the 2023 Seabiscuit Handicap
An excellent field of eight will run 1 1/16 miles on the Del Mar lawn in Saturday’s $200,000 Seabiscuit H. (G2). Conditioner Phil D’Amato has a trio of prime contenders in the heat and I expect his runners to shine.
Wagering
Scully: Pick 3 play on Stars of Tomorrow program at Churchill Downs
Juveniles take center stage at Churchill Downs Saturday, with 12 races devoted exclusively to two-year-olds. The second Stars of Tomorrow program of the fall meet, Saturday’s action includes a pair of qualifiers for the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Kentucky Oaks (G1) hopefuls.
Wagering
Keeler Johnson’s picks and plays of Nov. 24, 2023
From a sporting perspective, the highlight of Friday’s card at Churchill Downs is Race 11, the $600,000 Clark (G2). But bettors will be just as excited by the $2,510 Super High 5 carryover up for grabs in the opener.
Wagering
Pick 3 ending with the Clark Stakes begins with a single
Friday's 12-race card at Churchill Downs can hardly be labeled leftovers, not with a pair of graded stakes highlighting the program.
Wagering
Jason Beem's Thursday Column for Nov. 23, 2023
Jason discusses some of the things in his racing life that he's thankful for on this Thanksgiving holiday.
Racing Podcast
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Nov. 23, 2023
Jason talks about racing and Thanksgiving as well as looks back on opening day at Tampa Bay Downs. Then he discusses this weekend's Clark Stakes and Golden Rod from Churchill Downs.
Racing Podcast
The Jury: Expert Picks, Bets and Fades for Nov. 23-26 [Video]
Racing analysts Ashley Anderson, James Scully, and Darin Zoccali look at a packed week of racing over Thanksgiving week 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
Handicapping a Thanksgiving Day Pick 3 at Churchill Downs
Churchill Downs will offer a large feast of races on Thursday and throughout Thanksgiving weekend as the 2023 fall meet wraps up.
Wagering
Keeler Johnson’s picks and plays of Nov. 23, 2023
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares Thanksgiving Day picks and plays for Thursday, Nov. 23 at Del Mar, Fair Grounds, and Churchill Downs, including horses to single in five-figure carryovers at Del Mar and Fair Grounds.
Wagering
How to bet the Commonwealth Stakes
An overflow field of 15 sophomores will go postward in Sunday’s $300,000 Commonwealth S. (G3) at Churchill Downs.
Wagering
The Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes Tipsheet 2023
A solid field of eight two-year-olds will vie in Saturday’s $400,000 Kentucky Jockey Club S. (G2) at Churchill Downs.
Wagering
How to bet the 2023 Hollywood Turf Cup Stakes
A total of eight horses will travel 1 1/2 miles on the Del Mar lawn in Friday’s $200,000 Hollywood Turf Cup S. (G2). The turf marathon attracted a talented and well-matched group in what appears to be a good betting opportunity.
Wagering
How to bet the 2023 Thanksgiving Classic Stakes
A talented field of nine will travel six panels on the Fair Grounds main surface in Thursday’s $200,000 Thanksgiving Classic S.
Wagering
Exotics for the 2023 Mrs. Revere Stakes
A well-matched field of 12 will travel 1 1/16 miles on the Churchill Downs turf in Friday’s $300,000 Mrs. Revere S. (G2).
Wagering
Betting With, and Against, First Mission in the Clark Stakes
A competitive field of 10 will travel 1 1/8 miles on the Churchill Downs dirt in Friday’s lucrative $600,000 Clark S. (G2) at Churchill Downs.
Wagering
How to bet the 2023 Falls City Stakes
A total of nine fillies and mares will race over nine panels on the Churchill Downs main surface in Thursday’s $400,000 Falls City S. (G3).
Wagering
How to bet the 2023 Cardinal Stakes
Saffron Moon has good tactical speed combined with a strong turn of foot, and drawing outside in the field seems ideal for the Kentucky-bred. Tyler Gaffalione inherits the ride atop the four-year-old.
Wagering
When a horse suddenly improves, is it a new normal?
When an experienced horse steps up and runs a race far better than any they’ve previously run, it’s fair to wonder if it was a one-time fluke. But if the improvement coincided with an obvious change, it might be a new normal.
Education
Keeler Johnson’s picks and plays of Nov. 22, 2023
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Wednesday, Nov. 22 at Mahoning Valley, Tampa Bay Downs, and Churchill Downs, along with a single for the mandatory-payout $381,939 Pick 5 carryover at Parx Racing.
Wagering
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: Nov. 22, 2023
Jason opens the show discussing the upcoming Tampa Bay Downs meet that starts today. Tampa Bay analyst Ren Carothers also joins the show to talk TBD as well as a few of the races for opening day.
Racing Podcast
Meet the Contenders: Kentucky Jockey Club
Meet the horses running in the 2023 Kentucky Jockey Club. For each horse, we're listing a pro, a con, and a rating of potential. The star rating of 1 to 5 represents opportunity to perform well. Be sure to follow these contenders by adding them to your stable alerts.
Wagering
Fierceness installed at 15-1 in Pool 2 of 2024 Kentucky Derby Future Wager
Fierceness, the presumptive champion two-year-old colt following a dominating performance in the Breeders' Cup Juvenile (G1) at Santa Anita earlier this month, was installed at 15-1 on the morning line for Pool 2 of the 2024 Kentucky Derby Future Wager (KDFW).
Kentucky Derby
Keeler Johnson’s picks and plays of Nov. 21, 2023
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Tuesday, Nov. 21 at Zia Park and Mahoning Valley, along with a horse to single in the $3,906 Pick 6 carryover at Finger Lakes.
Wagering
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: Nov. 21, 2023
Jason opens the show catching up on some news from around the racing world. Then we welcome in Gulfstream Park track announcer Peter Aiello to talk about his recent trips calling races in Jamaica and the Breeders' Cup as well as the upcoming Gulfstream Park meet.
Racing Podcast
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem Nov. 20, 2023
Jason looks back at his favorite performance from the weekend and looks ahead to Tampa Bay Downs opening up on Wednesday!
Features
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Carbone finishes fast in debut
The week before Thanksgiving is typically a quiet one as far as stakes racing goes. But Carbone made enough noise for five stakes horses when he smashed his debut on Sunday at Churchill Downs.
Analysis
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: Nov. 20, 2023
Jason looks back at the weekend of racing, including Integration's big win at Aqueduct. He also discusses racing from Churchill Downs and Del Mar.
Racing Podcast
Keeler Johnson’s picks and plays of Nov. 20, 2023
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Monday, Nov. 20 at Mahoning Valley and Zia Park, along with a horse to single in Pick 5 and Pick 6 carryovers at Finger Lakes.
Wagering
Churchill Downs: Betting the $2,689 Super High 5 carryover
Do you have what it takes to select the top five finishers in Sunday’s second race at Churchill Downs? If you can pull it off, you’ll win a share of the $2,689 non-jackpot carryover up for grabs in the $1 Super High 5.
Wagering
TwinSpires horse racing podcast playlist for November 18, 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 the Racing Roundtable available on Spotify. Be sure to tune in before races begin!
Wagering
Four Fair Grounds Betting Trends
The much anticipated Fair Grounds meeting got underway on Friday, November 17, with a trio of black-type races leading a nine-race opening day card. Below are a few of the things to watch for throughout the 76-day meet, which runs through March 24.
Wagering
Scott Shapiro's picks for Nov 18 at Churchill Downs
Find out what Scott Shapiro's picks are for November 18, 2023 at Churchill Downs. Follow him and other experts to find horse racing expert picks before the races.
Wagering
Horses to play in Aqueduct’s $108,589 Pick 6 carryover
After going unsolved on Thursday and Friday, the $1 Pick 6 at Aqueduct heads into the weekend with an enticing double carryover worth $108,589.
Wagering
Kaitlin Free's picks for Nov. 17 at Churchill Downs
Find out what Kaitlin Free's picks are for November 17, 2023 at Churchill Downs. Follow her and other experts to find horse racing expert picks before the races.
Wagering
Keeler Johnson’s picks and plays of Nov. 17, 2023
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Friday, Nov. 17 at Aqueduct and Fair Grounds, along with tickets for the $2,624 Super High 5 carryover at Churchill Downs.
Wagering
The Science of Horse Racing: It's All About Time
From stopwatches to GPS tracking, the methods racetracks have employed over the last three centuries have sought to capture race times accurately for posterity and for punters.
Education
The Jury: Expert Picks, Bets and Fades for Nov. 18 [Video]
Racing analysts Ashley Anderson, James Scully, and Darin Zoccali analyze a number of races at Churchill Downs, Aqueduct, and Fair Grounds this weekend. 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
How to bet With, and Against, Hidden Connection in the 2023 Chilukki Stakes
A total of nine fillies and mares will travel one-mile on the Churchill Downs dirt in Saturday’s $300,000 Chilukki S. (G3).
Wagering
Exotics Plays for the 2023 Kennedy Road Stakes
A total of 10 sprint specialists will go six panels on the Woodbine All-Weather surface in Saturday’s $175,000 Kennedy Road S. (G2).
Wagering
Fair Grounds Stakes Selections for November 18
A trio of stakes tilts for Louisiana-bred runners will highlight the fine Saturday card at Fair Grounds.
Wagering
How to bet the 2023 Hill Prince Stakes
A field of 10 sophomores, with one being a main-track only entrant, will travel nine panels on the Aqueduct turf in Saturday’s $250,000 Hill Prince S. (G2).
Wagering
Joe Kristufek's picks for Nov. 16 at Churchill Downs
Find out what Joe Kristufek's picks are for November 16, 2023 at Churchill Downs. Follow him and other experts to find horse racing expert picks before the races
Wagering
Jason Beem's Thursday Column for Nov. 16, 2023
Jason writes about jealousy and bitterness and how they often they fail to serve us in any ways in racing.
Racing Podcast
Keeler Johnson’s picks and plays of Nov. 16, 2023
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Thursday, Nov. 16 at Churchill Downs, Mahoning Valley, and Horseshoe Indianapolis, including tickets for Churchill’s $2,615 Super High 5 carryover.
Wagering
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Nov. 16, 2023
Jason opens the show discussing a couple of news topics from around the racing world. Then wraps up the show discussing some weekend racing from Aqueduct and Churchill Downs.
Racing Podcast
First-Crop Sires: Flameaway making a mark on turf
Flameaway’s first crop started strong this spring/summer, placing him among the top five freshman sires based on progeny earnings, and the eight-year-old stallion remains prominent.
Pedigree
Fair Grounds Stakes Selections for Nov. 17
A trio of black-type events for Cajun-bred runners will highlight the opening day action at Fair Grounds on Friday.
Racing
How to bet the 2023 Autumn Days Stakes
A full field of fillies and mares will travel six furlongs on the Aqueduct outer lawn in Friday’s $150,000 Autumn Days S. The wide-open turf affair attracted a strong and well-matched cast in what appears to be an attractive betting race.
Wagering
Catching My Eye: McPeek and Foley Send Out Impressive Juveniles at Churchill
You know that Ken McPeek and Greg Foley were up early and whistling while they worked Monday morning. Not much else could make a trainer love their job more than a two-year-old showing promise in November. Between the two barns, they sent out six juveniles at Churchill Downs this weekend who caught my eye. Let’s take a look.
Wagering
The Churchill Downs match still in doubt after a century
Match racing in the United States has a spotty history, but one of the few that (mostly) lived up to the hype occurred 100 years ago this week at Churchill Downs.
Features
Harness Preview: Picks and Horses to Watch Nov. 16-20
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.
Racing
How field sizes can affect win percentages
Many factors can influence the win percentages recorded by jockeys and trainers, both overall and in specific types of races. Ability and opportunity are two of the biggest factors, but another is field size—the number of horses entered in a race.
Education
Keeler Johnson’s picks and plays of Nov. 15, 2023
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Wednesday, Nov. 15 at Mahoning Valley, Churchill Downs, and Charles Town, including a single for Mahoning’s $3,978 Pick 5 carryover.
Wagering
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: Nov. 15, 2023
Jason opens the show discussing a morning of training at Tampa as well as some racing news. Then we welcome in the racing secretary from Mahoning Valley, Ed Vomacka, to the show to talk about racing in Ohio, his career in racing, working at Atlantic City Race Course, and more!
Racing Podcast
Racing Roundtable: Pool 1 of KDFW, first-crop sires, and top turf female
This week the Roundtable looks back at the results of Pool 1 of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager (KDFW), explores first-crop sires with promising progeny, and debates the winner of the Eclipse Award for top turf female, potentially the most contentious award of the season.
Analysis
First-crop sires: Vino Rosso a top-shelf stallion with most progeny earnings by first-crop sires
Vino Rosso has created some distance between himself and Maximus Mischief as the top first-crop sire by progeny earnings in North America and Europe.
Kentucky Derby
Keeler Johnson’s picks and plays of Nov. 14, 2023
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Tuesday, Nov. 14 at Horseshoe Indianapolis and Zia Park, along with horses to play in the $8,033 Pick 6 carryover at Finger Lakes.
Wagering
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: Nov. 14, 2023
Jason opens the show discussing some racing news and topics from around the game. Then we welcome in Kevin Kilroy from Fair Grounds to discuss the upcoming meet down in New Orleans that begins on Friday.
Racing Podcast
First-Crop Sires: Fillies continue to shine for Mitole
Since our first installment regarding the first-crop runners by Mitole over the summer, the former champion sprinter has been represented by two stakes winners and several other maiden winners of note.
Features
Harness Weekly Update: 17% win rate and 51% ATB
This week, there were 41 active horses (a 17% win hit rate and a 51% ATB (across-the-board) hit.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Nash dominates for Godolphin
Possible Road to the Kentucky Derby contenders were out in abundance on Sunday afternoon at Churchill Downs.
Features
First-crop sires: Maximus Mischief is riding a hot streak
After siring only two winners between the middle of September and the middle of October, first-crop sire Maximus Mischief is on fire again, regaining the momentum that made him the leading sire by progeny earnings through much of summer and early fall.
Analysis
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem Nov. 13, 2023
Jason discusses some of the racing from the weekend and the changes of the racing season.
Features
Keeler Johnson’s picks and plays of Nov. 13, 2023
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Monday, Nov. 13 at Horseshoe Indianapolis, Mahoning Valley, and Zia Park, along with horses to play in the $3,237 Pick 6 carryover at Finger Lakes.
Wagering
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: Nov. 13, 2023
Jason discusses some of the racing from the weekend, including the Red Smith from Aqueduct, racing from Churchill Downs and Del Mar, and more!
Racing Podcast
Carryovers: Churchill’s $20,088 Super High 5, Aqueduct’s $53,640 Pick 6
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson analyzes a pair of five-figure Sunday carryovers at Aqueduct and Churchill Downs.
Wagering
Churchill: How to bet the $2,827 Super High 5 carryover
Feel like chasing a non-jackpot Super High 5 carryover this Saturday? Churchill Downs is ready to oblige with a $2,827 prize pool.
Wagering
Tall Tales of the Track: The Ups and Downs of Tango Shandy
The slip of a saddle at an inopportune time, like the middle of the Dubai World Cup in the case of California Chrome, can become a challenge even greater than the 1,000-pound animals running alongside. In one particular jump race nearly 40 years ago, a slip of a saddle and the question of a foot caused a horse, his rider, and his trainer enough consternation to last a lifetime.
Features