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Stakes selections for Del Mar on Aug. 8
Two stakes races will take center stage during an enticing 10-race card at Del Mar on Sunday.
Racing
Saratoga Scouting Report: Kentucky Horses for Aug. 8
Ontheonesandtwos and Wicked Halo, the two-three finishers from a very salty edition of the Debutante at Churchill, renew acquaintances in the Adirondack (G2).
Racing
What is a single, and why are they valuable?
Hang around horseplayers long enough, and you might start to wonder—what are these coveted “singles” they refer to when betting multi-race wagers like the Pick 4, Pick 5, and Pick 6?
Education
Horses to play (or oppose) in Arlington's $2,783 Pick 7 carryover
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson analyzes three horses of note in Arlington Park’s $2,783 Pick 7 carryover.
Racing
Saratoga stakes plays for Aug. 8
A trio of stakes races, two of them graded, will top a fine Sunday card at Saratoga.
Racing
Singularly Meritorious: Purple Hearts of Horse Racing
General George Washington wanted something simple for the men serving with him in the Continental Army. He sought a way to recognize “any singularly meritorious action” by a soldier, an insignia that rewarded loyalty and valor and encouraged others to the same. With that in mind, on August 7, 1782, Washington created the Badge of Military Merit, a purple heart-shaped patch to be displayed on a recipient’s uniform. Nearly a century and a half later, another legendary general, Douglas MacArthur, took a cue from our first President and revived this award in 1932, calling it the Purple Heart.
Racing
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Saratoga Oaks international scouting reports: Rocky Sky, Creative Flair, Messidor
Three fillies bring international form into Sunday’s $700,000 Saratoga Oaks (G3). Irish import Rocky Sky makes her U.S. debut for Chad Brown, Godolphin trainer Charlie Appleby sends Creative Flair from England, and Messidor arrives from Joseph O’Brien’s yard in Ireland.
Racing
Hanson: Stakes Spot Plays for Aug. 7
A tremendous day of racing on both sides of the country awaits fans on Saturday, with the higher-level action taking place at Saratoga.
Racing
Which Whitney winner do you have the most in common with?
The Whitney's winners list reads like a who’s who of the best horses, trainers, and jockeys of all time.
Racing
Saratoga & Del Mar Scouting Report: Kentucky Horses for Aug. 7
The match-up between Knicks Go and Maxfield in Saturday’s Whitney (G1) at Saratoga is fascinating.
Racing
Arlington Park stakes plays for Aug. 7
A pair of black-type races for Illinois-breds will highlight the Saturday action at Arlington Park.
Racing
Ellis Park stakes spot plays for Aug. 7
A total of four black-type races will top a strong Saturday card at Ellis Park.
Racing
How to bet the 2021 West Virginia Derby
Seven sophomores will travel 1 1/8 miles on the Mountaineer Park dirt in Saturday’s lucrative $500,000 West Virginia Derby (G3).
Racing
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays for Aug. 6
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares $75 worth of picks and plays for Friday, Aug. 6 at Saratoga and Del Mar, along with suggested singles for lucrative carryovers at Arlington Park and Monmouth Park.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: Aug. 6, 2021
It's Friday, and we're looking ahead to the weekend of racing including Whitney day at Saratoga, the Best Pal at Del Mar, and the West Virginia Derby.
Racing
Saratoga & Del Mar Scouting Report: Kentucky Horses for Aug. 6
After a couple of slow days for Kentucky invaders to start the racing week, there are many to evaluate on the Friday card at both Saratoga and Del Mar.
Racing
How to bet the 2021 Yellow Ribbon Stakes
An excellent field of 10 fillies and mares will go 1 1/16 miles on the Del Mar lawn in Saturday’s $200,000 Yellow Ribbon S.
Racing
Exotics to play for the Test and Glens Falls Stakes
A handful of stakes races, led by three of the Grade 1 variety, will highlight a massive Saturday card at Saratoga.
Racing
How to bet the 2021 Saratoga Derby
A superb field of 11 will go postward in Saturday’s $1 million Saratoga Derby (G1).
Racing
USC's Olympic glory and Medal Count
The University of Southern California has seen more Olympic success than anyone, and one USC alum named a very good horse after this legacy.
Racing
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays for Aug. 5
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares $75 worth of picks and plays for Wednesday at Presque Isle Downs, Saratoga, and Del Mar, along with a 10-1 longshot to key in three carryovers at Arlington Park.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: Aug. 5, 2021
It's Horseplayer Thursday, and Jason opens the show discussing some of the news of the day and answering some horseplayer questions.
Racing
Del Mar Week 3 highlights
In last weekend’s Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” races at Del Mar, Dr. Schivel and Shedaresthedevil secured expenses-paid berths in the championship series.
Racing
Saratoga Week 3 highlights
Blockbuster racing continues at Saratoga and an all-star field is expected to meet in the Whitney S. (G1).
Racing
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays for Aug. 4
J. Keeler Johnson shares $75 worth of picks and plays for Wednesday at Indiana Grand, Saratoga, and Presque Isle Downs, along with potential singles for the $7,810 Pick 6 carryover at Canterbury Park.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: August 4, 2021
Jason opens the show discussing some of the latest news. Then we welcome Bloodstock agent Greg Harbut to talk about his work as an agent, his family history in the sport, and much more!
Racing
Harenss Racing: Hoosier park plays for Aug. 4
Five more great prospective harness racing plays at Hoosier Park.
Racing
What is your favorite racetrack tradition?
Every track has traditions that makes it feel different from any other. Which one is your favorite?
Racing
First-crop sires: Wit continues to impress for Practical Joke
Wit looks like a star-in-the-making for freshman sire Practical Joke
Racing
Saratoga & Del Mar Scouting Report: Kentucky Horses for August 4
It’s a light day for the Kentucky invaders at Saratoga, but there a few who are worth a second look. I keep detailed track bias, pace and trip notes for every race, every day, and that information can prove to be quite valuable, particularly when horses travel from one circuit to another.
Racing
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays for Aug. 3
J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Tuesday, Aug. 3 at Colonial Downs, Thistledown, and Presque Isle Downs, along with suggested singles for carryovers at Belterra Park and Canterbury Park.
Racing
Saratoga Derby international scouting report: Plenty of depth beyond Bolshoi Ballet
The second leg of the lucrative New York Turf Triple, Saturday’s $1 million Saratoga Derby, has lured more internationals than the July 10 Belmont Derby (G1). Aidan O’Brien’s Bolshoi Ballet is back in search of a double, but a deeper field will confront him at the Spa.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: Aug. 3, 2021
Jason catches up on some of the racing from late Sunday including Jackie's Warrior dominating at Saratoga and Shedaresthedevil winning at Del Mar.
Racing
Mountaineer track update: Aug. 2
Just in time for the West Virginia Derby, let's check on the trends so far this meet at Mountaineer!
Racing
Breeders' Cup roundup: Aug. 2, 2021
It’s August, and the summer race meets at Del Mar and Saratoga are in full swing. Key contenders for the Nov. 5-6 Breeders’ Cup at Del Mar are taking center stage every weekend.
Racing
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays for Aug. 2
J. Keeler Johnson shares $75 worth of picks and plays for Monday, Aug. 2 at Colonial Downs and Assiniboia Downs, along with a $20 ticket for Assiniboia’s $327,526 mandatory-payout Pick 5 carryover.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: Aug. 2, 2021
We look back at the weekend of racing including Essential Quality's win in the Jim Dandy, Cross Border's continued Saratoga success, the Bing Crosby at Del Mar, and much more!
Racing
Harness Weekly Update: Hambo Elim Strike At $14 Featured
Catching Hambletonian-elim upset highlights prelude to huge Aug. 6 program.
Racing
The best straight and exotic wagers for the Manitoba Derby
Assiniboia Downs has a special Monday treat in store for horseplayers. The week kicks off with an eight-race card highlighted by the Manitoba Derby and a $327,526 mandatory-payout Pick 5 carryover.
Racing
First-crop Sires: Arrogate will shine bright given time
Arrogate didn’t shine for long as a racehorse, but few shone as brightly as he did, with four amazing performances from July 2016 to March 2017.
Racing
How to bet Monmouth Park's $44,480 Pick 5 carryover
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares an $18 ticket for Sunday’s $44,480 Pick 5 carryover at Monmouth Park.
Racing
Saratoga & Del Mar Scouting Report: Kentucky Horses for August 1
Churchill invaders Aloha West and Night Time both appear to be major players in Sunday’s seventh race at Saratoga.
Racing
The Fastest Man in the World, and the Fastest Horse in the West
If you're going to name a horse after the fastest man in the world, you're giving a horse a lot to live up to.
Racing
In the money vs. on the board: defining the terms
Two of the most common pieces of horse racing betting jargon are also two of the most commonly misunderstood.
Racing
Kentucky Derby alumni take center stage at Saratoga
On Friday afternoon, Kentucky Derby alumnus Dynamic One rallied explosively to win Saratoga’s Curlin S., and he’s unlikely to be the only Derby veteran seen in the Saratoga winner’s circle this week.
Racing
Gulfstream Park: Longshots to play in the mandatory-payout $500,635 Rainbow Pick 6 carryover
Looking for a handicapping challenge with the potential to yield huge payoffs? Look no further than Saturday’s Rainbow Pick 6 at Gulfstream Park, which features a $500,635 mandatory-payout carryover.
Racing
Del Mar Week 2 Highlights
Del Mar witnessed upsets last week, and this weekend the Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” Championship series runs through the seaside track.
Racing
Selections for Royal North and Vigil at Woodbine
A quartet of excellent black-type events will highlight a superb day of racing at Woodbine on Sunday.
Racing
How to bet with, and against, As Time Goes By in Clement L. Hirsch Stakes
An excellent group of seven fillies and mares will travel 1 1/16 miles on the Del Mar main oval in Sunday’s $300,000 Clement L. Hirsch S.
Racing
Saratoga & Del Mar Scouting Report: Kentucky Horses for July 31
For the entirety of the Saratoga meet, I will provide “scouting reports” for the horses who raced in Kentucky in their most recent start.
Racing
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays for July 30
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares $75 worth of picks and plays for Friday, July 30 at Saratoga and Del Mar, along with suggested singles for a trio of carryovers at Arlington Park.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: July 30, 2021
It's Friday, and we're looking ahead to the weekend. Jason discusses the big stakes events at Saratoga, the Bing Crosby at Del Mar, and the Monmouth Oaks at Monmouth Park. Then Ed, James, and Scott join the show to talk racing, betting, sports, and more!
Racing
Best exotics plays for the Alfred G. Vanderbilt Stakes
A fantastic field of nine will go postward in Saturday’s $350,000 Alfred G. Vanderbilt S. (G1) at Saratoga.
Racing
Value pick for the Jim Dandy Stakes
An excellent field of six will contest the $600,000 Jim Dandy S. (G2) at Saratoga on Saturday.
Racing
Racing
How much do you know about the Whitney Stakes?
One of the headline races of the summer at the Spa, how much do you know about the Whitney Stakes?
Racing
Saratoga & Del Mar Scouting Report: Kentucky Horses for July 30
Led by Winter Pool, who I like quite a bit in race seven, Friday could be a big day for Kentucky invaders at Saratoga.
Racing
How to bet the 2021 Bing Crosby Stakes
A superb cast of nine one-turn specialists will contest the highlight of the Saturday card at Del Mar in the $300,000 Bing Crosby S.
Racing
Allworthy gets the nod in Monmouth Oaks
Nine sophomore fillies will travel 1 1/16 miles on the dirt in the $250,000 Monmouth Oaks (G3).
Racing
Spot plays for July 30 stakes at Saratoga and Del Mar
A pair of black-type races on opposite sides of the country will highlight the racing on Friday.
Racing
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays for July 29
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Thursday, July 29 at Saratoga and Canterbury Park, along with suggested singles for a pair of non-jackpot carryovers at Arlington Park.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: July 29, 2021
It's Horseplayer Thursday, and we're excited to welcome in Matt Vagvolgyi to the show. Jason and Matt talk about the current Saratoga meet, his handicapping and betting progression, and much more!
Racing Podcast
Harness Racing: Hambo elims with Adios drive action
Prelude next week's huge Hambletonian day with this weekend's preps for profits.
Racing
Harness Racing: Hoosier Hi-5 plays for July 29
Hoosier's Hi-5 on July 29 should include some horses that few will add, so let's hit it.
Racing
First-crop Sires: Keen Ice on the board
The only horse to beat Triple Crown winner American Pharoah in his three-year-old season, Keen Ice would not have been everyone’s prediction to be a sire of two-year-olds. So with three winners prior to the end of July, mostly over sprint distances, Calumet Farm would have every reason to feel good about the prospects for his progeny as the distances increase.
Racing
Saratoga & Del Mar Scouting Report: Kentucky Horses for July 29
A couple of the qualifiers could make an impact, including First Premio, who takes a class drop at Del Mar.
Racing
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays for July 28
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares $75 worth of picks and plays for Wednesday at Saratoga, Indiana Grand, and Colonial Downs, along with a ticket for the $2,955 Pick 5 carryover at Belterra Park.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: July 28, 2021
Jason welcomes in former racing analyst Candice Hare to talk about her new job working local news, being a reporter, her time in racing, traveling the world going for racing events, and more!
Racing
Racing
Saratoga scouting report: Kentucky horses for July 28
Led by the millionaire Bell’s the One, Wednesday’s featured Honorable Miss H. (G2) at Saratoga has a distinct Kentucky flavor. The impressive winner of the Roxelana last out, the eight-time winner appears to be a bit of a standout in this spot. She’s worth considering as a single in the multi-race wagers, although I do give Miss Mosaic a longshot chance.
Racing
How Darin Zoccali scooped Indiana Grand's Pick 5 July 26
I had a horse running Monday afternoon at Indiana Grand, and she happened to kick off a Pick 5 sequence.
Racing
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays for July 27
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Tuesday at Colonial Downs, Presque Isle Downs, and Thistledown along with horses to play in the $245,919 Pick 5 carryover at Louisiana Downs.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: July 27, 2021
On today's episode, Jason answers questions from the listeners on a wide range of topics, from careers in racing, announcing, favorite tracks, betting, and much more!
Racing
Saratoga Track update for July 26
Two weeks into the Saratoga meet, let's see how summer at the Spa is beginning to shape up!
Racing
Hanson: Spot Plays for Day 2 of Glorious Goodwood
The five-day Goodwood Festival, colloquially known as "Glorious Goodwood," runs from Tuesday through Saturday this week, with Group 1 features highlighting the first three days.
Racing
Breeders' Cup roundup: July 26, 2021
What’s that? You’re a little behind in processing the latest developments on the road to Breeders’ Cup at Del Mar? Never fear! We’ve got you covered with a roundup of the latest news and notes.
Racing
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays for July 26
J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Monday at Colonial Downs, Thistledown, and Presque Isle Downs, along with a single and live longshot in Indiana Grand’s $2,132 Pick 5 carryover.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: July 26, 2021
We're looking back at the weekend of racing, including the big upset in the Coaching Club of America Oaks (G1) at Saratoga, United back in the winner's circle at Del Mar, and much more!
Racing
Harness weekly update: Aced Adios Entries
The TwinSpires Harness Blog Weekly Update covers our successes and failures from selected features and the H2W (horses-to-watch list).
Racing
Saratoga and Del Mar Scouting Report: Kentucky Horses for July 25
Sunday’s wide open eighth race on Saratoga turf has several top contenders from Kentucky, but the one I’m most interested in is Cavalry Charge.
Racing
Saratoga: Horses to single in the $257,811 Pick 6 carryover
Exciting times are ahead at Saratoga! The first Pick 6 carryover of the meet is up for grabs on Sunday, when the $1 wager will disperse a hefty $257,811 bonus pool among all winning bettors.
Racing
Ten horses to watch for in the second half of 2021
John Mucciolo offers his analysis of the ten horses you need to keep an eye on for the second half of 2021.
Racing
Horses of note for a trio of Arlington Park carryovers
Although there aren’t any stakes taking place at Arlington Park this Saturday, handicappers might still want to tune in and pursue the trio of non-jackpot carryovers on the agenda.
Racing
Del Mar opening week highlights
The racing is fiercely competitive at Del Mar, where 23 different trainers won at least one of the 32 races in opening weekend. Here’s a look back at the first two graded stakes of the meet.
Racing
Saratoga and Del Mar Scouting Report: Kentucky Horses for July 24
Caramel Swish could be a favorite to lean on and Shady McGee is a longshot to consider on a Saturday Saratoga card jam packed with Kentucky invaders.
Racing
Scully: Price plays for July 24
James Scully has tabbed some horses of interest at expected longer odds on Saturday
Racing
How to bet the California Dreamin' Stakes
A well-matched field of 10 Golden State-bred runners will contest the $150,000 California Dreamin’ S. at Del Mar on Sunday.
Racing
How to bet the 2021 Shuvee Stakes
A classy field of seven fillies and mares will go postward in Sunday’s $200,000 Shuvee S. (G2) at Saratoga.
Racing
How to bet with, and against Field Pass, in the BWI Turf Cup Stakes at Pimlico
The gray son of Lemon Drop Kid is a deserving favorite. I will give my strategies for siding with him, and a play for those hoping for an upset.
Racing
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays of the day for July 23
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Friday, July 23 at Del Mar, Ellis Park, and Saratoga, along with a trio of singles to use across a bevy of carryovers at Arlington Park.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: July 23, 2021
Jason opens the show discussing the Saratoga Saturday card including the early Pick 5. Then Ed, James, and Scott stop by for the weekly jury segment to talk Saratoga, Del Mar, betting, and more!
Racing
D'Amato trainees loom large in turf stakes at Del Mar on July 24
A pair of graded stakes events on the lawn will highlight the Saturday action at Del Mar.
Racing
Clairiere gets the upset nod in Coaching Club American Oaks
A compact field of just four will go to post in the $500,000 Coaching Club American Oaks (G1) at Saratoga on Saturday.
Racing
How to bet the 2021 Fleet Treat Stakes
The Friday feature at Del Mar is the $150,000 Fleet Treat S., a seven-furlong dash on the main oval for California-bred sophomore fillies.
Racing
Saratoga and Del Mar Scouting Report: Kentucky Horses for July 23
Friday’s featured Lake George (G3) for 3-year-old filly turf milers has quite the Kentucky flavor.
Racing
How to bet the 2021 Lake George Stakes
A total of 10 sophomore fillies will travel one-mile on the inner turf at Saratoga in Friday’s $150,000 Lake George S. (G3).
Racing
Saratoga Opening Week Highlights
Saratoga’s opening week delivered graded stakes thrills. Here are highlights from the first few days of the meet.
Racing
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays for July 22
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Thursday, July 22 at Arlington Park and Indiana Grand, along with horses of note for a trio of carryovers at Arlington.
Racing