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Why didn't Man o' War run in the Kentucky Derby?
Considered by many to be the greatest thoroughbred racehorse of all-time, Man o’ War wasn't even entered in the 1920 Kentucky Derby, a head-scratching decision even now.
Racing
Churchill Downs: Vulnerable favorites and a viable single in Saturday's Pick 4 sequences
Get ready, Churchill Downs bettors! Saturday’s opening-night card offers a trio of Pick 4 wagers, and TwinSpires is celebrating with a $6,000 “Hit It and Split It” promotion.
Wagering
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays of the day for April 24
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares his picks and plays for Saturday, April 24 at Belmont Park, Churchill Downs, and Pimlico—coincidentally, the homes of the three Triple Crown races.
Wagering
Pimlico: Handicapping the all-stakes Pick 5 for April 24
We're only a week out from the Kentucky Derby (G1), which means the Preakness (G1) is not far behind.
Racing
Meet the Kentucky Derby contenders of 2021
Discover each of the Kentucky Derby contenders with TwinSpires' official Meet the Kentucky Derby Contenders free download! This document will introduce you to each Kentucky Derby runner by exclusive family information and reveal true abilities to run the 1 1/4 miles distance at Churchill Downs in a style or effort that past horses have found success with.
Racing
Opening-night spot plays for April 24 at Churchill Downs
The spring meet at Churchill Downs begins Saturday evening with a 10-race program, highlighted by the $150,000 William Walker S. for three-year-olds at 5 1/2 furlongs on turf. First post is 6 p.m. ET
Racing
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QUIZ: Learn your Kentucky Derby style
Before you tune in to the Run for the Roses on Saturday, May 1, make sure you know what to wear with our Kentucky Derby style quiz!
Racing
Churchill Downs: Tips and trends for betting the 2021 spring meet
One year after COVID-19 prompted the postponement of the 2020 Kentucky Derby (G1) by four months, a sense of normalcy has returned to Churchill Downs.
Racing
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays for April 23
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares his picks and plays for Friday, April 23 at Belmont Park and Keeneland, including tickets for Keeneland’s mandatory-payout Super High Five carryover.
Wagering
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: April 23, 2021
It's Friday and we're looking ahead to racing action from Golden Gate Fields, Belmont Park, and opening night at Churchill Downs. Ed, James, and Scott join Jason for the weekly Jury segment to talk Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby.
Racing
Closing day spot plays for Keeneland
Friday marks the closing day of the always fantastic spring racing at Keeneland. A 10-race card is on the slate, topped by the $150,000 Bewitch S.
Racing
How to bet the 2021 William Walker Stakes
An overflow field 12 of is entered for the opening day feature at Churchill Downs, the $150,000 William Walker S.
Racing
Do you know your horse racing lingo?
Horse racing has some of the most colorful lingo of any sport, but how much of it do you really know?
Racing
The 5 greatest trainers that have never won the Kentucky Derby
A horseman’s greatness is often determined by their success in Triple Crown races, particularly the Kentucky Derby (G1). These five outstanding trainers are without a win in the "Run for the Roses."
Racing
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays for April 22
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares his picks and plays for Thursday, April 22 at Belmont Park, Lone Star Park, and Keeneland, including tickets for a $13,538 Super High Five carryover.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: April 22, 2021
It's Horseplayer Thursday and Jason opens the show discussing the Keeneland races from Wednesday and discussing some betting topics including Pick 5's and exactas.
Racing
Five unbreakable Kentucky Derby records
We examine five unbeatable Kentucky Derby records as the world gears up for "the most exciting two minutes in sports."
Racing
Grand Circuit Betting Spring Arrives
The stakes are high as the Grand Circuit heats up with traditional events offering early season value.
Betting Info
Kentucky Derby Context: Essential Quality
Essential Quality will take some beating as the Kentucky Derby favorite. They gray colt exhibited his will to win in the final prep race, determinedly getting up by a neck in the Blue Grass S. (G2) to remain unbeaten.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Context: Highly Motivated
TwinSpires.com horse racing analyst James Scully attended his first Kentucky Derby in 1981. Along with a brief profile of this year’s contenders, he is providing some historical context.
Racing
Hoosier Park harness plays for April 21
Frank Cotolo offers deep handicapping for Hoosier Park to expose horses with better chances than their odds.
Betting Info
Who is the most intriguing Kentucky Derby longshot?
Get to know some of the most interesting dark-horse candidates for the greatest two minutes in sports.
Racing
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays for April 21
Handicapper Keeler Johnson shares his picks and plays for April 21 at Indiana Grand and Turf Paradise, along with thoughts on a pair of enticing non-jackpot carryovers at Indiana Grand and Keeneland.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Apr. 21, 2021
Jason opens the show discussing some of the various news around the world of racing. Then we welcome in the voice of Churchill Downs Travis Stone to talk about the upcoming Kentucky Derby, Kentucky Oaks, and more!
Racing
Hong Kong: Happy Valley Race 9 for April 21
Be Ready looks ready to continue his winning ways in the Queen’s Road Central Handicap at Happy Valley on Wednesday night. Be Ready looks ready to continue his winning ways in the Queen’s Road Central Handicap at Happy Valley on Wednesday night. The son of Love Conquers All has raced just twice this campaign, resuming with a fifth-place finish in February before thrashing a useful Class 3 field on March 24.
Racing
The Kentucky Derby's luckiest (and unluckiest) draws
The number your pick draws in the Kentucky Derby could decide your fate before you even place a bet.
Racing
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays for April 20
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares his picks and plays for Tuesday, April 20 at Indiana Grand and Will Rogers Downs, including a ticket for the $11,154 Pick 6 carryover at Indiana Grand.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: April 20, 2021
Jason opens the show by discussing some of the news of the day and responding to listener emails. Then, we're very happy to welcome in long time Tampa Bay Downs announcer Richard Grunder to talk about his retirement from race calling, his career in the booth, the growth of Tampa Bay Downs, and more!
Racing
Watch: The bond between O Besos' two riders
Jockey Marcelino Pedroza and exercise rider Magarito Fierro have more in common than the Greg Foley-trained Kentucky Derby contender O Besos.
Racing
Churchill Downs by the numbers
Get ready for the 147th running of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, May 1 with this collection of scintillating stats and facts about Churchill Downs.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Context: Super Stock
Super Stock broke through in the Arkansas Derby (G1), earning a spot in the Kentucky Derby field with a 12-1 upset at Oaklawn Park. Read this and the full series by James Scully on TwinSpires Edge!
Racing
Kentucky Derby Pedigree Profile: Hidden Stash
Sometimes, we examine the breeding of a Kentucky Derby contender and think to ourselves, “No complaints about this pedigree.” Such is the impression generated by the bloodlines of Hidden Stash.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Context: Hidden Stash
A rallying second in the Tampa Bay Derby (G2), Hidden Stash did not receive the right set-up and experienced a troubled trip finishing fourth in the Blue Grass S. (G2) at Keeneland. His late kick could prove more effective in the Kentucky Derby.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Pedigree Profile: Crowded Trade
Can Crowded Trade handle the 1 1/4-mile distance of the Kentucky Derby? That’s a tough question, because his pedigree can be read in multiple ways, and it doesn’t provide a clear answer.
Racing
Defections mean shrinking number of Derby bubble horses
Less than two weeks out from the Kentucky Derby (G1), it appears nearly everyone who wants to run in the Churchill Downs classic may have the opportunity.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Workouts and Bubble Watch: April 19, 2021
Just 12 days remain until the 147th running of the Kentucky Derby, which means the field is coming into focus and the contenders are busy turning in critical pre-race workouts.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Pedigree Profile: Dream Shake
For some horses, the Kentucky Derby (G1) is the race they were born to pursue. But other horses have backup plans built into their pedigrees, with Dream Shake being a perfect example.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Pedigree Profile: O Besos
Kentucky Derby winners might be elite racehorses, but they don’t necessarily make elite stallions. Derby winners who sire Derby winners are a relative rarity; can Orb pull off the double with O Besos?
Racing
The oddest horse names in Kentucky Derby history
There are a number of weird and wonderful horse names that have made it to the biggest stage of all. Here are the 10 best in Kentucky Derby history.
Kentucky Derby
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays for April 19
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares his picks and plays for Monday, April 19 at Indiana Grand, Parx Racing, and Turf Paradise, including thoughts on Turf Paradise’s $225,649 Pick 6 carryover.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: April 19, 2021
Jason looks back at the weekend of racing action, including the thrilling matchup in the Apple Blossom (G1) at Oaklawn Park.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Context: O Besos
To make the Kentucky Derby field, O Besos needed a top three finish in the TwinSpires.com Louisiana Derby (G2). He was the only contestant to make an impact from off the pace in an eight-horse field, rallying well for third.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Context: Soup and Sandwich
Soup and Sandwich secured a Kentucky Derby bid by holding for second in the Florida Derby (G1). The gray colt will make his fourth career start in the Kentucky Derby.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Context: Midnight Bourbon
Midnight Bourbon has never finished out of the money from seven career starts. The hard-trying colt earned points in five consecutive qualifying races prior to the Kentucky Derby, including a victory in the Lecomte S. (G3) at Fair Grounds.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Context: Rock Your World
Rock Your World took no prisoners in the Santa Anita Derby (G1), crushing foes wire-to-wire by a 4 1/2-length margin, and he may have the skills to carry his form forward in the Kentucky Derby.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Context: Sainthood
Sainthood earned his way to the Kentucky Derby by finishing second in the Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3) at Turfway Park, a newly added major qualifier on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Context: Dynamic One
Dynamic One stamped his Kentucky Derby ticket with a head second in the Wood Memorial S. (G2) at Aqueduct.
Racing
Harness Weekly Update: Tall Prices Fall Short; Public Scores
The TwinSpires Harness Blog Weekly Update covers our results from the remaining leg of the older pacing series at Yonkers, our selected features aside from the horses-to-watch list (H2W) successes and failures.
Betting Info
Kentucky Derby Context: Known Agenda
A convincing winner of the Florida Derby (G1), Known Agenda tops an expected four-horse contingent for two-time Kentucky Derby-winning trainer Todd Pletcher.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Context: Helium
After rallying to win the Tampa Bay Derby (G2), Helium will make his second start of the year in the Kentucky Derby.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Pedigree Profile: Sainthood
Looking for a horse who’s bred to handle the Kentucky Derby distance, even if his pedigree isn’t particularly flashy? Look no further than Sainthood.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Pedigree Profile: Soup and Sandwich
What do you get when you cross the bloodlines of the two most successful U.S. stallions of the last decade? You get Soup and Sandwich, an up-and-coming contender for the Kentucky Derby (G1).
Racing
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays of the day for April 18
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares his picks and plays for Sunday, April 18 at Aqueduct and Santa Anita, including a ticket for Santa Anita’s $197,942 Rainbow Pick 6 carryover.
Wagering
Kentucky Derby Pedigree Profile: Dynamic One
One of the most expensive horses in the 2021 Kentucky Derby field is Wood Memorial (G2) runner-up Dynamic One, who brings an appropriately classy pedigree to the mix.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Pedigree Profile: Highly Motivated
One year ago, many handicappers would have examined the pedigree of Highly Motivated and concluded he had little chance to win the 1 1/4-mile Kentucky Derby (G1). But times have changed.
Racing
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays for April 17
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares his picks and plays for Saturday, April 17 at Keeneland, Oaklawn, and Santa Anita, along with thoughts on mandatory Pick 6 dispersals at Gulfstream and Mahoning.
Wagering
Kentucky Derby Context: Medina Spirit
Winner of the Robert B. Lewis S. (G3) in late January, Medina Spirit exits a pair of runner-up finishes in the San Felipe S. (G2) and Santa Anita Derby (G1).
Racing
Kentucky Derby Context: Mandaloun
Mandaloun secured a Kentucky Derby berth over the winter at Fair Grounds, recording a win in the Risen Star S. (G2) and a close third in the Lecomte S. (G3) in his first two stakes appearances.
Racing
Champions clash in stellar Apple Blossom
The much-anticipated meeting of champion Monomoy Girl and reigning sophomore champ Swiss Skydiver will take place on Saturday.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Context: Like the King
Winner of the Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3), Like the King captured two of three starts on the Tapeta track at Turfway Park this winter.
Racing
Who has the best shot to win 2021 Kentucky Derby?
Which one of these 100-point prep winners has the best shot leading into the Kentucky Derby?
Racing
Kentucky Derby Context: Hot Rod Charlie
With a convincing win in the TwinSpires.com Louisiana Derby (G2), Hot Rod Charlie became a serious Kentucky Derby contender.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Context: Bourbonic
Bourbonic earned his Kentucky Derby spot in a surprising manner, recording a 72-1 upset in the Wood Memorial S. (G2) at Aqueduct on April 3.
Racing
Exotics plays for the Oaklawn Handicap
The especially well-matched field features some budding stars in the handicap division and promises to be a thrilling event.
Wagering
Keeneland Spot Plays for April 17
A 10-race Saturday card will be hosted by Keeneland on Saturday, led by the $200,000 Elkhorn S. (G2).
Racing
Racing Spotlight: Express Train, Kendrick Carmouche, Antonio Sano
Racing Spotlight is a weekly series that highlights a horse, jockey, and trainer with insightful information.
Racing
How to pick a Kentucky Derby horse if you're not a handicapper
From meaningful moniker to coat color, here are a few alternate ways to find a winning Kentucky Derby horse if you're not an expert handicapper.
Racing
Raging Bull has put himself in the fight, like Jake LaMotta
It isn't often a racehorse can — or should — be compared to a boxer. But it works for Raging Bull.
Racing
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays for April 16
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares his picks and plays for Friday, April 16 at Gulfstream Park and Keeneland, including two singles for Gulfstream’s $526,932 Rainbow Pick 6 carryover.
Racing
Which unsung Kentucky Derby winner do you identify with?
Whose now-unsung Kentucky Derby story will become your new fascination? Take this quiz and find out!
Quiz
How to bet the Doubledogdare Stakes
An excellent field of six fillies and mares will travel 1 1/16 miles on the Keeneland main surface in Friday’s $100,000 Doubledogdare S.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: April 16, 2021
It's Friday, and Jason is looking ahead to some of the weekend racing action, including the Monomoy Girl/Swiss Skydiver matchup in the Apple Blossom (G1).
Racing
Keeneland Track update for April 15
As we head into the last two weeks of the meet, let's check in with the shining stars!
Racing
Harness racing: Yonkers series finals set
TwinSpires Harness Blog’s selected features takes you through the weekend of racing at Yonkers, for the finals and consolations of the Matchmaker and Borgata pacing series Monday.
Racing
Queen Elizabeth's top race horses of all time
A prominent fixture on the turf since ascending the throne of the United Kingdom in 1952, Queen Elizabeth II has enjoyed tremendous success as both an owner and breeder in her seven decades as the sport's most recognizable patron. Indeed, a number of her most accomplished runners came along during the first decade or so of her long and inspiring reign.
Features
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays for April 15
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares his picks and plays for Thursday, April 15 at Keeneland and Oaklawn Park, including a ticket for Keeneland’s $27,386 Super High Five carryover.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: April 15, 2021
It's Horseplayer Thursday, and we're happy to welcome in Jim Goodman from Keeneland to talk about the Grade One Gamble, working with horseplayers, his favorite Keeneland memories, and more!
Racing
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays for April 14
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares his picks and plays for Wednesday, April 14 at Keeneland and Will Rogers Downs. A $53,696 non-jackpot Pick 6 carryover at Keeneland is high on the agenda.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: April 14, 2021
Jason opens the show discussing race and sequence selection when playing the races. We then welcome in Keith Asmussen to the show to talk about Super Stock's win in the Arkansas Derby.
Racing
Harness racing: Hoosier Park plays for April 14
For the April 14 program at Hoosier Park, here are some horses for selected plays that can fit in any type of wager.
Racing
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays for April 13
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares his picks and plays for Tuesday, April 13 at Mahoning Valley and Parx, including thoughts on an $8,271 Pick 6 carryover.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: April 13, 2021
Jason opens the show discussing some of the news of the day and the comings and goings on the road to the Kentucky Derby. Then he's joined by trainer Vicki Oliver to talk about Hidden Stash, waiting to see if they get in the Derby, her career as a trainer, winning a Grade 1 at Del Mar, and more!
Racing
Several "bubble" horses in good shape to make Kentucky Derby
The 2021 Road to the Kentucky Derby prep series is complete, but the field for the May 1 classic at Churchill Downs remains somewhat fluid.
Racing
Kentucky Derby roundup: April 12, 2021
Upsets reigned supreme in the final round of Road to the Kentucky Derby prep races. As the first Saturday in May marches closer, let’s review on the latest news and notes on the Derby trail:
Racing
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays for April 12
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares his picks and plays for Monday, April 12, at Mahoning Valley and Turf Paradise.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: April 12, 2021
Jason is looking back at the weekend of racing action, including the final round of preps for the Kentucky Derby (G1). We discuss the upset win by Super Stock in the Arkansas Derby (G1), what Concert Tour's defeat means for the Kentucky Derby, and more! We also discuss the sloppy Saturday of stakes at Keeneland.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Pedigree Profile: King Fury
There’s a reason why Lexington S. (G3) winner King Fury sold for $950,000 as a yearling: the up-and-coming colt boasts an elite pedigree unquestionably geared toward success in the spring classics.
Racing
Who is the best North American sire?
Take a look at the highlights of some of the best sires standing in North America, then let us who is best of the best.
Poll
Kentucky Derby Pedigree Profile: Super Stock
Perseverance has paid off for Super Stock, who rallied boldly to win the $1 million Arkansas Derby (G1) and secure a place in the Kentucky Derby starting gate.
Racing
Harness Weekly Update: Northfield Bomb $81; Pace Finals Set
The TwinSpires Harness Blog Weekly Update covers our results from the remaining legs of the older pacing series at Yonkers, which took place on Mondays and Fridays, as well as our selected features and returns from our exclusive horses-to-watch list (H2W).
Racing
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays of the day for April 11
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares his picks and plays for Sunday, April 11 at Keeneland, Oaklawn Park, Fonner Park, and Gulfstream Park.
Wagering
The Arkansas Derby History Quiz
How much do you know about the horses, the people, and the history that makes the Arkansas Derby so special?
Quiz
Racing Spotlight: Juliet Foxtrot, Ricardo Santana Jr., Gerald Bennett
Racing Spotlight is a weekly series that highlights a horse, jockey, and trainer with insightful information to help our players be informed.
Racing
Handicapping the Cross Country Pick 5 for April 10
Saturday's Cross Country Pick 5 largely consists of stakes at Aqueduct, Keeneland, and Oaklawn Park, but kicks off with a first-level allowance for older horses at the Big A.
Racing
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays of the day for April 10
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares his picks and plays for Saturday, April 10 at Keeneland and Oaklawn Park.
Wagering
Wide-open sequence makes early Pick 4 a must play at Oaklawn Park
The $1 million Arkansas Derby (G1) is the obvious centerpiece of a huge day of racing at Oaklawn Park on Saturday.
Racing
Keeneland: Jenny Wiley Stakes value play for April 10
Six turf distaffers will vie for the Jenny Wiley S. as the feature on the Saturday card at Keeneland.
Racing
How to bet the Oaklawn Mile Stakes
A well-matched cast of nine will go postward in Saturday’s $400,000 Oaklawn Mile. Every contestant in the field has questions to answer, which makes it a very intriguing betting event.
Racing