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Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks roundup: April 5, 2021
Our close proximity to the first Saturday in May is evident by the red-hot action on the Kentucky Derby and Oaks trails. Nine qualifying races took place last week, producing a ton of news and notes.
Racing
Keeler Johnson’s picks and plays for April 5
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson kicks off another racing week with picks and plays for Monday, April 5, at Mahoning Valley and Turf Paradise.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Apr. 5, 2021
Jason looks back at all the racing action from a huge weekend of racing from around the country. From Essential Quality's win in the Blue Grass Stakes to an upset in the Wood Memorial, Jason discusses all the big prep action as we get closer to the Kentucky Derby.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Pedigree Profile: Bourbonic
Bourbonic’s pedigree has always indicated he would improve with maturity and thrive running 1 1/8 miles or farther. But does his pedigree contain enough speed breeding to win the Kentucky Derby?
Racing
Kentucky Derby Pedigree Profile: Rock Your World
Turf or dirt, it doesn’t seem to matter to Rock Your World, who won his first two starts on grass before emerging as a Kentucky Derby contender with a victory in the Santa Anita Derby on dirt.
Racing
Vulnerable favorites to oppose in Gulfstream's $190,967 Rainbow 6 carryover
On a competitive Sunday of racing at Gulfstream Park, a pair of favorites in the Rainbow Pick 6 sequence appear vulnerable at short prices.
Wagering
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HARNESS RACING: Matchmakers Sweep; Faves Swarm
Weekly Update for Cotolo's harness racing blog betting action.
Betting Info
Two horses to single in Santa Anita's $551,699 mandatory Rainbow 6 payout
Just 20 cents. That’s right—a couple of dimes can put you in the position to win a share of $5 million this Saturday.
Wagering
Scully: Scouting stakes plays for April 3
Three major Kentucky Derby preps are included among a smorgasbord of stakes action on Saturday, and I will preview some horses of interest at Aqueduct, Keeneland, and Santa Anita.
Racing
Keeneland undercard stakes selections for April 3
A total of six graded stakes races will lead the way during a spectacular Saturday of racing during the opening weekend at Keeneland.
Racing
Santa Anita stakes plays for April 3
A six-pack of stakes contests, led by the Santa Anita Derby (G1), will headline a blockbuster Saturday of racing at The Great Race Place.
Racing
Aqueduct: Exotic plays for undercard stakes April 3
A total of five graded stakes events will top a huge card at Aqueduct on Saturday. While the Wood Memorial S. (G2) will take much of the attention, the supporting stakes events have a lot of interest to me, nearly as much as the feature does.
Racing
Keeler Johnson’s picks and plays for April 2
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares his picks and plays for Friday, April 2, including three stakes at Keeneland and a $505,627 Rainbow Pick 6 carryover at Santa Anita.
Wagering
Harness racing: Hoosier Park analysis for April 3
Each week, Frank Cotolo employs money-management tactics to build harness racing wagers that focus on plump profits. For the April 3 program at Hoosier Park, he suggests some horses for selected plays that fit in any type of wager.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Apr. 2, 2021
It's Friday and we're looking ahead to one of the biggest racing weekend's of 2021 so far. Ed, James, and Scott join Jason for the weekly Jury segment to give their thoughts on the three big Kentucky Derby preps on Saturday. Jason also discusses some of the undercard races at Santa Anita and Aqueduct.
Racing
Tipsheet: Santa Anita Derby 2021
A cast of 10 sophomores will travel 1 1/8 miles on the Santa Anita main surface on Saturday in the $750,000 Santa Anita Derby (G1). The vital 2021 Road to the Kentucky Derby challenge series contest will reward the top-four finishers with qualifying points on a 100-40-20-10 structure.
Racing
Tipsheet: The Wood Memorial Stakes 2021
An excellent field of nine sophomores will contest the $750,000 Wood Memorial S. (G2) at Aqueduct on Saturday. The 1 1/8-mile event will reward the top four finishers with qualifying points on a 100-40-20-10 structure on the 2021 Road to the Kentucky Derby.
Racing
Keeneland Opening Day Spot Plays for April 2
The much-anticipated Keeneland Spring Meet will commence on Friday, April 2. Opening day features an excellent 10-race card, highlighted by a trio of stakes races including two of the graded variety. Wagering at Keeneland is always a worthwhile endeavor, especially during the initial weekend, with so many horsemen pointing their runners for a start at the picturesque Lexington, Kentucky, venue.
Racing
Keeler Johnson’s picks and plays for April 1
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson is ready to start April on a winning note with picks and plays for Thursday, April 1 at Gulfstream Park and Sam Houston.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Apr. 1, 2021
It's Horseplayer Thursday and we're always happy to welcome back Emily Gullikson from OptixEQ. Jason and Emily discuss pace dynamics, this year's Kentucky Derby trail, racing at Oaklawn, and much more! Jason also discusses some of the races coming up Saturday at Aqueduct.
Racing
Tipsheet: The Blue Grass Stakes 2021
A cast of nine sophomores will travel 1 1/8 miles in Saturday’s $800,000 Blue Grass S. (G2) at Keeneland. The feature of the opening weekend is a 2021 Road to the Kentucky Derby challenge series event, with 170 points (100-40-20-10) on the line for the top-four finishers.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Mar. 31, 2021
Jason opens the show discussing an article about 'variance' in betting and some ways to best embrace it. Then we welcome in Grade 1 winning trainer Dan Blacker to talk about his big horse Hit the Road, shopping at the sales, winning his first Grade 1, growing a career, and more!
Racing
Keeler Johnson’s picks and plays for March 31
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares his weekday picks and plays for a busy Wednesday of racing at Oaklawn Park and Penn National.
Racing
Hong Kong Play at Happy Valley for March 31
Elusive State can go back-to-back in the highly competitive Cuckoo Handicap at Sha Tin’s all-weather race meet on Wednesday.
Racing
What horse is the greatest Blue Grass Stakes winner in history?
It's just about April in Kentucky, and April in Kentucky means one thing: Keeneland! Before looking ahead at the 2021 edition of the Blue Grass, let's look back.
Racing
Keeler Johnson’s picks and plays for March 30
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares his weekday picks and plays for Tuesday, March 30 at Mahoning Valley and Parx.
Racing
Kentucky Derby and Oaks roundup: March 29, 2021
Five weeks out from the “Run for the Roses,” the action is really heating up on the Kentucky Derby and Oaks trails. Let’s look back on a busy Saturday of racing and recap the latest news and notes:
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Known Agenda
It’s safe to say Florida Derby (G1) winner Known Agenda loves running long, and from a breeding perspective, there’s no doubt where his stamina is coming from.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Like the King
At first glance, it might seem as though Like the King is cut out for success racing on dirt. But dig deeper into his pedigree, and he suddenly seems just as likely to thrive over turf and synthetic.
Racing
Keeler Johnson’s picks and plays of the day for March 29
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares his picks and plays for Monday, March 29, at Mahoning Valley and Turf Paradise, including trios of win bets and exacta plays.
Wagering
How to bet Mahoning's $343,877 mandatory-payout Pick 6 carryover
The racing week at Mahoning Valley kicks off with a bang on Monday. A $343,877 Pick 6 carryover is scheduled for a mandatory dispersal, and the sequence appears winnable on a modest budget.
Wagering
Essential Quality favored in wide-open Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 5
Just under five weeks out from the Kentucky Derby (G1), the fifth and final Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool closed on Sunday with bettors seemingly uncertain which horse to establish as the favorite.
Racing
Racing Spotlight: Vequist, Eric Cancel, Jason Barkley
A weekly series that highlights a horse, jockey, and trainer to help our players always be informed.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Pedigree Profile: Rebel's Romance
A blowout victory in the UAE Derby (G2) has cemented Rebel's Romance's status as a Kentucky Derby (G1) contender, and his affinity for dirt racing isn't surprising when you dig into his pedigree.
Racing
Tampa Bay stakes spot plays for March 28
A total of six black-type races for Sunshine State-bred runners will highlight a big day of racing at Tampa Bay Downs.
Racing
Three horses of note in Santa Anita's $431,411 Rainbow 6 carryover
The Sunday card at Santa Anita boasts a Rainbow Pick 6 carryover of $431,411. Here are a handful of non-favored runners worth considering if you want to add some value plays to your ticket.
Wagering
Alexa Skye Holds Court; Top Prices $30, $24; Top Places $18, $11
In this edition of the TwinSpires Harness Blog Weekly Update we cover our results from leg 2 of the Borgata Pacing Series, which takes place on Mondays at Yonkers. Each leg’s results will be recorded in the following Weekly Update. Monday, March 22 ...
Racing
The Dubai World Cup History Quiz
How much do you know about Dubai World Cup Day? Test your knowledge here
Racing
How to bet the mandatory Pick 6 payouts at Gulfstream and Turfway Park
A pair of Pick 6 jackpots will undergo mandatory dispersals on Saturday, including a rich pot at Gulfstream projected to reach $7.5 million.
Racing
Betting Gulfstream's all-stakes Pick 4 on a tight budget
Suppose you want to bet Saturday’s all-stakes Pick 4 at Gulfstream Park. Now suppose you want to play the sequence on a tight budget, but still take aim at a big payoff. Is this possible? Absolutely!
Wagering
Top plays for the Florida Derby, UAE Derby, and Jeff Ruby Steaks
A trio of top-tier Kentucky Derby prep races will take place around the world this weekend. All three have drawn deep fields with a minimum of 11 entries. Let’s put together a $30 play for each race.
Racing
Gretzky the Great aims to bounce back like his namesake
Gretzky the Great, who returns in the Jeff Ruby Steaks, takes his name from his country's most iconic sports hero.
Racing
Which international racing event are you most excited for?
The Kentucky Derby is a household name, but what are big race days abroad that should be known as well?
Racing
Digging into the 2021 Dubai World Cup card
Even by the standards of the Dubai World Cup (G1), Saturday’s program at Meydan presents a handicapping challenge. The eight Thoroughbred races feature well-matched fields, with most of the favorites worthy if not tower-over-them types.
As a res ...
Racing
Scully’s spot plays for Gulfstream, Turfway Park on March 27
Kentucky Derby qualifiers are among the handicapping picks on stakes-packed programs at Gulfstream Park and Turfway Park
Racing
How to bet the Gulfstream Park Oaks
The key prep for the Kentucky Oaks (G1) at Churchill Downs on April 30 will reward the first four across the wire with points on a 100-40-20-10 structure.
Racing
Finding my value horse in Pool 5 of the KDFW
With more than five weeks until the Run for the Roses, the search for value continues as a bevy of things could go wrong with any horse between now and May 1.
Racing
Gulfstream Park Pick 4 play for March 27
An excellent four-race sequence closes out a monstrous day of racing at Gulfstream Park on Saturday, which is capped by the $750,000 Florida Derby (G1).
Racing
Vulnerable favorites in the Single 6 at Turfway Park on Saturday
With big and competitive fields in the sequence, I think that the majority of the favorites are vulnerable and that the return of the wager could be especially healthy.
Racing
Building tickets with Set Piece in Kentucky Cup Classic
An overflow cast of 13 will go postward in the $150,000 Kentucky Cup Classic at Turfway Park on Saturday.
Racing
Are there any singles in Turfway Park's March 27 all-stakes Pick 6?
Fans of multi-race wagers will be excited to hear how the half-dozen stakes on Saturday at Turfway are arranged in consecutive fashion, setting the stage for an all-stakes Single 6 (Pick 6).
Racing
The story of Lute Olson, the University of Arizona, and Midnight Lute
See how Bob Baffert and Lute Olson's stories intertwined with this equine superstar.
Racing
How to bet the Bourbonette Oaks
A cast of 10 sophomore fillies will vie in Saturday’s $150,000 Bourbonette Oaks worth 34 points to the top four finishers towards the Kentucky Oaks.
Racing
How to bet Penn National's $153,279 Hollywood Hi 5 carryover
The “Hollywood Hi 5” Super High 5 jackpot at Penn National continues to build, reaching $153,279 for Friday’s card. Let's play along on a $24 budget.
Racing
Keeler Johnson’s picks and plays of the day for March 26
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares his weekday picks and plays for Friday, March 26 at Fair Grounds and Oaklawn Park, including a trio of exacta tickets.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Mar. 26, 2021
It's Friday and we're looking ahead to an action packed weekend of horse racing around the country and the world. Ed, James, and Scott join Jason for the weekly Jury segment to discuss the Jeff Ruby Steaks, Florida Derby, and more. Then Jason looks ...
Racing
Gulfstream Park track update for March 25
Saturday's card at Gulfstream brings Florida Derby Day. Let's see who to focus on!
Racing
Which smaller track should you visit next?
Are you wondering which small track you should visit on your next vacation? Take this quiz and find out!
Quiz
Harness racing: Hoosier Park picks for March 26
Opening night, March 26 at Hoosier Park, will bring back top trotters, pacers, and horsemen for another full season of harness racing.
Racing
Racing Spotlight: Jesus’ Team, Francisco Arrieta, Kieron Magee
This week, we look at Jesus’ Team, jockey Francisco Arrieta, and trainer Kieron Magee.
Racing
The UAE Derby Tipsheet
A huge and talented field of 14 will travel 1 3/16 miles at Meydan in Saturday’s $750,000 UAE Derby (G2) with 170 points on the line.
Racing
The Jeff Ruby Steaks Tipsheet
A dozen sophomores will travel 1 1/8 miles on the Turfway Park Polytrack in Saturday’s $250,000 Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3) on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.
Racing
The Florida Derby Tipsheet
A cast of 11 sophomores will travel 1 1/8 miles in Saturday’s $750,000 Florida Derby (G1) at Gulfstream Park as the Road to the Kentucky Derby continues.
Racing
The horses to bet in Turfway's Single 6 and Super Hi 5 carryovers
Thursday's Single 6 at Turfway Park (with an $87,115 carryover) concludes in Race 8, where a $1,436 Super Hi 5 carryover is set to be dispersed
Racing
Keeler Johnson’s picks and plays of the day for March 25
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares his weekday picks and plays for Thursday, March 25 at Fair Grounds and Oaklawn Park.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Mar. 25, 2021
It's Horseplayer Thursday and we're happy to welcome in Twinspires' own Darin Zoccali to talk about the big Jeff Ruby Steaks day card coming up on Saturday. We talk about the big race, racing at Turfway, pace handicapping at Turfway, betting, and mu ...
Racing
Yonkers Pacing Series Ensue; Features Aim At Fierce Payoffs
Spring is here as we past mid-March and TwinSpires Harness Blog’s selected features and the Yonkers pacing series—the Matchmaker and Borgata—roll into round two on Friday and Monday, respectively. More also from the never-ending TwinSpires’ horses-t ...
Racing
Scully and Hanson's horses to consider in Pool 5 of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager
With Pool 5 of the 2021 Kentucky Derby Future Wager this week, Brisnet.com editors James Scully and Vance Hanson have put their heads together and reached a consensus on an individual entry they both like. They also scanned the remaining options an ...
Racing
Keeler Johnson’s picks and plays of the day for March 24
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares his weekday picks and plays for Wednesday, March 24 at Sam Houston and Turfway Park, including a trio of exactas.
Racing
Three favorites worth opposing in Turfway’s $84,320 Single 6 carryover
The final week of racing at Turfway Park’s winter meet kicks off on Wednesday with an $84,320 carryover in the Single 6 pool.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Mar. 24, 2021
Jason opens the show discussing some of the news of the day including the upcoming Florida Derby as well as the amazing history of that race. He also talks some Derby Futures and Dubai World Cup racing as well. Then we welcome in jockey Colby Herna ...
Racing
Essential Quality tabbed as 3-1 morning line favorite for Pool 5 of Kentucky Derby Future Wager
Pool 5 of the Kentucky Derby Future Wagers will be held Friday-Sunday
Racing
Keeler Johnson’s picks and plays of the day for March 23
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares his weekday picks and plays for Tuesday, March 23 at Mahoning Valley and Will Rogers Downs.
Racing
Looking for longshots in Mahoning Valley's $283,577 Pick 6 carryover
We’ve highlighted two races in Tuesday's Buckeye Pick 6 sequence at Mahoning Valley that seem more likely than others to produce major upsets.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Mar. 23, 2021
Jason opens up the show discussing some of the news of the day from around the racing world. Then we're happy to welcome in long time track Superintendent Steve Wood to talk about his career tending to racetracks, track bias, track safety, and a lot ...
Racing
Kentucky Derby and Oaks Roundup: Mar. 22, 2021
The Road to the Kentucky Derby isn’t always a paved highway. To the contrary, the route can be rocky at times, with unforeseen twists and bends.
Racing
Betting two singles in Mahoning Valley's $256,721 Pick 6 carryover
The 20-cent Buckeye Pick 6 carryover at Mahoning Valley has climbed to $256,721. We're playing Monday's sequence on a $24 budget.
Racing
Keeler Johnson’s picks and plays of the day for March 22
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares his picks and plays for Monday, March 22 at Mahoning Valley and Turf Paradise, including exacta and trifecta tickets.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Mar. 22, 2021
We're looking back at the big Saturday card from the Fair Grounds that included Hot Rod Charlie's victory in the Louisiana Derby. We also talk Fair Grounds Oaks and the rivalry between winner Travel Column and runner-up Clairiere. Jason also looks ...
Racing
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Masqueparade, Perfect Cut fight for their diplomas
Six weeks out from the Kentucky Derby, a pair of Triple Crown nominees battled to maiden victories on a busy Saturday afternoon.
Racing
How to bet the Sensational Star Stakes
A seven-horse field will dash six furlongs on the Santa Anita lawn in Sunday’s $100,000 Sensational Star S.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Pedigree Profile: Hot Rod Charlie
Hot Rod Charlie has held his own against tough competition on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, but will this translate to success at Churchill Downs?
Racing
Reliable singles and vulnerable favorites in Rainbow 6 carryovers at Gulfstream and Santa Anita
At Gulfstream Park, the Rainbow 6 carryover has climbed to $616,967 for Sunday’s card. Meanwhile, Santa Anita’s Rainbow 6 jackpot has reached $273,831.
Racing
Top Mares Monopolize Matchmakers; Powerful Place Prices, Exactas
In this edition of the TwinSpires Harness Blog Weekly Update we cover our results from leg 1 of the Borgata Pacing Series, which takes place on Mondays at Yonkers. Each leg’s results will be recorded in the following Weekly Update. Monday, March 15 ...
Racing
How to bet exacta and trifecta tickets in the Sensational Star
Seven talented California-breds are set to square off in Sunday’s Sensational Star S. at Santa Anita, and we've got exacta and trifecta plays on tap.
Racing
The 15-1 shot you need to play in Turfway's $80,821 Single 6 carryover
The Single 6 jackpot at Turfway Park heads into the weekend with a carryover of $80,821, having narrowly survived an unpredictable sequence on Friday.
Racing
United returns, but ‘Hounds get the nod in San Luis Rey Stakes
The 1 1/2-mile test on the green marks the return of four-time Grade 2 star #3 United, who was a head second in the 2019 Breeders’ Cup Turf (G1) on the course for Richard Mandella.
Racing
Sam Houston spot plays for March 20
A total of seven black-type races for Texas-bred runners will be held at Sam Houston on Saturday. Below are a few of the contenders that I believe will run big on Saturday.
Racing
Jamie Newell: Louisiana Derby week photo essay
Spring in New Orleans cannot be rivaled. Off the heels of the carnival of Mardi Gras and the hangover that is St. Patrick’s Day, comes Louisiana Derby week.
Racing
How to bet the Gazebo Stakes
The race is led by a pair of talented runners from the barn of Steve Asmussen, and I think that one of those will be very tough to knock off in his return.
Racing
Cheltenham Day Four Review: History for Henry de Bromhead as Minella Indo wins Cheltenham Gold Cup
It has been a record-breaking week for the Irish – and in particular, top trainer Henry De Bromhead.
Racing
Horses to Watch on TwinSpires.com Louisiana Derby Day
A blockbuster 14-race card awaits horseplayers on Saturday when Fair Grounds hosts TwinSpires.com Louisiana Derby Day.
Racing
The best horse to play in the 2021 Hong Kong Derby
#7 Russian Emperor was bred to be a Derby winner. This weekend he may become one – just not in the one originally envisaged.
Racing
Horses of note in the rich carryovers at Gulfstream, Santa Anita, Penn National, and Turfway Park
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson analyzes horses of note in the four richest carryovers up for grabs on Friday, March 19 at tracks across the country.
Racing
Keeler Johnson’s picks and plays of the day for March 19
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares his weekday picks and plays for Friday, March 19 at Fair Grounds, Oaklawn Park, and Santa Anita.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Mar. 19, 2021
It's Friday and we're looking ahead to some of the weekend racing action from across the country. Ed, James, and Scott join Jason for the weekly Jury segment to talk more about the big Louisiana Derby card at Fair Grounds. Jason also looks ahead to ...
Racing
Fair Grounds: Betting the all-stakes Pick 4 on Louisiana Derby Day
One of the best bets on Saturday at Fair Grounds is the all-stakes Pick 4 culminating with the $1 million Louisiana Derby (G2). Let's play the sequence on a $32 budget.
Racing
Cheltenham Day Three Review: Flooring Porter shocks his rivals and Allaho makes a huge statement
The third day of the Cheltenham Festival continued as the previous two days had done with a whole host of Irish winners and huge front-running performances.
Racing