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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
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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
Keying a Brad Cox debuter on Louisiana Derby undercard
The 7th Race at Fair Grounds on Saturday features 10 sophomore fillies going six furlongs in a maiden special weight event on the main oval.
Racing
How to bet exotic wagers in the Louisiana Derby
With exotic wagering strategies in mind, let’s break down the Louisiana Derby (G2) contenders into four categories — top choice, second choice, trifecta contenders, and superfecta contenders.
Racing
Maiden race offers great value on Louisiana Derby Day at Fair Grounds
With 14 races on the slate, a plethora of fine Thoroughbreds will be on display, as well as numerous great betting opportunities to take advantage of throughout the afternoon.
Racing
How to bet the Fair Grounds Oaks
The 1 1/16-mile affair will offer 170 total qualifying points (100-40-20-10) towards securing a spot in the Kentucky Oaks (G1) on April 30 at Churchill Downs.
Racing
The Louisiana Derby Tipsheet
An excellent field of eight will travel 1 3/16 miles at Fair Grounds on Saturday in the lucrative $1 million TwinSpires.com Louisiana Derby (G2).
Racing
Slew of Damascus: Tennessee's leading Thoroughbred
A chestnut gelding, Slew of Damascus did the Volunteer State proud when winning the 1994 Hollywood Gold Cup.
Racing
Wesley Ward trainees are key to Turfway's $75,072 Single 6 carryover
On Thursday at Turfway Park, trainer Wesley Ward will saddle three of the six favorites in the Single 6 sequence, which boasts a carryover of $75,072.
Racing
Scully: Playing the Late Pick 5 on Louisiana Derby Day
The $1 million TwinSpires.com Louisiana Derby (G2) anchors an all-stakes Pick 5 at Fair Grounds Saturday
Racing
Keeler Johnson’s picks and plays of the day for Mar. 18
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares his weekday picks and plays for Thursday, Mar. 18 at Fair Grounds, Oaklawn Park, and Turfway Park.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Mar. 18, 2021
It's Horseplayer Thursday and Jason is joined by Gary Palmisano and Frank McGoey to talk about the stakes races coming up this weekend at Fair Grounds for our Louisiana Derby Roundtable. They talk Fair Grounds Oaks, Mervin Muniz, and of course the L ...
Racing
The Turfway Park history quiz
How much do you know about the history of Turfway Park? Let’s find out!
Racing
Older Pacers Soar In Series At Yonkers
Spring is in the forecast as we pass 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 TwinSpire ...
Racing
Cheltenham Day Two Review: Put The Kettle On holds off all rivals and Tiger roars again
St Patrick’s Day was dominated by the Irish at Cheltenham as six of the seven festival winners all came from the Emerald Isle.
Racing
Dubai World Cup 2021: Super Saturday trends and the new Saudi Cup factor
Considering how difficult it’s been historically for horses to win back-to-back on Super Saturday and Dubai World Cup night, my working hypothesis is for a similar phenomenon to develop for the Saudi-to-Meydan gambit.
Racing
Vulnerable favorites and live alternatives in Turfway’s $73,004 Single 6 carryover
The winter meet at Turfway Park is gradually winding down, but the Single 6 jackpot is still heating up, reaching $73,004 for Wednesday’s eight-race card.
Racing
Keeler Johnson’s picks and plays of the day for Mar. 17
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares his weekday picks and plays for Wednesday, Mar. 17 at Gulfstream Park, Sam Houston, and Turfway Park.
Racing
Who was the best horse to win the Louisiana Derby?
In honor of the Louisiana Derby, it's time to ask: who is the best Louisiana Derby winner in history? Revisit these five all-star winners of Fair Grounds' flagship race, and let us know your pick!
Racing
Fair Grounds track update for March 16
Another successful winter at Fair Grounds draws to a close this weekend, but not before its flagship race days on Saturday and maidens on Sunday!
Racing
Cheltenham Day One Review: Honeysuckle, Appreciate It, Shishkin & Day 2 Lookahead
A thrilling opening day at Cheltenham as super-mare Honeysuckle maintained her unbeaten run and took her 11th career win. Jockey Rachel Blackmore broke the glass ceiling and fans were blown away by Appreciate It and Shishkin.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Mar. 17, 2021
Jason opens the show catching up on the news of the day and following up on yesterday's conversation about 'process vs. results.' Then we welcome in trainer James Begg to talk about getting his training career going, winning his first race at Tampa ...
Racing
Hong Kong Play for Happy Valley March 17
A rise in class may not be enough to stop the winning run of Gallant Crown in the Hereford Handicap (1650m) at Happy Valley.
Racing
Mahoning's Pick 6 jackpot surpasses $200,000; here's how to play it on Mar. 16
The Buckeye Pick 6 carryover at Mahoning Valley has climbed to $208,268. Here's how to play the 20-cent, jackpot-style wager on a ~$20 budget.
Racing
Cheltenham March 16 Preview: Which horses to back
After months of dreaming, the Cheltenham Festival has arrived. The best horses in the UK and Ireland go toe-to-toe in the greatest show on turf for the most prestigious prizes in the sport.
Racing
Keeler Johnson’s picks and plays of the day for Mar. 16
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares his weekday picks and plays for Tuesday, Mar. 16 at Mahoning Valley and Turf Paradise.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Mar. 16, 2021
Jason opens the show discussing some of the news of the day as well as discussing betting "across the board." Then we welcome in DRF reporter Marcus Hersh to talk about the upcoming Louisiana Derby at Fair Grounds, the Dubai World Cup, racing in Ch ...
Racing
Kentucky Derby and Oaks Roundup: March 15, 2021
With less than seven weeks remaining until the first Saturday in May, the Road to the Kentucky Derby is about to enter its final stage...
Racing
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: American Pharoah’s half-brother Triple Tap impresses
Triple Tap was an eye-catching debut winner on Saturday at Santa Anita, but will he take a shot at qualifying for the Kentucky Derby?
Racing
Keeler Johnson’s picks and plays of the day for March 15
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson kicks off the third week of March with picks and plays for Monday, March 15 at Mahoning Valley, Parx Racing, and Turf Paradise.
Racing
Horses of note in the $175,759 Buckeye Pick 6 carryover at Mahoning Valley
Planning to play the $175,759 Buckeye Pick 6 carryover at Mahoning Valley? Here are three horses you should favor (or oppose) in the 20-cent wager.
Racing
Cheltenham Festival 2021: The key trends you need to know
The key trends you need to know for the Cheltenham Festival before having a bet at the Greatest Show on Turf.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Mar. 15, 2021
It's Monday and we're back talking about the world of horse racing. Jason discusses the big Rebel Stakes card at Oaklawn Park and talks about the many angles of this year's Rebel Stakes. He also talks about the thrilling Hot Springs Stakes, Shedare ...
Racing
Kentucky Derby Pedigree Profile: Concert Tour
It appears Concert Tour is bound for a spring stop at Churchill Downs, but can he handle the 1 1/4-mile distance of the Kentucky Derby (G1)?
Racing
A $32 play for the $47,415 Pick 5 carryover at Fair Grounds
There's a $47,415 Pick 5 carryover up for grabs at Fair Grounds on Sunday, and we're putting together a $32 play featuring a pair of singles.
Racing
Compact Matchmaker-Mare Winners Listed; $30, $32 Prices Best
In this edition of the TwinSpires Harness Blog Weekly Update, take note that due to the altered schedule of Yonkers Raceway, the former “Levy” series, now the Bogata, presents its five preliminary legs on Mondays, so our review of those races—which b ...
Racing
How to bet the March 14 stakes at Aqueduct and Santa Anita
Sunday is shaping up to be a quiet day on the U.S. racing front. Only two stakes races are on the agenda, but the good news is, they've drawn competitive fields. Let's play both on a $50 budget.
Wagering
How to bet the Irish O’Brien Stakes
A talented field of eight fillies and mares will dash six panels on the lawn in the $100,000 Irish O’Brien S. at Santa Anita on Sunday.
Racing
Fair Grounds: How to bet the $12,855 Pick 5 carryover
Although the Saturday card at Fair Grounds doesn’t feature any stakes races, a $12,855 carryover in the Late Pick 5 is reason enough to put together a play.
Racing
What is Tennessee's legacy on horse racing and the Kentucky Derby?
Did you know that the Tennessee Derby was once a Kentucky Derby prep? Discover more on how TN shaped horse racing during the 19th century.
Racing
Picks for Group 1 racing at Rosehill Gardens in Australia
Group 1 racing continues Down Under tonight, with the Coolmore Classic headlining a fantastic card at Rosehill Gardens in Sydney.
Racing
Hanson: Stakes spot plays for Oaklawn, Santa Anita on March 13
The Rebel (G2) and Beholder Mile (G1) are the feature events of this Saturday's stakes action, but for wagering purposes we'll be eyeing some of the other stakes.
Racing
Scully's plays for March 13
Harrison E. Johnson Memorial S., Laurel Park – Race 6 (3:03 p.m. ET)
#6 Dixie Drawl didn’t appear comfortable in traffic when chasing a contested pace in the Feb. 20 John B. Campbell S., but I expect him to get in the clear and receive a bette ...
Racing
How to bet the March 13 stakes at Aqueduct and Gulfstream
Sprinters will take center stage on Saturday at Aqueduct and Gulfstream Park. Two competitive sprint stakes are on the agenda, and we're playing them both for $30 apiece.
Racing
The best win bet and a longshot bet in the Beholder Mile
If you’re keen to bet against heavy favorite Swiss Skydiver and seek bigger payoffs in the Beholder Mile (G1), these two alternative plays are worth considering.
Wagering
How to bet the Damon Runyon Stakes
A total of nine three-year-old Empire State-bred runners will vie in Sunday’s $100,000 Damon Runyon S. at Aqueduct. The seven-furlong feature boasts a well-matched field of sophomores going a tricky distance.
Racing
How to bet Penn National's $132,446 Super High 5 carryover
Although there are half a dozen Pick 6 jackpots up for grabs on Friday, the biggest carryover of the day isn’t a Pick 6, but a Super High 5.
Racing
Keeler Johnson’s picks and plays of the day for Mar. 12
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares his weekday picks and plays for Friday, Mar. 12 at Fair Grounds, Oaklawn Park, and Santa Anita.
Racing
Oaklawn Park: How to bet the undercard stakes on Rebel Day
Hoping to build your bankroll for Saturday’s $1 million Rebel S. (G2) at Oaklawn Park? Then you’ve come to the right place!
Wagering
Racing Spotlight: Whitmore, Gerardo Correales, Phil D'Amato
Racing Spotlight is a weekly series that highlights a horse, jockey, and trainer, with insightful information to help our players always be informed.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Mar. 12, 2021
It's Friday and we're looking ahead to the racing action coming up this weekend. Jason discusses the Thursday win of Prevalence at Gulfstream Park and talks about "hype" horses. Then the Jury joins him to talk Rebel Stakes, look back at last week's ...
Racing
Oaklawn Park: Betting exotic wagers in the Rebel Stakes
Although eight horses will seek the winner’s share of a $1 million purse in Saturday’s Rebel (G2) at Oaklawn Park, we believe the 1 1/16-mile event is shaping up as a two-horse showdown.
Racing
How to bet the Correction Stakes
A total of seven fillies and mares will go postward in the competitive $100,000 Correction S. at Aqueduct on Saturday.
Racing
Siding with the champ in Beholder Mile Stakes
Champion #1 Swiss Skydiver will make her much anticipated four-year-old debut in the $300,000 Beholder Mile S. (G1) at Santa Anita on Saturday.
Racing
Selections and wagers for the undercard stakes at Oaklawn on Saturday
The $1 million Rebel S. (G2) headlines a major afternoon of racing at Oaklawn Park on Saturday. A total of five black-type races are on the slate, and my focus for this piece will be on the trio of listed stakes events.
Racing
How to profit in the Azeri Stakes
A small, but fantastic, field of five fillies and mares will contest Saturday’s $350,000 Azeri S. (G2) at Oaklawn Park. The well-matched affair features a trio of standouts in my opinion, and all of my wagers will be centered around the three. With s ...
Racing
The 6-1 shot you need to play in Turfway Park's Mar. 11 carryovers
Want to chase the $47,285 Single 6 and $3,204 Super Hi 5 carryovers up for grabs on Thursday at Turfway? Then you'll want to play this 6-1 shot.
Racing
Keeler Johnson’s picks and plays of the day for Mar. 11
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares his weekday picks and plays for Thursday, Mar. 11 at Fair Grounds, Gulfstream Park, and Oaklawn Park.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Mar. 11, 2021
It's Horseplayer Thursday and Jason continues to expound on last week's topic of bankroll when betting on the races both for a single day and as a regular player. Then we're happy to welcome in Nancy Holthus from Oaklawn Park to talk about the big R ...
Racing
Yonkers Pacing Series Kick In To Start Stakes Season
The Ides of March need not be heeded for betting on harness racing, so we ignore the superstitious and roll on with TwinSpires Harness Blog’s selected features and the older pacing series at Yonkers that launch the stakes season. The Bogota, original ...
Racing
The Rebel Stakes Tipsheet
Rebel Contenders
#1 CADDO RIVER has improved with each lifetime start and could be the one to beat for Brad Cox. Hard Spun colt has dominated two fields in succession, which includes a romp in the Smarty Jones S. on the course most recently ...
Racing
Keeler Johnson’s picks and plays of the day for Mar. 10
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares his weekday picks and plays for Wednesday, Mar. 10 at Sam Houston and Turfway Park.
Racing
Exciting evening at Turfway highlighted by $45,488 Single 6 carryover
Wednesday is shaping up to be a special day of racing at Turfway Park, with an abundance of appealing wagering opportunities spread throughout the card.
Racing
Oaklawn Park trends update for March 9
All eyes will be on Oaklawn this Saturday for the $1 million Rebel (G2). Staying in touch with the latest trends in Hot Springs will prepare you to make the most you can at the windows!
Racing
What is your favorite winter racetrack to play?
With spring just about to come, let's take one last moment to focus on winter. Get to know the winter tracks, and then tell us: what's your favorite?
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Mar. 10, 2021
Jason opens the show discussing some wagering theory topics and some of the news of the day from around the racing world. Then we're excited to welcome in jockey Florent Geroux to talk about his weekend riding at Santa Anita, Monomoy Girl, Caddo Riv ...
Racing
Hong Kong Play for Happy Valley March 10
Wind N Grass could be over the odds when he contests the first version of the Baker Handicap at Happy Valley on Wednesday.
Racing
Keeler Johnson’s picks and plays of the day for Mar. 9
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares his weekday picks and plays for for the first three races on Tuesday, Mar. 9 at Mahoning Valley.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Pedigree Profile: Weyburn
It isn’t difficult to trace the source of Weyburn’s talent and tenacity. Just check out his pedigree, which is stuffed to bursting with classic winners.
Racing
How to bet Mahoning Valley's $123,143 Buckeye Pick 6 carryover
Are you planning to bet Tuesday’s $123,143 Buckeye Pick 6 jackpot carryover at Mahoning Valley? It’s a sequence well worth pursuing.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Mar. 9, 2021
Jason opens the show recapping some of the highlights from Saturday's Gotham Stakes card at Aqueduct. Then we're excited to welcome in jockey Lindey Wade to the show to talk about his career in the saddle, riding in Chicago, the current Sam Houston ...
Racing
Kentucky Derby and Oaks Roundup: March 8, 2021
By far the flashiest winner of the week was Life Is Good, who posted a rousing eight-length romp in the San Felipe (G2) at Santa Anita.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Dynamic One, Untreated post romping wins for Pletcher
The first week of March saw a bevy of Triple Crown nominees record impressive maiden victories at tracks across the country.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Pedigree Profile: Helium
Helium’s affinity for synthetic and dirt is surprising when you consider how his immediate pedigree is slanted toward success on turf.
Racing
A $48 play for the $101,118 Buckeye Pick 6 carryover at Mahoning Valley
The Buckeye Pick 6 jackpot continues to build at Mahoning Valley. The second week of March kicks off with a Monday carryover of $101,118.
Racing
Keeler Johnson’s picks and plays of the day for March 8
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson kicks off the second week of March with picks and plays for Monday, March 8 at Mahoning Valley, Parx Racing, and Turf Paradise.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Mar. 8, 2021
Jason opens the show looking back at some of the news from around the racing world over the weekend. Then he discusses Idol's off the pace win in the Santa Anita Handicap, Life is Good dominating the San Felipe, and the rest of the Santa Anita card. ...
Racing
Life Is Good closes as 2-1 favorite in KDFW Pool 4; Clairiere tops Oaks Future Wager
Following a smashing eight-length victory in Saturday’s San Felipe S. (G2), Life Is Good took the lion’s share of the betting action in Pool 4 of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager.
Racing
What are jackpot wagers, and how do you win one?
Perhaps you’ve heard about jackpot-style wagers and the huge payoffs they can produce. Perhaps you want to get in on the action. But where do you begin?
Racing
One single and two vulnerable favorites in Gulfstream's $873,676 Rainbow 6 mandatory payout
Bettors will have a chance to chase a big payday when Gulfstream Park disperses an $873,676 Rainbow 6 jackpot on Sunday.
Racing
Across-The-Board Bombs, $64; $27, $18 And More; Features Pay Off
Here is the TwinSpires Harness Blog Weekly Update. Thursday, March 4 At the Meadows we ran a Power Plays Pick 4, getting two of four along with internal payoffs. We won legs two and four with, respectively, Massive Stoke ($8.80, $3.20, $2.40), whe ...
Racing
How to bet the Santa Ysabel Stakes
A compact, but talented, field of three-year-old fillies will go postward in the $100,000 Santa Ysabel S. (G3) at Santa Anita on Sunday.
Racing
A $20 play for Santa Anita's $613,371 Rainbow Pick 6 mandatory payout
The stakes-packed Saturday card at Santa Anita isn’t just a big day for horsemen. It’s also a big day for bettors.
Racing
Harness racing: Dover Downs Pick 3 picks for March 8
A $2 Pick 3 on the third, fourth, and fifth races Monday, March 8 at Dover Downs offers a chance to be rewarded with a quality payoff, and we won’t be spending a great deal to do it.
Racing
Scully’s plays for Aqueduct, Santa Anita, and Tampa Bay on March 6
Handicapping Kentucky Derby prep days at Aqueduct, Santa Anita, and Tampa Bay Downs
Racing