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Saratoga Scouting Report: Kentucky Horses for Aug. 14
Thee of the 10 horses entered in Saturday’s Saratoga Special (G2) exit the Bashford Manor (G3), but it’s Gunite, who interests me most.
Racing
Saratoga trainer watch: DeVaux wins three straight; Handal, Sharp attract notice
Highlighting the recent success of trainers Cherie DeVaux, Joe Sharp, and Raymond Handal at Saratoga
Racing
How to bet the Arlington Million Day $5,978 Pick 8 carryover
Arlington Million Day at Arlington Park features a Pick 8 carryover of $5,978, and we're eager to play along with a $96 ticket.
Racing
The Ultimate Arlington Festival of Racing Trivia Quiz
Find out how much you know about the Arlington International Festival of Racing with this trivia quiz.
Racing
2021 Ellis Park Derby and Audubon Oaks selections
A handful of Sunday black-type events will be led by the feature Ellis Park Derby.
Racing
Handicapping the Cross Country Pick 5 on Aug. 14
The Cross Country Pick 5 on Saturday takes in all five graded stakes scheduled for the day, the two at Saratoga and the three Grade 1 turf events at Arlington.
Racing
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Ellis Park: Juvenile stakes picks for Aug. 15
A pair of stakes events for two-year-olds will be part of a huge day of racing at Ellis Park on Sunday.
Racing
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays for Aug. 13
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Friday, Aug. 13 at Arlington Park, Del Mar, and Ellis Park, along with a ticket for the $30,293 Pick 5 carryover at Ellis Park.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: Aug. 13, 2021
Jason welcomes Ed, James, and Scott to the show for the Jury segment to talk about Arlington Million Day as well as Saratoga.
Racing
Arlington: Two value contenders to use in the Bruce D Stakes
A cast of nine sophomores will contest Saturday’s $300,000 Bruce D S. (G1) at Arlington Park on Saturday.
Racing
How to bet the 2021 Pucker Up Stakes
Eight three-year-old fillies will run 1 1/8 miles on the Arlington Park green in Saturday’s $100,000 Pucker Up S.
Racing
Arlington: Playing exotics in the Beverly D. Stakes Aug 14
Seven fillies and mares will travel 1 3/16 miles on the Arlington turf in Saturday’s $400,000 Beverly D. S.
Racing
How to bet the Mister D Stakes on various budgets
A top-heavy field of 10 will contest the $600,000 Mister D S. (G1) at Arlington Park on Saturday.
Racing
How to bet the 2021 Saratoga Special S.
A full field of 12 juveniles will dash 6 ½ furlongs on the dirt on Saturday in the $200,000 Saratoga Special S.
Racing
How to bet the 2021 Fourstardave H.
A field of eight high-quality turf performers will go postward in the Saturday feature at Saratoga on Saturday.
Racing
Saratoga Scouting Report: Kentucky Horses for Aug. 13
Just a small sample of Kentucky invaders on the Friday Saratoga card, including a likely favorite in Six Pack that I’m willing to take a stand against in race four.
Racing
First-crop Sires: Surface no issue for recent Classic Empire winners
Since our first installment last month highlighting the early successes of offspring by freshman sire Classic Empire, the 2016 juvenile champion has been represented by two additional winners.
Racing
Harness Racing: Dan Patch Pace Prize at Hoosier Park
There is no rest for the standardbred after the cast of the Hambletonian-day program ships out. Most star pacers and trotters may get a week or two off, but the bulk of the divisions’ best get going, back to training, back to racing, back to business. The Midwest pumps up some stakes this weekend, led by Hoosier Park’s Dan Patch Pace, and the supporting cast of overnights ensues at harness tracks from sea to sea.
Racing
Arlington international scouting reports: Armory, Space Traveller, Santa Barbara
The race historically known as the Arlington Million will be run under a different name on Saturday, the Mister D. S. (G1). But Arlington Park’s signature event retains its most fascinating dynamic – the international challenge.
Racing
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays for Aug. 12
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Thursday, Aug. 12 at Indiana Grand and Presque Isle Downs, along with two singles for the $13,881 Pick 7 carryover at Arlington Park.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: Aug. 12, 2021
Its Horseplayer Thursday, and Jason has a discussion with exacta betting as the primary topic. We talk about utilizing probables, boxes, combinations, and much more.
Racing
Saratoga Scouting Report: Kentucky Horses Aug. 12
Simply Ravishing was one of the top two-year-old fillies in the country last year, but her last two starts have left a lot to be desired.
Racing
Del Mar Week 4 Highlights
Del Mar Week 4 gave racing fans a glimpse into the future with two stakes races for two-year-olds and continued to provide thrills in the Yellow Ribbon H.
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Saratoga Week 4 Highlights
This week, Saratoga’s meet reaches the halfway point with plenty of world-class Thoroughbred racing to come.
Racing
Harness Racing: Hoosier Park plays for Aug. 11
For the program on Aug. 11 at Hoosier Park, we suggest some horses for selected plays that may fit in any type of wager.
Racing
What is a guaranteed pool, and how does one work?
Sometimes, you’ll see racetracks advertise high-profile wagers featuring “guaranteed pools.” But what exactly is a guaranteed pool, and how does one work?
Education
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays for Aug. 11
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Wednesday at Colonial Downs, Indiana Grand, and Presque Isle Downs, along with a pair of singles for the $187,640 Pick 6 carryover at Saratoga.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: Aug. 11, 2021
Jason opens the show discussing Steve Asmussen becoming North America's all-time wins leader. Then we welcome in Arlington Park Announcer John G. Dooley to talk about this weekend's Arlington Million Day, his career in Chicago, past Arlington Millions and more!
Racing
Who Is the greatest Saratoga Special winner?
The Saratoga Special has always been, well, special. But who is the greatest of its winners?
Racing
Saratoga Scouting Report: Kentucky Horses for Aug. 11
Kentucky invaders on Wednesday’s Saratoga card are somewhat scarce, although both Town Avenger and Elle Est Forte are eligible to make an impact on turf
Racing
Horse racing trends: Arlington Park track update
Heading into Million Week, let's check in on some of the trends and connections to watch at Arlington!
Racing
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays for Aug. 10
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares $60 worth of picks and plays for Tuesday, Aug. 10 at Colonial Downs and Presque Isle Downs, along with a $57.60 ticket for Presque Isle’s $1,236 Pick 6 carryover.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: Aug. 10, 2021
Jason opens the show talking about his latest track visit to Pimlico Race Course. Then we welcome in Jonathan Wong to talk racing in Northern California, running at multiple tracks, winning his first Grade 1, and much more!
Racing
Breeders' Cup Roundup: Aug. 9, 2021
Last weekend was a big one at Saratoga, where Breeders’ Cup contenders took center stage on a high-class Saturday of racing.
Racing
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays for Aug. 9
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Monday, Aug. 9 at Colonial Downs, Indiana Grand, and Thistledown, along with a pair of singles for carryovers at Presque Isle Downs.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: Aug. 9, 2021
We're looking back at the weekend of racing including the Whitney card at Saratoga, Del Mar racing, the West Virginia Derby at Mountaineer, and much more!
Racing
Harness Weekly Update: Place-Price Bonanza; Hambo Chalk
The TwinSpires Harness Blog Weekly Update covers our successes and failures from selected features and the H2W (horses-to-watch list).
Racing
Stakes spot plays for Ellis Park on August 8
“The “Kentucky Downs Preview Day” card features competitive races with a few strong betting opportunities.
Racing
Horses to single in Arlington Park's three carryovers
Saturday was a day for upsets at Arlington Park, which means three non-jackpot carryovers are up for grabs during Sunday’s eight-race card.
Racing
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
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