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Handicappers Debate: 2023 Jeff Ruby Steaks at Turfway Park
This week’s debate features a major qualifier in the Road to the Kentucky Derby series, as handicappers James Scully and John Mucciolo offer differing opinions on Saturday’s $700,000 Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3) at Turfway Park.
Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby Report: Fields sets for opening round of major qualifiers
The spotlight shines on Kentucky Derby contenders over the next three weeks as the final round of prep races get underway.
Kentucky Derby
Meet the Contenders: 2023 Jeff Ruby Steaks
Meet the horses running in the 2023 Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3) over 1 1/8 miles on Tapeta at Turfway Park. For each horse, we're listing a pro, a con, and a rating of potential.
Kentucky Derby
2023 Dubai World Cup: Top 10 storylines
From the $12 million Dubai World Cup (G1), to exceptional turf races, contentious dirt events, and a Kentucky Derby (G1) berth on the line in the UAE Derby (G2), Saturday’s extravaganza at Meydan offers a spectacle on a truly global scale.
International
Meet the Contenders: 2023 Louisiana Derby
Meet the horses running in the 2023 Louisiana Derby over 1 3/16 miles on dirt at Fair Grounds in Louisiana.
Kentucky Derby
Meet the Contenders: 2023 UAE Derby
Meet the horses running in the 2023 UAE Derby (G2) over 1,900 meters (about 1 3/16 miles) at Meydan in Dubai. For each horse, we're listing a pro, a con, and a rating of potential.
Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: First Mission, Promise Me a Ride impress for Cox
The 2022-23 Road to the Kentucky Derby has been productive for trainer Brad Cox.
Kentucky Derby
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays March 20
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Monday, March 20 at Mahoning Valley, Turf Paradise, and Will Rogers Downs, including a trio of exactas.
Wagering
Catching My Eye: Cashing on Hot Barns
With two weeks to go at Fair Grounds, there is a new leading trainer as Ron Faucheux won his 33rd race of the meet on Sunday, March 12.
Analysis
Betting Strategy: Vertical structure for speed bias with longshot runners
On Thursday, March 9 at Fair Grounds, a speed bias was evident. And in Race 7, with longshot horses peppering the lineup of nine runners, it was a great opportunity to take a swing.
Analysis
What is a key race, and how do you identify one?
Have you ever heard of a “key race?” A key race is a race from which a large number of participants return to win or run well the next time they compete.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Tapit Trice
Victories in the Tampa Bay Derby (G3) and Blue Grass (G1) vaulted Tapit Trice into the Kentucky Derby picture.
Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: I Don't Get It, Major Blue prevail for Derby-winning trainers
You might assume that any horse competing against maiden special weight company in March is too far behind to qualify to the Kentucky Derby (G1) field. But that isn’t always the case.
Kentucky Derby
Dubai World Cup clues from Super Saturday, Saudi Cup
The “Super Saturday” results from March 4 at Meydan offer clues of varying degrees for the March 25 Dubai World Cup (G1) gala.
International
Instant Coffee winning the Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) at Churchill Downs (Photo by Coady Photography)
Kentucky Derby Future Wager 2023: Betting Strategies for Pool 5
Historically, the March Kentucky Derby Future Wagers are about when you can start to expect the eventual Derby winner to be a named individual option.
Kentucky Derby
Exotics plays for the 2023 Azeri Stakes at Oaklawn
Multiple graded stakes-winning mare Clairiere and 2022 Kentucky Oaks (G1) hero Secret Oath headline the $350,000 Azeri Stakes (G2) at Oaklawn on Saturday.
Wagering
Kentucky Derby Report: Stylish return performance for the champ
Champion juvenile male Forte came back impressively in the Fountain of Youth (G2) at Gulfstream Park, one of four Road to the Kentucky Derby series qualifiers offered on March 4, and the Todd Pletcher-trained colt will make his final prep in the $1 million Florida Derby (G1) on April 1.
Kentucky Derby
Cheltenham Festival: Questions to ponder for 2023
Here are some posers to watch for as the Cheltenham Festival unfolds.
International
When to bet (or not bet) the trifecta
The trifecta often seems like the perfect exotic wager. But some situations are more suitable for trifecta betting than others.
Education
Catching My Eye: Emerging 3-year-olds and turf stakes at Fair Grounds
Racing analyst Kevin Kilroy examines up-and-coming three-year-olds and a couple of turf stakes that caught his eye at Fair Grounds during the first weekend of March.
Analysis
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Raise Cain
Violence picked up another possible Kentucky Derby (G1) contender when his son Raise Cain unleashed a giant rally from behind a fast pace to dominate Aqueduct’s Gotham (G3).
Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Congruent
Don’t assume John Battaglia Memorial S. winner Congruent is a synthetic specialist; to the contrary, he’s a versatile young runner capable of performing well over any surface.
Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Bo Cruz, Squire Creek romp at Fair Grounds
With only two months remaining until the Kentucky Derby, you might assume the weekly roster of impressive three-year-old maiden winners has been reduced to a trickle. But that’s simply not the case.
Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Practical Move
Practical Move joined the Road to the Kentucky Derby with an upset victory in the Los Alamitos Futurity (G2) at Los Alamitos, but does he have the pedigree to thrive in the Kentucky Derby (G1)?
Kentucky Derby
Meet the Contenders: 2023 John Battaglia Memorial Stakes
Meet the horses running in the 2023 John Battaglia Memorial S. over 1 1/16 miles on Tapeta at Turfway Park. For each horse, we're listing a pro, a con, and a rating of potential.
Racing
Meet the Contenders: 2023 Gotham Stakes
Meet the horses running in the 2023 Gotham S. (G3) over one mile at Aqueduct. For each horse, we're listing a pro, a con, and a rating of potential.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Report: Rebel upset precedes flurry of early March preps
March opens with a bang for Kentucky Derby contenders, as four qualifiers in the Road to the Kentucky Derby series will be held on March 4
Kentucky Derby
Catching My Eye: Fair Grounds Feb. 25-26
Racing analyst Kevin Kilroy discusses a group of three-year-olds who caught his attention at Fair Grounds during the final weekend of February.
Features
When you should (or shouldn't) bet a Pick 6
Effectively betting a Pick 6 can be difficult and expensive. These guidelines help you determine when you should (or shouldn’t) bet a Pick 6.
Education
Racing Roundtable: Rebel, Honeybee, and Saudi Cup
James Scully, Kellie Reilly, and Vance Hanson devote this week's Racing Roundtable to recapping Rebel Day at Oaklawn Park and the events of the Saudi Cup program from last Saturday.
Features
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Triple Crown nominee Summer Cause breaks through
The Kentucky Derby (G1) is barely more than two months away, but Triple Crown nominees are still busy breaking their maidens and emerging as possible Run for the Roses contenders.
Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Confidence Game
A well-timed rally from midfield carried Confidence Game to victory in the Rebel (G2) at Oaklawn Park, stamping the improving colt as a viable contender for the 2023 Kentucky Derby (G1).
Kentucky Derby
Potential value plays and longshots for 2023 Saudi Cup Day
While the $20 million Saudi Cup (G1) gets the lion’s share of attention, the five Thoroughbred stakes on the undercard likewise offer top-class competition with a global flair — and accordingly attractive betting opportunities.
International
Catching My Eye: Louisiana Derby Preview Day Round-up
As the Roads to the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Kentucky Oaks (G1) carry on and older divisions begin to take shape, here’s a round-up of Kevin Kilroy's takeaways.
Analysis
Meet The Contenders: 2023 Rebel Stakes
Meet the horses running in the 2023 Rebel Stakes, plus a pro, con and rating of their potential.
Analysis
Kentucky Derby Report: Late runners step up in Risen Star
Angel of Empire and Sun Thunder jumped into the Kentucky Derby picture with a 1-2 finish in Saturday’s Risen Star (G2) at Fair Grounds, rallying from far back in the Road to the Kentucky Derby series qualifier.
Kentucky Derby
Why it pays to look beyond a horse's most recent race
Horses aren’t machines, and any number of events can trigger a poor performance. Knowing when to forgive a subpar result is often the key to cashing tickets.
Education
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Angel of Empire
Stretch-running victories in the Risen Star (G2) and Arkansas Derby (G1) have propelled Angel of Empire into the 2023 Kentucky Derby (G1) picture. But does he have the pedigree to succeed in the Run for the Roses?
Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Bishops Bay, Heroic Move impress for Cox
Winning the Kentucky Derby (much less the Triple Crown) off a February debut isn’t easy, but Bishops Bay may have the talent to take a shot.
Kentucky Derby
Catching My Eye: Morning Breezes Ahead of Louisiana Derby Preview Day
As the three-year-old campaigns build momentum and with Louisiana Derby Preview Day on Saturday, the morning workouts at Fair Grounds have been heating up.
Kentucky Derby
How to bet the 2023 Fair Grounds Stakes
A competitive field of eight will travel about 1 1/8 miles on the lawn in Saturday’s $150,000 Fair Grounds S.
Racing
Derby Report – Stakes debuters continue to strike in Davis, Withers; Risen Star gets big field
Hit Show and Litigate became the latest first-time stakes performers to win a qualifier, jumping on the Kentucky Derby leaderboard with respective wins in the Withers (G3) and Sam F. Davis (G3) on Feb. 11.
Racing
G1-to-maiden class drop can be surprisingly lucrative
One of the most extreme examples of "dropping in class" occurs when a horse exits a Grade 1 race (the highest class there is) and enters a maiden race (restricted to horses who have never won a race).
Education
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Litigate
When Litigate rallied to a determined victory in the Sam F. Davis (G3) at Tampa Bay Downs, it was confirmation the bay colt has been waiting for a chance to shine running long.
Kentucky Derby
Chase the Chaos winning the El Camino Real Derby at Golden Gate Fields (Photo by Vassar Photography)
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Chase the Chaos
What do we make of Chase the Chaos, who unleashed a giant homestretch rally to win the El Camino Real Derby over the synthetic Tapeta track at Golden Gate Fields? Can he successfully switch to dirt?
Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Hit Show
When Hit Show stormed down the Aqueduct homestretch to dominate the 1 1/8-mile Withers (G3), he fulfilled the promise of a pedigree geared top and bottom toward success running long.
Kentucky Derby
Saudi Cup Day prospectus: Country Grammer, Taiba, Elite Power among probables
Now that the projected fields for the Feb. 25 Saudi Cup Day extravaganza have been announced, let’s get a head start on the handicapping! Here are the key contenders in the $20 million Saudi Cup (G1) as well the five Thoroughbred stakes on the undercard.
International
When to bet to place (or not)
The place bet can be a tricky wager to properly play. Not because it’s complicated to understand, but because executing a sound strategy that capitalizes on your opinions is easier said than done.
Education
Catching My Eye: Fair Grounds Feb. 2-4
Yes, 11 of the 38 in Kentucky Derby Future Wager Pool 3 are trained by Brad Cox, but don’t think for a second that’s all he’s got.
Analysis
Pedigree profile: Newgate
Does Newgate have the pedigree to succeed over classic distances? It’s not necessarily a clear-cut answer, because there are mixed signals to interpret.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Bus Buzz, Demolition Duke impress
Santa Anita… Fair Grounds… Gulfstream Park… Oaklawn Park… Tampa Bay Downs. Possible Kentucky Derby (G1) contenders won maiden special weights at racetracks all around the country last week.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Rocket Can
It isn’t surprising to see Rocket Can enjoying success on the Kentucky Derby (G1) trail. The gray colt boasts a pedigree combining speed with stamina, often a recipe for success in the Derby.
Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby Report: Southwest flash, Cyclone set for Holy Bull
The second of four Kentucky Derby qualifiers at Oaklawn Park, the Jan. 28 Southwest (G3) featured the return of Arabian Knight, a spectacular wire-to-wire maiden winner on the Breeders’ Cup Saturday undercard in his career debut.
Kentucky Derby
Catching My Eye: Cox striking at 42% through Jan. 29 at Fair Grounds
Through Jan. 29 at Fair Grounds, the Brad Cox barn has sent out 50 runners, 21 of them winners. 42%.
Racing
Racing Roundtable: Arabian Knight, Pegasus World Cup, and Eclipse Awards
The Racing Roundtable discusses Arabian Knight's romp in the Southwest (G3), takeaways from the Pegasus World Cup (G1), and Eclipse Awards disagreements.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Geaux Rocket Ride romps for Mandella
Arguably the most impressive three-year-old maiden winner of the weekend was Richard Mandella’s Geaux Rocket Ride, who trounced his Sunday debut sprinting six furlongs at Santa Anita.
Racing
Pedigree profile: Arabian Knight
An impressive victory from Arabian Knight in the Southwest (G3) at Oaklawn Park has launched the $2.3 million auction acquisition thoroughly into the Triple Crown picture.
Racing
Oaklawn Park: Early trends for 2023 meet
Most trends at Oaklawn Park are playing out as might be expected. But there have been a few interesting stats to start the year.
Analysis
Catching My Eye: Derby Hopefuls on Fair Grounds Road to the Derby Day
With Road to the Derby Day and other strong fields, there was a lot of action at the Fair Grounds this past week. Let’s dive into two races: the Lecomte and the three-year-old allowance race that featured a handful of Derby dreamers.
Analysis
The best way to decide and create a place bet
When carefully executed, the place bet can play a useful role in a bettor’s arsenal of handicapping strategies.
Education
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Stoutly bred colts Slip Mahoney, First Defender post victories
Sometimes, you look at the pedigree of a young maiden winner and think, “Wow, this horse is bred to run long.”
Racing
First-Crop Sires Update: Mendelssohn progeny start strongly as 3yos
The Scat Daddy half-brother to Into Mischief and Beholder was a Grade 1 performer on both turf and dirt, and his progeny, like him, should improve with age.
Features
The best way to decide and create a show bet
As strange as it might sound, the horse racing wager that's easiest to hit is one of the trickiest to understand on a technical level.
Racing
Todd Pletcher had a trio of three-year-old maiden winners on Saturday. (NYRA/Coglianese Photography)
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Kingsbarns, Cuvier, Clubhouse win for Pletcher
Two-time Kentucky Derby (G1)-winning trainer Todd Pletcher knows how to prepare a January maiden winner for success on the first Saturday in May.
Kentucky Derby
Catching My Eye: LA-bred extraordinaires from Fair Grounds, Jan. 5-8
Three stakes winners plus a debut runner caught Kevin Kilroy's eye last week at Fair Grounds.
Analysis
The best way to decide and create a win bet
The win bet is the purest way to wager on a horse race. All you have to do is pick the winning horse. But deciding which horse to bet can quickly grow complicated.
Education
Racing Roundtable: Thoughts on the Sham and Jerome
The Racing Roundtable this week discusses the impact of the two most recent Kentucky Derby (G1) preps and other action that occurred during the first full weekend of 2023.
Analysis
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Reincarnate
Dashing to the lead and refusing to yield proved a successful strategy for Reincarnate in the Sham (G3) at Santa Anita, as the hardy gray colt led all the way to prevail by a neck.
Pedigree
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Willakenzie cruises for Cox
Kentucky Derby (G1)-winning trainer Brad Cox sent out Willakenzie on Thursday at Fair Grounds to win his debut traveling 1 1/8 miles.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Lugan Knight
You have to admire the tenacity Lugan Knight displayed to win the Jerome S. on the Road to the Kentucky Derby. But does he have the pedigree to handle the Kentucky Derby's testing 1 1/4-mile distance?
Racing
Kentucky Derby Report: Forte brings top credentials to the New Year
The Road to the Kentucky Derby series opened in late September, but the prep season doesn’t get into full swing until the New Year. And the first qualifier of 2023 took place at Oaklawn Park on New Year’s Day, the Smarty Jones.
Kentucky Derby
Pegasus World Cup 2023: Seven things to know
To help you get ready for the seventh running of the Pegasus World Cup on Jan. 28, here are seven things to know about race trends, the historical background, and successful trainers.
Trends
Dubai Carnival 2023: Horses to watch from the fall season at Meydan
The Dubai World Cup Carnival begins on Jan. 6, yet the racing action has already been in full swing in the United Arab Emirates since Oct. 28.
International
How trainer and sire stats can combine for enticing payoffs
When betting maiden races filled with unraced horses, win percentage stats come in handy. They consistently steer bettors toward live contenders in races that might otherwise be inscrutable.
Racing
Catching My Eye: Fair Grounds, Dec. 29-Jan. 1 'Mercy, Mercy, Mercy'
Mercy Warren won by 16 lengths in a first-level allowance sprint on Sunday at Fair Grounds with a merciless move in the turn.
Features
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Pletcher, Cox, Mott pick up new winners
Kentucky Derby (G1)-winning trainers Todd Pletcher, Brad Cox, and Bill Mott all picked up possible 2023 Derby players when they sent out two-year-olds to win maiden races on New Year’s Eve.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Victory Formation
After posting two victories sprinting as a juvenile, Victory Formation joined the Road to the Kentucky Derby with a pacesetting triumph in the one-mile Smarty Jones S. at Oaklawn Park.
Racing
Kentucky Derby: 2022 End of Year Stock Take
With all major juvenile racing now complete in 2022, it’s time to take stock of the 2023 Kentucky Derby picture – though it may seem as murky as it’s ever been.
Kentucky Derby
2022 in Review: Leading Turf Horses by Eclipse Award categories
A majority of Eclipse Award categories for equine flat performers is technically open to all runners, regardless of surface proclivity.
Racing
Catching My Eye: Fair Grounds' Road to the Derby Kickoff Day
Three out of the last four Derby winners come through Fair Grounds, and both Epicenter and Rich Strike, the Kentucky Derby 148 exacta, ran in last year’s Gun Runner Stakes.
Kentucky Derby
How trainer stats can point toward future stakes winners
When a horse defies the stats and wins at first asking for a low-percentage debut trainer, you might be looking at a special horse. Maybe even a stakes winner.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Jace's Road
Jace’s Road couldn’t have been much more impressive in the Gun Runner S. on the Road to the Kentucky Derby. But does he have the pedigree to thrive racing 1 1/4 miles in the Kentucky Derby?
Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Banishing, Groveland win for Godolphin
Godolphin has never won the Kentucky Derby (G1), but perhaps that will change in 2023. Maiden winners Banishing and Groveland are shaping up as possible Derby players for the world-renowned stable.
Racing
New Zealand: Spot Plays for Christmas Black Type racing
If you’re wanting to play some high-quality racing on Christmas and can’t wait for North American racing to resume the day after, the place to look toward is New Zealand.
International
Japan: Titleholder can secure title in world's biggest betting race
Titleholder can secure Japan’s Horse of the Year award by taking out its equal-richest race this weekend.
Wagering
Top Winning Brisnet Speed Ratings for 2022
Brisnet Speed Ratings show there were two outstanding performances in 2022: one by Flightline, and one by… Wudda U Think Now?
Analysis
Catching My Eye: Two angles to find prices at Fair Grounds, Part Two
The second angle I am finding will likely be with us for the meet: trusting the less well-known jockeys.
Analysis
What is a jockey weight allowance?
In the sport of horse racing, the amount of weight carried by each horse has long been varied to account for differences in age, gender, and ability. Or, in some cases, the experience of their jockey.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Tapit Trice shows grit for Pletcher
Two-time Kentucky Derby (G1)-winning trainer Todd Pletcher recently picked up another possible Derby player when Tapit Trice broke his maiden at Aqueduct.
Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Wildatlanticstorm
Does Wildatlanticstorm have the pedigree to factor in the Kentucky Derby?
Kentucky Derby
Oaklawn Park: How scrutinizing race conditions can be beneficial
The first thing bettors should generally do before handicapping a race is read and comprehend its conditions.
Education
Why horses tackling multiple major changes can outrun their odds
Sometimes, a racehorse will tackle so many changes at once it’s impossible to project how they'll perform. But the “change everything” approach can occasionally reap big dividends.
Education
Catching My Eye: Two Angles to find prices at Fair Grounds, Part One
Four weeks in at Fair Grounds, racing analyst Kevin Kilroy has found two handicapping angles that have been key for finding price horses.
Features
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Phileas Fogg, Z Resurrection impress at Fair Grounds
What do Country House, Mandaloun, and Rich Strike have in common? They’ve all won the Kentucky Derby (G1) since 2019, and they all did so after competing at Fair Grounds during the winter.
Racing
Five early trends at Fair Grounds for Winter 2022
Winter racing at Fair Grounds has been going since Thanksgiving, but there have already been some notable trends.
Trends
How sire stats and racing records can uncover winners
Sometimes, combining a little pedigree knowledge with the sire stats and performance data found in Brisnet Ultimate Past Performances is all you need to uncover a lucrative betting payday.
Education
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Tapit Shoes wins for Cox
Arguably no trainer is heading into 2023 with a deeper group of Kentucky Derby (G1) contenders than Brad Cox.
Kentucky Derby
Contenders to fill Flightline's void in older horse division
With Flightline headed to stud, the older horse dirt division lacks a standout entering 2023. Let's examine six contenders.
Analysis