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Racing Roundtable: Takeaways from Florida Derby, Arkansas Derby, Fantasy and more
The Racing Roundtable reconvenes to discuss their Florida Derby (G1) and Arkansas Derby (G1) takeaways, the legitimacy of Thorpedo Anna and Power Squeeze as Kentucky Oaks (G1) contenders, and their thoughts on Dubai World Cup Night.
Kentucky Derby
Growth in Kentucky Derby Day betting virtually unabated in its modern history
Growth in Kentucky Derby Day is not up for debate. Betting virtually is firmly a part of modern history.
Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Catching Freedom
A perfect pedigree doesn’t guarantee success in the Kentucky Derby (G1), but it doesn’t hurt. And any way you slice it, Catching Freedom is bred to excel in the Derby.
Pedigree
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: West Saratoga
It’s only fitting that Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3) runner-up West Saratoga won the one-mile Iroquois (G3) at Churchill Downs, the first leg of the 2023-24 Road to the Kentucky Derby. The gray colt is bred top and bottom for success in the spring classics.
Triple Crown
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Liberal Arts
Does Liberal Arts have the pedigree to shine racing 1 1/4 miles on the first Saturday in May? At least at first glance, his pedigree gives off mixed signals.
Pedigree
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Uncle Heavy
A decade after Social Inclusion set the world abuzz as a possible Kentucky Derby (G1) contender, his son Uncle Heavy is embarking down the same path.
Pedigree
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Mystik Dan
Does Mystik Dan have the pedigree to stretch out over 1 1/4 miles in the Kentucky Derby (G1)? That’s an important question Derby handicappers must ponder.
Pedigree
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Hades
How far can Hades run? Does he have the stamina to shine over 1 1/4 miles in the Kentucky Derby (G1), or will shorter journeys prove more favorable?
Pedigree
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Stronghold
The Kentucky Derby (G1) looms on the horizon for Stronghold, but does he have the pedigree to shine racing 1 1/4 miles on the first Saturday in May? That’s a tricky question that requires a nuanced answer.
Pedigree
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Otto the Conqueror
Otto the Conqueror showed unwavering tenacity to win the Remington Springboard Mile at Remington Park by three-quarters of a length, in the process joining the Road to the Kentucky Derby.
Pedigree
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Sierra Leone
Racing 1 1/8 miles is no obstacle for Sierra Leone, winner of the Blue Grass (G1) and Risen Star (G2) and runner-up in the Remsen (G2) on the Road to the Kentucky Derby. Neither should the 1 1/4-mile distance of the Kentucky Derby (G1) prove problematic for the beautifully bred colt.
Pedigree
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: No More Time
A gate-to-wire victory in the Sam F. Davis (G3) at Tampa Bay Downs launched No More Time into the picture as a 2024 Kentucky Derby (G1) contender.
Pedigree
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Domestic Product
The pedigree of Tampa Bay Derby (G3) winner Domestic Product suggests the 1 1/4-mile distance of the Kentucky Derby (G1) might be a furlong farther than his best.
Pedigree
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Encino
Encino is bred top and bottom to shine on dirt, which bodes well for his chances of factoring in the 2024 Kentucky Derby (G1) at Churchill Downs.
Pedigree
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Deterministic
A seven-month layoff couldn’t stop Deterministic from joining the Road to the Kentucky Derby with a win in the one-mile Gotham (G3) at Aqueduct. But can Deterministic stretch out over 1 1/4 miles in the Kentucky Derby (G1)?
Pedigree
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Honor Marie
When Honor Marie tackled a two-turn configuration for the first time in the 1 1/16-mile Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) at Churchill Downs, he rallied strongly to win by two lengths, emerging as a 2024 Kentucky Derby (G1) contender.
Pedigree
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Endlessly
Endlessly has been a force to reckon with on turf and synthetic, but he's never run on dirt, the surface over which the Kentucky Derby (G1) is contested.
Pedigree
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: T O Password
A hard-fought head triumph in the Fukuryu S. at Nakayama Racecourse in Japan thrust T O Password into the picture as a Kentucky Derby (G1) contender.
Pedigree
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Track Phantom
Does Lecomte (G3) winner Track Phantom have the stamina to carry his speed over 1 1/4 miles in the Kentucky Derby (G1)? His pedigree gives off mixed signals.
Pedigree
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Fierceness
A blend of tactical speed and staying power carried Fierceness to blowout victories in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1) and Florida Derby (G1), stamping the bay colt as the possible favorite for the 2024 Kentucky Derby (G1).
Pedigree
Catching My Eye: Unpacking the Louisiana Derby
Fair Grounds has signed off on its 152nd season, but with a series of prep races that have been as productive as any on the first weekend of May, it’s way too soon to turn the page. Here’s a bookmark for the 111th Louisiana Derby, which when the dust settles, I believe will rank as one of the best and most productive in recent memory.
Kentucky Derby
Second off layoff angle is powerful in Kentucky Derby preps
When a horse shows talent racing on dirt at age two, the Kentucky Derby (G1) often becomes a long-term goal. But getting a horse to peak on Derby day isn’t easy.
Analysis
Meet the Contenders: 2024 Florida Derby
Meet the horses running in the 2024 Florida Derby at Gulfstream Park. For each horse, we're listing a pro, a con, and a rating of potential.
Kentucky Derby
Meet the Contenders: 2024 Arkansas Derby
Meet the horses running in the 2024 Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park. For each horse, we're listing a pro, a con, and a rating of potential.
Kentucky Derby
Racing Roundtable: Louisiana Derby, Jeff Ruby, and Fair Grounds Oaks takeaways
The Racing Roundtable assesses the Louisiana Derby (G2), Jeff Ruby Steaks (G2), and Fair Grounds Oaks (G2) from the past weekend.
Kentucky Derby
2024 Dubai World Cup: Top 10 storylines
Five reigning titleholders are back to defend their crowns on Saturday’s Dubai World Cup (G1) program, and three other past winners seek a return to glory on the blockbuster night at Meydan.
Dubai World Cup
Trackside: 2024 Louisiana Derby Weekend at Fair Grounds [VIDEO]
TwinSpires races to the track this weekend to bring you exclusive content surrounding this week's Louisiana Derby where 100 points are up for grabs on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.
Triple Crown
Meet the Contenders: 2024 Jeff Ruby Steaks
Meet the horses running in the 2024 Jeff Ruby S. at Turfway Park. For each horse, we're listing a pro, a con, and a rating of potential. The star rating of 1 to 5 represents opportunity to perform well. Be sure to follow these contenders by adding them to your Stable Alerts.
Kentucky Derby
Racing Roundtable: Pool 5 of the KDFW, Louisiana Derby preview, and more
The Racing Roundtable explores the results of Pool 5 of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager (KDFW) and notable performances from a lighter weekend in racing, then they look ahead to the TwinSpires.com Louisiana Derby (G2) and Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3) on Saturday.
Analysis
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Amante Bianco
When Amante Bianco rallied to victory in the Cattleya at Tokyo Racecourse, the flashy white colt picked up 10 qualification points on the Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby and emerged as a possible contender for the 2024 Kentucky Derby (G1).
Pedigree
Lucrative exactas reiterate the power of Grade 1-to-maiden class drop
Horses dropping in class from a Grade 1 stakes to a maiden race can generate surprisingly nice payoffs.
Analysis
Meet the Contenders: 2024 Louisiana Derby
Meet the horses running in the 2024 Louisiana Derby at Fair Grounds. For each horse, we're listing a pro, a con, and a rating of potential.
Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Locked
After overcoming a wide trip to win the Breeders’ Futurity (G1), Locked ranks among the early favorites for the 2024 Kentucky Derby (G1).
Pedigree
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Cornishman, Quiet Wisdom strike
Could a Road to the Kentucky Derby foray be in the cards for Cornishman? It’s not inconceivable.
Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Timberlake
Can Timberlake become the third son of Into Mischief to win the Kentucky Derby (G1)? Only time will tell, but the bay colt is trending in the right direction.
Pedigree
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Drum Roll Please
Drum Roll Please joined the Road to the Kentucky Derby with a third-place finish in the Remsen (G2), and a subsequent 3 3/4-length win in the Jerome S. at Aqueduct reiterates his emergence as a Kentucky Derby (G1) contender.
Pedigree
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Ramjet
When Ramjet stormed home victorious by three lengths in the Hyacinth S. on the Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby, he delivered on a pedigree geared top and bottom toward high-level success running long on dirt.
Pedigree
The Power Hour for Friday, March 15, 2024
Join TwinSpires as we combine our trusted talent in a new LIVE video and LIVE commentary format! Didn't catch us live? Watch what our experts have to say.
Expert Picks
Catching My Eye: Prices at Fair Grounds March 6 - March 10
Prices were coming home last week at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots. Here’s a look at some of the top performers who outran their odds.
Analysis
Racing Roundtable: Kentucky Derby and Oaks leaderboard roundup and other notable performances
With a break in the action along the Road to the Kentucky Derby this upcoming weekend, the Racing Roundtable gives their top Kentucky Derby (G1) and Oaks (G1) picks at the moment and discusses some stakes action that caught their eye over the weekend.
Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Society Man wins on class drop
A trio of Triple Crown nominees broke their maidens last week, emerging as possible Kentucky Derby (G1) contenders eight weeks out from the first Saturday in May.
Kentucky Derby
Meet the Contenders: 2024 Tampa Bay Derby
Meet the horses running in the Tampa Bay Derby at Tampa Bay Downs in Tampa, FL.
Analysis
Pegasus World Cup Filly and Mare Turf illustrates the power of pace
Sometimes a race will unfold in a manner that places certain runners at a distinct disadvantage. Betting these horses when they encounter more favorable circumstances in the future can be a sound strategy.
Analysis
Racing Roundtable: Deterministic makes splash in stakes debut, Dornoch scores again, and more
This week, the Racing Roundtable rates Dornoch's win in a scratch-laden Fountain of Youth (G2), Deterministic's win in his stakes debut in the Gotham (G3), and the Kentucky Oaks (G1) picture.
Analysis
Pedigree profile: Imagination
A tenacious victory in the San Felipe (G2) at Santa Anita has stamped Imagination as a talented three-year-old worth following.
Pedigree
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Be You breaks through
You might assume March is too late for a Kentucky Derby (G1) winner to break his maiden. That might be true for some horses, but it shouldn’t be an issue for Be You.
Kentucky Derby
Tipsheet: 2024 John Battaglia Memorial Stakes
An overflow field of 14 sophomores will run 1 1/16 miles on the Turfway Park All-Weather oval in Saturday’s $150,000 John Battaglia Memorial S.
Analysis
Kentucky Derby
Meet the Contenders: 2024 San Felipe S.
Meet the horses running in the 2024 San Felipe S. (G2) at Santa Anita.
Kentucky Derby
Catching My Eye: La-bred Stakes and Turf Winners from Fair Grounds
FInd out more on Kevin Kilroy's thoughts surrounding turf winners from Fair Grounds.
Analysis
Meet the Contenders: 2024 Fountain of Youth S.
Meet the horses running in the 2024 Fountain of Youth S. at Gulfstream Park.
Kentucky Derby
Meet the Contenders: 2024 John Battaglia Memorial
Meet the horses running in the 2024 John Battaglia Memorial S. at Turfland Park.
Kentucky Derby
28-1 longshot reiterates the power of changing distances
Everyone knows some horses are better sprinting and others are better running long. Rare is the horse who enjoys equal success in both sprints and routes.
Analysis
Racing Roundtable: Senor Buscador's Saudi Cup upset, Timberlake's Rebel win, and Lemon Muffin's potential
This week, the Racing Roundtable convenes to discuss Senor Buscador's upset of the Saudi Cup, Timberlake's win in the Rebel (G2) at Oaklawn, and Lemon Muffin's potential for trainer D. Wayne Lukas.
Analysis
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Four winners running long
Reasoned Analysis failed to factor in two starts as a juvenile, but the Chad Brown trainee broke through in his three-year-old debut, emerging as a possible Kentucky Derby (G1) contender.
Kentucky Derby
2024 Saudi Cup: Seven trends to watch
Although the $20 million Saudi Cup (G1) is still a relatively recent edition to the racing calendar, several trends have already emerged from its first four runnings at King Abdulaziz Racecourse in Riyadh.
Saudi Cup
Catching My Eye: What Did We Learn from The Risen Star?
Billed as the most-stacked Kentucky Derby Prep race to date, what did we learn from Saturday’s Risen Star (G2) at Fair Grounds?
Analysis
Why forgiving a disappointing second start can reap rewards
When a horse wins impressively on debut, but follows up with a disappointing defeat second-time out, it can be tempting to dismiss them as a flash in the pan.
Analysis
Racing Roundtable: Risen Star, Rachel Alexandra Stakes and other eye-catching performances
This week, the Racing Roundtable weighs in on Sierra Leone's win in the Risen Star S. (G2), Tarifa's stakes debut in the Rachel Alexandra (G2), and notable performances from the weekend.
Analysis
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Antiquarian scores for Pletcher
On Feb. 18, 2018, Justify won his debut in eye-catching fashion. Less than four months later he was a Triple Crown winner, proving late February isn’t too late for a Kentucky Derby (G1) winner to break his maiden.
Kentucky Derby
Trackside: 2024 Risen Star Week at Fair Grounds [VIDEO]
TwinSpires is trackside all week from Fair Grounds as we talk with trainers, visit with horses and host barn tours. Our team of Abbey Huffman, Ashley Anderson and Blaise Bollman give you exclusive access to one of the main staging grounds of winter racing and Kentucky Derby hopefuls.
Triple Crown
The Jury: Expert Picks, Bets and Fades for Feb. 17 [Video]
Racing analysts Ashley Anderson, James Scully, and Darin Zoccali examine the Risen Star (G2) and Rachel Alexandra (G2) at Fair Grounds, along with other stakes action around the country. Ashley and James provide their thoughts in the written portion below. Be sure to check out Darin's opinions in our on-camera portion as well!
Analysis
Meet the Contenders: 2024 Sunland Park Derby
Meet the horses running in the 2024 Sunland Park Derby at Sunland Park. For each horse, we're listing a pro, a con, and a rating of potential.
Analysis
Longstanding track biases must be considered in handicapping
Not every Thoroughbred racetrack is equally kind to all types of racehorses. For various reasons—the type and composition of the racing surface, the configuration of a specific course layout, etc.—some tracks are more or less kind to horses with certain running styles, or those breaking from particular post positions.
Analysis
Racing Roundtable: Sam F. Davis, Suncoast, and Las Virgenes insights
This week, the Racing Roundtable discusses Kentucky Derby and Oaks prep action at Tampa Bay Downs and Santa Anita, including No More Time's win in the Sam F. Davis (G3).
Analysis
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Winners in Florida and New York
Two-time Kentucky Derby (G1)-winning trainer Todd Pletcher continues to add to his roster of contenders for the 2024 Run for the Roses.
Kentucky Derby
Stakes histories can identify strong or vulnerable favorites
Not all stakes races are equally kind to favorites. Some regularly churn out short-priced winners, while others toss up longshots more often than not.
Analysis
Racing Roundtable: Fierceness upset in Holy Bull, other shocking Kentucky Derby prep results
This week, the Racing Roundtable examines a number of upset winners during a jam-packed weekend of Kentucky Derby and Oaks prep action, including Hades' victory in the Holy Bull (G3), where Fierceness finished a disappointing third as the 1-5 favorite.
Analysis
Catching My Eye: Front-running monster Pink Polkadots and three others from Fair Grounds Feb. 1 - 4
We have seen several impressive up-and-coming turf routers so far this meet. St. Armands Key and Ocean Victory come to mind quickly, but two others as well--Pink Polkadots and Le Gris.
Analysis
Pedigree profile: Nysos
After two blowout victories sprinting, it was no surprise to see Nysos dominate his two-turn debut, winning the one-mile Robert B. Lewis S. (G3) at Santa Anita by 7 1/2 lengths.
Pedigree
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Well-bred Tuscan Gold romps
Only time will tell if Tuscan Gold has the talent to win the Kentucky Derby (G1). But there’s no doubt the bay colt has the pedigree to shine on the first Saturday in May.
Kentucky Derby
Meet the Contenders: 2024 Robert B. Lewis Stakes
Meet the horses running in the 2024 Robert B. Lewis S. (G3) at Santa Anita. For each horse, we're listing a pro, a con, and a rating of potential. The star rating of 1 to 5 represents opportunity to perform well. Be sure to follow these contenders by adding them to your Stable Alerts.
Kentucky Derby
Meet the Contenders: 2024 Withers Stakes
Meet the horses running in the 2024 Withers S. (G3) at Aqueduct. For each horse, we're listing a pro, a con, and a rating of potential. The star rating of 1 to 5 represents opportunity to perform well. Be sure to follow these contenders by adding them to your Stable Alerts.
Kentucky Derby
When a meet starts, top trainers can win races in bunches
At the start of a race meet, it can be useful to look back at previous meets and find out which trainers won the most races. If one name consistently ranks at or near the top of the rankings, you can usually assume that trainer will enjoy success at the upcoming meet as well.
Analysis
Meet the Contenders: 2024 Southwest Stakes
Meet the horses running in the 2024 Southwest S. Saturday at Oaklawn Park.
Analysis
Racing Roundtable: Pegasus World Cup Day recap
This week, the Racing Roundtable reflects on Pegasus World Cup Day at Gulfstream, including National Treasure's win in the marquee race as well as Warm Heart and Francesco Clemente's turf scores.
Analysis
Meet the Contenders: 2024 Holy Bull
Meet the horses running in the 2024 Holy Bull at Gulfstream Park this Saturday.
Analysis
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Speak Easy is the talk of the town
One year after Kentucky Derby winner Mage won a Pegasus World Cup Day maiden race at Gulfstream Park, Speak Easy impressed in an identical maiden contest.
Kentucky Derby
2023 TwinSpires Best Bets and Quick Picks ROI report
With 2023 in the books, it’s time to recap the performance of my daily “Best Bets and Quick Plays” and carryover analysis columns for TwinSpires Edge.
Analysis
Nuanced trainer stats strike again with 9-1 winner
In the past, we’ve explored how digging into the granular details of trainer stats can reveal nuances not apparent at first glance. These nuances can lead to lucrative payoffs, as was apparent at Fair Grounds last week.
Analysis
Racing Roundtable: Risen Star, Saudi Cup, and Pegasus World Cup Day
This week, the Racing Roundtable examines the top contenders in February's Risen Star (G2) and Saudi Cup (G1) as well as this weekend's Pegasus World Cup Day at Gulfstream.
Analysis
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Hall of Fame is very fast
The equine Hall of Fame took a solid first step toward a place in the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame when he smashed a 1 1/16-mile maiden special weight on Saturday at Fair Grounds.
Kentucky Derby
How class drops can trigger big form turnarounds
Bettors aren’t always keen to support young horses who have shown little to no ability. But sometimes these horses win.
Analysis
Racing Roundtable: Gin Gin's win in the Busanda, Book'em Danno's dominance, and Lecomte Day
This week, the Racing Roundtable discusses Gin Gin's win in the Busanda S. and Book'em Danno's dominance in the Pasco before looking ahead to Lecomte Day at Fair Grounds.
Analysis
Meet the Contenders: 2024 Lecomte Stakes
Meet the horses running in the 2024 Lecomte S. (G3) at Fair Grounds Race Course in New Orleans. For each horse, we're listing a pro, a con, and a rating of potential. The star rating of 1 to 5 represents opportunity to perform well. Be sure to follow these contenders by adding them to your Stable Alerts.
Analysis
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Pletcher saddles three winners
Two-time Kentucky Derby (G1)-winning trainer Todd Pletcher sent out a trio of possible 2024 Kentucky Derby contenders to break their maidens during the second week of January.
Kentucky Derby
Catching My Eye: Fair Grounds Top Performers Week of Jan. 4 - Jan. 7
Top honors this week go to Maycocks Bay. The Godolphin homebred trained by Mike Stidham put his name on the map in a big way beating home two quality colts trained by Brad Cox and Keith Desormeaux in Blown Cover and Hawkes Creek.
Analysis
Following a track bias to logical and lucrative payoffs
The power of track biases to deliver compelling pari-mutuel payoffs has been readily apparent over the last couple of weeks.
Analysis
Racing Roundtable: Drum Roll Please, Kopion shine in Derby, Oaks preps, and more
This week, the Racing Roundtable grades the win by Drum Roll Please in the Jerome S., a one-mile Kentucky Derby (G1) prep held at Aqueduct, Kopion's potential for Richard Mandella following her win in the Santa Ynez (G3), and then looks back at other notable performances from the weekend.
Analysis
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Ari’s Magic sparkles on debut
The first week of January produced a handful of noteworthy three-year-old maiden winners with possible Kentucky Derby (G1) aspirations.
Kentucky Derby
Catching My Eye: Fair Grounds winners who look ready for stakes company
The racing last week at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots was excellent, and a handful of winners look primed to try stakes company next out. Here’s who caught my eye.
Analysis
First-crop sires: Maximus Mischief ends 2023 in second place
The final racing results from 2023 are in, and Maximus Mischief ended the year as the second-leading first-crop sire in multiple categories.
Pedigree
Tipsheet: 2024 Jerome Stakes
A compact field of five will travel one mile on the Aqueduct main surface in Saturday’s $150,000 Jerome S. A total of 21 qualifying points towards the 2024 Kentucky Derby are on the line in the challenge series tilt.
Analysis
Meet the Contenders: 2024 Jerome Stakes
Meet the horses running in the 2024 Jerome at Aqueduct. For each horse, we're listing a pro, a con, and a rating of potential. The star rating of 1 to 5 represents opportunity to perform well. Be sure to follow these contenders by adding them to your stable alerts.
Analysis
Ghostzapper shows first-crop sire rankings can be misleading
Ranking first-crop sires by progeny earnings is useful for identifying up-and-coming stallions with potential, but the numbers can be misleading.
Pedigree
Racing Roundtable: Smarty Jones, Pegasus World Cup preview and more!
This week, the Racing Roundtable reviews the first Kentucky Derby qualifier of the New Year, Monday’s Smarty Jones at Oaklawn Park, Pegasus World Cup preview day at Gulfstream Park, and betting resolutions for 2024.
Analysis
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Flashy winners close out 2023
During the closing days of 2023, a bevy of potential Kentucky Derby (G1) contenders posted flashy maiden victories from coast to coast.
Kentucky Derby
Catching My Eye: How the Gun Runner Pace Unfolded
In order to get a clear handle on what happened in the Gun Runner last Saturday at Fair Grounds, we need to keep in mind the old adage: it's not how fast they run but how they run fast.
Analysis