Meet the Contenders: 2023 UAE Derby

Mon Mar 20 2023J. Keeler Johnson

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 Maiden Watch: First Mission, Promise Me a Ride impress for Cox

Mon Mar 20 2023J. Keeler Johnson

The 2022-23 Road to the Kentucky Derby has been productive for trainer Brad Cox.
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays March 20

Mon Mar 20 2023J. Keeler Johnson

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.
Catching My Eye: Cashing on Hot Barns

Thu Mar 16 2023Kevin Kilroy

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.
Betting Strategy: Vertical structure for speed bias with longshot runners

Wed Mar 15 2023Kevin Kilroy

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.
What is a key race, and how do you identify one?

Tue Mar 14 2023J. Keeler Johnson

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.
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Tapit Trice

Mon Mar 13 2023J. Keeler Johnson

Victories in the Tampa Bay Derby (G3) and Blue Grass (G1) vaulted Tapit Trice into the Kentucky Derby picture.
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: I Don't Get It, Major Blue prevail for Derby-winning trainers

Mon Mar 13 2023J. Keeler Johnson

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.
Dubai World Cup clues from Super Saturday, Saudi Cup

Sun Mar 12 2023Kellie Reilly

The “Super Saturday” results from March 4 at Meydan offer clues of varying degrees for the March 25 Dubai World Cup (G1) gala.
Kentucky Derby Future Wager 2023: Betting Strategies for Pool 5

Fri Mar 10 2023Alastair Bull

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.
Exotics plays for the 2023 Azeri Stakes at Oaklawn

Thu Mar 09 2023Ashley Anderson

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.
Kentucky Derby Report: Stylish return performance for the champ

Thu Mar 09 2023James Scully

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.
Cheltenham Festival: Questions to ponder for 2023

Thu Mar 09 2023Alastair Bull

Here are some posers to watch for as the Cheltenham Festival unfolds.