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The Jury: Bets and fades for April 14
The quorum of James Scully and Vance Hanson have assembled to provide their best plays of the weekend in this edition of the TwinSpires Jury.
Wagering
The impact of the new Road to the Kentucky Derby points system
Four consistent horses that in previous years would not have made the Kentucky Derby field are set to make it this year under the new points system that rewards those which run more often in prep races.
Kentucky Derby
Betting Strategy: Chris Larmey, “Nobody wants to be a fish"
To succeed long term, a horseplayer needs to know how to bet in order to cash in. Chris Larmey has begun a new podcast “Bet With the Best” aimed at exactly that.
Education
Swimming in the pools of Kentucky Derby betting enthusiasm
Betting handle reveals the enthusiasm for the Kentucky Derby (G1). Contested annually on the first Saturday in May, the Kentucky Derby serves as the standard-bearer for the North America Thoroughbred racing industry.
Kentucky Derby
MC Hammer, Bacharach & Steinbrenner: Kentucky Derby celebrities are uniquely fans and participants
However, what differentiates the Derby from, say, the Super Bowl or Wimbledon, is that not only can well-known personalities come to Churchill Downs to watch the big race, but they also have an opportunity, however small the chances, to actually participate in it.
Kentucky Derby
Pedigree notebook: Starspangledbanner yet waves with Papilio, and more
By the time that Papilio got up in Saturday’s Appalachian (G2) at Keeneland, sire Starspangledbanner was already having quite a weekend.
Pedigree
Catching My Eye: Keeneland Opening Day
Horses that caught my eye on the opening day of the Keeneland 2023 spring meeting.
Features
Kentucky Derby International Scouting Report: Derma Sotogake
Derma Sotogake rates as Japan’s leading Kentucky Derby (G1) contender after his front-running coup on Dubai World Cup night.
Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby International Scouting Report: Continuar
Having lost all three match-ups with leading Japanese contender Derma Sotogake, is there a case for Continuar to turn the tables in the Kentucky Derby (G1)?
Kentucky Derby
Jason Beem's Monday Morning Message April 10, 2023
Jason looks back at the weekend and discusses Tapit Trice's win as well as the current Kentucky Derby points leaderboard.
Racing
Top 5 horse racing songs
We look at the top five horse racing songs customarily played at Thoroughbred racetracks around the country, and give honorable mention to one toe-tapping tune broadcast before a harness race in Ohio as well as a beloved ballad sung by racegoers Down Under.
Features
Mattress Mack: A colorful gallery of big bet action
There are few more colorful people in the United States than Houston Furniture store tycoon "Mattress Mack". Successful businessman, he's also a unique figure in Thoroughbred racing.
Kentucky Derby
Santa Anita Derby International Scouting Report: Mandarin Hero
After two Japanese horses are already in the Kentucky Derby (G1) – Derma Sotogake by romping in the UAE Derby (G2) and Continuar accepting the Japan Road invitation – Mandarin Hero tries to make it three in Saturday’s Santa Anita Derby (G1).
Kentucky Derby
Catching My Eye: In Person at the Arkansas Derby
I walked the last block, taking in the Arkansas Derby Day crowd. Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort was buzzing.
Features
Jason Beem's Thursday Column for April 6, 2023
Jason discusses his favorite race call of all time, the 2005 American Oaks from Hollywood Park.
Racing
Racing Roundtable: Florida Derby and Arkansas Derby
James Scully, Kellie Reilly, and Vance Hanson discuss the two major Kentucky Derby (G1) preps of the past week and also a little Kentucky Oaks (G1) talk in this edition of the Racing Roundtable.
Features
Pedigree notebook: Grace blooms for Amazing family
German import Amazing Grace combines several themes — an imperiled sire line, excellent family, and connections to current headliners in both Europe and Australia — along with individual appeal in the female turf division.
Pedigree
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem April 3, 2023
Jason looks back at this past weekend's Florida Derby and discusses the race and the top two finishers.
Features
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Forever Young
A powerful seven-length victory in Japan’s Zen-Nippon Nisai Yushun at Kawasaki Racecourse stamped Forever Young as a formidable 2024 Kentucky Derby (G1) contender, a status he confirmed with globetrotting victories in the Saudi Derby (G3) and UAE Derby (G2).
Features
Jason Beem's Thursday Column for March 30, 2023
March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month, and Jason shares some thoughts on that.
Features
Racing Roundtable: Derby and Oaks prep review and Dubai World Cup
James Scully, Kellie Reilly, and Vance Hanson review the leading events of the past weekend from Dubai, New Orleans, Kentucky, and elsewhere in this week's Racing Roundtable.
Analysis
Pedigree notebook: Big mo for Uncle Mo
Uncle Mo’s big weekend extended to the Kentucky Oaks (G1) preps, won by two of his granddaughters.
Pedigree
Jason Beem's Thursday Column for March 23, 2023
Jason finishes up his Thursday series, "The Six Secrets of Unsuccessful Bettors," by writing about chasing losses.
Features
Pedigree notebook: Cornucopia of angles in Super Chow
Super Chow pays tribute to late sire Lord Nelson and doubles down on some of his key ancestors.
Pedigree
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
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem March 20, 2023
Jason discusses the "quiet" weekend that just wrapped up as we get ready to come into the final stretch of Kentucky Derby preps.
Features
The Jury: Bets and fades for March 18
It's a relatively quiet weekend from a graded stakes perspective, but Vance Hanson, Ashley Anderson, and Keeler Johnson have found much to chew on from this Saturday's menu of options.
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
Jason Beem's Thursday Column for March 16, 2023
Jason continues the series "Six Secrets of Unsuccessful Bettors" by writing about betting to win/place.
Features
Racing Roundtable: Tampa Bay Downs and the Distaff division
James Scully, Kellie Reilly, and Vance Hanson review the leading events of the past weekend at Tampa Bay Downs and Oaklawn Park in this edition of the Roundtable.
Features
Pedigree notebook: Talk of the Nation another one for Zenyatta's family
Recent Rebel (G2) winner Confidence Game put Zenyatta’s family back in the spotlight, since his dam is a half-sister to the Hall of Famer. Not to be outdone, another Zenyatta relative has produced a high-profile three-year-old who’s turning heads, but on turf – Talk of the Nation.
Pedigree
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
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem March 13, 2023
Jason looks back at this weekend's Tampa Bay Derby, including his thoughts and perspectives on the winner and the race from up in the booth.
Features
Tall Tales of the Track: And the Winner Is…
Rumor had it that it was not Bend Or who ran down Robert the Devil at Epsom, but a horse named Tadcaster, an accusation of mistaken identity that was resolved more than a century later.
History
The Jury: Bets and fades for March 11
The TwinSpires jury of James Scully, Vance Hanson, and Ashley Anderson offer their thoughts on the Tampa Bay Derby card, along with competitive races at Santa Anita and Oaklawn.
Wagering
Jason Beem's Thursday Column for March 9, 2023
Jason continues the "Six Secrets of Unsuccessful Bettors" series with the fourth installment, talking about tracking equity in your horizontal plays.
Features
Cheltenham Festival: Questions to ponder for 2023
Here are some posers to watch for as the Cheltenham Festival unfolds.
International
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
Pedigree notebook: More ‘Mischief' as Practical Joke turns stakes triple
Practical Move’s convincing victory in the San Felipe (G2) alone would have been an advertisement for young sire Practical Joke, who now has a proper Kentucky Derby contender to his credit. But Practical Joke also scored a stakes double at Aqueduct earlier on Saturday.
Pedigree
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem March 6, 2023
Jason looks back at the Davona Dale Stakes from Saturday and a lesson in forgiveness.
Features
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Forte
One of the most accomplished horses on the Road to the Kentucky Derby is Forte.
Kentucky Derby
Handicappers Debate: 2023 The Very One Stakes at Gulfstream Park
Fillies and mares on the turf are featured in this week’s debate, as handicappers Vance Hanson and Ashley Anderson offer differing opinions on Saturday’s $150,000 The Very One (G3) at Gulfstream Park.
Features
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
Jason Beem's Thursday Column for March 2, 2023
Jason writes the third installment of his series "The Six Secrets of Unsuccessful Bettors" and talks about race and pool selection.
Features
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
Pedigree notebook: Sweet cross on display in Candy Man Rocket
Aside from his reminder that Candy Ride also gets sharp sprinters, Candy Man Rocket is a further example of his cross with Storm Cat-line mares.
Pedigree
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem Feb. 27, 2023
Jason looks back at the Rebel Stakes and the wonderful post-race interview from trainer Keith Desormeaux.
Features
The Science of Horse Racing: Why Do Some Horses Bleed After a Race?
For this month’s Science of Horse Racing, let us look at EIPH in Thoroughbreds and how it can affect a horse on race day and beyond.
Features
Jason Beem's Thursday Column for Feb. 23, 2023
In Part 2 of his "Six Secrets of Unsuccessful Bettors," Jason writes about poor fund allocation and not realizing every dollar's earning potential.
Features
Racing Roundtable: 2023 Louisiana Derby Preview Day
James Scully, Kellie Reilly, and Vance Hanson are back to provide takeaways from the Louisiana Derby Preview Day card at Fair Grounds in this week's Racing Roundtable.
Features
Pedigree notebook: ‘Classic' patterns recur
Champion Classic Empire celebrated a graded stakes double on Saturday, and both of his winners are out of Bernardini-line mares.
Pedigree
Tall Tales of the Track: Sysonby, the (Almost) Unbeatable
A skeleton of a horse once hung in the American Museum of Natural History, the limbs positioned as if in flight.
History
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem Feb. 20, 2023
This past Saturday, a nationwide moment of silence was held at racetracks from across the country to not only remember jockey Avery Whisman, who passed away last month, but to raise awareness for the mental and physical struggles that can come along with riding horses as a career.
Features
Handicappers Debate: 2023 Risen Star Stakes at Fair Grounds
New Orleans is the destination for this week’s debate, as handicappers Alastair Bull and James Scully offer different opinions in Saturday’s $400,000 Risen Star (G2) at Fair Grounds.
Features
The Jury: Bets and fades for Feb. 18
The Jury reconvenes to deliberate on an excellent day of racing from coast to coast, highlighted by Louisiana Derby Preview Day at Fair Grounds.
Wagering
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
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
Jason Beem's Thursday Column for Feb. 16, 2023
Jason starts a new series for the Thursday column called the "Six Secrets of Unsuccessful Bettors."
Racing
Racing Roundtable: Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks trails
James Scully, Kellie Reilly, and Vance Hanson take a look at the latest developments along the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Kentucky Oaks (G1) trails in this week's Racing Roundtable.
Kentucky Derby
Pedigree notebook: Gulfstream turf sprint double for Uncaptured
Gulfstream Park staged two stakes on Saturday, and progeny of Uncaptured won both.
Pedigree
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem for Feb. 13, 2023
Jason writes about the Suncoast Stakes and how there's never a sure thing in horse racing.
Features
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
Racing Roundtable: Holy Bull and Robert B. Lewis
James Scully, Kellie Reilly, and Vance Hanson look back at last weekend's classic preps and other three-year-old doings in this week's Racing Roundtable.
Features
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 notebook: Earls Rock built upon legends ancient and modern
Earls Rock's pedigree curates a multiplicity of strains of Northern Dancer, and his female line traces to an all-time great racemare.
Pedigree
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem Feb. 6, 2023
Jason writes about an aspiring racecaller who got an opportunity to call some races this past weekend.
Features
Saudi Cup: Scotland Yard building case as local hope
One year after locally-based Emblem Road stunned the world in the Saudi Cup (G1), could lightning strike twice for the same connections in the $20 million race?
Racing
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
Jason Beem's Thursday Column for Feb. 2, 2023
Jason talks about some horse racing personalities and participants he'd love to interview someday.
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
Pedigree notebook: An Eclipse Awards triple for Curlin
Hall of Famer Curlin added to his historic resume by siring an extraordinary three individual champions of 2022 — Malathaat (older dirt female), Nest (three-year-old filly), and Elite Power (male sprinter).
Pedigree
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem Jan. 30, 2023
Jason looks back at the Pegasus World Cup Day at Gulfstream Park.
Features
The Science of Horse Racing: Foaling the Future
Let’s look at the process of foaling and how our favorite racehorses went from safe inside a broodmare’s womb to taking their first steps toward greatness.
Education
Top trainers on Road to Kentucky Derby and their past Derby history
We take a look at some of the top Derby trainers and their horses to keep an eye on in upcoming Derby preps, as well as how those trainers have fared in past Kentucky Derby races.
Kentucky Derby
Pegasus World Cup Turf international scouting report: Hurricane Dream
As Frankie Dettori’s global farewell tour takes in Pegasus Day at Gulfstream Park, the renowned reinsman reunites with Hurricane Dream in the Pegasus World Cup Turf (G1).
Racing
Tall Tales of the Track: Death Rides Along
The story of the jockey who died in the middle of the race.
History
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
Jason Beem's Thursday Column for Jan. 26, 2023
Jason gives his thoughts on this year's Pegasus World Cup field and the event itself.
Features
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
Instant Coffee winning the Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) at Churchill Downs (Photo by Coady Photography)
Racing Roundtable: Lecomte Day and Pegasus World Cup
A look back at last weekend's Lecomte Day card at Fair Grounds and a look ahead to the Pegasus World Cup (G1) program at Gulfstream in this week's Racing Roundtable.
Features
Pedigree notebook: Hot and Sultry genetic combo
Four-year-old filly Hot and Sultry continued her upward curve by capturing her stakes debut in the Jan. 21 American Beauty S. at Oaklawn Park.
Pedigree
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem Jan. 23, 2023
Jason looks back at the Lecomte card from Fair Grounds this past weekend.
Features
Handicappers Debate: 2023 Louisiana at Fair Grounds
Handicappers Ashley Anderson and James Scully have different opinions in Saturday's Louisiana (G3) at Fair Grounds, which has attracted nine runners.
Features
The Jury: Bets and fades for Jan. 21
This weekend's action is highlighted by the "Road to the Derby Day" program at Fair Grounds, featuring the Lecomte (G3).
Wagering
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
Jason Beem's Thursday Column for Jan. 19, 2023
Celebrating the seventh anniversary of his first podcast, Jason looks back at seven things he's learned from doing the show.
Features
Pedigree notebook: Nothing hidden about Occult's cross
Kentucky Oaks hopeful Occult sports the same pedigree pattern as Mandaloun.
Pedigree
Instant Coffee winning the Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) at Churchill Downs (Photo by Coady Photography)
Bolt d'Oro finishes 2022 as leading first-crop sire, Instant Coffee one to watch
Former graded-stakes winner Bolt d’Oro closed out 2022 atop the first-crop sire rankings based on progeny earnings, with 29 winners from 80 runners, including six stakes winners and three graded stakes heroes.
Pedigree
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem Jan. 16, 2023
Jason discusses his mom's visit to Tampa Bay Downs and family connections to horse racing.
Features
The Jury: Bets and fades for Jan. 14
A relatively quiet Saturday of action across the country includes a Kentucky Oaks (G1) prep at Aqueduct and listed stakes at Oaklawn, Tampa Bay Downs, and elsewhere. James Scully, Vance Hanson, and Ashley Anderson tackle these and other races in this week's TwinSpires Jury.
Wagering
Handicappers Debate: 2023 Fifth Season at Oaklawn Park
Saturday’s Fifth Season S. at Oaklawn Park features a solid group of 10 older horses competing over a two-turn mile, and James Scully and John Mucciolo have different opinions.
Wagering
Jason Beem's Thursday Column for Jan. 12, 2023
“You got big shoes to fill.” We’ve all heard that phrase used whenever somebody takes over from their predecessor who was either an extreme talent or simply beloved in their role.
Features
First-crop sires 2022: Girvin relocated to Kentucky after making his mark
Girvin achieved success as a freshman sire, ranking fifth among first-crop sires by progeny earnings in 2022 ($1,910,156), and his five stakes winners included Grade 1 conqueror Faiza.
Pedigree
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
First-crop sires 2022: Justify makes Japanese impact
In a three-way battle for first-crop supremacy with Bolt d’Oro and Good Magic in 2022, Triple Crown winner Justify eventually finished third.
Pedigree
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
First-crop sires: Good Magic increases Kentucky Derby prep tally to four
Reincarnate and Dubyuhnell have become the latest sons of Good Magic to win Road to the Kentucky Derby events.
Pedigree
POPULAR ARTICLES
The impact of the new Road to the Kentucky Derby points system
Betting Strategy: Chris Larmey, “Nobody wants to be a fish"
Swimming in the pools of Kentucky Derby betting enthusiasm
MC Hammer, Bacharach & Steinbrenner: Kentucky Derby celebrities are uniquely fans and participants
Pedigree notebook: Starspangledbanner yet waves with Papilio, and more
VIDEOS
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