POPULAR ARTICLES
VIDEOS
LATEST
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Flood Zone
Are one-turn miles destined to be Flood Zone’s strong suit, or can he shine racing 1 1/4 miles around two turns in the Kentucky Derby (G1)?
Racing
LIVE Saturday Racing: Gulfstream, Santa Anita & Aqueduct
Join us on the Road to the Kentucky Derby as we give you live updates on stakes races, including the Gotham, Fountain of Youth, and San Felipe.
Live
LIVE Blog for Saturday Stakes Racing: picks, odds, results and more on the RTKD
Join us on the Road to the Kentucky Derby as we give you live updates on stakes races, including the Gotham, Fountain of Youth, and San Felipe.
Live
Tall Tales of the Track: A Tale of Two Clydes
Once upon a time in the rolling hills of the Kentucky Bluegrass, a little chestnut horse was born. What he lacked in stature, he made up for in talent and heart, especially on rainy days. Named for his equally diminutive trainer, Clyde Van Dusen put on a big show on the first Saturday in May and did his big sire proud with his Kentucky Derby win.
Racing
STUDY: How Thoroughbred sire line success rates vary by racing surface
Do descendants of Northern Dancer, Mr. Prospector, and Bold Ruler exhibit surface preferences depending on which sire line they hail from? Let’s crunch some numbers and find out.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Roundup: Coal Battle strikes again
The 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1) is 68 days away. Catch up on the latest news and notes as the Road to the Kentucky Derby unfolds:
Racing
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Cornucopian wins like Justify
Seven years ago, Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert pulled off a seemingly impossible feat. He has chances to do it again with Cornucopian and Tiz Secure.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Luxor Cafe
Luxor Cafe, a Triple Crown nominee based in Japan, could have Kentucky Derby (G1) aspirations after winning the Hyacinth S. and Fukuryu S. on the Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: California Burrito
Switching back to dirt for the 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1) shouldn’t be a concern for California Burrito. But can he handle the Derby’s 1 1/4-mile distance?
Racing
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem for Feb. 24, 2025
Jason looks back at getting to bring a friend to the races this weekend for the first time and their experience of it.
Racing
Spot plays for the 2025 Saudi Cup day
Saturday is Saudi Cup day in Riyadh. Some of the world’s best thoroughbreds have converged on the Middle East to contend for massive purses. This makes for a racing extravaganza with full fields and plenty of challenges for handicappers.
Saudi Cup
Thursday Thoughts with Jason Beem for Feb. 20, 2025
Jason discusses the concept of "hope" within horse racing and betting.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Mage’s half-bro Baeza graduates
Can Puca make history as the first mare to produce three U.S. classic winners? It’s within the realm of possibility after her foal Baeza broke his maiden in eye-catching fashion at Santa Anita last Friday.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Roundup: Magnitude climbs the leaderboard
The 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1) is 75 days away. Catch up on the latest news and notes as the Road to the Kentucky Derby unfolds:
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Getaway Car
A brief glance at the pedigree of Sunland Park Derby winner Getaway Car might lead to the conclusion he’s bred to shine racing classic distances.
Racing
2025 Saudi Cup: Top storylines
The world’s richest race, Saturday’s $20 million Saudi Cup (G1), is attracting the world’s all-time richest racehorse, Romantic Warrior, and a robust Japanese team led by Forever Young.
Racing
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem for Feb. 17, 2025
Jason discusses Sunday's power outage at Tampa and shares some stories from power outage past in his time in racing.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Magnitude
A 9 3/4-length demolition of the Risen Star (G2) has stamped Magnitude as a serious contender for the 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1).
Racing
Risen Star LIVE blog: Picks, odds, & more at Fair Grounds
Get ready for the main event for horse racing today! The Risen Star Stakes and Rachel Alexandra is just around the corner.
Racing
LIVE blog for Fair Grounds Saturday Racing: Picks, odds, replays, race results and more
Let the racing begin! The first race of the day will be here soon enough with a day full of race entries, race results, trackside all access coverage, picks, offers, and more
Racing
Exclusive 2025 Risen Star LIVE chat ahead of Saturday racing
Join in on an open discussion with our expert panel ahead of Saturday racing about this Saturday's RTKD race, the Risen Star.
Analysis
Pedigree notebook: Nutella Fella’s genetic confection
Nutella Fella is by champion sprinter Runhappy, but his female line also features high-profile speedsters, suggesting a confluence of factors on top and bottom.
Racing
Kentucky Derby preps: How productive is the Risen Star?
Once upon a time, the Risen Star (G2) at Fair Grounds was a minor step on the Road to the Kentucky Derby. Now it ranks among the most pivotal qualifiers.
Racing
Horse Racing History: The Biggest Bets Ever Placed
The history of horse racing is filled with stories of bettors and horsemen who gambled big dollars in search of huge payoffs.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Colloquial stuns but plans to keep sprinting
Is Feb. 7 too late for a potential Kentucky Derby (G1) contender to break his maiden and still qualify to compete on the first Saturday in May?
Racing
Kentucky Derby Roundup: John Hancock takes the Sam F. Davis
The 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1) is 82 days away. Catch up on the latest news and notes as the Road to the Kentucky Derby unfolds:
Racing
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem for Feb. 10, 2025
Jason discusses some of his thoughts on Saturday's Sam F. Davis card at Tampa Bay Downs.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: John Hancock
John Hancock joined the Road to the Kentucky Derby with an unwavering performance in the 1 1/16-mile Sam F. Davis S. at Tampa Bay Downs.
Racing
STUDY: Does jockey experience influence win rates and earnings?
Does the number of years a Thoroughbred jockey has been riding influence their win rate and earnings?
Racing
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Sorcerer’s Silver romps for Romans
Trainer Dale Romans has enjoyed resounding success through the years. But one target that has proven elusive is the Kentucky Derby (G1).
Racing
Kentucky Derby Roundup: Citizen Bull returns a winner
The 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1) is 89 days away. Catch up on the latest news and notes as the Road to the Kentucky Derby unfolds:
Racing
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem for Feb. 3, 2025
I’d be curious how many riders have had that experience that he had yesterday. Winning on your first mount, only to be disqualified. I’m sure it’s happened but it has to be a tiny number of riders it's happened to.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Burnham Square
Handicappers must answer an important question: can Burnham Square handle the testing 1 1/4-mile distance of the Kentucky Derby (G1)?
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Captain Cook
Can Captain Cook handle stretching out over 1 1/4 miles for the Kentucky Derby (G1)?
Racing
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: 10 new names to follow
The final weekend in January yielded a bevy of three-year-old maiden winners with possible 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1) aspirations.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Roundup: Speed King surprises in the Southwest
The 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1) is 96 days away. Catch up on the latest news and notes as the Road to the Kentucky Derby unfolds:
Racing
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem Jan. 27, 2025
Jason discusses White Abarrio's win in the Pegasus World Cup (G1).
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Speed King
Speed King lived up to his name in the 1 1/16-mile Southwest (G3) on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, leading all the way to win the $1 million race by one length.
Racing
A True Gentleman of the Sport: Edward L. Bowen (1942-2025)
Edward L. Bowen, former BloodHorse editor, author, and historian, was one of those storytellers, a man who loved every facet of racing and made it his life’s mission to share its stories.
Racing
Pedigree notebook: Still more to come from Arrogate’s last crop
This Saturday’s Pegasus World Cup (G1) brings back memories of champion Arrogate, who blasted to a new track record in the 2017 edition at Gulfstream Park.
Racing
Kentucky Derby preps: How productive is the Holy Bull?
The Holy Bull established its reputation during the 1990s and 2000s, when it cranked out three Kentucky Derby winners from only 23 starters.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Hypnus wins debut for McPeek
When trainer Kenny McPeek saddles a horse to win on debut, there’s a good chance that horse will go on to achieve success at the stakes level.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Roundup: Disco Time joins the leaderboard
The 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1) is 103 days away. Catch up on the latest news and notes as the Road to the Kentucky Derby unfolds:
Racing
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem Jan. 20, 2025
Jason discusses Saturday's Lecomte Stakes and why it's his unofficial start of the Road to the Kentucky Derby.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Disco Time
Is the Kentucky Derby’s testing 1 1/4-mile journey within Disco Time’s distance capabilities? His pedigree gives off mixed signals.
Racing
Tall Tales of the Track: Donau Doesn’t Play
Every Kentucky Derby winner leaves their mark on the race, a collection of 150 stories writing the history of this sporting institution. One particular winner, Donau, came to Louisville with a colorful background and an even more colorful personality, his tale one of a champion with an attitude all his own.
Racing
TwinSpires weekely promotions and sign-up offer
TwinSpires offers a wide range of promotions for every player across a variety of tracks. Prepare for the weekend with the offers listed below, and don't forget about our upcoming tournaments as we inch closer to the Kentucky Derby!
Features
Horses to follow in 2025: Just a Touch
Just a Touch hasn’t been seen since last summer, but the runner-up to Sierra Leone in the 2024 Blue Grass (G1) brings plenty of upside into his four-year-old season.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Pletcher saddles three winners
Last Saturday, Pletcher saddled no fewer than three sophomore maiden winners at two different racetracks, and all three look like possible candidates for this year’s Kentucky Derby.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Roundup: 14 horses seek double points in Lecomte
The 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1) is 110 days away. Catch up on the latest news and notes as the Road to the Kentucky Derby unfolds:
Racing
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem Jan. 13, 2025
Jason discusses cancellations of cards in racing in the more modern times.
Racing
Likely Exchange: The little mare with outsized influence
Who was Likely Exchange? In brief, a mare of hickory on the racetrack whose too short life as a producer nonetheless stretched in influence well into the 21st century.
Racing
Thursday Thoughts with Jason Beem for Jan. 9, 2025
Jason discusses some things he'd like to see go away in racing in 2025.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Rodriguez romps at Santa Anita
The two-year-old Thoroughbreds of 2024 turned three year olds on Jan. 1, barely more than four months before the 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1).
Racing
Horses to follow in 2025: Raqiya
While Todd Pletcher has the likes of Fierceness, Locked, and Mindframe in his arsenal for 2025, the Hall of Fame trainer picked up a fascinating new turf recruit in Raqiya.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Roundup: Coal Battle, Cyclone State win first preps of 2025
The first week of January produced a bevy of notable updates on the Kentucky Derby (G1) trail.
Racing
2024 in review: Travers Stakes left the biggest what-if
Imagine that the Travers (G1) post positions for Fierceness and Thorpedo Anna were reversed.
Racing
Horses I’m looking forward to in 2025
As a memorable season of racing comes to an end it’s time for me to look ahead to what might be in store for 2025.
Racing
Why I voted nay on Thorpedo Anna for Horse of the Year
When the 2024 Eclipse Award ceremony is held in late January, the most likely name to be pulled from the envelope containing the voters' choice as Horse of the Year is Thorpedo Anna.
Racing
Exploring Famous Racehorse Names and Their Meanings
Scan the entries on a typical racecard and you'll see a wide assortment of ordinary nouns and phrases make up a significant portion of the names Thoroughbreds carry with them throughout their lives.
Features
2024 In Review: Monthly Highlights
James Scully reviews some monthly highlights from Thoroughbred racing in 2024
Racing
Sierra Leone registers top Brisnet Speed rating of 2024
Here’s the list of the top two dozen winning Speed ratings of 2024, led by Sierra Leone's 114 in the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1).
Racing
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: 6 from Derby-winning trainers
Four Kentucky Derby (G1)-winning trainers combined to saddle six high-profile two-year-old maiden winners last week.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Roundup: Jerome, Smarty Jones kick off 2025
The first two Road to the Kentucky Derby qualifiers of 2025 are coming up on Saturday at Aqueduct and Oaklawn Park.
Racing
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem Dec. 30, 2024
Jason discusses the past weekend of racing including the closing of Freehold Raceway and some things to learn from it.
Racing
2024 in review: 10 favorite horses
While the Eclipse Award champions of 2024 will get plenty of fanfare, I’d like to take a more subjective approach and highlight my own personal favorites over the past year.
Racing
Thursday Thoughts with Jason Beem for Dec. 26, 2024
Jason discusses his favorite opening day of the year. If you’ve never been there, I don’t think you can be prepared for the first time you see the view.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Roundup: Built impresses in the Gun Runner
As the year winds down and the holiday season hits its peak, let’s catch up on the latest news and notes from the 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1) trail:
Racing
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Amoss saddles two winners
Last Saturday, trainer Tom Amoss saddled a pair of juveniles to win maiden races at major tracks.
Racing
At Long Last: Perseverance Pays Off at the Kentucky Derby
For names like Day and Pincay, Whittingham and Stephens, and Mellon and Genter, the road to Derby glory is long and winding, but their arrival is a celebration of the triumph of spirit and perseverance that finally brought them Kentucky Derby glory.
Racing
Remembering the champions we lost in 2024
Through Dec. 19, si Eclipse Award-winning Thoroughbreds are known to have died in 2024. Here are short sketches of each one in chronological order according to the year their championships were attained.
Racing
Thursday Thoughts with Jason Beem Dec. 19, 2024
Jason welcomes in some friends to talk about what they love about Turfway Park.
Racing
Horses to follow in 2025: Senza Parole
Remember Senza Parole, the sensational debut winner at Saratoga who was sure to be the red-hot favorite in the Frizette (G1)?
Racing
Kentucky Derby Roundup: Journalism among three prep winners
Last week, three Kentucky Derby (G1) qualifiers took place over the course of four days. Many new names emerged on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.
Racing
First-crop sires: Kale’s Angel heralds promise for Complexity
Complexity has furnished several additional stakes performers since our last installment, chief among them Kale’s Angel, who starred in the Advent S. on opening day at Oaklawn Park.
Racing
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem Dec. 16, 2024
Jason looks back at the season coming to an end at Woodbine Racetrack.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Journalism
Sometimes it’s possible to glance at the pedigree of a potential Kentucky Derby (G1) contender and conclude with certainty they’re bred to shine racing 1 1/4 miles on the first Saturday in May.
Racing
Tall Tales of the Track, Kentucky Derby Edition: One Horse, Two Women, and a Derby for the Show Me State
Bred by Emma Holt Prather, Elwood came east from California to contest the Kentucky Derby for his owner Lasca Durnell, not only giving Missouri its lone rosy victor but also becoming the first bred and owned by women.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Coal Battle
Sprints and short routes are clearly within the wheelhouse of Coal Battle. But can he handle the testing 1 1/4-mile distance of the 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1)?
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Myriad Love
A filly hasn’t contested the Kentucky Derby (G1) since Devil May Care finished 10th in 2010. That could potentially change in 2025.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Roundup: Poster stars in the Remsen
No fewer than five Kentucky Derby (G1) qualifiers are taking place in the U.S. and Japan this month. The first was contested last week, and three more are on the agenda this week.
Racing
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem Dec. 9, 2024
Jason discusses some races from the weekend and talks about how he'd like to see more races at various distances.
Racing
Faded Glory: Forgotten Kentucky Derby Winners (Sunny’s Halo, 1983)
Sunny’s Halo bested injury and a full field on Derby Day to bring another victory in the Run for the Roses back to the Great White North.
Racing
Racing Roundtable: Thanksgiving weekend recap
The Roundtable this week looks back on an action-packed Thanksgiving holiday weekend, with emphasis on the two-year-old action at Churchill Downs and elsewhere.
Racing
2024 Hong Kong Vase: Trends and storylines
Unlike the other three Hong Kong International Races, the about 1 1/2-mile Hong Kong Vase (G1) remains a happy hunting ground for invaders. The trend is expected to continue in Sunday’s renewal at Sha Tin.
Racing
2024 Hong Kong Sprint: Trends and storylines
Breeders’ Cup winner Starlust will attract the notice of North American racing fans, but the center of gravity in Sunday’s Hong Kong Sprint (G1) lies with the locals led by Ka Ying Rising.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: First Resort
A pace-tracking victory in the 1 1/16-mile Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) suggests running long on dirt is First Resort’s true strong suit.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Roundup: First Resort joins the leaderboard
We’re closing in on a milestone: Wednesday marks 150 days until the 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1) at Churchill Downs.
Racing
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem Dec. 2, 2024
Jason looks back at Churchill's final weekend of the year and the big season for trainer Kenny McPeek.
Racing
2024 Hong Kong Mile: Trends and storylines
The retirement of Golden Sixty has created a golden opportunity for a new star to emerge in the Dec. 8 Hong Kong Mile (G1), but it’s less obvious to predict his successor at Sha Tin.
Racing
2024 Hong Kong Cup: Trends and storylines
Two-time defending champion Romantic Warrior furnishes the leading storyline going into the Hong Kong Cup (G1) while illustrating recent trends in the Sha Tin feature.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Baffert, Cox unveil new winners
Last week, Baffert and Cox saddled flashy debut winners with the potential to make noise on the 2024-25 Road to the Kentucky Derby.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Roundup: Natural Rise wins the Cattleya Stakes
The Road to the Kentucky Derby is heating back up, and the Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby is officially underway.
Racing
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem Nov. 25, 2024
Jason discusses the Fall Highweight and talks about weight in horse racing.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Natural Rise
A brief glance at Natural Rise’s pedigree suggests he’s cut out for success on turf rather than dirt. But dig deeper, and dirt influences become evident.
Racing
Trying for Lilies and Roses: Fillies Who Ran in the Kentucky Derby and Won the Kentucky Oaks
In its 150 years, five fillies were able to win the Kentucky Oaks after their turn in the Kentucky Derby, putting these distaffers in a class of their own.
Racing
Thursday Thoughts with Jason Beem Nov. 21, 2024
Jason looks back on Tampa Bay Downs opening day and other opening day cards.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Guns Loaded wins for D’Angelo
Trainer Jose D’Angelo has yet to saddle a Kentucky Derby (G1) starter, but that may change in 2025. Guns Loaded looks like the type who can factor on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.
Racing
POPULAR ARTICLES
VIDEOS
LATEST