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Dark Star wins the 1953 Kentucky Derby (Photo courtesy of the Kentucky Derby Museum/Churchill Downs)
Faded Glory: Forgotten Winners of the Kentucky Derby (Dark Star, 1953)
In 1953, the sport had fallen in love with a gray colt who seemed destined to sweep every race he tried, but in that year’s Kentucky Derby, Native Dancer’s unexpected defeat came thanks to a colt named Dark Star.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Bullard impresses in debut
For the fifth straight year, TwinSpires Edge presents the Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch series. Each week, we’ll highlight recent maiden winners with possible 2024 Kentucky Derby (G1) aspirations.
Racing
Catching My Eye at Colonial Downs Week 8
Colonial Downs track announcer Jason Beem looks back at some horses who caught his eye during Week 8 at Colonial Downs.
Racing
Breeders’ Cup Roundup: Mixto, Highland Falls join the fray
A pair of runners who weren’t previously heralded as Breeders’ Cup contenders qualified to the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) last weekend.
Racing
First-crop sires: Authentic may still hit the mark
Authentic retired to Spendthrift Farm near Lexington, Kentucky, with earnings of more than $7.2 million from an 8-6-2-0 record. Let's review some of his runners to hit the track so far.
Racing
Juvenile champion Game Winner a freshman sire to watch
Game Winner turned out to be one of those racehorses most owners dream about. Purchased for a relative bargain at the most notable yearling market in the world, Game Winner proved a champion on the racetrack and earned back his purchase price many times over.
Racing
First-crop sires: Black Forza, Mo Plex keep rolling for Complexity
Since the first installment of our TwinSpires.com series on first-crop sires, early leader Complexity continues to add to his portfolio.
Racing
Breeders’ Cup Roundup: City of Troy qualifies to the Classic
The 2024 Breeders’ Cup at Del Mar is 67 days away. Catch up on the latest news and developments with our weekly Breeders’ Cup Roundup:
Racing
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem Aug. 26, 2024
Jason discusses Saturday's Travers S. (G1) and how it was a "restorative race."
Racing
2024 Travers Weekend with odds, results, replays, promotions, and more
Prepare those bets for the Travers and other stakes and maiden races during Saturday's races.
Racing
Breeders’ Cup Roundup: Action heats up at Saratoga, York
Last week was relatively quiet in terms of Breeders’ Cup prep action. Call it the calm before the storm that is Aug. 21-24.
Racing
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem Aug. 19, 2024
Jason looks back at Saturday's night's Gold Cup and Saucer at Charlottetown and talks about the special event.
Racing
Royalty and Roses: The Nobility Comes to Churchill Downs
Not only has the Kentucky Derby played to many Thoroughbred kings and queens, but has also attracted its share of royalty to the day’s celebrations, including famed royal equestrienne herself, Queen Elizabeth II.
Racing
Trackside: 2024 King's Plate Weekend at Woodbine
TwinSpires races to the trackside this weekend for King's Plate Weekend at Woodbine.
Racing
Thursday Thoughts with Jason Beem Aug. 15, 2024
Jason shares some final thoughts on the Arlington Million card from Colonial Downs.
Racing
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem Aug. 12, 2024
Jason looks back at Sunday's Longacres Mile and discusses the race and some of its amazing history.
Racing
Tall Tales of the Track, Kentucky Derby Edition: A Cursed Classic Contest
Despite the bright skies and the field brimming with talent, Burgoo King’s 1932 Derby win would prove to be one not of good fortune, but bad luck instead.
Racing
Trackside: 2024 Arlington Million Day at Colonial Downs
Our team of experts goes trackside at Colonial Downs for Arlington Million Day.
Racing
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem Aug. 5, 2024
Jason looks back at some of the big races and his thoughts on them from this past weekend.
Racing
Trackside: 2024 Kentucky Downs Preview Weekend at Ellis Park
TwinSpires races to the track this weekend to bring you exclusive content surrounding this week's Kentucky Down Preview Weekend at Ellis Park.
Racing
Faded Glory: Forgotten Kentucky Derby Winners (Jet Pilot, 1947)
In a year sandwiched between Triple Crown winners, Jet Pilot capitalized on his good fortune and brought home a rosy victory for his famous owner and Hall of Fame trainer.
Racing
Breeders’ Cup WAYI Sussex among key clashes at Glorious Goodwood
Wednesday’s Sussex (G1) is the lone Breeders’ Cup Challenge event during the five-day festival at Glorious Goodwood, but implications for the championships at Del Mar will abound throughout the week.
Racing
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem July 29, 2024
Jason discusses the announcements and results ahead of this year's Travers S. (G1) and why we like horses to try new things.
Racing
TwinSpires annual series continues with five freshman sires to watch in 2024
For the fourth consecutive year, the stable of writers at TwinSpires will offer thoughts and analysis on five of the most compelling freshman sires whose offspring hit the track for the first time this year.
Racing
Thousand Words states his claim as a top freshman stallion
A picture may be worth 1,000 words, but first-crop sire Thousands Words is worth a whole lot more to Spendthrift Farm, where he retired to stud in 2021 following a successful nine-race career.
Racing
How champion three-year-old campaigns have changed over time
Every year, a champion three-year-old male is crowned. But in the decades since the creation of the Eclipse Awards in 1971, the typical campaign for these champions has changed significantly.
Racing
Complexity dashes to early lead among 2024 first-crop sires
As a hotshot debut winner at Saratoga and hero of the 2018 Champagne (G1), Complexity had the right profile to make a splash with his first-crop two-year-olds.
Racing
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem July 22, 2024
Jason discusses this past weekend's Haskell (G1) at Monmouth and the surprises it brought.
Racing
Coming to You Live: A History of Broadcasting the Kentucky Derby
The 150 years of the Kentucky Derby have seen this famous test follow the evolution of media, where this racing experience has gone from words on a page to images on our screens, creating a day at the races unlike any other.
Racing
2024 Haskell Weekend Coverage: Odds, Breaking News, Analysis, Expert Picks, and More | July 20, 2024
Prepare for a busy Saturday of stakes racing as we travel between Del Mar, Woodbine, Saratoga, Colonial Downs, and of course Monmouth for Haskell Stakes weekend. Find out expert analysis, picks, upcoming events, results, replays, and more! Check out our schedule below so you don't miss a thing!
Racing
Thursday Thoughts with Jason Beem Jul. 18, 2024
In today's Thursday Thoughts, Jason looks at his exposure to steeplechase racing since coming to Colonial Downs.
Racing
5 technological advancements propelling horse racing forward
Technology advances at a dizzying pace, influencing seemingly every aspect of life. Even a sport as old as Thoroughbred horse racing is changing with the times.
Racing
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem July 15, 2024
Jason looks back at the Diana (G1) from Saratoga and more from the weekend in his Monday Morning Message.
Racing
Tall Tales of the Track, Kentucky Derby Edition: Taking a (Long) Shot at Roses
Though the early list for the 1972 Kentucky Derby featured names like Riva Ridge and No Le Hace, as the race grew closer, a maiden named One Eyed Tom grew closer to making his owner’s Derby dreams come true. However, to make his shot at rosy glory a reality, the gelding needed to pass one very important test: the gate test.
Racing
Sprint great Groovy deserving of a Hall of Fame nod
Groovy, arguably the most significant Texas-bred since the days of King Ranch, was a powerhouse. When he was allowed to specialize at what he did best, that is.
Racing
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem July 8, 2024
Jason discusses another big win from Next and why he's the coolest horse in training.
Racing
Faded Glory: Forgotten Kentucky Derby Winners (Gallahadion, 1940)
Bimelech entered the year as Colonel E.R. Bradley’s best hope for a fifth Derby win, his undefeated record making a win on the first Saturday in May a veritable certainty. In the wings waited a surprise for the overwhelming favorite, Gallahadion, an unheralded contender who would deliver a sweet victory for a familiar name.
Racing
Breeders’ Cup betting handle keeps growing through the years
The Breeders’ Cup has ranked among the most important events in horse racing since its inaugural running in 1984. It’s also one of the biggest betting days.
Racing
Tournament Strategy: Interview with Mike VanRyckeghem, winner of Twinspires $2,500 NHC Qualifier Feeder #5
After seven feeder tournaments offering $2,500 each this past fall, the day has finally come for NHC seats to be on the line in the Twinspires $5,000 NHC Qualifier.
Racing
Top 10 takeaways from Royal Ascot 2024
How do you distill five fantastic days of racing, at a sun-baked Royal Ascot? Very subjectively! Here are my main impressions from the week:
Racing
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem June 24, 2024
Jason looks back at some of the top stories from the weekend in his Monday Morning Message.
Racing
Thursday Thoughts with Jason Beem Jun. 20, 2024
We all have those mediocre horses that we loved when we were young. Jason writes about a couple of his.
Racing
Free 2024 Royal Ascot Betting Guide: Picks, Analysis, Tips, and Trends
Find out everything you need to know for betting the five-day Royal Ascot meeting beginning on Tuesday, June 18! Download our FREE 2024 Royal Ascot Betting Guide.
Racing
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem June 17, 2024
Jason discusses Father's Day and horse racing, and their intersection.
Racing
A Battle of Titans: The 1917 Brooklyn Handicap
On June 25, 1917, another memorable clash played out at old Aqueduct Racetrack, as three Kentucky Derby winners and three Hall of Famers made that dirt oval their arena in a historic battle of titans. In this epic saga, the finale yields a surprising twist as these superstars play off each other over nine furlongs on the Gotham stage.
Racing
Thursday Thoughts with Jason Beem Jun. 13, 2024
Jason shares some memories of Golden Gate Fields and its recent closing.
Racing
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem June 10, 2024
Jason looks back at the end of the Triple Crown season as the Belmont Stakes is now in the books.
Racing
2024 Belmont Stakes horses: trainers, jockeys, owners competing in the race
Discover everything you need to know about the trainers, jockeys, and owners competing in the 2024 Belmont Stakes.
Racing
2024 Belmont Stakes odds, betting strategy, cheat sheet
TwinSpires brings together our expert racing analysts to provide authoritative insight and analysis to form the best bets for the 2024 Belmont Stakes.
Racing
2024 Belmont Stakes Picks: Predictions and Odds for All Horses
The 156th Belmont Stakes will soon add the last jewel to the Triple Crown. The field is packed with familiar talent, with many of the 2024 Belmont Stakes contenders coming fresh out of the Kentucky Derby (G1) at Churchill Downs, or the Preakness (G1) at Pimlico.
Racing
2024 Belmont Stakes: Weather forecast, chance of rain for the day of the race
Weather predictions are an important aspect to consider when handicapping any race. Stay up-to-date with the race day's weather.
Racing
Tall Tales of the Track, Kentucky Derby Edition: Watch Out!
The maiden colt Great Redeemer became a part of Derby history thanks to his unconventional connections and inauspicious Run for the Roses, including a close call of the photographic kind.
Racing
Jason Beem's Thursday Column for June 6, 2024
Jason looks back at the 20th anniversary of Smarty Jones' 2024 Triple Crown bid and gives his picks for this year's race.
Racing
Free 2024 Belmont Stakes Betting Guide: Picks, Analysis, Tips, and Trends
Find out everything you need to know for betting the Belmont Stakes on Saturday! Download our FREE 2024 Belmont Stakes Betting Guide.
Racing
Stats and storylines for the 2024 Belmont Stakes
The 2024 Triple Crown concludes with a bang at Saratoga this Saturday. The 156th Belmont S. (G1), the final leg of the three-race series, has drawn a strong field of 10 horses.
Racing
Faded Glory: Forgotten Kentucky Derby Winners (Lawrin, 1938)
While the majority of the 150 winners of the Kentucky Derby were born in the Bluegrass State, 14 other states boast Derby victors of their own, with seven producing one each. New York has Funny Cide, Maryland gave us Kauai King, and in 1938, Kansas got its lone victory with a colt named Lawrin.
Racing
Thursday Thoughts with Jason Beem May 30, 2024
Jason shares some thoughts on the Saturday Early Pick 5 at Churchill Downs and the discusses the topic of the "default two deep leg" in multi-leg wagers.
Racing
Thursday Thoughts with Jason Beem May 23, 2024
In this week's Thursday Thoughts column Jason opines on the Preakness (G1), Ghostzapper, new racecallers, and more!
Racing
Who is Preakness-winning jockey Jaime Torres?
“Can you guys imagine when you are watching a movie and you have this horse, like it's the main character in the movie and you see the last race and he wins and you feel that emotion..."
Racing
Double the Joy: Trainer/Jockey Duos Who Won Roses and Lilies
The 150th Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby were memorable for more than the milestone anniversaries for both classics. When Thorpedo Anna took the Oaks and then Mystik Dan eked out a Derby victory, they gave Kenny McPeek and Brian Hernandez, Jr. a rare double victory, just the third trainer/jockey combo to win both races in the same year. The previous pairs include multiple Hall of Famers, each leaving their mark on the sport through their achievements under the Twin Spires.
Racing
2024 Preakness Stakes Coverage; Breaking News, Odds, Analysis, Expert Picks | May 18, 2024
TwinSpires will be here LIVE starting at 10:30 AM EST giving you the latest race entries, replays, odds, and more for the second leg of the Triple Crown!
Racing
Meet the jockeys and trainers of Preakness 149
Following the scratch of Muth, eight horses are slated to contest the 2024 Preakness (G1) at Pimlico. Seven trainers and eight jockeys will help those horses run to their full potential in the second leg of the Triple Crown.
Racing
Top 5 storylines for 2024 Preakness Stakes
The scratch of morning line favorite Muth dominated the headlines on Wednesday of Preakness Week. Moreover, it removed a pivotal talking point: would Muth confirm the form of his Arkansas Derby (G1) victory over next-out Kentucky Derby (G1) hero Mystik Dan?
Racing
2024 Preakness Stakes Latest News and Notes
The 149th running of the Preakness S. is quickly upon us. Our Preakness News and Notes offers all our coverage in one place to act as the ultimate guide to aid in your betting experience.
Racing
Thursday Thoughts with Jason Beem May 16, 2024
Jason discusses the Preakness (G1), how it changes with Muth scratched, and more!
Racing
Tall Tales of the Track, Kentucky Derby Edition: Close Encounters of Unlucky Kind
Sometimes the difference between winning and losing is nothing more than a bit of bad luck, as jockey Charley Kurtsinger discovered in the 1936 Kentucky Derby.
Racing
Faded Glory: Forgotten Kentucky Derby Winners (Whiskery, 1927)
The history of the Kentucky Derby is rich with names that have left their mark on this classic race: Bradley, Woodward, Chenery, and Whitney, owners who all celebrated more than one victory of their own. The Whitney family’s connection to the Run for the Roses spans more than a century with four wins from their long list of starters.
Kentucky Derby
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem May 6, 2024
Jason looks back at the success of the Kentucky Derby weekend and how important it is to build off of that.
Racing
2024 Kentucky Derby winner: Mystik Dan (18-1) wins the 150th Kentucky Derby
In the closest Kentucky Derby (G1) finish in more than a quarter-century, Mystik Dan surged up the rail and turned back late challenges to win the 150th edition of the historic race by a nose.
Racing
Storylines to watch for 2024 Kentucky Derby
The 150th Kentucky Derby (G1) promises to be a vintage renewal, befitting the special historical occasion.
Racing
Thursday Thoughts with Jason Beem May 2, 2024
Jason gives his final thoughts and picks for the Kentucky Oaks (G1) and Kentucky Derby (G1).
Racing
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem April 29, 2024
Jason looks ahead to this week's Derby festivities and looks back at some of his Derby memories.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Mugatu
After finishing fourth in the John Battaglia Memorial S. and fifth in the Blue Grass (G1) on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, Mugatu enters the 2024 Kentucky Derby (G1) as the second also-eligible entrant in an overflow field of 22 horses.
Racing
The human and the horse
As the 150th Kentucky Derby approaches, we want to honor the beautiful connection that occurs between the horse and the human that cares for them.
Racing
Thursday Thoughts with Jason Beem Apr. 25, 2024
Jason shares some Thursday Thoughts on Keeneland's meet wrapping up, Churchill's getting underway, and more!
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Epic Ride
Which racing surface is best for Epic Ride? And can he handle the Kentucky Derby’s testing 1 1/4-mile distance? His pedigree hints at the answers.
Racing
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem April 22, 2024
Jason looks back at the weekend including the Illinois Derby win for Patriot Spirit and that horse's journey through his racing career.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Common Defense
Top-five finishers in the Louisiana Derby (G2), Rebel (G2), and Southwest (G3) have launched Common Defense into the Kentucky Derby (G1) picture, even though his pedigree is geared toward success on turf more than dirt.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Grand Mo the First
A glance at the pedigree of Kentucky Derby (G1) contender Grand Mo the First reveals the source of his multi-surface versatility.
Racing
Thursday Thoughts with Jason Beem Apr. 18, 2024
Jason discusses racing fans who came to the sport during the pandemic and the excitement of marketing to people who are new in the game.
Racing
150 years of Kentucky Derby winners: 1975-2023
Kentucky Derby 150 is just around the corner! Celebrate by exploring the rich history of Derby winners and Kentucky Derby Results.
Racing
150 years of Kentucky Derby Winners: 1925-1974
Kentucky Derby 150 is just around the corner! Celebrate by exploring the rich history of Derby winners and Kentucky Derby Results.
Racing
150 years of Kentucky Derby winners throughout the years: 1875-1924
Kentucky Derby 150 is just around the corner! Celebrate by exploring the rich history of Derby winners and Kentucky Derby Results.
Racing
The Big Payoff: Donerail’s Derby
In 1913, Donerail became the talk of the town and the nation with his surprise Derby win, establishing a record that may never be broken.
Racing
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem April 15, 2024
Jason looks back at the Masters tournament and discusses how sports traditions get formed as well as how do we keep people who watch just these big events to stay as year-round fans?
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Just Steel
Just Steel is a capable competitor on dirt, but that’s arguably in defiance of his bloodlines. A glance at his pedigree suggests turf might be his best surface.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Just a Touch
One of the most beautifully bred horses in the prospective 2024 Kentucky Derby (G1) field is Just a Touch, the lightly raced runner-up in the Blue Grass (G1) and Gotham (G3) on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Society Man
Running long is a strong suit for Society Man, runner-up in the 1 1/8-mile Wood Memorial (G2) and a maiden winner over the same distance. Stretching out over 1 1/4 miles for the Kentucky Derby (G1) should fit the chestnut gelding just fine.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Catalytic
It’s difficult to say based off Catalytic’s racing record and pedigree whether the Kentucky Derby’s 1 1/4-mile distance is within his wheelhouse.
Racing
Tall Tales of the Track, Kentucky Derby Edition: A Question of Calks
Blue Larkspur had what it takes to win the 1929 Kentucky Derby – speed, power, and tactical talent – yet met defeat for one surprising reason: calks.
Racing
How betting longshots exiting deep races can reap rewards
It's not uncommon to analyze the entries for a horse race and see multiple runners coming out of a common previous race. If the previous race was a deep and classy contest, consider the possibility the horses exiting that race will sweep the top two or three finishing positions in the race you're currently handicapping.
Racing
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem April 8, 2024
Jason looks back at the Derby preps from the weekend and a huge day for jockey Frankie Dettori.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Resilience
Pedigree handicappers are aware of Resilience’s Kentucky Derby (G1) potential. After all, his pedigree is packed with speed, stamina, class, and—most importantly—Kentucky Derby winners.
Racing
Kentucky Derby International Scouting Report: T O Password
Japan Road invitee T O Password brings a 2-for-2 record into Churchill Downs, but he’s yet to race at anywhere near the level of compatriot Forever Young.
Racing
Faded Glory: Forgotten Kentucky Derby Winners (Omar Khayyam, 1917)
The list of Kentucky Derby victors currently stands at 149 names long, a roster of horses famed and forgotten, each with a story of their own. In its fifth decade, the historic equine contest emerged from its lean years with new vigor, ignited by a filly, a longshot, and in 1917, another first for America’s signature race: an international victor.
Racing
Kentucky Derby International Scouting Report: Forever Young
Forever Young is arguably Japan’s best chance so far in the Kentucky Derby (G1), not just because he’s undefeated, and trained by a master horseman in Yoshito Yahagi.
Racing
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.
Racing
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.
Racing