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Hanson: Spot Plays for Newbury April 20
The start of my 2024 British flat season betting did not get off to the quickest of starts Wednesday at Newmarket, with both top selections going unplaced. Our original $1,000 bankroll, from which we are betting 5% of the balance to win on each top pick, is down to $902 heading into Saturday's action at Newbury.
Racing
Hong Kong: Selections for Sha Tin night of April 19
Racing at Sha Tin begins late Friday night/early Saturday morning at 1 a.m. ET. Selections and analysis by Declan Schuster of the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
Racing
Hong Kong: Selections for Happy Valley April 17
Racing at Happy Valley begins at 6:40 a.m. ET. Selections and analysis by Declan Schuster of the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
Racing
Hanson: Spot Plays for Newmarket April 17
Horseplayers looking to turn an annual profit are typically advised to exploit their handicapping strengths and limit their relative weaknesses. There's a particular strength of mine that I hope to exploit again, starting this week.
Racing
Hong Kong: Selections for Sha Tin April 13
Racing at Sha Tin begins at 11:59 p.m. ET. Selections and analysis by Declan Schuster of the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
Racing
Hong Kong: Selections for Happy Valley April 10
Racing at Happy Valley begins at 6:40 a.m. ET. Selections and analysis by Declan Schuster of the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
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
Hong Kong: Selections for Sha Tin April 6
Racing at Sha Tin begins at 11:59 p.m. ET. Selections and analysis by Declan Schuster of the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
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
Hong Kong: Selections for Happy Valley April 3
Racing at Happy Valley begins at 7:15 a.m. ET. Selections and analysis by Declan Schuster of the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
Racing
Hong Kong: Selections for Sha Tin March 31
Racing at Sha Tin begins at 11:59 p.m. ET. Selections and analysis by Declan Schuster of the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
Racing
Dubai World Cup Day: 2024 turf undercard for Race 3, 4, 7, and 8
The Dubai World Cup may be the headline race, but few racedays in the world have a higher-quality collection of turf races than this day.
Racing
Dubai World Cup Day: 2024 dirt undercard for Race 2, 5, and 6
As always, the Dubai World Cup undercard brings as strong a day of racing as just about anywhere in the world
Racing
Dubai World Cup Preview: Packed with more international interest – March 30 2024
The 2024 Dubai World Cup carries a little more international interest than usual, with the typical Japanese, American, and Dubai horses opposed by an exciting runner with strong links to, of all places, Kazakhstan.
Racing
Tipsheet: 2024 UAE Derby
A very good cast of 13 sophomores from across the globe will travel about 1 3/16 miles at Meydan in the UAE Derby (G2) on Saturday.
Racing
Hong Kong: Selections for Happy Valley March 27
Racing at Happy Valley begins at 6:40 a.m. ET. Selections and analysis by Declan Schuster of the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
Racing
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.
Racing
Hong Kong: Selections for Sha Tin March 23
Racing at Sha Tin begins at 11:59 p.m. ET. Selections and analysis by Declan Schuster of the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
Racing
Golden Slipper Preview: Betting with and against Storm Boy
The burgeoning stallion reputation of Triple Crown winner Justify could head further into the stratosphere when his Australian son #1 Storm Boy contests the world’s richest two-year-old race this weekend.
Racing
Hong Kong: Selections for Happy Valley March 20
Racing at Happy Valley begins at 6:40 a.m. ET. Selections and analysis by Declan Schuster of the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
Racing
Hong Kong: Selections for Sha Tin March 16
Racing at Sha Tin begins at 1:00 a.m. ET. Selections and analysis by Declan Schuster of the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
Racing
Cheltenham Festival picks and plays for March 15, 2024
Day four of the Cheltenham Festival is the finale, and as such is justly the day for the biggest race of the festival – and, arguably, the biggest jumps race of the year.
Racing
Cheltenham Festival picks and plays for March 14, 2024
Staying hurdlers and intermediate-distance steeplechasers provide the main high points of day three of the Cheltenham Festival.
Racing
Cheltenham Festival picks and plays for March 13, 2024
Day two of the Cheltenham Festival is always highlighted by the Queen Mother Champion Chase, It’s the climax of the season for the dashing open two-mile steeplechasers, named for one of National Hunt racing’s biggest enthusiasts of last century.
Racing
Hong Kong: Selections for Happy Valley March 13
Racing at Happy Valley begins at 6:40 a.m. ET. Selections and analysis by Declan Schuster of the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
Racing
Hong Kong: Selections for Sha Tin March 9
Racing at Sha Tin begins at 11:59 p.m. ET. Selections and analysis by Declan Schuster of the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
Racing
Hong Kong: Selections for Happy Valley March 6
Racing at Happy Valley begins at 5:40 a.m. ET. Selections and analysis by Declan Schuster of the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
Racing
Hong Kong: Selections for Sha Tin March 2
Racing at Sha Tin begins at 11:59 p.m. ET on Saturday night. Selections and analysis by Declan Schuster of the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
Racing
Hong Kong: Selections for Happy Valley Feb. 28
Racing at Happy Valley begins at 5:40 a.m. ET. Selections and analysis by Declan Schuster of the Hong Kong Jockey Club.Racing at Happy Valley begins at 5:40 a.m. ET. Selections and analysis by Declan Schuster of the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
Racing
Hong Kong Feb. 25: Straight Arron goes for Gold Cup upset
Selections and analysis of the Feb. 25 Hong Kong Gold Cup Day card at Sha Tin, courtesy of the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Declan Schuster.
Racing
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.
Racing
Spot Plays: 2024 Saudi Cup Undercard
With five races carrying more than $1 million in prize money, the undercard on Saudi Cup (G1) day is full of opportunities for players.
Racing
Betting with, and against, White Abarrio in the 2024 Saudi Cup
As you would expect for the world’s richest race, many of the world’s best dirt horses are contesting the $20 million Saudi Cup (G1) at Riyadh on Saturday.
Racing
Hong Kong: Selections for Happy Valley Feb. 21
Racing at Happy Valley begins at 5:40 a.m. ET. Selections and analysis by Declan Schuster of the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
Racing
Simply Maverick is the one to beat in a Feb. 18 handicap at Sha Tin (Photo by Hong Kong Jockey Club)
Hong Kong Selections Feb. 18: Simply Maverick can boost Derby credentials
Declan Schuster of the Hong Kong Jockey Club furnishes selections and analysis of Sunday’s card at Sha Tin.
Racing
Dubai Preview Feb. 16: Silent Film looks to improve from his last start
#7 Silent Film can improve on his last-start second and beat several former stablemates home in the Lord Glitters H. at Meydan on Friday morning.
Racing
Hong Kong: Selections for Happy Valley Feb. 15
Racing at Happy Valley begins at 5:40 a.m. ET. Selections and analysis by Declan Schuster of the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
Racing
Hong Kong Selections for Chinese New Year Raceday Feb. 12
It’s Chinese New Year Raceday at Sha Tin on Monday, and Declan Schuster of the Hong Kong Jockey Club has tips for the prosperity-themed program.
Racing
Dubai Preview: Breeders’ Cup placegetter looks in prime position – Feb. 9 2024
Breeders’ Cup placegetter #1 Starlust looks in prime position to get his first three-year-old victory in the Dubai Trophy at Meydan on Friday morning.
Racing
Hong Kong: Selections for Happy Valley Feb. 7
Racing at Happy Valley begins at 5:40 a.m. ET. Selections and analysis by Declan Schuster of the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
Racing
Hong Kong Selections Feb. 4: Helios Express the one to beat in Classic Mile
Analysis of the Feb. 4 card at Sha Tin, courtesy of the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Declan Schuster.
Racing
Dubai Preview: Trevaunance could have a well-deserved victory ahead
Irish mare #8 Trevaunance can gain a well-deserved victory when she takes on an international field in the Dubai Millennium Stakes (G3) on the Meydan turf Friday morning.
Racing
Hong Kong: Selections for Happy Valley Jan. 31
Racing at Happy Valley begins at 5:40 a.m. ET. Selections and analysis by Declan Schuster of the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
Racing
Hong Kong Selections Jan. 28: Lucky Sweynesse looms large in Centenary Sprint Cup
Declan Schuster of the Hong Kong Jockey Club analyzes the Jan. 28 card at Sha Tin, highlighted by the Centenary Sprint Cup (G1).
Racing
Dubai Preview – Chad Summers has a great chance at Meydan with his current record
Chad Summers has a perfect record at the Dubai track, having saddled Mind Your Biscuits to win the Golden Shaheen (G1) twice, and he looks to have a great candidate for this 1,900-meter (about 1 3/16-mile) event.
Racing
Hong Kong: Selections for Sha Tin Jan. 24
Racing at Sha Tin begins at 6:15 a.m. ET. Selections and analysis by Declan Schuster of the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
Racing
Hong Kong Selections Jan. 21: Straight Arron the Stewards' Cup value
The Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Declan Schuster offers his selections and analysis for Sha Tin on Sunday. The highlight of the Jan. 21 program is the Stewards’ Cup (G1), and first post time is midnight (ET) late Saturday night stateside.
Racing
Dubai Preview Jan. 19: Cape Verdi selections and a bonus play
William Buick’s decision to ride the unbeaten #1 English Rose may be the best guide to playing the Cape Verdi (G2) at Meydan Friday morning.
Racing
Hong Kong: Selections for Happy Valley Jan. 17
Selections for racing at Happy Valley that begins at 6:10 a.m. ET.
Racing
Chancheng Glory puts Four-Year-Old Classic Series hopes to test at Sha Tin
On the cusp of riding his 100th Hong Kong winner, Lyle Hewitson hopes Chancheng Glory can advance growing Four-Year-Old Classic Series at Sha Tin on Saturday (starting late Friday night stateside).
Racing
Hong Kong Preview: Trainer Frankie Lor holds a strong hand at Happy Valley
Trainer Frankie Lor saddles three of the 12 contenders in Happy Valley's biggest race of the year in Wednesday's January Cup (G3).
Racing
2023 in review: Seven favorite races
An annual look back on notable races of the year can easily devolve into a laundry list of obligatory inclusions. For greater variety, I’d prefer to highlight my favorite performances that took place outside of the U.S. Triple Crown and Breeders’ Cup festivities that are already well covered.
Racing
Hong Kong: Invincible Sage brings winning streak into Bauhinia Sprint Trophy
David Hall is cautiously optimistic Invincible Sage can extend a meteoric rise when the emerging speedster contests the HK$4.2 million Bauhinia Sprint Trophy H. (G3) (1000 meters) at Sha Tin on Sunday (beginning late Saturday night stateside).
Racing
With Golden Sixty sidelined, door opens for Voyage Bubble
Golden Sixty's domination of Hong Kong's mile ranks will take a pause on Jan. 21.
Racing
Hong Kong: Healthy Happy faces California Spangle in New Year’s Day feature
Front-running Healthy Happy returns for his third tilt at plundering New Year’s Day’s lucrative feature race at Sha Tin.
Racing
Hong Kong preview: Joyful Hunter preps for Four-Year-Old Series
Keen to convert quality opportunities into more wins after a frustrating recent run, Vincent Ho hopes Joyful Hunter and The Heir can add further luster to an unforgettable December at Sha Tin on Saturday (beginning late Friday night stateside).
Racing
Ping Hai Galaxy packs larger impost for Sha Tin feature
With five winners from the past four Sha Tin meetings, Alexis Badel hopes Ping Hai Galaxy can extend the Frenchman's productive streak when the veteran gelding contests the Class 2 Lukfook Jewellery Cup Handicap on Sunday.
Racing
Will new program boost international competition at Churchill, Epsom, and Ascot?
Fans of international horse racing have cause to celebrate. American horses have been competing abroad with increasing frequency over the last dozen years, and the trend may expand in 2024.
Racing
Look to Japan for price plays in Hong Kong International Races
With the exception of the Hong Kong Vase (G1), the home team for Sunday's Hong Kong International races sure seems locked and loaded. Romantic Warrior, Golden Sixty, and Lucky Sweynesse all figure to be favored in the other three events, and might very well come through at short prices.
Racing
Hong Kong 2023 International Races Preview
Hong Kong’s international raceday is one of the most lucrative in the world, and it regularly attracts some of the world’s best horses. However, the standard of Hong Kong racing is such that it’s difficult for foreign raiders to win, especially over the shorter distances. Here is a look at some options for playing the big races on Sunday morning.
Racing
Hong Kong Preview: International Jockey's Championship
Hong Kong’s International racing week begins on the Wednesday before the major Group 1 races with the Longines International Jockeys’ Championship, where eight leading riders from around the world take on four of the best Hong Kong-based jockeys for the title over four races.
Racing
Ballydoyle, O'Brien come loaded for Hong Kong International Races
With Luxembourg fronting a squad which is represented in each one of the Hong Kong International Races (HKIR) on Dec. 10, it is unlikely that Aidan O'Brien will have ever arrived at the meeting with such strength in depth.
Racing
Fabre bringing two live contenders for Hong Kong International Races
With a total of 18 runners spread across the past 24 editions of the Hong Kong International Races, master trainer Andre Fabre has been one of Europe's most consistent supporters of the meeting.
Racing
Is Equinox the best racehorse in the world?
Is Equinox the best racehorse in the world? He certainly looked the part when delivering a blowout victory in the Japan Cup (G1) at Tokyo Racecourse last Sunday.
Racing
Foreign contingent selected for 2023 Hong Kong International Races
The Hong Kong Jockey Club announced this week a stellar cast of foreign participants for the Hong Kong International Races (HKIR) at Sha Tin on Dec. 10.
Racing
Tall Tales of the Track: The Ups and Downs of Tango Shandy
The slip of a saddle at an inopportune time, like the middle of the Dubai World Cup in the case of California Chrome, can become a challenge even greater than the 1,000-pound animals running alongside. In one particular jump race nearly 40 years ago, a slip of a saddle and the question of a foot caused a horse, his rider, and his trainer enough consternation to last a lifetime.
Racing
Breeders’ Cup International Scouting Report: Japanese contingent
Nine horses based in Japan are entered across seven races at the 2023 Breeders’ Cup. They hope to build on the success of Japan’s first two Breeders’ Cup wins in 2021.
Racing
Spot Plays for 2023 British Champions Day
Soaking rains throughout England this week have unfortunately put a slight damper on Saturday's British Champions Day at Ascot, resulting in some stars bypassing the event, with more possibly to come.
Racing
Dubai World Cup winners in Breeders’ Cup Classic: Close, but no cigar
The relationship between the Dubai World Cup (G1) and the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) was forged early on, with a pattern set by Hall of Famer Cigar.
Racing
Hanson: Saturday Spot Plays for Newmarket Future Champions Festival
Day 2 of the Future Champions Festival at Newmarket on Saturday will again offer four Group stakes (three restricted to juveniles) as well as the famed Cesarewitch H. over 2 1/4 miles, which 34 horses have entered.
Racing
Hanson: Spot Plays for Day 1 of Future Champions Festival at Newmarket
The emphasis is on juveniles at Newmarket's Future Champions Festival this weekend, which kicks off Friday when four Group races will be offered.
Racing
Japan’s Ushba Tesoro streaks into Breeders’ Cup Classic
The captain of Japan's Breeders' Cup team is Ushba Tesoro, the Dubai World Cup (G1) winner who rides a six-race winning streak into the Breeders' Cup Classic (G1).
Racing
International spotlight: Breeders’ Cup WAYIs on Arc Day 2023
The Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (G1) is figuratively, and almost literally, the centerpiece of the Sunday action at ParisLongchamp, as the fourth of nine races on the fantastic card. Thus the other Group 1s, including four Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” events, are stacked all around it.
Racing
International spotlight: 10 storylines for 2023 Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe
Sunday’s €5 million Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (G1) is living up to its historic legacy as a fascinating intergenerational clash, pitting current classic winners versus older stars.
Racing
Betting Intelligence: Dea Matrona vs. Dazzling Star in Natalma Stakes
In an alternate universe, Dea Matrona might have been the Godolphin shipper in Saturday’s Natalma (G1) at Woodbine, rather than the one making her North American debut for Chad Brown.
Racing
Royal Randwick Everest Racing Carnival 2023
The immediate, stunning success of The Everest had already established the six-furlong, “slot-holder” event as the world’s richest race on turf, but this year’s renewal sees a whopping 33% purse increase to an eye-watering AU$20 million. Friday night’s card contains a key prep for The Everest, named The Shorts, which is the eighth of 10 races, broadcast live at TwinSpires and Sky Racing World. First post at Royal Randwick is 9:50 p.m. ET/6:50 p.m. PT.
Racing
International Spotlight: Five BC WAYIs during Irish Champions Festival
This weekend’s Irish Champions Festival features a grand total of five Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” contests.
International
International spotlight: York's Ebor Festival offers Breeders' Cup spots
While it’s Travers Week stateside, the British racing scene is focused on the Ebor Festival at York from Wednesday through Saturday. A trio of Breeders’ Cup Challenge events will highlight the first three days, with star power in the Juddmonte International (G1) on Wednesday’s opening day.
International
International spotlight: Sussex, Nassau serve up Glorious clashes at Goodwood
The British summer festivals roll on to Glorious Goodwood this week, with an action-packed five days of racing kicking off on Tuesday.
International
How to bet the 2023 King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes
One of the most exciting events on the British racing calendar is the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth (G1) at Ascot. The 2023 edition has drawn a bevy of Group 1 winners.
Wagering
International spotlight: Battle royal on tap in 2023 King George VI & Queen Elizabeth
A vintage edition of the King George VI & Queen Elizabeth (G1) is set for Ascot on Saturday (10:40 a.m. ET), with an overload of angles and storylines.
International
Longshot of interest for the 2023 Irish Oaks
An up-and-comer from the Dermot Weld yard, #1 Azazat (15-1), has plenty of appeal as an “each-way” proposition.
International
Pedigree notebook: Frankel hits Royal Ascot triple, follows up with Curragh juvenile
Frankel deserved the pedigree notebook treatment for siring three Group 1 stars at Royal Ascot, but the Juddmonte great is a moving target. He has continued to supply more material in the interim, most significantly a juvenile filly who broke her maiden over Irish Derby weekend.
Pedigree
Stakes spot plays for Irish Derby weekend at the Curragh
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares spot plays for seven weekend stakes at the Curragh Racecourse in Ireland, including the prestigious Irish Derby (G1).
International
What is a World Pool, and how does it work?
Once in a while, you might hear the term “World Pool” pop up in reference to international horse racing. Have you ever wondered what it means?
Education
Royal Ascot 2023: Top 10 takeaways
While the proliferation of longshots was a recurring theme of Royal Ascot 2023, there’s much more to be gleaned from the five action-packed days. Here’s my synthesis, in top 10 style.
Royal Ascot
International spotlight: Equinox tackles Breeders' Cup WAYI Takarazuka Kinen
Late Saturday night/early Sunday morning our time (2:40 a.m. ET), the world’s top-rated horse, Equinox, returns in the Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” Takarazuka Kinen (G1) at Hanshin.
International
2023 Royal Ascot: Selections for Tuesday
The Royal Ascot meeting gets off to a rollicking start Tuesday with two “Win and You’re In” events for the Breeders’ Cup, the Queen Anne (G1) for older milers and the King’s Stand (G1) for the speediest sprinters.
Royal Ascot
Royal Ascot 2023: Lady Aurelia's son American Rascal tops Ward's hopes
Trainer Wesley Ward makes his annual raid on Royal Ascot with a four-strong team including American Rascal (the first foal of a past superstar of this meeting, Lady Aurelia) and Twilight Gleaming. But there are U.S. shippers from other barns as well.
Royal Ascot
Breeders' Cup Challenge events among must-see clashes at Royal Ascot 2023
As the show-stopping summer racing festival, Royal Ascot invariably serves up compelling fare. North American fans have an added incentive to watch the four Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” (WAYI) events, but the top-drawer action spans the entire five days from June 20-24.
Royal Ascot
Australians Artorius, The Astrologist set for Royal Ascot's 2023 Jubilee
We continue our look at the Australian team for Royal Ascot with the two contenders for the June 24 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee (G1), Artorius and The Astrologist.
Royal Ascot
Royal Ascot 2023: Australians Coolangatta, Cannonball aim for King's Stand
One year after Australian speedster Nature Strip ran his rivals ragged at Royal Ascot, two of his compatriots will try to follow up his performance in the King's Stand (G1).
Royal Ascot
Royal Ascot 2023: Hong Kong's Wellington looms in Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee
Hong Kong champion Wellington commands respect in his first international venture in the June 24 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee (G1) at Royal Ascot.
Royal Ascot
Hanson: Longshot play for the 2023 Epsom Derby
To give you an idea how contentious this group of 14 is, I wouldn't be utterly shocked to see any one of 10 or so reach the famed winner's enclosure.
International
International spotlight: 2023 Epsom Derby
The world’s original Derby (G1) at Epsom will be held on Saturday, at an earlier post time than usual thanks to the FA Cup Final. American fans will have to tune in by 8:30 a.m. (ET) to watch the 244th running of the “Blue Riband.”
International
Pedigree notebook: Tahiyra, Paddington turn Irish Guineas double for Siyouni
When Tahiyra quickened out of a pocket in Sunday’s Irish 1000 Guineas (G1), she capped a classic double at the Curragh for her sire, Siyouni. The Aga Khan’s homebred stallion was also responsible for Saturday’s Irish 2000 Guineas (G1) hero, Paddington.
Pedigree
Pedigree notebook: Johannesburg descendants strike gold at Pimlico
Former Coolmore/Ashford stallion Johannesburg, who was ultimately exported to Japan, factored in the pedigrees of several major winners during the Preakness (G1) festival.
Pedigree
Expert International Racing Analysis, Picks, Odds and Live Video
TwinSpires has international racing in abundance!
Hong Kong
Horse racing from Happy Valley and Shat Tin, featuring the end of the year championships on Hong Kong International Race Night.
Royal Ascot
Royal Ascot Race Page | Royal Ascot Expert Picks & Analysis | Brisnet Royal Ascot Coverage
The mid summer British sensation that honors royal tradition with a week of high level turf racing at Ascot Racecourse.
Dubai World Cup
Meydan is nestled in the United Arab Emirates and hosts the celebration of top class horses and racing during their carnival early every year.
Saudi Cup
A newer prestigious race with a massive purse and payout for participants in Saudi Arabia.