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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
Forever Young, two-time champ Ushba Tesoro clash in Tokyo Daishoten
Most recently third in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1), Forever Young aims to remain unbeaten in his native Japan in Sunday’s Tokyo Daishoten (G1) at Oi. The about 1 1/4-mile feature is slated for 1:40 a.m. ET late Saturday into early Sunday morning.
Racing
Hong Kong: Selections for Sha Tin night of Dec. 28
The Sunday action at Sha Tin begins at midnight ET late Saturday our time. Analyst Luke Middlebrook has selections for the 10-race program.
Racing
Horse Profile: Ramatuelle
Like fellow three-year-old filly Porta Fortuna in the Mile, Ramatuelle is an exceptionally consistent performer at the top level.
Horse
Wednesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Three Randwick plays
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Wednesday, Dec. 25 at Randwick (AUS), including a trio of exactas.
Racing
Hong Kong: Selections for Happy Valley Dec. 26
Racing at Happy Valley begins at 5:10 a.m. ET. Selections and analysis by Luke Middlebrook.
Racing
Hong Kong: Selections for Sha Tin Dec. 21
Racing at Sha Tin begins at 11:45 p.m. ET. Selections and analysis by Luke Middlebrook.
Racing
Hong Kong: Selections for Sha Tin Dec. 18
Racing at Sha Tin begins at 6:15 a.m. ET. Selections and analysis by Luke Middlebrook.
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
Hong Kong: Selections for Sha Tin night of Dec. 14
First post for Sha Tin’s Sunday card is 12 a.m. ET late Saturday night. Here are Luke Middlebrook’s selections and analysis.
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
Hong Kong: Selections for Happy Valley Dec. 11
Wednesday’s racing action at Happy Valley kicks off at 5:40 a.m. ET. Luke Middlebrook guides you through the card with his selections and analysis.
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
May Day Ready meets Forever Young’s half-sister in Hanshin Juvenile Fillies
Best of the rest behind European star Lake Victoria in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf (G1), May Day Ready takes on Japan’s most promising prospects in the Hanshin Juvenile Fillies (G1) late Saturday night at 1:40 a.m. ET.
Racing
Top picks, price plays for 2024 Hong Kong International Races
If it might not pay to get too creative with top picks for the Hong Kong International Races late Saturday night, there’s ample scope for the imagination in potential price plays and exotics longshots at Sha Tin.
Racing
Hong Kong: Selections for Sha Tin night of Dec. 7
The fantastic Hong Kong International Races program at Sha Tin kicks off Saturday night at 11:25 p.m. ET.
Racing
Hong Kong: Selections for Happy Valley Dec. 4
Racing at Happy Valley begins at 5:30 a.m. ET. Selections and analysis by Luke Middlebrook.
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
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
2024 Champions Cup: One-line assessments
Japan’s reigning champion dirt horse, Lemon Pop, will try to conclude his career on a high note as he defends his title in Saturday night’s Champions Cup (G1) at Chukyo.
Racing
Hong Kong: Selections for Sha Tin the night of Nov. 30
Racing at Sha Tin begins at 12 a.m. ET. Selections and analysis by Luke Middlebrook.
Racing
2024 Hong Kong International Races: Early look at the main players
A perennial highlight on the racing calendar, the Hong Kong International Races now offer an even greater incentive to bettors: the four Group 1s will be World Pool events at Sha Tin Dec. 8.
Racing
Hong Kong: Selections for Happy Valley Nov. 27
The Wednesday action at Happy Valley gets underway at 5:40 a.m. ET. Selections and analysis by Luke Middlebrook.
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
2024 Japan Cup: One-line assessments
Saturday night’s 44th running of the Japan Cup (G1) has attracted a terrific international cast of 14, including European celebrities Auguste Rodin and Goliath.
Racing
Hong Kong: Selections for Sha Tin Nov. 23
Racing at Sha Tin begins at 11:45 p.m. ET. Selections and analysis by Luke Middlebrook.
Racing
Hong Kong: Selections for Happy Valley Nov. 20
The Wednesday card at Happy Valley kicks off at 5:40 a.m. ET, and Luke Middlebrook offers his selections along with analysis of each race.
Racing
Kentucky Derby Roundup: Previewing the Cattleya Stakes
Let’s get up to speed on upcoming Kentucky Derby (G1) action and recount a few noteworthy developments from last week:
Racing
Hong Kong: Selections for Sha Tin Nov. 16
Racing at Sha Tin begins at 11:30 p.m. ET. Selections and analysis by Luke Middlebrook.
Racing
Hong Kong: Selections for Happy Valley Nov. 13
Racing at Happy Valley begins at 5:40 a.m. ET. Selections and analysis by Luke Middlebrook.
Racing
Hong Kong: Selections for Sha Tin the night of Nov. 8
Racing at Sha Tin begins at 12 a.m. ET. Selections and analysis by Luke Middlebrook.
Racing
Horse Profile: Whistlejacket
As the only Group 1 winner in the field, with high speed that hasn’t quite lasted over stiffer tracks, Whistlejacket makes a lot of sense on the cutback at Del Mar.
Horse
Hong Kong: Selections for Happy Valley Nov. 6
Racing at Happy Valley begins at 5:40 a.m. ET. Selections and analysis by Luke Middlebrook.
Racing
The 2024 Melbourne Cup: Betting Select Races
TwinSpires presents our horseplayers the opportunity to bet on the Melbourne Cup at Flemington Racecourse, Australia's biggest race of the year! Please find additional race entries below the Melbourne Cup information, as well as suggested picks.
Racing
Japan’s 19 contenders at the 2024 Breeders’ Cup
The 2024 Breeders’ Cup at Del Mar attracted a record number of internationals, including 19 entrants from Japan alone.
Racing
Horse Profile: Diego Velazquez
Before the Saratoga Derby (G1) fell victim to a weather postponement, Diego Velazquez was being mentioned as a possible candidate for Australia’s Cox Plate (G1).
Horse
Horse Profile: Ten Happy Rose
After a 207-1 shock in the “Win and You’re In” Victoria Mile (G1), Ten Happy Rose would be easy to discount.
Horse
Horse Profile: Porta Fortuna
Runner-up by a half-length in last year’s Juvenile Fillies Turf at Santa Anita, Porta Fortuna returns stateside with a glittering resume.
Horse
Horse Profile: Notable Speech
Godolphin trainer Charlie Appleby bids for an unprecedented fourth straight Mile trophy, relying this time on Notable Speech.
Breeders Cup
Horse Profile: Meta Max
Owned by Susumu Fujita, who sponsors the Sprint through his Cygames company, Meta Max is likely to be an anticlimax after Fujita’s Forever Young contests the Classic.
International
Horse Profile: Don Frankie
As a confirmed front runner, Don Frankie promises to add fuel to the pace fire in the Sprint.
Horse
Horse Profile: South American imports
South American imports Mufasa and Full Serrano have done enough stateside to gauge their ability.
Horse
Horse Profile: Remake
With a superabundance of early speed on tap, deep-closing Remake will get the right set-up if he can mobilize quickly enough down the Del Mar stretch.
Horse
Horse Profile: Soprano
Soprano faces an obvious distance question here. The prospect of a strenuous pace will ruthlessly expose any stamina limitations.
Racing
Horse Profile: Beach Bomb
A homebred for Gaynor Rupert’s Drakenstein Stud, Beach Bomb now runs in the name of its British arm, Cayton Park Stud.
Breeders Cup
Horse Profile: Cinderella’s Dream and Beautiful Love
The Godolphin duo can be judged on their respective efforts in New York, but it might help to view them through the international lens.
Racing
Horse Profile: Content
Content returns with an enhanced profile after landing the “Win and You’re In” Yorkshire Oaks (G1).
International
Horse Profile: Ushba Tesoro
Fifth in last year’s Classic at Santa Anita, Ushba Tesoro hopes for better luck with the venue switch to Del Mar.
Horse
Horse Profile: Forever Young
Trained by international maestro Yoshito Yahagi, Forever Young has the advantage of being proven in U.S. conditions.
Horse
Horse Profile: Wingspan
As a gritty front runner, Wingspan will be prominent for a long way, but her efforts might ultimately play into the hands of venerable stablemate Luxembourg.
Horse
2024 Breeders' Cup: 10 observations from morning-line odds
Morning-line odds for the 14 Breeders’ Cup races were released on Monday evening, giving handicappers an early look at how betting might unfold.
Racing
Horse Profile: Jayarebe
Trainer Brian Meehan has won the Turf twice with relative outsiders, and Jayarebe will try to give him a third.
Horse
Horse Profile: Luxembourg
If the erstwhile glamor colt doesn’t occupy the same Ballydoyle pedestal as in former years, Luxembourg remains a threat when he lands in the right spot to do himself justice.
Horse
Horse Profile: Rousham Park
If Shahryar is the well-traveled Japanese contender with all of the requisite credentials, Rousham Park is the up-and-comer with a world of potential
Horse
Horse Profile: Rebel’s Romance
Godolphin’s 2022 Turf hero has regrouped from a star-crossed 2023 and arrives with strong claims to regain his crown
Racing
Horse Profile: Shahryar
A terrific third at 25-1 in last year’s Turf despite a last-prep hiccup, Shahryar returns off a smoother build-up to try again.
Horse
Horse Profile: Alice Verite
Having raced exclusively on the Japanese turf so far, Alice Verite had the Filly & Mare Turf as her first preference at the pre-entry stage.
Horse
Horse Profile: Che Evasora
Che Evasora’s flop in her stateside prep in the Zenyatta (G2) did nothing to answer the question marks about her Breeders’ Cup potential.
Horse
Horse Profile: Starlust
As a close third to Big Evs in last year’s Juvenile Turf Sprint at odds of 24-1, Starlust is proven in stateside conditions
Horse
Horse Profile: Star of Mystery
By Kodiac, Star of Mystery is a half-sister to two North American Grade 1 winners for Charlie Appleby, Althiqa and Mysterious Night.
Horse
Horse Profile: Awesome Result
Awesome Result captured the same prep that launched Marche Lorraine, who upset the 2021 Distaff at Del Mar for Japan.
Horse
Horse Profile: Bradsell
One year after being scratched from the Turf Sprint, Bradsell returns with an enhanced portfolio as Europe’s leading five-furlong performer.
Horse
Horse Profile: Believing
Believing is the lone international of that demographic this year, and like Glass Slippers, she has experience around a turn.
Racing
Horse Profile: Big Evs
Big Evs is trying to emulate Golden Pal’s feat as a Juvenile Turf Sprint winner who follows up versus elders in the next year’s Turf Sprint.
Horse
Horse Profile: Frost at Dawn
Although Frost at Dawn’s career highlight is a course record-setting coup in the Nad al Sheba Turf Sprint (G3) over Star of Mystery (Turf Sprint), the William Knight sophomore has acted on dirt and all-weather as well.
Horse
Horse Profile: Pandora’s Gift
A three-year-old filly by Churchill and out of a mare by Exceed and Excel, whose progeny have taken to dirt in Dubai, Pandora’s Gift was a rapid improver over the winter on the all-weather.
Horse
Horse Profile: Isivunguvungu
South African sprinters have a history of performing up to the highest standard on the international stage.
Horse
Horse Profile: Derma Sotogake
After outperforming his 26-1 odds as the runner-up last year, Derma Sotogake is likely to be overlooked again.
International
2024 Breeders' Cup post draw analysis and implications
The final fields are set for the 14 Breeders’ Cup races taking place at Del Mar on Nov. 1-2. Post positions were drawn on Monday, one week after pre-entries closed.
Racing
Breeders’ Cup Roundup: Final fields come into focus
The 2024 Breeders’ Cup at Del Mar is only four days away. Catch up on the latest news and developments with our weekly Breeders’ Cup Roundup:
Racing
Horse Profile: Henri Matisse
As the sole runner for O’Brien, a six-time winner of this race including the past two years in a row, Henri Matisse is eminently logical.
Horse
Horse Profile: Shareholder
By the same sire as Turf Sprint favorite Cogburn, Not This Time, Shareholder was on an accelerated course to make Royal Ascot just about a month after selling at Arqana May for roughly $495,000.
Horse
Horse Profile: Aesterius
One of two prime contenders for Wathnan Racing, along with Shareholder, Aesterius has a couple of points in common with trainer Archie Watson’s best previous hope in this race.
Horse
Horse Profile: Big Mojo
Trained by Mick Appleby for RP Racing, Big Mojo aims to give his connections a repeat win in this race, following stablemate Big Evs (Turf Sprint).
Horse
Horse Profile: Magnum Force
Third as the Flying Childers (G2) favorite, Magnum Force has to find a way to reverse form with Aesterius and Big Mojo.
Horse
Horse Profile: Arizona Blaze
After missing narrowly with Valiant Force a year ago, Kia Joorabchian’s AMO Racing and trainer Adrian Murray return with Arizona Blaze.
Horse
Horse Profile: Ecoro Sieg
Fresh off a juvenile record-smashing romp at Nakayama, unbeaten Ecoro Sieg will try to give Japan’s pioneer on the world scene, Hideyuki Mori, a first Breeders’ Cup win.
Racing
Horse Profile: American Bikini
When setting or equaling the juvenile track record in her front-running victories, American Bikini has called to mind the panache of sire American Pharoah.
Horse
Horse Profile: Otomena Shacho
Although Otomena Shacho was no match for American Bikini in an about five-furlong scramble at Kokura, she took a step forward to set a juvenile track record of her own next time out.
Racing
Horse Profile: Lake Victoria
Lake Victoria brings a stellar 4-for-4 record, including the “Win and You’re In” Moyglare Stud (G1) and the Cheveley Park (G1) that showcased vastly different running styles.
Horse
Horse Profile: Heavens Gate
Ballydoyle’s second contender fulfills a lot of criteria with her tactical speed from the gate and rock-solid consistency. The question is that Heavens Gate appears to have plateaued, and it’s uncertain if she has much scope to progress beyond what she’s shown so far.
Horse
Horse Profile: Fiery Lucy
An unlucky second to Heavens Gate last time out, Fiery Lucy could be underestimated here.
Racing
Horse Profile: Anshoda
Later acquired privately by Team Valor and Gary Barber, Anshoda earned her way in via the “Win and You’re In” Prestige (G3).
Horse
Horse Profile: Hill Road
Hill Road comes off a subpar effort, and one recent report had suggested that he might not run again this season.
Racing
Horse Profile: Shin Believe
Fifth with Full Flat in 2019 and 10th with Jasper Great in 2021, he’s double-handed this year with a pair of Kentucky-breds sourced at OBS March – Shin Believe and Ecoro Azel.
Horse
Horse Profile: Ecoro Azel
Most recently a slow-starting fifth to American Bikini (Juvenile Fillies), the Mori-trained Ecoro Azel hopes to get a form boost going into the Juvenile.
Breeders Cup
Horse Profile: Satono Carnaval
The first Japanese-based juvenile to attempt this race, undefeated Satono Carnaval has telegraphed serious potential.
Racing
Horse Profile: Aomori City
Godolphin trainer Charlie Appleby, who has won this race three times, is hard pressed to split Aomori City and Al Qudra.
Racing
Horse Profile: New Century
Four years after Qatar Racing, trainer Andrew Balding, and jockey Oisin Murphy teamed up with Kameko, who finished seventh as the Mile favorite, they’re back hopeful of a better result with his son New Century
Horse
Horse Profile: Al Qudra
Appleby’s other contender, Al Qudra, is a hardened veteran with a six-race campaign that began back in mid-April. Considering that he’d beaten New Century twice before the checkered passage in the Summer (G1), Al Qudra could claim the chance to rebound – unless New Century has progressed beyond him at this point. That’s the main question about the otherwise solid Godolphin entrant.
Racing
Horse Profile: Seagulls Eleven
An aggrieved third in the Vincent O’Brien National (G1), where he was mugged by Henri Matisse, Seagulls Eleven has a stealthy look in this spot. He also exits a loss in the Dewhurst (G1), which in the past has been a useful angle. Juvenile Turf winners George Vancouver (2012), Outstrip (2013), and Mendelssohn (at Del Mar in 2017) had placed in the Dewhurst, while Seagulls Eleven was only fourth, but the larger point remains of interest.
Horse
Horse Profile: Ides of March
O’Brien’s other runner, Ides of March, has yet to race at stablemate Whistlejacket’s level, as short as five furlongs, or away from the Curragh.
Horse
Japan at the Breeders’ Cup: Historical pointers and trends
Japan is expected to send a formidable team to the Nov. 1-2 Breeders’ Cup at Del Mar. Before we begin to look at the likely contenders, let’s review the past Japanese shippers who have competed at the championships.
Racing
2024 Breeders' Cup: 10 observations from pre-entries
A total of 212 horses have pre-entered the 2024 Breeders’ Cup, slated to take place on Nov. 1-2 at Del Mar. That’s seven horses more than in 2023 and 2022.
Racing
Horse Profile: Emily Upjohn
If Emily Upjohn has been more frustrating to follow than not, she’s capable of firing a devastating broadside when the circumstances align.
Horse
Hong Kong: Selections for Happy Valley Oct. 23
Racing at Happy Valley begins at 7:15 a.m. ET. Selections and analysis by Luke Middlebrook.
Racing
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.