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How to bet with, and against, Zozos in the Churchill Downs Stakes
A really nice field of 11 older males will run seven furlongs on dirt in Saturday’s $1 million Churchill Downs S. (G1) at Churchill Downs.
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Exotics plays for the 2024 American Turf
A wildly competitive cast of three-year-olds will vie in Saturday’s $600,000 American Turf S. (G2) at Churchill Downs.
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Thursday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Thurby all-stakes Pick 3
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for the Thursday, May 2 “Thurby” card at Churchill Downs, including an all-stakes Pick 3.
Best Bets
How Keeler Johnson will play the 2024 Kentucky Oaks
Some years, the Kentucky Oaks (G1) at Churchill Downs features one or two fillies who are clearly better than the rest. That’s not the case in Friday’s ultra-competitive 150th renewal of the Oaks.
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Ova Charged wins the Mardi Gras at Fair Grounds (Photo courtesy of Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots)
Friday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Kentucky Oaks undercard
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for the Kentucky Oaks (G1) undercard on Friday, May 3 at Churchill Downs, including a 20-1 longshot.
Best Bets
How to bet the 2024 Westchester Stakes
The once-beaten #4 Post Time (1-1) will look to move his 2024 mark to 4-for-4 in Friday’s $175,000 Westchester S. (G3) at Aqueduct. Seven horses in total are signed on for the one-mile contest, and there is a good amount of quality among the entries.
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Keying Hard to Justify in the Edgewood Stakes
A full field of 14 sophomore fillies will travel 1 1/16 miles on the turf in the $600,000 Edgewood S. (G2) at Churchill Downs on Friday.
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Betting with, and against, First Mission in the Alysheba Stakes
A well-balanced field of 10 will go postward in the lucrative, $750,000 Alysheba S. (G2) at Churchill Downs on Friday.
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How to bet the 2024 Affirmed Success Stakes
A compact group of five New York-bred runners will go six furlongs on the Aqueduct dirt in Thursday’s $100,000 Affirmed Success S.
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Hanson: 2024 Kentucky Derby Day spot plays
You can find my selections for the Kentucky Derby (G1) and several other stakes on Saturday's Churchill Downs card in the TwinSpires Kentucky Derby Betting Guide. For this piece, I'll mention my firmest opinion on that selection grid plus thoughts on a couple other stakes earlier in the afternoon.
Kentucky Derby
Hanson: 2024 Kentucky Oaks Day spot plays
Kentucky Oaks Day at Churchill Downs figures to be a spectacular appetizer ahead of the bigger Saturday program, though an unfavorable forecast will perhaps put a slight damper on things.
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The Jury: Expert Picks, Bets and Fades for May 4 [Video]
Racing analysts Ashley Anderson, James Scully, Darin Zoccali, and guest Nick Tammaro join forces to handicap Saturday's Kentucky Derby (G1) card at Churchill Downs. Ashley and James provide their thoughts in the written portion below. Be sure to check out Darin and Nick's opinions in our on-camera portion as well!
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Wednesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Churchill’s $5,511 Super High 5 carryover
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Wednesday, May 1 at Churchill Downs and Horseshoe Indianapolis, including horses to play in Churchill’s $5,511 Super High 5 carryover.
Best Bets
Tuesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Churchill’s $12,158 Super High 5 carryover
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Tuesday, April 30 at Horseshoe Indianapolis and Churchill Downs, including a horse to key in Churchill’s $12,158 Super High 5 carryover.
Best Bets
How to bet with, and against, Shoot It True in the Kentucky Juvenile
Dynamic debut winner #7 Shoot It True (7-5) is the morning-line selection for Thursday’s $250,000 Kentucky Juvenile S. at Churchill Downs.
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Betting with, and against, No Nay Mets in the William Walker
An overflow field of 15 turf dashers is entered for the $300,000 William Walker S. at Churchill Downs on Wednesday.
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Tipsheet: 2024 Kentucky Oaks
An overflow field of 16 three-year-old fillies has entered Friday’s $1.5 million Kentucky Oaks (G1) at Churchill Downs.
Analysis
Churchill Downs Pick 3 play for Tuesday, April 30
An interesting early three-race sequence caught my attention at Churchill Downs on Tuesday.
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Monday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Parx’s mandatory-payout $176,026 Pick 5
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Monday, April 29 at Finger Lakes and Thistledown, along with horses to single in the mandatory-payout $176,026 Pick 5 carryover at Parx Racing.
Best Bets
Gulfstream: How to bet the $7,852 Super High 5 carryover
If you can select the top five finishers in Sunday’s 10th race at Gulfstream Park, you can win a share of a $7,852 carryover in the $1 Super High 5.
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2024 Kentucky Derby Brisnet Speed Rating Report
From 2012-2021, nine of 10 Kentucky Derby (G1) winners registered triple-digit Brisnet Speed ratings prior to the 1 1/4-mile race
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Gulfstream: Live longshots in the mandatory-payout $308,801 Rainbow Pick 6 carryover
On Saturday at Gulfstream Park, a $308,801 jackpot carryover in the 20-cent Rainbow Pick 6 is being paid out in mandatory fashion. Gulfstream estimates that the final pool will exceed $3 million, making it a must-play wager.
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Hong Kong: Selections for Sha Tin April 27
Racing at Sha Tin begins late Saturday night/early Sunday morning at 12:45 a.m. ET. Selections and analysis by Declan Schuster of the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
International
How to bet the 2024 San Francisco Mile
An overflow field of 13 will run one mile on the Golden Gate lawn in Saturday’s $175,000 San Francisco Mile S. (G3).
Wagering
Friday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Keeneland’s closing day carryover
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Friday, April 26 at Gulfstream Park, Aqueduct, and Charles Town, along with horses to play in Keeneland’s $27,787 Super High 5 carryover.
Best Bets
How to bet the 2024 Kona Gold Stakes
A total of seven horses will go postward in Saturday’s $100,000 Kona Gold S. at Santa Anita.
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Exotics Plays for the 2024 Bachelor Stakes
A total of seven sophomores will travel six panels on the Oaklawn Park surface in Saturday’s $200,000 Bachelor S.
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How to bet the Woodhaven Stakes
Grade 1 winner #2 Carson’s Run (9-5) leads a talented field of seven for the $125,000 Woodhaven S. at Aqueduct on Saturday.
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Betting With, and Against, Dazzling Blue in the Roxelana Stakes
Juddmonte’s stakes winning #6 Dazzling Blue (3-1) is the morning-line choice for the $200,000 Roxelana S. at Churchill Downs on Saturday.
Wagering
The Jury: Expert Picks, Bets and Fades for April 27 [Video]
Racing analysts Ashley Anderson, James Scully, and Darin Zoccali reconvene to discuss their bets and fades for Churchill Downs' opening night, Oaklawn Park, and more. Ashley and James give their thoughts in the written portion below. Be sure to check out Darin's opinions in our on-camera portion as well!
Wagering
Churchill Downs Fast Facts for April 27, 2024
TwinSpires Fast Facts is a new tool we are working on to enhance and streamline your handicapping!
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Thursday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: $286,380 Pick 6 carryover at Keeneland
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Thursday, April 25 at Horseshoe Indianapolis and Gulfstream Park, along with horses to play in the $286,380 Pick 6 carryover at Keeneland.
Best Bets
Endlessly – Kentucky Derby Context
Endlessly will bring a late kick to the 150th Kentucky Derby (G1) on May 4, rallying smartly past rivals to earn his spot with a four-length decision in the Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3) in late March
Kentucky Derby
T O Password – Kentucky Derby Context
Unbeaten from two starts, T O Password will try to carry his speed all the way in the 150th Kentucky Derby (G1)
Kentucky Derby
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Apr. 24, 2024
Jason welcomes in trainer Chad Brown to talk about his contenders for the Kentucky Derby (G1) including Sierra Leone, Domestic Product and so much more!
Kentucky Derby
Wednesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Keeneland’s $56,441 Pick 6
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Wednesday, April 24 at Thistledown and Horseshoe Indianapolis, along with a horse to single in the $56,441 Pick 6 carryover at Keeneland.
Best Bets
Keeneland expert picks: Thursday, April 25, 2024
It’s the second to last day of the Keeneland Spring Meet, and we’ve got a nine-race card on tap for Thursday.
Wagering
Racing Roundtable: Kentucky Derby 150 and Oaks preview
The Racing Roundtable convenes to preview the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby (G1) and the Kentucky Oaks (G1), including top picks and handicapping tips.
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Hong Kong: Selections for Happy Valley April 24
Racing at Happy Valley begins at 6:40 a.m. ET. Selections and analysis by Declan Schuster of the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
International
Keeneland expert picks: Wednesday, April 24, 2024
We kick off the final week of the Keeneland Spring Meet with an eight-race card on Wednesday.
Wagering
Meet the Contenders: 2024 Kentucky Oaks
Meet the horses running in the 2024 Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs.
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Meet the Contenders: 2024 Kentucky Derby
Meet the horses running in the 2024 Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs.
Kentucky Derby
Resilience – Kentucky Derby Context
Resilience likes to race up close with his tactical speed and appears to be discovering his best form at the right time
Kentucky Derby
Tuesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Five-figure Pick 5 carryovers
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Tuesday, April 23 at Horseshoe Indianapolis, including horses to play in a pair of five-figure Pick 5 carryovers.
Best Bets
Fierceness – Kentucky Derby Context
Based on nearly every metric, Fierceness is the fastest horse entering the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby (G1)
Kentucky Derby
Sierra Leone – Kentucky Derby Context
Long and physically imposing, Sierra Leone will bring a dynamic closing kick to the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby (G1).
Kentucky Derby
Just a Touch – Kentucky Derby Context
A late-developing colt, Just a Touch impressively captured his career debut over a sloppy track at Fair Grounds in late January and followed with a good second in the Gotham (G3) at Aqueduct in the slop.
Kentucky Derby
Stronghold – Kentucky Derby Context
After a pair of seconds in his first two stakes attempts last year, Stronghold improved over the winter, recording a smashing win in the Sunland Derby (G3) and a courageous triumph in the Santa Anita Derby (G1)
Kentucky Derby
Forever Young – Kentucky Derby Context
The highest-ever rated dirt two-year-old in Japan, Forever Young may be the one to buck recent international trends in the Kentucky Derby (G1)
Kentucky Derby
Monday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Opening day at Thistledown
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Monday, April 22 at Thistledown, Will Rogers Downs, and Turf Paradise, including a 15-1 longshot.
Best Bets
Keeneland expert picks: Sunday, April 21, 2024
It’s the final Sunday of the Keeneland Spring Meet, with closing day slated for Friday, April 26. We’ve got top picks in the first five races for Sunday’s nine-race card.
Wagering
Keeneland: Analyzing the $11,895 Super High 5 carryover
The Sunday card at Keeneland doesn’t offer any stakes races, but it does feature an enticing non-jackpot $11,895 carryover in the $1 Super High 5.
Wagering
How to bet the Santa Maria Stakes
An octet of fillies and mares will travel 1 1/16 miles on the Santa Anita main oval in Sunday’s $200,000 Santa Maria S. (G2).
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Tampa Bay Downs: Betting the $2,997 Super High 5 carryover
The Saturday card at Tampa Bay Downs is kicking off on an enticing note with a non-jackpot $2,997 Super High 5 carryover on the table.
Wagering
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.
International
Keeneland expert picks: Saturday, April 20, 2024
It's the final Saturday of the Keeneland Spring Meet! The Grade 2 Elkhorn and the Grade 3 Ben Ali are the main features on the 10-race card at Keeneland.
Wagering
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.
International
How to bet the Providencia Stakes
Eight sophomore fillies will travel nine panels on the Santa Anita lawn in Saturday’s $100,000 Providencia S. (G3). I think that the affair will boil down to a pair of runners and will bet aggressively with my top duo.
Wagering
Keeneland Fast Facts for April 20, 2024
TwinSpires Fast Facts is a new tool we are working on to enhance and streamline your handicapping!
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Keeneland expert picks: Friday, April 19, 2024
The Grade 3 Doubledogdare is the main feature on Friday’s 10-race card at Keeneland
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The Jury: Expert Picks, Bets and Fades for April 20 [Video]
In a condensed jury this week, racing analyst Darin Zoccali gives his best bets and fades at Keeneland and examines a competitive field in the $1.25 million Oaklawn H. (G2). Be sure to check out Darin's opinions in the video above, along with a couple of TwinSpires promos available this weekend and heading into Kentucky Derby week!
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Friday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Keeneland’s $33,775 Pick 6 carryover
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Friday, April 19 at Gulfstream Park, Oaklawn Park, and Charles Town, along with horses to play in two rich carryovers at Keeneland.
Best Bets
How to bet the 2024 Oaklawn Handicap
An excellent field of 11 will vie in Saturday’s lucrative $1.25 million Oaklawn H. (G2) at Oaklawn Park.
Wagering
Just Steel – Kentucky Derby Context
Runner-up in the Arkansas Derby (G1), Just Steel likes to race close to the pace and the early/presser rates as an intriguing longshot for the 150th Kentucky Derby (G1) following a career-best effort at 1 1/8 miles
Wagering
Betting With, and Against, Kingsbarns in the Ben Ali
2023 Louisiana Derby (G2) star #4 Kingsbarns (2-1) is the morning line choice for Saturday’s $300,000 Ben Ali S. (G3) at Keeneland.
Wagering
Exotics Plays for the 2024 Elkhorn Stakes
An excellent cast of 11 turf stayers will run 1 1/2 miles on the Keeneland turf in Saturday’s $350,000 Elkhorn S. (G2).
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Dornoch – Kentucky Derby Context
A full brother to 2023 Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Mage, Dornoch convincingly broke his maiden going two turns at Keeneland last fall.
Wagering
Track Phantom – Kentucky Derby Context
Track Phantom broke his maiden when stretching out to two turns at Churchill Downs last fall and followed with convincing wins in the Gun Runner S. and Lecomte (G3) at Fair Grounds, establishing himself as a legitimate Kentucky Derby (G1) contender
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Catching Freedom – Kentucky Derby Context
After being cut off a couple of strides out of the gate, Catching Freedom dropped back to last and offered a dynamic closing kick to win the 1 3/16-mile Louisiana Derby (G2) at Fair Grounds by a length.
Wagering
Preakness berth on the line in Federico Tesio Stakes
An automatic entry in the May 18 Preakness S. (G1) at Pimlico is at stake in Saturday’s $125,000 Federico Tesio S. at Laurel Park.
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Keeneland Expert Picks: Thursday, April 18, 2024
Wednesday’s weather report called for thunderstorms at Keeneland, but Thursday we should get a break from the rain. Let’s look at the first five races on the card, which includes four maiden races and just one on the turf.
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Thursday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Gulfstream’s $121,788 Pick 5 carryover
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Thursday, April 18 at Aqueduct and Charles Town, along with a ticket for the $121,788 Pick 5 carryover at Gulfstream Park.
Best Bets
Honor Marie – Kentucky Derby Context
Honor Marie has shown an affinity for Churchill Downs, winning the Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) last November, and he will bring a closing kick to the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby (G1) on May 4.
Wagering
Society Man – Kentucky Derby Context
After winning a maiden race the fourth time out in mid-March, Society Man earned a spot in the Kentucky Derby (G1) field by finishing second in the Wood Memorial (G2) at 106-1 odds
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Domestic Product – Kentucky Derby Context
A midpack stalker, Domestic Product overcame a tough trip in traffic behind a glacial pace in the Tampa Bay Derby (G3) on March 9, getting up determinedly to prevail by a neck
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Wednesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Oil Man is working fast
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Wednesday, April 17 at Tampa Bay Downs and Horseshoe Indianapolis, including a win bet on a fast-working first-time starter.
Best Bets
Catalytic – Kentucky Derby Context
Catalytic earned a spot in the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby (G1) by finishing second in his stakes debut and third career start, the Florida Derby (G1)
Wagering
Mystik Dan – Kentucky Derby Context
After racing on or close to the lead in his first four starts, Mystik Dan became more effective when switching to rating tactics two starts back, and the bay colt will look to make a serious impact from off the pace in the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby (G1)
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West Saratoga – Kentucky Derby Context
West Saratoga gamely outfinished four rivals for second in the Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3), guaranteeing his participation in the 150th Kentucky Derby (G1) on May 4.
Wagering
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.
International
Keeneland expert picks: Wednesday, April 17, 2024
It’s a new week at Keeneland and another chance to win some money! TwinSpires is back with our Daily Double Down promo.
Wagering
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.
International
Tuesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Double-digit first-timers
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Tuesday, April 16 at Horseshoe Indianapolis, including double-digit longshots in a double wager.
Best Bets
Monday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: A couple of cold exactas
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Monday, April 15 at Will Rogers Downs and Turf Paradise, including two cold exactas.
Best Bets
Keeneland: Analyzing the $9,927 Super High 5 carryover
The Super High 5 carryover up for grabs on Sunday at Keeneland isn’t quite in the five-figure range, But it’s close, coming in at $9,927.
Wagering
Keeneland expert picks: Pick 5 ticket for Sunday, April 14, 2024
Let’s close out the second week of Keeneland's Spring Meet with a Late Pick 5 ticket for Sunday’s nine-race card.
Wagering
Mahoning: Betting the $105,393 Pick 6 mandatory payout
Saturday is closing day of the Mahoning Valley race meet, which means the $105,393 jackpot carryover in the 20-cent Pick 6 is slated for a mandatory payout.
Wagering
How to bet the 2024 Park Avenue at Aqueduct
A total of eight sophomore fillies bred in the Empire State will go 6 1/2 furlongs on the Aqueduct dirt in Sunday’s $200,000 New York Stallion S. (Park Avenue Division). The trio of horses drawn outside in the affair appear to be best, and I will center my plays around them.
Analysis
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.
International
Keeneland expert picks: Saturday, April 13, 2024
We’ve got the final Road to the Kentucky Derby prep, the Grade 3 Lexington, in Race 10 today, as well as the Grade 3 Giant’s Causeway and Grade 1 Jenny Wiley.
Wagering
Keeneland Fast Facts for April 13, 2024
TwinSpires Fast Facts is a new tool we are working on to enhance and streamline your handicapping!
Racing
The Jury: Expert Picks, Bets and Fades for April 13 [Video]
Racing analysts Ashley Anderson, James Scully, and Darin Zoccali talk their bets and fades for Keeneland and Oaklawn. Ashley and James offer their thoughts in the written portion below. Be sure to check out Darin's opinions in our on-camera portion as well!
Wagering
Friday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Aqueduct’s $23,062 Pick 6 carryover
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Friday, April 12 at Tampa Bay Downs, Gulfstream Park, and Aqueduct, including horses to play in Aqueduct’s $23,062 Pick 6 carryover.
Best Bets
Exotics Plays for the 2024 Jenny Wiley Stakes
A superb field of 10 fillies and mares will travel 1 1/16 miles on the Keeneland lawn in Saturday’s $600,000 Jenny Wiley S. (G1).
Wagering
Betting With, and Against, Elm Drive in the Giant’s Causeway Stakes
Las Cienegas S. (G3) second #11 Elm Drive (7-2) has been installed as the morning-line choice for Saturday’s $300,000 Giant’s Causeway S. (G3) at Keeneland.
Wagering
How to bet the 2024 Apple Blossom Handicap
An accomplished cast of nine fillies and mares will go postward in Saturday’s lucrative $1.25 million Apple Blossom H. (G1) at Oaklawn Park.
Wagering