Last week, in this space, we outlined pros and cons for each probable Kentucky Derby starter. Some has changed since then. Horses have moved in and out of the lineup and we know post positions. We’ve also had additional time to further review races, workouts, gallops, past performances, speed figs and selections from fellow analysts. […]
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Undefeated champion Essential Quality heads a field of 20 entered in Saturday’s 147th running of the Grade I, $3 million Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs. This means barring any scratches, the track’s special 20-stall starting gate will be filled to capacity for the 1 1/4-mile classic. The first Kentucky Derby in which the 20-stall […]
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It’s roughly 14 more sleeps (catnaps not included) until they run America’s most important race the Gr. 1 Kentucky Derby. The Gr. 1 Breeders’ Cup Classic and a few other stateside events are worth more money, but the Run for the Roses remains the Holy Grail for the majority of racing folk, including breeders, owners, […]
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It’s understandable that much attention at this time of the year is focused on the upcoming Kentucky Derby on May 1. That being said, many racing enthusiasts are looking forward to the showdown between champions Monomoy Girl and Swiss Skydiver in this Saturday’s Grade I, $1 million Apple Blossom Handicap at Oaklawn Park. These […]
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It’s challenging being the champ; walking (and running) around with a bullseye plastered on your hind end. Ever since being honored as the nation’s top 2-year-old in January, Essential Quality has worn the crown well. He appeared to be on-the-ropes Saturday in the Keeneland stretch, when Highly Motivated proved a surprisingly stubborn foe in the […]
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This Saturday’s Grade I Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park is the final race offering 170 points toward a spot in the starting gate at this year’s 147th running of the $3 million Kentucky Derby on May 1. Also Saturday, Keeneland’s Grade II Lexington Stakes has 34 Kentucky Derby points up for grabs to the […]
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The rubber meets the road Saturday when a trio of critical Kentucky Derby points races are decided from coast to coast. In New York, the historic Gr. 2 Wood Memorial ought to help sort a crowded group of contenders, including Withers winner Risk Taking and Gotham hero Weyburn. Unbeaten invader Prevalence adds intrigue. […]
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Beginning in late January, I’ve been making selections for Xpressbet.com in terms of this country’s races offering points toward a starting berth in the Grade I, $3 million Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs on May 1. Of the nine such races, I have picked the winner in six of them, as noted below: […]
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Saturday, a trio of important sophomore races have attracted nationwide connections desirous of mandatory hotel reservations in Louisville, Kentucky on the first Saturday of May. If you’re keeping score at home, this year Derby Day is May 1 and that’s as early as it possibly can be. That’s in stark contrast to last year when […]
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It was 40 years ago that John Henry, a gelding who rose to stardom from relative obscurity, won the world’s first $1 million Thoroughbred race, the Arlington Million, by a scant nose. John Henry won 39 times during his extraordinary career. Of those 39 victories, the 1981 Arlington Million quite possibly was his finest […]
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Gulfstream Park veteran host and analyst Ron Nicoletti picked 10 winners on Saturday’s 12-race card. That’s a huge afternoon for any public handicapper and great news for his loyal followers. Unfortunately, Nicoletti’s big afternoon was bad news for those squaring off against him in Beat the Host Week 6 action. In concert with his […]
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This Saturday’s Grade II Risen Star Stakes at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots in New Orleans has enticed a wide-open field of 13. Heading the 1 1/8-mile contest is Keepmeinmind, who ranks No. 8 on my Kentucky Derby Top 10. Senor Buscador, No. 9 on my Top 10, also is entered in the […]
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Saturday, veteran Gulfstream Park handicapper and simulcast host Ron Nicoletti will be the man wearing the bullseye in Week 6 Beat the Host action. Players will attempt to top Nicoletti’s earning’s total based on a ‘live’ $5 Win wagers in each of 10 competition races. That accomplishment earns a seat in the Beat the Host […]
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I made selections last week for both the Holy Bull Stakes and Robert B. Lewis Stakes. My top pick won both. Can I do it again this week? To be perfectly frank, I seriously doubt it. But, hey, despite a lack of confidence, I shall give it a try. My top selection for last […]
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Veteran handicapper and host Jeff Siegel turned a profit Saturday when he picked 4 winners out of 10 competition races in Week 4 Beat the Host action. His winning total was $56, based on $5 Win wagers on one horse in each race. Usually, Beat the Host competition races are a combination of heats […]
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