With its cavalry-charge field of 20 horses, the Kentucky Derby instinctively leads horseplayers and fans alike toward long shots. After all, with graded stakes earnings the basis for entry, all have “earned” their way (more…)

From a racing experience standpoint, few can match the atmosphere Keeneland offers. Having spent a few days in Lexington this past week, big crowds filling gorgeous grounds was a welcomed respite from the seemingly endless winter racing scene. (And special thanks to Julie Balog and Amy Gregory for the usual exceptional hospitality!)

From a racing standpoint, Keeneland is also the place to be (more…)

After saddling a record five Kentucky Derby runners one year ago, and nominating over 30 to this year’s edition, it took a 1-2 effort in the Blue Grass Stakes for Todd Pletcher to make his presence felt on the Road to Louisville.

Monba, who had a rough trip and galloped home last of 12 in the Fountain of Youth earlier this season, outgamed stablemate Cowboy Cal through the lane to post the victory ($19.60) beneath Edgar Prado.

Meanwhile, heavy favorite Pyro checked in tenth in his first try racing over a synthetic surface.

Elsewhere, Hey Byrn scored a harder-than-expected win in the Holy Bull, and Gayego triumphed in the Arkansas Derby.

So what does it all mean?

For Pyro, it means that Steve Asmussen will need to (more…)

New York’s signature prep race for the Kentucky Derby, the Wood Memorial, was the anticipated feature attraction on a beautiful Saturday afternoon this past weekend at Aqueduct.

Yet to accommodate NBC’s national television coverage, the Wood was moved to race 9, pushing the Grade 1 Carter Handicap back to race 10 of 11 to anchor the guaranteed Pick 4 sequence.

Fittingly so. (more…)

Having taken a look at the Aqueduct card, there is still plenty of other action around the country.

At Santa Anita, El Roblar could spring a minor surprise in the Potrero Grande. In the Santa Anita Derby, looks like a rematch between Colonel John and El Gato Malo, with On the Virg and Polonius providing value (more…)

The biggest day of the Aqueduct Spring Meet hosts an 11-race card, including 4 graded stakes. Wet weather was the victor on Friday, cancelling the card.

Race 1 - What a Tale is the most talented in here, with Benlayla, Fahrenheit Wild and Irish Blast completing the opening race exotics.
Race 2 - Taken off the turf, still like Call Me the Breeze from the rail (more…)