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Thanksgiving Day 2024 Spot Plays at Fair Grounds
How to bet the Falls City Stakes
How to bet the 2024 Thanksgiving Classic Stakes
Meet the Contenders: 2024 Kentucky Jockey Club
The Jury: Expert Picks, Bets, and Fades for Nov. 28-Dec. 1 [Video]
Tuesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Zia Park all-stakes Pick 3
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Nov. 26, 2024
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Baffert, Cox unveil new winners
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20 Fun and Memorable Kentucky Derby Quotes & Sayings
What are some of the most iconic Kentucky Derby quotes and Kentucky Derby sayings that have stayed with fans throughout history?
Kentucky Derby
Dosage Index and birthdates for 2024 Kentucky Derby contenders
Since the Dosage Index became a Kentucky Derby (G1) handicapping tool a few decades back, some interest remains in how the current contenders stack up.
Pedigree
Why the Kentucky Derby generates big betting payoffs
The Kentucky Derby (G1) at Churchill Downs is considered one of the best betting races of the year. The reason? Big payoffs. And the reason for the big payoffs? Simple mathematics.
Kentucky Derby
Great Meadow: Virginia Gold Cup and Commonwealth Cup picks
A great day of racing over fences is on the agenda at Great Meadow this Saturday. The historic Virginia Gold Cup is the co-feature alongside the Commonwealth Cup (G1).
Wagering
How to bet the 2024 Ruffian Stakes
Grade 1 winner #1 Randomized will make her four-year-old debut in the $200,000 Ruffian S. (G2) at Aqueduct on Saturday.
Wagering
The Thurby Live Blog for Thursday racing at Churchill Downs | May 2, 2024
TwinSpires presents live blog coverage of Thurby racing action during Kentucky Derby week.
Live
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Thursday Thoughts with Jason Beem May 2, 2024
Jason gives his final thoughts and picks for the Kentucky Oaks (G1) and Kentucky Derby (G1).
Kentucky Derby
How Keeler Johnson will bet the 2024 Kentucky Derby
Will #17 Fierceness (5-2) win or lose the 150th Kentucky Derby (G1) on Saturday at Churchill Downs? That’s the pivotal question bettors must ponder.
Kentucky Derby
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.
Wagering
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.
Wagering
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast May 2, 2024
Jason gives some final thoughts on the Kentucky Derby weekend, takes some calls from featured guests, and more!
Kentucky Derby
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.
Wagering
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.
Wagering
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.
Wagering
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.
Wagering
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.
Wagering
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.
Wagering
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!
Wagering
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast April 30, 2024
Jason is joined by horseplayer and owner Joe Tartaglia to discuss this year's Kentucky Oaks race. They discuss the race, the pace, and all of the contenders in this year's Oaks.
Racing Podcast
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
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast May 1, 2024
Jason is joined by Jessica Paquette as they talk about this year's Kentucky Derby and all of the contenders in this year's race.
Racing Podcast
The Kentucky Derby 150 Trainers Dinner 2024
Join the Kentucky Thoroughbred Association's Kentucky Derby 150 Trainers' Dinner live stream show from the First Turn Club at historic Churchill Downs.
Live
Jockeys and weight in the Kentucky Derby
Being the most identifiable human participants on average in Thoroughbred racing, jockeys will be a major focus in this week’s 150th edition of the Kentucky Derby.
Kentucky Derby
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.
Wagering
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.
Wagering
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
Kentucky Derby Exclusive ALL ACCESS Interviews [VIDEO]
Our expert team of racing analysts present exclusive access to the Kentucky Derby at an unprecedented level. Listen to trainers, jockeys, owners and even the horses themselves! Join Andrew Brown, Ashley Anderson, Abbey Huffman and featuring Rosie Napravnik gaining rich insight into all things Kentucky Derby horses.
Kentucky Derby
How has the winning time of the Kentucky Derby changed over time?
Below we explore how the average winning Kentucky Derby time has transformed over history.
Kentucky Derby
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem April 29, 2024
Jason looks ahead to this week's Derby festivities and looks back at some of his Derby memories.
Features
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast April 29, 2024
Jason looks back at the weekend of racing including action from Churchill Downs and Keeneland. He also discusses the Kentucky Derby and Oaks draws as we kick off Derby week coverage.
Racing Podcast
The 10 best Kentucky Derby winners of all time
The greatest Kentucky Derby winners didn’t just run the race of their lives as three-year-olds on the first Saturday in May. They built resumes, often as older horses, that stand the test of time.
Kentucky Derby
Churchill Downs Pick 3 play for Tuesday, April 30
An interesting early three-race sequence caught my attention at Churchill Downs on Tuesday.
Wagering
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
Where to watch the 2023 Kentucky Derby: Full schedule
Below we look at the full 2023 Kentucky Derby day schedule, from start time to location, the full field, and where to watch.
Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby race length and distance: how long is the race?
To beat out a field of up to 20 three-year-olds vying for the Kentucky Derby crown and the customary garland of roses, it takes a combination of strength, stamina, and tactical speed to breeze through a 1 1/4-mile race in nearly 120 seconds.
Kentucky Derby
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.
Wagering
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
Kentucky Derby
Post positions and morning line odds for 2024 Kentucky Oaks
Here is the draw with morning-line odds for Friday's Kentucky Oaks (G1).
Kentucky Derby
Post positions and morning line odds for 2024 Kentucky Derby
Here's the field for the 150th Kentucky Derby (G1) following the draw.
Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Mugatu
After finishing fourth in the John Battaglia Memorial S. and fifth in the Blue Grass (G1) on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, Mugatu enters the 2024 Kentucky Derby (G1) as the second also-eligible entrant in an overflow field of 22 horses.
Pedigree
Churchill Downs Opening Day: Coverage, Latest News, Live Updates & More (April 27, 2024)
TwinSpires presents live blog coverage of horse racing on opening day of Churchill Downs and the start of Kentucky Derby week.
Live
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.
Wagering
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.
Wagering
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.
Wagering
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.
Wagering
2024 Kentucky Derby Purse: How much prize money will the winning owner and trainer earn
No great horse race is complete without a great purse to be won, and the Kentucky Derby boasts one of the richest purses in North America.
Kentucky Derby
2024 Kentucky Derby purse: How much prize money will the winning jockey earn
Have you ever wondered what share of the Kentucky Derby purse the winning jockey receives? Suffice to say, it’s a lucrative payday.
Kentucky Derby
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!
Wagering
The human and the horse
As the 150th Kentucky Derby approaches, we want to honor the beautiful connection that occurs between the horse and the human that cares for them.
Aftercare
The Official EARLY 2024 Kentucky Derby Betting Guide
The EARLY 2024 Kentucky Derby Betting Guide focuses on getting to know the contenders probable to enter the First Saturday In May.
Expert Picks
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
Thursday Thoughts with Jason Beem Apr. 25, 2024
Jason shares some Thursday Thoughts on Keeneland's meet wrapping up, Churchill's getting underway, and more!
Features
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Apr. 25, 2024
Jason looks ahead to some of the weekend racing at Keeneland and Churchill Downs. He also talks about handicapping and betting with conviction versus just hoping.
Racing Podcast
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
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Epic Ride
Which racing surface is best for Epic Ride? And can he handle the Kentucky Derby’s testing 1 1/4-mile distance? His pedigree hints at the answers.
Pedigree
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.
Wagering
Commander Compton shows how strong a horse’s surface preferences can be
Commander Compton is vivid proof that some horses hold clear-cut surface preferences, and a reminder that poor form over a disliked surface can be disregarded when analyzing a horse’s past performances.
Analysis
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
Post Positions That Produced The Most & Fewest Kentucky Derby Winners
What post position wins the Kentucky Derby the most? When analyzing Kentucky Derby winners by post position, it is important to look at the win percentage and in-the-money percentage of each position.
Kentucky Derby
Meet the Contenders: 2024 Kentucky Oaks
Meet the horses running in the 2024 Kentucky Oaks at Churchill Downs.
Wagering
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
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Apr. 23, 2024
Jason welcomes in Twinspires' own James Scully to talk about the upcoming Kentucky Oaks (G1) and Kentucky Derby (G1) races.
Racing Podcast
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
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem April 22, 2024
Jason looks back at the weekend including the Illinois Derby win for Patriot Spirit and that horse's journey through his racing career.
Features
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast April 22, 2024
Jason looks back at racing from the weekend including action from Keeneland, Aqueduct, Santa Anita, and more!
Racing Podcast
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
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Common Defense
Top-five finishers in the Louisiana Derby (G2), Rebel (G2), and Southwest (G3) have launched Common Defense into the Kentucky Derby (G1) picture, even though his pedigree is geared toward success on turf more than dirt.
Pedigree
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Grand Mo the First
A glance at the pedigree of Kentucky Derby (G1) contender Grand Mo the First reveals the source of his multi-surface versatility.
Pedigree
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).
Wagering
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!
Wagering
Keeneland expert picks: Friday, April 19, 2024
The Grade 3 Doubledogdare is the main feature on Friday’s 10-race card at Keeneland
Wagering
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!
Wagering
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