LATEST RACING ARTICLES
The Jury: Expert Picks, Bets, and Fades for Jan. 11 [VIDEO]
Likely Exchange: The little mare with outsized influence
Thursday Thoughts with Jason Beem for Jan. 9, 2025
How to bet the Ladies Stakes
Exotics Plays for the Likely Exchange Stakes
Pick 3 of the Week: Fair Grounds Saturday
Wednesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Cold double at Gulfstream Park
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Jan. 8, 2025
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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
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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
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
Kentucky Derby
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).
Wagering
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.
Kentucky Derby
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
Kentucky Derby
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.
Kentucky Derby
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.
Wagering
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.
Wagering
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
Thursday Thoughts with Jason Beem Apr. 18, 2024
Jason discusses racing fans who came to the sport during the pandemic and the excitement of marketing to people who are new in the game.
Features
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Apr. 18, 2024
Jason looks ahead to some of the events coming up in the world of racing this weekend including stakes action from Keeneland, Oaklawn, and Hawthorne.
Racing Podcast
150 years of Kentucky Derby winners: 1975-2023
Kentucky Derby 150 is just around the corner! Celebrate by exploring the rich history of Derby winners and Kentucky Derby Results.
Kentucky Derby
150 years of Kentucky Derby Winners: 1925-1974
Kentucky Derby 150 is just around the corner! Celebrate by exploring the rich history of Derby winners and Kentucky Derby Results.
Kentucky Derby
150 years of Kentucky Derby winners throughout the years: 1875-1924
Kentucky Derby 150 is just around the corner! Celebrate by exploring the rich history of Derby winners and Kentucky Derby Results.
Kentucky Derby
The Big Payoff: Donerail’s Derby
In 1913, Donerail became the talk of the town and the nation with his surprise Derby win, establishing a record that may never be broken.
Features
Catching up with champions: Second careers for two fan favorites
Fan favorites Whitmore, 2020 Eclipse champion sprinter, and Finnick the Fierce, the one-eyed gelding who captured hearts on the 2020 Derby Trail, both demonstrate what second careers can look like and why aftercare should be a focus for everyone who loves the sport of horse racing.
Aftercare
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.
Kentucky Derby
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
Kentucky Derby
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
Kentucky Derby
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
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Apr. 17, 2024
Jason welcomes in former trainer Seth Benzel to talk about his life in racing, working for Todd Pletcher and Bill Mott, his career as an artist, and much more!
Racing Podcast
When a speed horse is dominant, a closer can finish second
When you handicap a horse race and conclude that a runner with early speed—a pacesetter—appears much the best, it can pay to play a stretch runner for second place in the exacta.
Analysis
Racing Roundtable: Encino's Lexington win, the Jenny Wiley, and more
The Racing Roundtable discusses Encino's chances in the Kentucky Derby (G1) should he make the 20-horse field, Grade 1 action from the weekend, and more.
Kentucky Derby
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)
Kentucky Derby
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)
Kentucky Derby
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.
Kentucky Derby
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
Derby Gives 2024: Racing for more
A few days following the official Kentucky Derby post-position draw, there will be a second draw Derby fans should pay close attention to.
Aftercare
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
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Apr. 16, 2024
Jason talks about some betting topics to open the show, then we welcome in Jim Miller to talk Hawthorne racing.
Racing Podcast
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem April 15, 2024
Jason looks back at the Masters tournament and discusses how sports traditions get formed as well as how do we keep people who watch just these big events to stay as year-round fans?
Features
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast April 15, 2024
Jason looks back the weekend of racing and discusses action from Keeneland and Oaklawn Park.
Racing Podcast
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Just Steel
Just Steel is a capable competitor on dirt, but that’s arguably in defiance of his bloodlines. A glance at his pedigree suggests turf might be his best surface.
Pedigree
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
The 10 Richest Races in the World
A countdown of the 10 richest races in the world, as of November 2022.
Breeders Cup
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
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Just a Touch
One of the most beautifully bred horses in the prospective 2024 Kentucky Derby (G1) field is Just a Touch, the lightly raced runner-up in the Blue Grass (G1) and Gotham (G3) on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.
Pedigree
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