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Thursday Thoughts with Jason Beem for April 3, 2025
Thursday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Mahoning, Turf Paradise stakes
Tipsheet: 2025 Blue Grass Stakes
Tipsheet: 2025 Santa Anita Derby
Tipsheet: 2025 Wood Memorial Stakes
Journalism 4-1 in early-closing KDFW Pool 6
STUDY: Is the average age of Kentucky Derby-winning jockeys rising?
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast April 2, 2025
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Tipsheet: 2023 Black-Eyed Susan Stakes
A total of 10 three-year-old fillies will travel 1 1/8 miles on the Pimlico main surface in Friday’s $300,000 Black-Eyed Susan S. (G2).
Wagering
Hanson: 2023 Black-Eyed Susan Day Spot Plays
The relative quality of the offerings vary at Pimlico on Friday and Saturday, but Preakness weekend should nonetheless prove a highly popular product for bettors across the country.
Wagering
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays of May 19
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Friday, May 19 at Churchill Downs and Pimlico, along with a horse to single in the $1,354 Pick 5 carryover at Belterra Park.
Wagering
Spot plays and Pick 3 for Black-Eyed Susan Day May 19
We offer spot plays and a Pick 3 ticket for the three stakes races preceding the Black-Eyed Susan, including the Miss Preakness (G3), Hilltop S., and Pimlico Special (G3).
Wagering
Spot plays and Pick 3 for Preakness Stakes card May 20
Below we provide spot plays and a Pick 3 ticket for three of the stakes races preceding the Preakness, including the Skipat S., Jim McKay Turf Sprint S., and Maryland Sprint S. (G3).
Wagering
Jason Beem's Thursday Column for May 18, 2023
Jason talks about this year's Preakness and some Preakness' from the past.
TwinSpires
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Preakness Stakes
Brisnet Speed Rating report for 2023 Preakness
Only a couple of days remain until Monday’s post position draw for the 148th running of the $1.5 million Preakness at Pimlico on May 20. Let's examine Brisnet Speed ratings for the contenders
Analysis
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays of May 18
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Thursday, May 18 at Belmont Park, Churchill Downs, and Gulfstream Park, including a ticket for Churchill’s $17,377 Super High 5 carryover.
Wagering
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: May 18, 2023
Jason is joined by Jeremy Balan to discuss this year's Preakness Stakes and all of the contenders in the race.
Racing Podcast
Mage installed as 8-5 favorite in 2023 Preakness Stakes
Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Mage will meet seven rivals, all new shooters, in the 148th Preakness (G1).
Preakness Stakes
2023 Preakness Stakes: Horses, Post Time, TV Schedule, Live Stream
Kentucky Derby winner Mage returns for the second leg of the Triple Crown in the 2023 Preakness Stakes. Watch a field of new contenders and a few familiar faces from the Road to the Kentucky Derby series who did not run in the Kentucky Derby, but will run in the Preakness Stakes.
Preakness Stakes
2023 Preakness Stakes Weather Report
Searching for the Preakness Stakes weather report? We at TwinSpires understand how the weather impacts horse performance and race pace with track surface changes. Take a look at what a variety of weather sources are predicting for race day.
Preakness Stakes
2023 Preakness Stakes: Betting Odds, Wager Menu
Learn the start times of each post time during racing days at Pimlico Park. For the Preakness Stakes, learn what wagers you can place in betting tickets and what payouts or terms and conditions may exist for your betting action.
Preakness Stakes
Stakes Spot Plays for 2023 Preakness Day
A huge day will be hosted by Pimlico on Saturday, with nine stakes races on the slate, led by the $1.5 million Preakness S. (G1).
Wagering
Harness Preview: Picks and Horses to Watch May 18-22
Selected features, stakes coverage and the never-ending TwinSpires’ horses-to-watch list (H2W) share keys to success in exotics, win, place and show payoffs.
Harness
Watch out when route runners are actually sprinters
It’s not uncommon to see young horses run well in their first route race, only to falter in subsequent two-turn events. A single victory running long isn’t always indicative of a true route racer in the making.
Education
Catching My Eye: Churchill Downs, May 11-14
Racing analyst Kevin Kilroy shares which horses caught his eye at Churchill Downs the week after the Kentucky Derby.
Analysis
Pimlico Spot Plays for Friday, May 19
Pimlico will host a big 14-race card on Friday, with the Black-Eyed Susan S. (G2) taking center stage. Below are a few of the contenders that I have an interest in on the undercard.
Racing
Betting With, and Against, Rattle N Roll in the Pimlico Special
A well-matched field of eight will run 1 3/16 miles on the Pimlico main course in Friday’s historic $250,000 Pimlico Special S. (G3).
Wagering
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays of May 17
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Wednesday, May 17 at Horseshoe Indianapolis, along with horses to single in the $3,158 Pick 5 carryover at Presque Isle Downs.
Wagering
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: May 17, 2023
Jason opens the show discussing some thoughts on future and multi-day wagers in advance of the Preakness. Then he looks ahead a bit to Friday's Black-Eyed Susan card at Pimlico.
Racing Podcast
This key moment is vital for Mage to win the Preakness Stakes
Mage will enter Saturday’s $1.5 million Preakness at Pimlico off a one-length victory under the Twin Spires, and four of the last 11 Kentucky Derby winners have come right back to add the second leg of the Triple Crown 14 days later.
Preakness Stakes
Presque Isle Downs Selections and Analysis for Wednesday, May 17
Dick Powell offers his picks and analysis for the Wednesday racing card at Presque Isle Downs.
Wagering
Pedigree notebook: Good Magic off to flying start as classic sire
Good Magic had the credentials to become an important sire on the Triple Crown trail. Even so, the champion son of Curlin has made quite an impact at his earliest opportunity, siring Kentucky Derby (G1) winner Mage in his very first crop.
Pedigree
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: May 16, 2023
Jason is happy to welcome on Jeff Bratt, analyst and television host from Woodbine, to talk about the meet that just got underway. They talk about the Woodbine season, some of the new connections, and more!
Racing Podcast
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays of May 16
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Tuesday, May 16 at Horseshoe Indianapolis, Presque Isle Downs, and Will Rogers Downs.
Wagering
Tall Tales of the Track: Bourbon, Bets, and the Beatles
The combination of a well-timed swig of bourbon, a fortuitous wager, and a basement music club made history not just in horse racing, but also in rock and roll.
Features
Presque Isle Downs Selections and Analysis for Tuesday, May 16
Dick Powell offers his picks and analysis for the Tuesday racing card at Presque Isle Downs.
Wagering
Later developers increasingly the ones to fear in American classics
It was only five years ago that we were still talking about the “Curse of Apollo,” whereby horses unraced at age two were perceived to be at a serious disadvantage in the Kentucky Derby (G1).
Kentucky Derby
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem May 15, 2023
Jason looks back at the weekend, including the Grade 1 win from 9 year-old Red Knight in the Man O'War Stakes.
Features
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays May 15
J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Monday at Horseshoe Indianapolis and Presque Isle Downs, including a horse to single in the $33,764 Pick 5 carryover at Horseshoe Indianapolis.
Wagering
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: May 15, 2023
Jason looks back at the weekend of racing, including a trio of stakes at Belmont Park. He also talks some Churchill Downs and more!
Racing
Presque Isle Downs Selections and Analysis for Monday, May 15
Dick Powell offers his picks and analysis for the Monday racing card at Presque Isle Downs.
Wagering
Harness Weekly Update: Double-digit winners, $51 exacta
Harness racing scores are high across the board and with exotics.
Harness
Churchill Downs: How to bet the $7,007 Super High 5 carryover
You’ll have to start betting pretty early in the day if you want to win a share of Sunday’s $7,007 Super High 5 carryover at Churchill Downs.
Wagering
Betting Strategy: Free Roll for a Seat at the NHC
The second of five free online qualifiers for the NTRA National Horseplayers Championship (NHC) is set for this Sunday, May 14.
Features
Horses to single in lucrative Belmont, Gulfstream Pick 6 carryovers
A couple of lucrative Pick 6 carryovers are up for grabs at Belmont Park and Gulfstream Park this Saturday.
Wagering
How to bet With and Against Warren Point in the Man o' War Stakes
An accomplished field of eight will contest the lucrative $600,000 Man o’ War S. (G1) at Belmont Park on Saturday.
Wagering
The Heart That Wears the Crown: War Admiral
Lofty expectations are laid upon the greats when they exit stage left to enter the next phase. When Man o’ War said goodbye to his life on the track, the focus then became on whether the 20th century’s greatest racehorse could produce another one like him. Whatever it was that made Big Red so dominant and so iconic had to be passed along to his progeny, but what would that look like?
Triple Crown
The Jury: Bets and fades for May 13
The TwinSpires Jury returns this week, a relatively quiet one between the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Preakness (G1).
Wagering
Churchill Downs spot plays and Pick 3 for Saturday, May 13
Churchill Downs will host an 11-race card on Saturday highlighted by the $225,000 William Walker S. Below we provide spot plays for the three races preceding the 5 1/2-furlong turf event and a Pick 3 ticket covering Races 7-9.
Wagering
Exotics Plays for the William Walker Stakes
A talented and well-matched field of eight three-year-olds will go postward in the $225,000 William Walker S. at Churchill Downs on Saturday.
Wagering
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays of May 12
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Friday, May 12 at Churchill Downs and Belmont Park, along with tickets for the $11,963 Super High 5 carryover at Santa Anita.
Wagering
Kentucky Derby Reflections by John Mucciolo
The 149th Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs didn’t disappoint with a huge crowd on hand, a massive viewing audience from afar, and a thrilling race with a great storyline, too.
Kentucky Derby
Jason Beem's Thursday Column for May 11, 2023
Jason looks back at closing day at Tampa Bay Downs and his second season at the Oldsmar oval.
Features
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays of May 11
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Thursday, May 11 at Belmont Park and Churchill Downs, along with horses to single in the $25,665 Pick 5 carryover at Charles Town.
Wagering
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: May 11, 2023
Jason discusses some handicapping topics to open the show before looking ahead to some weekend racing from Belmont and Churchill Downs.
Racing Podcast
Harness Preview: Picks and Horses to Watch May 11-15
Selected features, stakes coverage and the never-ending TwinSpires’ horses-to-watch list (H2W) share keys to success in exotics, win, place and show payoffs.
Harness
Preakness Report: Mage brings late kick to Pimlico
Mage closed fast to win the Kentucky Derby, notching his second win from only four starts. Inexperience and a tendency for slow starts proved no obstacle for the Gustavo Delgado-trained colt, who took advantage of a hot pace to score by a length.
Preakness Stakes
How to bet the Gold Fever Stakes
A talented and compact field of six sophomore colts will contest the $150,000 Gold Fever S. at Belmont Park on Friday.
Wagering
When analyzing layoffs, sometimes basic handicapping trumps all
There are many ways handicappers can gauge whether a horse is ready to win off a long layoff. One of the simplest is, has the horse shown the ability to win a race like the one you’re handicapping?
Education
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: May 10, 2023
Jason welcomes on Pimlico announcer Dave Rodman to the show to talk about the upcoming Preakness Stakes. They also discuss Dave's 30-plus years calling the Preakness and some of his memories of the race from years past.
Racing Podcast
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays of May 10
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Wednesday, May 10 at Horseshoe Indianapolis and Will Rogers Downs, including win bets on a pair of longshots.
Wagering
Catching My Eye: Kentucky Derby Weekend at Churchill Downs
Analyst Kevin Kilroy looks back on the weekend of racing at Churchill Downs, including the 149th Kentucky Derby (G1), the Pat Day Mile (G2), and the Kentucky Oaks (G1) undercard.
Kentucky Derby
Racing Roundtable: 2023 Kentucky Derby weekend
James Scully, Kellie Reilly, and Vance Hanson recap the events of Kentucky Derby weekend in this edition of the Racing Roundtable.
Kentucky Derby
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: May 9, 2023
Jason finishes up discussing the races from the big weekend, including talking about the undercard stakes from both days and the Kentucky Oaks from Friday.
Racing Podcast
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays of May 9
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares $90 worth of picks and plays for Tuesday, May 9 at Will Rogers Downs, including a trio of exactas.
Wagering
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast May 8, 2023
Jason looks back at Mage's Kentucky Derby win from the weekend. He discusses the lead up to the race, the scratches, the race itself, and much more!
Racing
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays May 8
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Monday, May 8 at Horseshoe Indianapolis, including a pair of trifectas.
Racing
Harness Weekly Update: 46% across-the-board hits
46% Horses to Watch hit the board; strong prices included
Harness
Gulfstream Park: How to bet the $4,568 Super High 5 carryover
If you’re still winding down from the excitement of the Kentucky Derby (G1) and feel like chasing a carryover to let off steam, check out the Sunday card at Gulfstream Park.
Wagering
2023 Kentucky Derby: Five Takeaways You Need to Know After Mage's Win in 149th Race
Mage’s victory as a 15-1 chance in Saturday’s 149th running of the Kentucky Derby (G1) will leave plenty of food for thought in the coming days. For the moment, here are five instant takeaways.
Kentucky Derby
2023 Kentucky Derby winner: Mage (15-1) wins the 149th Kentucky Derby
In a thrilling drive to the Churchill Downs finish line, 15-1 longshot Mage fought off all challengers to win the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby (G1) by one length.
Kentucky Derby
Mage – Kentucky Derby Context
Mage launched an eye-catching, sweeping move past Forte on the far turn of the Florida Derby (G1) to strike the front in upper stretch, eventually winding up second to the odds-on favorite in only his third start.
Kentucky Derby
Tipsheet: 2023 Kentucky Derby
The 149th running of the $3 million Kentucky Derby (G1) is upon us and attracted an overflow field of 23 three-year-olds for the historic 1 1/4-mile contest.
Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby International Scouting Report: Mandarin Hero
Mandarin Hero will be the third Japanese runner in Kentucky Derby 149. There are a couple of key differences from compatriots Derma Sotogake and Continuar.
Kentucky Derby
Betting Guide: Official Kentucky Derby 149 Betting Guides
In our Meet the Contenders edition, we focus on providing insight on each of the horses poised to start in the Kentucky Derby. Download this free betting guide below!
Kentucky Derby
Top 10 angles to watch in 2023 Kentucky Derby
The 2023 Kentucky Derby (G1) offers several intriguing historical angles. As we settle in to enjoy the 149th Run for the Roses, let’s see which come to pass, and how many are deferred for another year.
Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby 2023 odds for betting, contender value
2023 Kentucky Derby odds, betting strategy, cheat sheet
Kentucky Derby
Angel of Empire – Kentucky Derby Context
An off-the-pace runner, Angel of Empire displayed a terrific turn of foot in the Arkansas Derby (G1), surging from sixth to reach the lead by the top of the stretch, and the up-and-coming colt established himself as a serious Kentucky Derby contender while notching his first triple-digit Brisnet Speed rating (101)
Kentucky Derby
Tapit Trice – Kentucky Derby Context
A powerful late runner, Tapit Trice will bring a four-race win streak into the Kentucky Derby, including stakes tallies in the Blue Grass (G1) and Tampa Bay Derby (G3).
Kentucky Derby
Derma Sotogake – Kentucky Derby Context
One of two Japanese horses in the Kentucky Derby field, Derma Sotogake established himself as a contender recording a fast win in the UAE Derby (G2), leading all the way to score by 5 1/2 lengths.
Kentucky Derby
2023 Kentucky Derby Picks: Celebrity Predictions, Winning Experts Give Selections
Due to the race changes, who should you bet in the Kentucky Derby? TwinSpires has expert picks for bets that do not include Forte or scratched horses.
Kentucky Derby
A King's Coronation on 2000 Guineas Day at Newmarket
While much of the racing world’s attention on Saturday is focused on the Kentucky Derby (G1), earlier in the day, an heir to a centuries-long legacy will be crowned at a venue rich in tradition.
International
Kentucky Derby jockey profile: James Graham
Jockey James Graham is slated to ride Confidence Game in the 2023 Kentucky Derby (G1), which will mark Graham’s third time competing in the historic 1 1/4-mile classic.
Kentucky Derby
2023 Kentucky Derby live updates, latest news & notes on horses, futures, odds, picks
The Kentucky Derby news & notes offers our complete coverage cultivated in one place! Complete coverage of Kentucky Derby horses, odds, analysis and picks!
Kentucky Derby
Betting the 2023 Kentucky Derby on different budgets
Will history be made in the 2023 Kentucky Derby (G1)? No horse exiting the UAE Derby (G2) has won the 1 1/4-mile Churchill Downs classic, but that can change when #17 Derma Sotogake (10-1) takes on Saturday’s deep Kentucky Derby field.
Kentucky Derby
Handicapping the first Pick 4 on Kentucky Derby Day
The first Pick 4 offering on the Kentucky Derby Day program runs from races 2 through 5, encompassing two overnight events and two graded stakes.
Kentucky Derby
Hanson: 2023 Kentucky Derby Day undercard dirt spot plays
Kentucky Derby Day at Churchill Downs kicks off at 10:30 a.m. ET on Saturday and concludes some 10 hours and 14 races later.
Wagering
Kentucky Derby: Betting the $106,142 mandatory-payout Pick 6
At Churchill Downs, Saturday’s all-stakes Pick 6 sequence ending with the Kentucky Derby (G1) features a $106,142 carryover slated for mandatory payout.
Wagering
2023 Kentucky Derby: Weather forecast, the chance of rain for the day of the race
2023 Kentucky Derby: Weather forecast, chance of rain for the day of the race
Kentucky Derby
2023 Kentucky Derby by the numbers
Below we look ahead to the latest edition of the Run for the Roses with these fast facts and figures related to the 2023 Kentucky Derby field, along with the history of the most exciting two minutes in sports.
Kentucky Derby
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays of May 6
J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Belmont Park, Oaklawn Park, Santa Anita, and Turf Paradise, including a horse to single in the $523,250 mandatory-payout Pick 6 carryover at Turf Paradise.
Racing
How to bet the All Three-Year-Old Pick 3 on Kentucky Derby Day
On Saturday, May 6, Churchill Downs will offer a special All Three-Year-Old Pick 3 covering the Pat Day Mile (G2) in Race 8, the American Turf (G2) in Race 9, and the Kentucky Derby (G1) in Race 12.
Kentucky Derby
Can Artificial Intelligence, ChatGPT, Predict the Kentucky Derby winner?
With the advancement of artificial intelligence, we decided to test out the theory that A.I. could forecast the outcome of the Kentucky Derby. Thank you ChatGPT!
Kentucky Derby
How Keeler Johnson will play the 2023 Kentucky Derby
Less than 48 hours removed from the 149th running of the Kentucky Derby (G1) at Churchill Downs, I’ve settled on one of the main bets I plan to play.
Kentucky Derby
Hanson: How I will bet the 2023 Kentucky Derby
A busy day of developments on Thursday resulted in three defections from the main body of the Kentucky Derby (G1) field, and now all three also-eligibles have made the race.
Racing
More named Future Wager options get 2023 Kentucky Derby starts
With the Kentucky Derby (G1) just one day away, it’s worth a look to see how the Future Wager pools are set to play out, and how that might impact betting strategies for the big race.
Kentucky Derby
The biggest upsets in Kentucky Derby history
From Donerail in 1913 to Country House in 2019, we rank the five most shocking upsets in Kentucky Derby history.
Racing
20 songs for your Kentucky Derby playlist
Do you know these 20 familiar songs referencing horse racing or the Kentucky Derby?
Racing
Who was the biggest underdog ever to win the Kentucky Derby?
Most recent underdogs weren’t facing an overwhelming favorite or toppling a budding superstar or two. In fact, many underdog winners can be judged less on how much they paid, but by who they beat.
Kentucky Derby
Hanson: 2023 Kentucky Oaks Day spot plays
A terrific two days of racing at Churchill Downs, encompassing 27 races, kicks off Friday with the Kentucky Oaks Day program that begins at 10:30 a.m. ET.
Wagering
Great Britain Preview: Little Big Bear can upset Auguste Rodin in 2000 Guineas
In all likelihood, Auguste Rodin will be a strong contender in the 2000 Guineas (G1) at Newmarket. But I’m more interested in his stablemate Little Big Bear.
International
2023 Kentucky Oaks winner: Pretty Mischievous (10-1) wins the 149th Kentucky Oaks
Breaking from the far outside post position in a 14-horse field didn’t stop Pretty Mischievous from springing a 10-1 upset in the Friday’s 149th running of the Kentucky Oaks (G1) at Churchill Downs.
Racing
2023 Kentucky Oaks odds, predictions, contenders, horses
The 2023 Kentucky Oaks morning line odds, expert picks, predictions, contender information, and horses to know
Wagering
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast May 5, 2023
It's a special Friday show with Jason sharing some old Kentucky Derby (G1) stories and memories.
Racing
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays of May 5
If you wish to round out your Kentucky Oaks Day plays with action at other tracks, handicapper J. Keeler Johnson has you covered with picks and plays for Belmont Park, Oaklawn Park, and Santa Anita.
Wagering
Hanson: Botanical a Kentucky Oaks prospect to be excited about
The May 5 Kentucky Oaks (G1) has the makings of being a very competitive race, mostly because no three-year-old filly has emerged as a standout leading up to the 1 1/8-mile affair.
Racing
2023 Kentucky Oaks exotics wagers
A total of 17 three-year-old fillies, three of which are on the also-eligible list, will travel 1 1/8 miles over the Churchill Downs dirt in Friday’s $1.25 million Kentucky Oaks (G1).
Wagering
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