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The Jury: Expert Picks, Bets, and Fades for April 3, 2025
Friday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Santa Anita’s $100,819 Pick 6 carryover
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
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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
Betting the 2023 Kentucky Oaks on different budgets
There are many viable contenders in the 2023 Kentucky Oaks (G1), but we’ll focus our attention on three who enter in hot form: Wet Paint, Botanical, and Southlawn.
Racing
Turf Stakes Spot Plays for Churchill Downs on Oaks Day
In this piece I will focus on the trio of stakes events for the ladies that will be contested on the turf on the huge Friday afternoon of action.
Wagering
Dirt Stakes Spot Plays for Churchill Downs on Oaks Day
In this piece I will turn my attention to the fantastic dirt stakes races on the Kentucky Oaks undercard.
Wagering
Wonder Wheel is the best Kentucky Oaks longshot
For those looking for a horse at double-digit odds that seems capable of taking down this Kentucky Oaks field, it has to be champion #5 Wonder Wheel (12-1).
Wagering
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How to bet with, and against, Wet Paint in the Kentucky Oaks
An overflow field of 17 sophomore fillies will go postward in the $1.25 million Kentucky Oaks (G1) at Churchill Downs on Friday.
Wagering
Tipsheet: 2023 Kentucky Oaks
An overflow field of 17 three-year-old fillies has been entered to travel 1 1/8 miles on the Churchill Downs main track in Friday’s $1.25 million Kentucky Oaks (G1).
Wagering
Kentucky Derby jockey profile: Kazushi Kimura
Kazushi Kimura has enjoyed abundant success riding in the United States and Canada. The young jockey from Hokkaido, Japan has repeatedly won acclaim, not to mention hundreds of races.
Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby jockey profile: Juan Hernandez
One of the hottest up-and-coming jockeys in the nation is Juan Hernandez, who is slated to make his Kentucky Derby (G1) debut aboard Skinner.
Kentucky Derby
Picks and plays for Virginia Gold Cup Day at Great Meadow
Great Meadow is hosting an exciting Saturday afternoon of racing over fences highlighted by the Virginia Gold Cup and the David Semmes Memorial H. (G2).
Wagering
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays of May 4
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Thursday, May 4 at Belmont Park and Churchill Downs, along with horses to play (and oppose) in the $21,287 Pick 5 carryover at Charles Town.
Wagering
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast May 4, 2023
Jason welcomes in TwinSpires' own Darin Zoccali to the show to talk about all of the contenders in Saturday's Kentucky Derby.
Racing
Jason Beem's Thursday Column for May 4, 2023
Jason gives his picks for the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Kentucky Oaks (G1) at Churchill Downs.
Racing
Betting with, and against, Forte in the Kentucky Derby
The historic contest attracted a fantastic field full of excellent contenders for this edition of the tilt, but the clear one to beat is Champion #15 Forte (3-1) for conditioner Todd Pletcher.
Kentucky Derby
Catching My Eye: Mornings with the Kentucky Derby and Oaks Runners
Working on the Kentucky Derby notes team, I’ve been on the backside from the opening set at 5:15 a.m. until the final gallop at 10:00 a.m. every day for the last week.
Kentucky Derby
Harness Preview: Picks and Horses to Watch May 4-8
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
The best longshot to bet in the 2023 Kentucky Derby
Thinking far outside the box paid off handsomely in the 2022 Kentucky Derby (G1), as Rich Strike delivered the biggest upset in the modern history of the race by returning $163.60 to win.
Kentucky Derby
Brisnet Speed Rating Report for 2023 Kentucky Derby
Brisnet Speed ratings provide a measure of how fast horses have run in their preceding races and serve as a valuable handicapping tool for Saturday’s 149th running of the $3 million Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs
Kentucky Derby
Hanson: 2023 Kentucky Derby Day undercard turf spot plays
The turf action on Saturday's Kentucky Derby Day card at Churchill Downs will be restricted to graded stakes quality runners, with most if not all of the four races looking highly competitive on paper.
Wagering
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays of May 3
J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Wednesday, May 3 at Churchill Downs and Horseshoe Indianapolis, including a win bet capitalizing on the Kentucky Derby Week $10 Money Back promotion.
Wagering
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast May 3, 2023
Jason is joined by owner and handicapper Joe Tartaglia to discuss all the runners in this year's Kentucky Oaks, which is coming up on Friday, May 5.
Racing Podcast
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: King Russell
One start after securing his initial victory, King Russell finished second in the Arkansas Derby (G1) to emerge as a contender for the 2023 Kentucky Derby (G1).
Kentucky Derby
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast May 2, 2023
Jason discusses Monday's draws for both the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks as well as the potential odds for many of the competitors. He also talks about the undercard events both Friday and Saturday.
Racing Podcast
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays of May 2
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Tuesday, May 2 at Horseshoe Indianapolis and Churchill Downs, including tickets for Churchill’s $5,634 Super High 5 carryover.
Wagering
Dosage Index, foaling dates for 2023 Kentucky Derby contenders
There are other data points, long predating a horse’s racing career, that some Kentucky Derby handicappers take into account – foaling date and the Dosage Index.
Kentucky Derby
2023 Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks fields and ML odds
Forte has been installed as the 3-1 morning line favorite for Saturday's $3 million Kentucky Derby (G1) at Churchill Downs.
Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby jockey profile: Jareth Loveberry
Jockey Jareth Loveberry has been riding since 2005, winning more than 1,750 races from over 12,800 mounts. Now he's slated to ride in the Kentucky Derby aboard Two Phil's.
Racing
Kentucky Derby jockey profile: Ryusei Sakai
One of the younger jockeys slated to ride in the 2023 Kentucky Derby (G1) is Ryusei Sakai. He's traveling from Japan to guide Continuar in the Run for the Roses.
Kentucky Derby
Reviewing the final workouts of Kentucky Derby contenders
As of Monday morning, with just hours remaining until the Kentucky Derby (G1) post position draw, the majority of the Derby contenders have completed their final pre-race workouts.
Kentucky Derby
Cyclone Mischief – Kentucky Derby Context
Cyclone Mischief will be expected to show speed if he makes the Kentucky Derby field. Last seen finishing third in the Florida Derby (G1), the bay colt still needs a defection in the days leading up to the post position draw on May 1
Kentucky Derby
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem May 1, 2023
Jason discusses some Kentucky Derby upset thoughts and looks ahead to the upcoming week.
Racing Podcast
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays May 1
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Monday, May 1 at Will Rogers Downs and Turf Paradise, including a pair of win bets capitalizing on the $10 Money Back Mondays promotion.
Wagering
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: May 1, 2023
Jason looks back at the weekend of racing, including racing from Keeneland, Churchill, and Golden Gate Fields. He also starts his Kentucky Derby week coverage.
Racing Podcast
Harness Weekly Update: Exactas add to profitable results
Harness outsiders and favorites continue to merge for profits
Harness
Tampa Bay Downs: Analyzing the $29,210 Pick 5 carryover
The Sunday card at Tampa Bay Downs brings a $29,210 non-jackpot carryover in the 50-cent Late Pick 5.
Wagering
How to think about the post position factor in Kentucky Derby handicapping
Whether a post is good or bad is generally dependent on who occupies it and/or what their running style is, while many times events simply overtake any advantages or disadvantages related to it away.
Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Oaks international scouting report: Mimi Kakushi
Named for a Japanese restaurant in Dubai, Mimi Kakushi is the second straight UAE Oaks (G3) winner to try the Kentucky Oaks (G1).
International
Carryovers: Aqueduct's $19,729 Pick 6, Gulfstream's $12,771 Super High 5
The final weekend of April brings a pair of five-figure, non-jackpot carryovers at Aqueduct and Gulfstream Park. Let’s check out both wagers and identify horses to build tickets around.
Wagering
The Jury: Bets and fades for April 29
Opening day of the Churchill Downs spring meet highlights this pre-Derby weekend of racing. James Scully, Vance Hanson, and Ashley Anderson provide their best opinions in this week's deliberations.
Wagering
Continuar – Kentucky Derby Context
An expected deep closer, Continuar will seek to improve upon a late-running third in the UAE Derby (G2) when he starts in the Kentucky Derby (G1) at Churchill Downs.
Kentucky Derby
Skinner – Kentucky Derby Context
A late runner, Skinner enters the Kentucky Derby on the upswing for a Kentucky Derby-winning trainer.
Kentucky Derby
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays of April 28
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Friday, April 28 at Gulfstream Park and Santa Anita, along with horses to single in the $28,186 Pick 5 carryover at Tampa Bay Downs.
Wagering
2023 Kentucky Derby jockey profile: Ramon Vazquez
Jockey Ramon Vazquez has come a long way since starting his riding career in Puerto Rico in 2002.
Racing
Jason Beem's Thursday Column for April 27, 2023
Jason writes about his first experience owning a horse back at Portland Meadows.
Racing
2023 Kentucky Derby jockey profile: Christophe Lemaire
The career of globetrotting jockey Christophe Lemaire can be divided into two halves, both stacked with success in major races.
Racing
Keeneland selections and analysis for Friday, April 28
It’s closing day at Keeneland, highlighted by the return of War Like Goddess in the Grade 3 Bewitch.
TwinSpires
How Kentucky Derby Future Wager backers might be feeling
With the Kentucky Derby (G1) rapidly approaching, many bettors are curious to know if they did the right thing with their respective future wager plays. A total of six pools were offered in advance of the Run for the Roses on May 6, and below is where things currently stand for the early punters.
Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby scratches that changed history
While a comprehensive list of Kentucky Derby scratches since 1875 is not possible, these four withdrawals perhaps were the most significant.
Kentucky Derby
Churchill Downs opening night spot plays
Opening night of the spring meet at Churchill Downs is taking place on Saturday with a fine 10-race card on tap, highlighted by the $175,000 Roxelana S.
Wagering
Keeneland selections and analysis for Thursday, April 27
We've got a nine-race card on Thursday for the second-to-last day of the Keeneland Spring Meet.
Wagering
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays of April 27
J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Thursday, April 27 at Horseshoe Indianapolis and Gulfstream Park, along with a single and a live longshot in the $28,675 Pick 5 carryover at Charles Town.
Wagering
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: April 27, 2023
Jason discusses a myriad of items around racing and betting to open the show. Talks a little bit of Belterra Park opening day as well as Keeneland wrapping up and Churchill kicking off on Saturday.
Racing Podcast
Wild On Ice – Kentucky Derby Context
Wild On Ice earned the qualifying points for a Kentucky Derby bid when recording a 35-1 upset in the Sunland Derby (G3) in late March, rallying from just off the pace to win going away by 1 1/4 lengths.
Kentucky Derby
Analyzing 30 years of Kentucky Derby pace fractions
Once upon a time, the Kentucky Derby was a race in which any running style could regularly succeed. But times have changed.
Kentucky Derby
Harness Preview: Picks and Horses to Watch April 27 to May 1
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
Sun Thunder – Kentucky Derby Context
Sun Thunder will need the right set up; the one-dimensional late runner will be rallying from off the pace in the Kentucky Derby.
Kentucky Derby
Raise Cain – Kentucky Derby Context
Raise Cain stamped his Kentucky Derby ticket in March’s Gotham (G3) over a one-turn mile, overcoming trouble to win going away by 7 1/2 lengths over a muddy Aqueduct track, but the late runner hasn’t displayed the same gusto in a pair of two-turn starts.
Kentucky Derby
Jace's Road – Kentucky Derby Context
Jace’s Road led all the way on slow fractions when romping in December’s Gun Runner S. at Fair Grounds, and the bay colt will attempt to race close to the pace in the Kentucky Derby.
Kentucky Derby
Reincarnate – Kentucky Derby Context
A frontrunning winner of January’s Sham (G3) at Santa Anita, Reincarnate will look to show speed from the Kentucky Derby starting gate.
Kentucky Derby
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays of April 26
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Wednesday, April 26 at Will Rogers Downs and Horseshoe Indianapolis, plus tickets for the $32,747 Super High 5 carryover at Keeneland.
Wagering
Keeneland selections and analysis for Wednesday, April 26
We've got eight races to kick off the final week of the Keeneland Spring Meet!
Wagering
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: April 26, 2023
Jason opens the show discussing the Racing Hall of Fame announcements. Then we welcome in the voice of the Kentucky Derby, Travis Stone, to the show to talk about this year's races, calling the big race, and much more!
Racing Podcast
Catching My Eye: Brian Hernandez Jr. and Reylu Gutierrez at Keeneland
Two jockeys had big days at Keeneland on Saturday. Brian Hernandez Jr. won three races including piloting home 13-1 Aunt Becca, and Rey Gutierrez bagged two, most impressively aboard 12-1 Front Run the Fed.
Analysis
When it comes to trainer stats, nuance matters
Trainer stats are among the most valuable tools horseplayers have at their disposal. But a trainer’s overall win percentage is only one part of the story.
Education
Keeler Johnson's Top 5 contenders to watch for the 2023 Kentucky Derby
Less than two weeks out from the 2023 Kentucky Derby (G1), here’s where I’m leaning with my top five Derby contenders.
Kentucky Derby
Racing Roundtable: Red Route One and Oaklawn Handicap
James Scully, Kellie Reilly, and Vance Hanson discuss Red Route One's Preakness hopes, the Oaklawn H. (G2), and what else caught their eye in this week's Racing Roundtable.
Analysis
Mucciolo: 3 Interesting Kentucky Derby Horses I'm Watching
Numerous horses have piqued my interest this season for the Kentucky Derby in what appears to be one of the more competitive fields in recent memory.
Kentucky Derby
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays of April 25
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares $90 worth of picks and plays for Tuesday at Horseshoe Indianapolis and Will Rogers Downs, including a trifecta in pursuit of the Trifecta Tuesday promotion.
Wagering
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: April 25, 2023
Jason opens up the show talking about some current news from around the racing world. Then we welcome in Neil Greenberg from the Washington Post to talk about covering racing and sports betting, what he's learned from writing about those topics, and much more!
Racing Podcast
Disarm – Kentucky Derby Context
Disarm has the look of an up-and-comer, a promising colt starting to figure things out following placings in his first two stakes appearances, and he will need to take a significant step forward to challenge in the Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby
Lord Miles – Kentucky Derby Context
Lord Miles will look to back up a game win in the Wood Memorial (G2) at Aqueduct, outfinishing a pair of fancied rivals to record a nose upset at 59-1
Kentucky Derby
Confidence Game – Kentucky Derby Context
After leading all the way in his first two wins, Confidence Game showed his versatility winning the Rebel (G2) at Oaklawn Park in late February, rating just off the pace in fifth along the backstretch before commencing his rally on the far turn
Kentucky Derby
Verifying – Kentucky Derby Context
Verifying exits a commendable second in the Blue Grass (G1) at Keeneland, missing by a neck to Tapit Trice, and his speed adds to the appeal
Kentucky Derby
Hit Show – Kentucky Derby Context
A stalker, Hit Show has raced within striking range in all three wins, including a sharp 5 1/2-length score in February’s Withers (G3) at Aqueduct two starts back, and he’ll seek to rebound after coming up a nose short as the favorite from just off the pace in the Wood Memorial (G2)
Kentucky Derby
Horses on the bubble for the 2023 Kentucky Derby
There remains a handful of horses on the outside looking in at trying to make the field of 20, including several prominent Southern California representatives.
Kentucky Derby
Ranking the final 2023 Road to the Kentucky Derby preps
There were eight races in advance of the 2023 Kentucky Derby in which the winning horse received 100 qualifying points. It is usually from this group that we find the eventual Derby winner.
Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Mandarin Hero
Does Mandarin Hero have the breeding to shine racing 1 1/4 miles in the Kentucky Derby?
Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Cyclone Mischief
Can Cyclone Mischief become the third son of Into Mischief to win the Kentucky Derby (G1)?
Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Skinner
If Skinner's pedigree is any indication, racing 1 1/4 miles in the Kentucky Derby (G1) may bring about a career-best performance from the bay colt.
Kentucky Derby
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem April 24, 2023
Jason looks back at some of the weekend races and discusses his own handicapping biases in those races.
Features
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays April 24
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Monday, April 24 at Parx Racing and Will Rogers Downs, including a pair of win bets capitalizing on the $10 Money Back Mondays promotion.
Wagering
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: April 24, 2023
Jason looks back at the weekend of racing action from around the country. He talks about the Ben Ali and Elkhorn from Keeneland as well as racing from Oaklawn and Woodbine.
Racing Podcast
Harness Weekly Update: 24% winners, 47% in the money
Winners dominate results with 47% H2W in-the-money average.
Harness
Keeneland carryovers: $135,128 Pick 6, $10,145 Super High 5
Pick 6 carryovers have been common at Keeneland this spring, and there’s another up for grabs on Sunday. The prize pool for the $1 wager stands at a hefty $135,128.
Wagering
Keeneland selections and analysis for Sunday, April 23
The final Sunday of the Keeneland Spring meet features a nine-race card.
Wagering
Gulfstream Park: How to bet the $6,451 Super High 5 carryover
The Saturday card at Gulfstream Park gets underway with a $6,451 carryover up for grabs in the $1 Super High 5.
Wagering
Keeneland selections and analysis for Saturday, April 22
The Elkhorn (G2) and Ben Ali (G3) highlight Saturday's 10-race card at Keeneland!
Wagering
Betting Strategy: Using the Power Box at Keeneland April 22
When I have clear groupings for the horses I want to use, but I believe the finishing order will be a cross section of these multiple groupings, I use a Power Box.
Wagering
Aqueduct: How to bet the 2023 New York Stallion Stakes
Ten sophomore fillies bred in the Empire State will run 6 1/2 furlongs on the Aqueduct dirt in Sunday’s $200,000 New York Stallion S. (Park Avenue Division).
Racing
The Jury: Bets and Fades for April 22
Older horses are in the spotlight across the country on Saturday with graded tests scheduled at Keeneland, Oaklawn Park, and Santa Anita.
Wagering
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Disarm
The cross of Gun Runner with Tapit mares has already produced several high-level racehorses, including 2023 Kentucky Derby (G1) contender Disarm.
Kentucky Derby
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays of April 21
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares picks and plays for Friday, April 21 at Gulfstream Park and Aqueduct, along with horses to single in the massive $859,585 Pick 6 carryover at Keeneland.
Wagering
Keeneland selections and analysis for Friday, April 21 [$859,585 Carryover]
Friday at Keeneland, we have $859,585 on the line in the Pick 6!
Wagering
Jason Beem's Thursday Column for Apr. 20, 2023
Jason talks about sharing bets with friends and the pros and cons of it.
Features
Forte – Kentucky Derby Context
The Kentucky Derby favorite, Forte will bring a five-race win streak to the Kentucky Derby.
Racing
Santa Anita: Exotics Plays for the 2023 Kona Gold Stakes
A compact field of six will vie 6 1/2 furlongs over the Santa Anita main course in Saturday’s $100,000 Kona Gold S.
Wagering
Keeneland selections and analysis for Thursday, April 20
Yesterday, we were on a hot streak races 2 through 5, with our top choice winning in each — and the 50-cent Pick 4 paying $331.50.
Wagering
Keeler Johnson's picks and plays of April 20
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares $75 worth of picks and plays for Thursday, April 20 at Gulfstream Park and Keeneland, along with a horse to single in the $37,483 Pick 6 carryover at Aqueduct.
Wagering
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: April 20, 2023
Jason opens the show by catching up on some news and topics of the racing day, including racing from Keeneland. Jason also looks ahead to weekend racing at Oaklawn and Keeneland.
Racing Podcast
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