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Hong Kong: Selections for Happy Valley Dec. 4
Racing at Happy Valley begins at 5:30 a.m. ET. Selections and analysis by Luke Middlebrook.
Hong Kong
2024 Hong Kong Vase: Trends and storylines
Unlike the other three Hong Kong International Races, the about 1 1/2-mile Hong Kong Vase (G1) remains a happy hunting ground for invaders. The trend is expected to continue in Sunday’s renewal at Sha Tin.
Hong Kong
Tuesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Truckin can win at Zia
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Tuesday, Dec. 3 at Mahoning Valley and Zia Park, including a trio of win bets.
Best Bets
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Dec. 3, 2024
Jason is joined by Oaklawn-based trainer Jade Cunningham to talk about the upcoming season, the start of her training career, road tripping with D. Wayne Lukas, and more!
Quiz
2024 Hong Kong Sprint: Trends and storylines
Breeders’ Cup winner Starlust will attract the notice of North American racing fans, but the center of gravity in Sunday’s Hong Kong Sprint (G1) lies with the locals led by Ka Ying Rising.
International
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: First Resort
A pace-tracking victory in the 1 1/16-mile Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) suggests running long on dirt is First Resort’s true strong suit.
Triple Crown
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Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Barnes, Patch Adams impress
During closing week of the Churchill Downs fall meet, a bevy of promising maiden winners stamped their credentials as 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1) threats.
Triple Crown
Kentucky Derby Roundup: First Resort joins the leaderboard
We’re closing in on a milestone: Wednesday marks 150 days until the 2025 Kentucky Derby (G1) at Churchill Downs.
Triple Crown
Monday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: First-timers at Zia Park
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Monday, Dec. 2 at Zia Park and Turf Paradise, including a pair of first-time starters at enticing odds.
Best Bets
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem Dec. 2, 2024
Jason looks back at Churchill's final weekend of the year and the big season for trainer Kenny McPeek.
Features
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Dec. 2, 2024
Jason looks back at a big holiday weekend of racing from Churchill Downs, Del Mar, and much more!
Racing Podcast
Barnes, Into Mischief close as individual favorites in KDFW Pool 2, Sire Future Wager
Although Barnes just won his 5 1/2-furlong career debut by a head at Churchill Downs on Wednesday, bettors were smitten enough to make him the 13-1 individual favorite in Pool 2 of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager (KDFW).
Kentucky Derby
2024 Hong Kong Mile: Trends and storylines
The retirement of Golden Sixty has created a golden opportunity for a new star to emerge in the Dec. 8 Hong Kong Mile (G1), but it’s less obvious to predict his successor at Sha Tin.
Hong Kong
Churchill Downs: $240,017 mandatory-payout Pick 6, plus tournament
Sunday is closing day of the Churchill Downs fall meet. The highlight is the mandatory payout of a $240,017 Pick 6 carryover.
Tournaments
2024 Hong Kong Cup: Trends and storylines
Two-time defending champion Romantic Warrior furnishes the leading storyline going into the Hong Kong Cup (G1) while illustrating recent trends in the Sha Tin feature.
Hong Kong
2024 Champions Cup: One-line assessments
Japan’s reigning champion dirt horse, Lemon Pop, will try to conclude his career on a high note as he defends his title in Saturday night’s Champions Cup (G1) at Chukyo.
International
Hong Kong: Selections for Sha Tin the night of Nov. 30
Racing at Sha Tin begins at 12 a.m. ET. Selections and analysis by Luke Middlebrook.
International
Saturday picks: KDBC Qualifier, Fair Grounds $13,529 Pick 6
A valuable tournament and a five-figure Pick 6 carryover are among the betting options for horseplayers to pursue on the final day of November.
Tournaments
Betting the Cherokee Mile Stakes 2024 with Injuction
The first running of the $250,000 Cherokee Mile S. attracted a diverse group of 11 in a wildly entertaining handicapping puzzle. A combination of horses cutting back in distance, sprinters stretching out for the one-turn mile, recent claims, and horses return
Wagering
Scully, Hanson share picks for KDFW Pool 2, Sire Future Wager
The lone Kentucky Derby Sire Future Wager, where fans can wager on sires of Kentucky Derby prospects, will run concurrently with Pool 2, and TwinSpires analysts James Scully and Vance Hanson have selections for both wagers.
Expert Picks
Tipsheet: 2024 Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes
A nice field of 10 sophomores will vie for your best bet around 1 1/16 miles on the Churchill Downs main surface in Saturday’s $400,000 Kentucky Jockey Club S. (G2).
Kentucky Derby
2024 Hong Kong International Races: Early look at the main players
A perennial highlight on the racing calendar, the Hong Kong International Races now offer an even greater incentive to bettors: the four Group 1s will be World Pool events at Sha Tin Dec. 8.
International
Friday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: First-time starter at 10-1
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Friday, Nov. 29 at Churchill Downs and Fair Grounds, including analysis of Super High 5 and Pick 6 carryovers.
Best Bets
Saturday Stakes Plays for Gulfstream Park with Rated by Merit, Stunner Anchoring Picks
A pair of black-type races for Florida-bred juveniles will highlight the Saturday action at Gulfstream Park.
Wagering
Betting the 2024 Mrs. Revere Stakes
An overflow field of 15 sophomore fillies are entered for Friday’s $300,000 Mrs. Revere S. (G2) at Churchill Downs. The 1 1/16-mile turf affair lacks a true standout in my view, and it looks like an event to take a shot with a progressive type for top honors.
Wagering
Finding Value in the Deep Hollywood Derby
A massive field of 13 sophomores will go 1 1/8 miles on the Del Mar lawn in Saturday’s $300,000 Hollywood Derby (G1). In a cast with so many viable options, I feel that value can be found with nearly any contender in the crew.
Wagering
Thursday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Fair Grounds $32,902 Pick 5
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Thursday, Nov. 28 at Churchill Downs and Fair Grounds, including horses to play in the $32,902 Pick 5 carryover at Fair Grounds.
Best Bets
Exotics Plays for the Hollywood Turf Cup Stakes 2024
A big cast of 11 will travel 1 1/2 miles on the Del Mar green in Friday’s feature, the $200,000 Hollywood Turf Cup S. (G2). I’ll focus on a trio of runners in the especially well-matched field.
Wagering
Betting With, and Against, Hit Show in the Clark Stakes
A total of nine horses will aim to upend morning-line choice #6 Hit Show (3-1) in Friday’s $600,000 Clark S. (G2) at Churchill Downs.
Wagering
Wednesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Mandatory-payout $58,109 Pick 5
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Wednesday, Nov. 27 at Churchill Downs, along with a ticket for the mandatory-payout $58,109 Pick 5 carryover at Parx.
Best Bets
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Nov. 27, 2024
Jason looks ahead to some of the big races coming up this holiday weekend at Churchill Downs, Aqueduct, and Del Mar. He also discusses what he's thankful for on Thanksgiving!
Quiz
Thanksgiving Day 2024 Spot Plays at Fair Grounds
A nice 10-race card kicks off at 1 p.m. ET on Thursday, with several interesting maiden and allowance races leading up to the featured Thanksgiving Classic.
Analysis
How to bet the Falls City Stakes
A strong field of eight fillies and mares will vie in the Thanksgiving Day co-feature at Churchill Downs, the $400,000 Falls City S. (G3).
Wagering
How to bet the 2024 Thanksgiving Classic Stakes
A deep field of 11 sprinters will jaunt six panels on the Fair Grounds dirt in Thursday’s $225,000 Thanksgiving Classic S.
Wagering
Meet the Contenders: 2024 Kentucky Jockey Club
Meet the horses running in the 2024 Kentucky Jockey Club at Churchill Downs. For each horse, we're listing a pro, a con, and a rating of potential.
Kentucky Derby
The Jury: Expert Picks, Bets, and Fades for Nov. 28-Dec. 1 [Video]
Racing analysts James Scully, Ashley Anderson, and Darin Zoccali hash out their best bets and fades for Thanksgiving week at Churchill Downs. 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
Hong Kong: Selections for Happy Valley Nov. 27
The Wednesday action at Happy Valley gets underway at 5:40 a.m. ET. Selections and analysis by Luke Middlebrook.
International
Tuesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Zia Park all-stakes Pick 3
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for a trio of stakes on Tuesday, Nov. 26 at Zia Park.
Best Bets
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Nov. 26, 2024
Jason welcomes in New York Racing Association analyst/handicapper Sara Elbadwi to talk New York racing, handicapping, and much more! Jason also tells a story of a crazy night at his house!
Quiz
Chancer McPatrick, East Avenue made co-favorites for KDFW Pool 2; Sire Future Wager on tap
Pool 2 of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager (KDFW), along with the one and only Sire Future Wager, will run concurrently over Thanksgiving weekend.
Kentucky Derby
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Baffert, Cox unveil new winners
Last week, Baffert and Cox saddled flashy debut winners with the potential to make noise on the 2024-25 Road to the Kentucky Derby.
Triple Crown
Kentucky Derby Roundup: Natural Rise wins the Cattleya Stakes
The Road to the Kentucky Derby is heating back up, and the Japan Road to the Kentucky Derby is officially underway.
Triple Crown
Monday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Stakes plays at Mahoning, Zia Park
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Monday, Nov. 25 at Mahoning Valley and Zia Park, along with a single for the $4,749 Pick 6 carryover at Finger Lakes.
Best Bets
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Nov. 25, 2024
Jason looks back at the weekend of racing and news from around the horse racing world.
Racing Podcast
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem Nov. 25, 2024
Jason discusses the Fall Highweight and talks about weight in horse racing.
Features
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Natural Rise
A brief glance at Natural Rise’s pedigree suggests he’s cut out for success on turf rather than dirt. But dig deeper, and dirt influences become evident.
Triple Crown
Tournaments, mandatory Pick 6 payout: What to bet on Sunday
Two tournaments and a mandatory-payout Pick 6 carryover are among the enticing betting options for horseplayers to pursue on Sunday.
Tournaments
2024 Japan Cup: One-line assessments
Saturday night’s 44th running of the Japan Cup (G1) has attracted a terrific international cast of 14, including European celebrities Auguste Rodin and Goliath.
International
How to bet the 2024 Zia Park Derby
A very good field of 10 sophomores will travel 1 1/16 miles on the main strip in Tuesday’s $300,000 Zia Park Derby.
Wagering
Stakes Pick 3 Plays for Zia Park on Monday
A total of seven black-type races for New Mexico-bred runners highlights a big Monday at Zia Park.
Wagering
Best bets for the $1,000 Churchill Downs KDBC/NHC Qualifier
TwinSpires tournament players have a big prize to chase on Saturday: the $1,000 Churchill Downs KDBC/NHC Qualifier.
Tournaments
Hong Kong: Selections for Sha Tin Nov. 23
Racing at Sha Tin begins at 11:45 p.m. ET. Selections and analysis by Luke Middlebrook.
International
Betting the 2024 Red Carpet Stakes
A well-matched field of eight fillies and mares will travel 1 3/8 miles on the Del Mar green in Sunday’s $100,000 Red Carpet S. (G3).
Wagering
How to bet the 2024 Native Diver Stakes
Six will go postward at Del Mar on Saturday in the $100,000 Native Diver S. (G3).
Wagering
Friday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: 8-1 shot on Fair Grounds opening day
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Friday, Nov. 22 at Churchill Downs and Fair Grounds, along with analysis of Gulfstream Park’s $64,848 Pick 5 carryover.
Best Bets
The Jury: Expert Picks, Bets, and Fades for Nov. 22-23 [Video]
Racing analysts James Scully, Ashley Anderson, and Darin Zoccali confer about their best bets and fades at Churchill Downs and Fair Grounds. Ashley and James offer their thoughts in the written portion below. Be sure to check out Darin's opinions in our on-camera portion as well!
Wagering
Trying for Lilies and Roses: Fillies Who Ran in the Kentucky Derby and Won the Kentucky Oaks
In its 150 years, five fillies were able to win the Kentucky Oaks after their turn in the Kentucky Derby, putting these distaffers in a class of their own.
Kentucky Derby
Grade 3 Chilukki trends and field analysis
The $300,000 Chilukki (G3) is one of two graded stakes on Churchill Downs' 11-race card on Saturday.
Analysis
Exotics Plays for the Commonwealth Turf Stakes
A total of nine three-year-olds will vie in Saturday’s $300,000 Commonwealth Turf S. (G3) at Churchill Downs.
Wagering
Betting With, and Against, Two Sharp in the Chilukki Stakes
A total of eight fillies and mares will go one mile on the main oval in Saturday’s $300,000 Chilukki S. (G3) at Churchill Downs.
Wagering
Thursday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Navy Seal cuts back in distance
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Thursday, Nov. 21 at Churchill Downs, including a trio of win bets.
Best Bets
Thursday Thoughts with Jason Beem Nov. 21, 2024
Jason looks back on Tampa Bay Downs opening day and other opening day cards.
Features
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Nov. 21, 2024
Jason opens the show discussing some online betting discussions. Then he looks ahead to weekend stakes action at Churchill Downs and Del Mar!
Quiz
Fair Grounds Pick 4 Play for Saturday
A quartet of black-type races for Cajun-bred runners will highlight a very good card at Fair Grounds on Saturday.
Wagering
How to bet the Joseph R. Peluso Memorial Stakes
A talented field of seven Cajun-bred juveniles will dash six panels on the Fair Grounds main oval in Friday’s $100,000 Joseph R. Peluso Memorial S
Wagering
Wednesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: 10-1 longshot at Churchill Downs
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Wednesday, Nov. 20 at Churchill Downs and Tampa Bay Downs, including a 10-1 longshot to play in Churchill’s $7,347 Super High 5 carryover.
Best Bets
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Nov. 20, 2024
Jason is joined by analyst Kevin Kilroy to talk about the upcoming Fair Grounds meet, the current Churchill Downs meet, some horseplayer talk, and much more!
Quiz
Racing Roundtable: Claiming Crown takeaways from Churchill Downs
This week, the Racing Roundtable explores the results of the 26th Claiming Crown at Churchill Downs as well as what else caught their eye from the weekend. Kentucky Racing Communications representative Kevin Kerstein fills in for Vance Hanson in our on-camera portion of the Roundtable.
Analysis
Kentucky Derby Maiden Watch: Guns Loaded wins for D’Angelo
Trainer Jose D’Angelo has yet to saddle a Kentucky Derby (G1) starter, but that may change in 2025. Guns Loaded looks like the type who can factor on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.
Triple Crown
Tuesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: 4-1 shot at Turf Paradise
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Tuesday, Nov. 19 at Finger Lakes, Mahoning Valley, and Turf Paradise, including analysis of the $1,288 Pick 6 carryover at Finger Lakes.
Best Bets
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Nov. 19, 2024
Jason welcomes in Tampa Bay Downs morning line maker Mark Luther for his thoughts on the Tampa Bay Downs' season that opens Wednesday, predicting odds, clocking, and much more!
Quiz
Hong Kong: Selections for Happy Valley Nov. 20
The Wednesday card at Happy Valley kicks off at 5:40 a.m. ET, and Luke Middlebrook offers his selections along with analysis of each race.
International
Kentucky Derby Roundup: Previewing the Cattleya Stakes
Let’s get up to speed on upcoming Kentucky Derby (G1) action and recount a few noteworthy developments from last week:
Triple Crown
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem Nov. 18, 2024
Jason talks about the Claiming Crown and remembers some of his favorite all-time claimers!
Features
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Nov. 18, 2024
Jason discusses some of the news and topics from the weekend and looks back on Churchill's Claiming Crown Day as well as some action from Woodbine.
Racing Podcast
Monday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Speed is the key for Availability
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Monday, Nov. 18 at Mahoning Valley, Turf Paradise, and Zia Park.
Best Bets
Churchill: $251,779 Pick 5 carryover, $200 Feeder tournament
The 50-cent Late Pick 5 went unsolved at Churchill Downs on Saturday, triggering a massive $251,779 carryover into Sunday’s card.
Tournaments
Analyzing a tournament and carryovers at Churchill, Woodbine
Two Super High 5 carryovers (one with a mandatory payout) and an enticing tournament are among the Saturday betting opportunities at Churchill Downs and Woodbine.
Tournaments
Hong Kong: Selections for Sha Tin Nov. 16
Racing at Sha Tin begins at 11:30 p.m. ET. Selections and analysis by Luke Middlebrook.
International
How to bet the 2024 Tepin Stakes
An overflow field of 13 juvenile fillies will take aim on the $135,000 Tepin S. on the Aqueduct lawn on Sunday.
Wagering
Bullard gets the nod in Bob Hope Stakes
Mike McCarthy’s #5 Bullard, a fine debut winner on the surface on September 1, takes top billing in Sunday’s $100,000 Bob Hope S. (G3) at Del Mar.
Wagering
Tall Tales of the Track, Kentucky Derby Edition: One Winner, Two Sires?
Named for 1882 Kentucky Derby winner Apollo, this phenomenon commemorated the Bluegrass-bred colt’s extraordinary victory over a popular choice in Runnymede.
Kentucky Derby
Betting the Kennedy Road Stakes
A cast of six will run six panels on the Tapeta at Woodbine in Saturday’s $175,000 Kennedy Road S. (G2)
Wagering
Betting With, and Against, Early Adopter in the Central Park Stakes
An overflow field of 11 juveniles will travel one-mile on the Aqueduct lawn in Saturday’s $150,000 Central Park S.
Wagering
Five Takeaways from the Breeders’ Cup
Now that some of the dust has settled from the sensational 41st edition of the Breeders’ Cup World Thoroughbred Championships at Del Mar, below are just a handful of the outcomes that left a lasting mark on me.
Breeders Cup
Friday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Tamara can win her return
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Friday, Nov. 15 at Churchill Downs and Del Mar, along with tickets for Gulfstream Park’s $2,546 Super High 5 carryover.
Best Bets
The Jury: Expert Picks, Bets, and Fades for Nov. 15-16 [Video]
Racing analysts James Scully, Ashley Anderson, and Darin Zoccali talk their best bets and fades at Churchill Downs and Aqueduct. Ashley and James provide their thoughts in the written portion below. Be sure to check out Darin's opinions in our on-camera portion as well!
Wagering
Thursday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Aqueduct’s $51,725 Pick 6 carryover
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Thursday, Nov. 14 at Churchill Downs and Horseshoe Indianapolis, along with a horse to single in Aqueduct’s $51,725 Pick 6 carryover.
Best Bets
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Nov. 14, 2024
Jason checks in from his cross country trip and talks about his travels. Also touches on some racing stories from the week, other racing podcasts, and much more!
Quiz
How to bet the Claiming Crown Emerald
The final race of 26th edition of the Claiming Crown at Churchill Downs on Saturday is the $175,000 Emerald, which attracted a full and talented group for the 1 1/16-mile event.
Wagering
Exotics Plays for the Claiming Crown Jewel
A total of 14 boys are entered to contest the $200,000 Claiming Crown Jewel at Churchill Downs on Saturday.
Wagering
How to bet the Claiming Crown Glass Slipper
The Jeff Mullins-trained #6 Jubilant Joanie (7-2) gets top billing in Saturday’s $100,000 Claiming Crown Glass Slipper S. at Churchill Downs.
Wagering
Thursday Thoughts with Jason Beem Nov. 14, 2024
Jason talks about the good, and sometimes bad, of having to travel across the country in order to work in horse racing.
Quiz
How to bet the Rocket Express
An overflow field of 16 is entered for Saturday’s $100,000 Rocket Express S. at Churchill Downs.
Wagering
Claim to Fame: Ex-claimers that made racing's Hall of Fame
Claiming race alumni through the years have taken their talents to levels that warranted induction into the sport's Hall of Fame.
Features
Wednesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Mountaineer’s $1,223 Super High 5 carryover
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Wednesday, Nov. 13 at Horseshoe Indianapolis and Churchill Downs, along with tickets for Mountaineer’s $1,223 Super High 5 carryover.
Best Bets
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Nov. 13, 2024
Jason welcomes in horseplayer Tyler Hoffman to the shot to talk about his recent third place finish in the BCBC, tournament play, and much more!
Quiz
Racing Roundtable: Integration's bounce-back win, KDFW Pool 1
This week, the Racing Roundtable discusses Integration's potential ahead of the 2025 season, performances that caught their eye from the weekend, and their reactions to Pool 1 of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager (KDFW).
Analysis