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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.
Racing
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)
Racing
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)
Racing
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.
Racing
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.
Racing
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!
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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.
Racing
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.
Racing
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.
Racing
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.
Racing
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).
Racing
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.
Racing
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.
Racing
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.
Racing
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.
Racing
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.
Racing
Keeneland Fast Facts for April 20, 2024
TwinSpires Fast Facts is a new tool we are working on to enhance and streamline your handicapping!
Racing
Keeneland expert picks: Friday, April 19, 2024
The Grade 3 Doubledogdare is the main feature on Friday’s 10-race card at Keeneland
Racing
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!
Racing
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.
Racing
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.
Racing
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
Racing
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.
Racing
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).
Racing
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.
Racing
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
Racing
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.
Racing
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.
Racing
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.
Racing
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.
Racing
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.
Racing
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.
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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.
Racing
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.
Racing
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.
Racing
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.
Racing
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.
Racing
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.
Racing
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
Racing
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
Racing
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.
Racing
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
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.
Racing
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.
Racing
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)
Racing
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)
Racing
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.
Racing
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.
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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.
Racing
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.
Racing
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.
Racing
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
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?
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast April 15, 2024
Jason looks back the weekend of racing and discusses action from Keeneland and Oaklawn Park.
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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.
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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.
Racing
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.
Racing
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.
Racing
Keeneland expert picks: Pick 5 ticket for Sunday, April 14, 2024
Let’s close out the second week of Keeneland's Spring Meet with a Late Pick 5 ticket for Sunday’s nine-race card.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Society Man
Running long is a strong suit for Society Man, runner-up in the 1 1/8-mile Wood Memorial (G2) and a maiden winner over the same distance. Stretching out over 1 1/4 miles for the Kentucky Derby (G1) should fit the chestnut gelding just fine.
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Catalytic
It’s difficult to say based off Catalytic’s racing record and pedigree whether the Kentucky Derby’s 1 1/4-mile distance is within his wheelhouse.
Racing
Tall Tales of the Track, Kentucky Derby Edition: A Question of Calks
Blue Larkspur had what it takes to win the 1929 Kentucky Derby – speed, power, and tactical talent – yet met defeat for one surprising reason: calks.
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Mahoning: Betting the $105,393 Pick 6 mandatory payout
Saturday is closing day of the Mahoning Valley race meet, which means the $105,393 jackpot carryover in the 20-cent Pick 6 is slated for a mandatory payout.
Racing
How to bet the 2024 Park Avenue at Aqueduct
A total of eight sophomore fillies bred in the Empire State will go 6 1/2 furlongs on the Aqueduct dirt in Sunday’s $200,000 New York Stallion S. (Park Avenue Division). The trio of horses drawn outside in the affair appear to be best, and I will center my plays around them.
Racing
Hong Kong: Selections for Sha Tin April 13
Racing at Sha Tin begins at 11:59 p.m. ET. Selections and analysis by Declan Schuster of the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
Racing
Keeneland expert picks: Saturday, April 13, 2024
We’ve got the final Road to the Kentucky Derby prep, the Grade 3 Lexington, in Race 10 today, as well as the Grade 3 Giant’s Causeway and Grade 1 Jenny Wiley.
Racing
Keeneland Fast Facts for April 13, 2024
TwinSpires Fast Facts is a new tool we are working on to enhance and streamline your handicapping!
Racing
The Jury: Expert Picks, Bets and Fades for April 13 [Video]
Racing analysts Ashley Anderson, James Scully, and Darin Zoccali talk their bets and fades for Keeneland and Oaklawn. 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!
Racing
Friday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Aqueduct’s $23,062 Pick 6 carryover
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Friday, April 12 at Tampa Bay Downs, Gulfstream Park, and Aqueduct, including horses to play in Aqueduct’s $23,062 Pick 6 carryover.
Racing
Exotics Plays for the 2024 Jenny Wiley Stakes
A superb field of 10 fillies and mares will travel 1 1/16 miles on the Keeneland lawn in Saturday’s $600,000 Jenny Wiley S. (G1).
Racing
Betting With, and Against, Elm Drive in the Giant’s Causeway Stakes
Las Cienegas S. (G3) second #11 Elm Drive (7-2) has been installed as the morning-line choice for Saturday’s $300,000 Giant’s Causeway S. (G3) at Keeneland.
Racing
How to bet the 2024 Apple Blossom Handicap
An accomplished cast of nine fillies and mares will go postward in Saturday’s lucrative $1.25 million Apple Blossom H. (G1) at Oaklawn Park.
Racing
How to bet the 2024 Count Fleet Sprint Handicap
Conditioner Steve Asmussen has the three of the leading contenders for Saturday’s $500,000 Count Fleet H. (G3) at Oaklawn Park.
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Keeneland expert picks: Friday, April 12, 2024
The Grade 1 Maker’s Mark Mile and 5 1/2-furlong Limestone S. headline Friday’s 10-race card.
Racing
Meet the Contenders: 2024 Lexington Stakes
Meet the horses running in the 2024 Lexington S. at Keeneland. For each horse, we're listing a pro, a con, and a rating of potential.
Racing
Thursday Thoughts with Jason Beem Apr. 11, 2024
Jason discusses turf sprints and why they are so tricky for him as a handicapper.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Apr. 11, 2024
Jason looks ahead to the weekend of racing including a trio of stakes from Keeneland and some Oaklawn racing as well. He also discusses some issues in the sports betting world and some racing news.
Racing
Thursday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Cold Gulfstream double
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Thursday, April 4 at Gulfstream Park and Turf Paradise, including a cold $20 double wager.
Racing
Keeneland expert picks: Thursday, April 11, 2024
It’s another rainy day at Keeneland with potential for severe thunderstorms the first half of the day. Like Wednesday, we’ll stick to a Pick 5 ticket for the first five races, all scheduled for the dirt.
Racing
How to bet the 2024 Maker’s Mark Mile
A fantastic field of eight will vie in Friday’s $600,000 Maker’s Mark Mile (G1) on the Keeneland turf. Defending Breeders’ Cup Mile (G1) star #4 Master of the Seas (4-5) will make his six-year-old debut in this one for Charlie Appleby, but I will aim to upset the morning-line choice in a field lacking pace.
Racing
Tipsheet: 2024 Lexington Stakes
A total of 10 sophomores will run 1 1/16 miles on the Keeneland dirt in Saturday’s $400,000 Lexington S. (G3).
Racing
Keeneland expert picks: Pick 5 ticket for Wednesday, April 10, 2024
We kick off a new week of racing at Keeneland with an Early Pick 5 ticket. With a high-percentage chance of rain, we’ve got the toughest challenge of the spring meet so far.
Racing
Racing Roundtable: Takeaways from Blue Grass S., Ashland, and more Derby/Oaks prep action
The Racing Roundtable examines the results of the Blue Grass S. (G1) and Ashland (G1), and who stood out from a number of Kentucky Derby (G1) and Oaks (G1) prep races this past weekend.
Racing
Wednesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Keeneland’s $7,472 Super High 5
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Wednesday, April 10 at Tampa Bay Downs and Will Rogers Downs, along with horses to play in the $7,472 Super High 5 carryover at Keeneland.
Racing
How betting longshots exiting deep races can reap rewards
It's not uncommon to analyze the entries for a horse race and see multiple runners coming out of a common previous race. If the previous race was a deep and classy contest, consider the possibility the horses exiting that race will sweep the top two or three finishing positions in the race you're currently handicapping.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Apr. 10, 2024
Jason opens the show discussing the news of the day. Then we welcome in horseplayer Alexa Zepp to talk about her path to racing through tournaments, owning horses, horseplaying, and more!
Racing
Hong Kong: Selections for Happy Valley April 10
Racing at Happy Valley begins at 6:40 a.m. ET. Selections and analysis by Declan Schuster of the Hong Kong Jockey Club.
Racing
Tuesday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: Top of My Game is hot
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Tuesday, April 9 at Will Rogers Downs and Turf Paradise, including a 9-2 shot in hot form.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast Apr. 9, 2024
Jason welcomes in Keeneland track announcer Kurt Becker to talk about the opening weekend of the spring meet, his work in NASCAR, announcing stories, and more!
Racing
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem April 8, 2024
Jason looks back at the Derby preps from the weekend and a huge day for jockey Frankie Dettori.
Racing
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast April 8, 2024
Jason looks back at the big weekend of Kentucky Derby preps from Keeneland, Aqueduct, and Santa Anita.
Racing
Monday’s Best Bets and Quick Picks: $376,658 Pick 5 mandatory payout
Handicapper J. Keeler Johnson shares best bets and quick picks for Monday, April 8 at Horseshoe Indianapolis, along with a ticket for the mandatory-payout $376,658 Pick 5 carryover at Parx Racing
Racing
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Resilience
Pedigree handicappers are aware of Resilience’s Kentucky Derby (G1) potential. After all, his pedigree is packed with speed, stamina, class, and—most importantly—Kentucky Derby winners.
Racing
Fierceness hardens into Kentucky Derby favoritism at 5-2 in Pool 6
Champion Fierceness ranked as the 5-2 favorite in the final Pool 6 of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager, which closed before Saturday's major preps.
Racing
Aqueduct: A single for the $72,394 Pick 6 carryover
No one hit the $1 Pick 6 on Saturday at Aqueduct, triggering an enticing non-jackpot carryover worth $72,394 for Sunday’s card.
Racing
Kentucky Derby International Scouting Report: T O Password
Japan Road invitee T O Password brings a 2-for-2 record into Churchill Downs, but he’s yet to race at anywhere near the level of compatriot Forever Young.
Racing