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The Heart that Wears the Crown: Omaha
When any Triple Crown winner goes to stud, the high expectations set by winning that coveted trophy come along, as fans eagerly anticipate the next generation. Can he copy himself and produce another just like him? Of the 13 to have worn the crown, only one has done what is nearly impossible, a feat unlikely to be duplicated anytime soon: siring another Triple Crown winner.
Education
Pedigree lingo: Phrases to known in horse racing
Words like “sire,” “dam,” and “broodmare” don’t necessarily mean a lot to those unfamiliar with horses or horse racing. Fortunately, the lingo isn’t as complicated as it sounds.
Pedigree
How and when to bet a Power Box
Boxing bets. There have always been pros and cons to this catch-all strategy. If only there were a way to box bets in a more nuanced manner. Well guess what? That’s what a Power Box is for.
Analysis
What is the Place Pick All, and how do you bet it?
Once in a while you’ll see a racetrack offer a less common type of wager. One example is the “Place Pick All”.
Analysis
What is a key race, and how do you identify one?
Have you ever heard of a “key race?” A key race is a race from which a large number of participants return to win or run well the next time they compete.
Analysis
When to bet (or not bet) the trifecta
The trifecta often seems like the perfect exotic wager. But some situations are more suitable for trifecta betting than others.
Analysis
When you should (or shouldn't) bet a Pick 6
Effectively betting a Pick 6 can be difficult and expensive. These guidelines help you determine when you should (or shouldn’t) bet a Pick 6.
Analysis
Why it pays to look beyond a horse's most recent race
Horses aren’t machines, and any number of events can trigger a poor performance. Knowing when to forgive a subpar result is often the key to cashing tickets.
Analysis
G1-to-maiden class drop can be surprisingly lucrative
One of the most extreme examples of "dropping in class" occurs when a horse exits a Grade 1 race (the highest class there is) and enters a maiden race (restricted to horses who have never won a race).
Analysis
When to bet to place (or not)
The place bet can be a tricky wager to properly play. Not because it’s complicated to understand, but because executing a sound strategy that capitalizes on your opinions is easier said than done.
Analysis
Using Stable Alerts as a handicapping tool
If you’ve ever missed a bet because you weren’t aware your preferred horse was entered to race, we have good news. Stable Alerts from TwinSpires let you know when it’s time to bet.
Education
The Science of Horse Racing: Foaling the Future
Let’s look at the process of foaling and how our favorite racehorses went from safe inside a broodmare’s womb to taking their first steps toward greatness.
Education
The best way to decide and create a place bet
When carefully executed, the place bet can play a useful role in a bettor’s arsenal of handicapping strategies.
Analysis
The best way to decide and create a show bet
As strange as it might sound, the horse racing wager that's easiest to hit is one of the trickiest to understand on a technical level.
Analysis
The best way to decide and create a win bet
The win bet is the purest way to wager on a horse race. All you have to do is pick the winning horse. But deciding which horse to bet can quickly grow complicated.
Analysis
How trainer and sire stats can combine for enticing payoffs
When betting maiden races filled with unraced horses, win percentage stats come in handy. They consistently steer bettors toward live contenders in races that might otherwise be inscrutable.
Analysis
The Science of Racing: The Starting Gate
It is a sight as familiar to racegoers as the horses themselves: the starting gate. As the minutes to the next race tick by, a tractor pulls this mechanical wonder to the right spot on the racetrack, dirt or turf, and draws the eyes of everyone present.
Education
How trainer stats can point toward future stakes winners
When a horse defies the stats and wins at first asking for a low-percentage debut trainer, you might be looking at a special horse. Maybe even a stakes winner.
Analysis
What is a jockey weight allowance?
In the sport of horse racing, the amount of weight carried by each horse has long been varied to account for differences in age, gender, and ability. Or, in some cases, the experience of their jockey.
Analysis
The Science of Horse Racing: Colic and Laminitis
Both colic and laminitis come up as health issues that affect horses both on the racetrack and off.
Education
Oaklawn Park: How scrutinizing race conditions can be beneficial
The first thing bettors should generally do before handicapping a race is read and comprehend its conditions.
Analysis
Why horses tackling multiple major changes can outrun their odds
Sometimes, a racehorse will tackle so many changes at once it’s impossible to project how they'll perform. But the “change everything” approach can occasionally reap big dividends.
Analysis
Catching My Eye: Two Angles to find prices at Fair Grounds, Part One
Four weeks in at Fair Grounds, racing analyst Kevin Kilroy has found two handicapping angles that have been key for finding price horses.
Analysis
True Crime in Horse Racing: Shergar, Stallion Lost
This month, we explore the ultimate cold case in horse racing, an international mystery that captivates to this day. Who kidnapped Shergar and why?
History
How sire stats and racing records can uncover winners
Sometimes, combining a little pedigree knowledge with the sire stats and performance data found in Brisnet Ultimate Past Performances is all you need to uncover a lucrative betting payday.
Pedigree
Off-the-turf races can present enticing betting opportunities
When races slated to take place on turf are instead transferred to dirt or synthetic, enticing betting opportunities can arise.
Analysis
Fair Grounds meet horseplayer preview: Louisiana circuit insights
Here are some things to know about Fair Grounds and the Louisiana circuit to help sharpen your edge.
Analysis
Brisnet Speed ratings can make small fields playable
The power of speed figures—and specifically the Brisnet Speed ratings published in Brisnet Ultimate Past Performances—came to the forefront in the 2022 Bob Hope (G3) at Del Mar.
Analysis
The Science of Horse Racing: Why Do Jockeys Ride Like That?
The race rider’s stance has gone from straight in the saddle to a balanced squat over the withers, a change that started with one legendary jockey and was soon adopted worldwide. This month’s Science of Horse Racing examines both how this change came about and why this demanding position works for both horse and rider.
Education
Pick 5 Play Fair Grounds: Saturday, Nov. 19
It’s important to have a strong opinion in one of the first two legs of this sequence at Fair Grounds.
Education
The power of Brisnet Late Pace ratings
Among the many handicapping tools found in Brisnet Ultimate Past Performances are Brisnet Late Pace ratings. Their power was evident during 2022 Breeders' Cup week.
Education
The Science of Horse Racing: Track Surfaces
This month’s Science of Horse Racing considers the three types of surfaces and how weather and geography play into our understanding of how horses race over those tracks.
Education
Exploring the effects of left-handed, right-handed, and straight racecourses
In the U.S., practically all Thoroughbred horse races feature at least one left-handed turn for the runners to negotiate. But racing around left-handed turns is far from standard on the global stage.
Breeders Cup
4 reasons you should bet turf races
Some of the most famous horse races in the United States are contested on dirt, including the Kentucky Derby (G1). But turf races often provide the best betting opportunities for horseplayers.
Education
5 positive signs when betting on unraced horses
It can be tricky for inexperienced horseplayers to bet on maiden races filled with unraced horses. How is it possible to predict the performances of horses who have never run?
Education
Betting Strategies: Pool Selection with Geoff Riggs
Born the day after his parents’ annual Kentucky Derby party, Louisville native Geoff Riggs’s love of horse racing was fated.
Education
How can field size affect betting payoffs?
It’s common to hear horseplayers and racing analysts talk about field size, but they’re not referring to the acreage of open land. They’re referring to the number of horses entered in a race.
Education
How to calculate the cost of a multi-race wager
Have you ever wondered how to calculate the price of a multi-race wager? Wonder no longer, because it’s easy and straightforward.
Education
Furlongs, miles, and meters: How do race distances compare?
In the United States, the distance of a horse race is measured in furlongs and/or miles. But this isn’t the case in many other racing nations.
Education
Betting Strategies: Scully's Superfecta Structure
Halfway through the Kentucky Downs meet, it’s not too late to take a few swings at a big superfecta score. With that in mind, I spoke to a horseplayer who has had phenomenal success playing the superfecta, James Scully.
Education
Is a jockey change enough reason to avoid betting a horse?
When a high-profile jockey takes over riding a horse, bettors sit up and take notice. But have you ever wondered if a jockey change is ever enough reason to avoid betting a horse?
Education
When betting favorites in exotic wagers, watch your ROI
When betting a heavy favorite in a horse race, it can be tempting to skip a low-paying win bet and play complicated exotic wagers instead.
Education
5 times you should consider opposing the betting favorite
How can you tell when a betting favorite is vulnerable to defeat? Here are five common examples of when a favorite might not be trustworthy.
Education
The Science of Racing: Vision and Blinkers
The Science of Racing looks at a horse’s vision and how changing the way they see the world around them can affect performance.
History
Why planning bets in advance can be helpful
There’s something to be said for structuring betting strategies close to post time, when race-day changes are known and the odds are clearer. But there are also benefits to planning your bets early.
Education
Betting Strategies: Live Money Tournament Advice from Matt Miller
Winner of the 2021 Breeders’ Cup Betting Challenge, Matt Miller knows what it takes to formulate a winning live money tournament game plan.
Education
3 ways to maximize value betting against favorites
Betting favorites isn’t the worst strategy in horse racing, but they lose more often than not. If you can find the right horse(s) to play in place of a favorite, you’re in line for lucrative payoffs.
Education
Jason Beem Horse Racing Podcast: Aug. 10, 2022
Jason opens the show looking back at yesterday's big Pick 5 sequence at Colonial Downs. Then he welcomes in Colonial Downs Track Surfaces Superintendent Harrison Young to talk about maintaining turf and dirt courses, rail settings, fighting track bias, and more!
Analysis
What is a fair odds line, and how do you make one?
When betting on horse races, picking the right horse is only half the equation. Since it’s basically impossible to pick 100% winners, betting when the odds are suitable is a key to long-term success.
Education
Betting Strategies: Finding value when a race has two heavy favorites
This past Thursday’s $194,000 Birdstone S. at Saratoga presented a textbook scenario that vertical players should always be on the lookout for.
Education
Step-by-step: How to bet a superfecta
If you’re a horse racing bettor comfortable playing wagers like the exacta and trifecta, the superfecta is the next logical bet to pursue.
Education
Betting Strategies: 'It all depends on what you are trying to make from the race'
Sara and I spoke over the phone on Friday about her betting strategies, and she offers up her Late Pick 5 at Saratoga for Saturday.
Education
Pros and cons of boxing your bets
When horse racing bettors talk about boxing wagers, they’re referring to a specific wagering strategy for bets like the exacta, trifecta, and superfecta.
Education
The Science of Horse Racing: Hooves and Horseshoes
For this month’s the Science of Horse Racing, let’s play some horseshoes and learn a little about hooves, plates, and more.
Education
Step-by-step: How to bet a Super High 5
Hitting a Super High 5 wager isn’t easy; it’s one of the trickiest and most expensive horse racing bets to pursue. But winning tickets often yield big paydays.
Education
Step-by-step: Building a Pick 4 ticket
Of all the multi-race wagers in horse racing, the Pick 4 is among the most popular. It’s challenging enough to produce solid payoffs while remaining relatively budget-friendly for small bettors.
Education
Exacta vs. quinella vs. Omni/Swinger: Which should you bet?
Fans of international horse racing know there are three similar but distinct exotic wagers found on a typical betting menu: the exacta, the quinella, and the Omni/Swinger.
International
Step-by-step: How to bet a Pick 5
The Pick 5 is one of the most popular wagers in horse racing, and for many good reasons. If you’re wondering how to bet a Pick 5, we have you covered.
Education
What are Omni/Swinger bets, and how do you play them?
If you’ve ever dipped your toes into betting on international horse racing, you’ve probably noticed an unfamiliar bet type called the Omni/Swinger. But how hard is the Omni/Swinger to play and hit?
International
How to handicap Royal Ascot stakes for juveniles
One of the distinguishing features of Royal Ascot is the six stakes devoted to two-year-olds during the annual five-day meeting.
Royal Ascot
What are claiming races? Here are the basics
In North America, claiming races are among the most common types of Thoroughbred horse races conducted at racetracks across the continent. But what exactly are they?
Education
What are Brisnet Speed and Pace rating pars?
Have you ever wondered how to use Brisnet Speed and Pace rating pars? Let's dive in and explore what they offer.
Education
Fact or myth: Are all North American dirt tracks one mile in circumference?
If you follow North American horse racing, perhaps you've come to believe the vast majority of Thoroughbred racetracks are one-mile dirt ovals. But is that really the case?
Education
What are Brisnet Speed and Pace ratings?
Once upon a time, a long time ago, judging raw pace fractions and final times was the only way to gauge the speed of a race. Then speed figures burst on to the scene and changed everything.
Education
5 Preakness handicapping trends to consider
To enhance our understanding of Pimlico’s signature 1 3/16-mile race, let’s explore five Preakness (G1) handicapping trends worth keeping in mind.
Preakness Stakes
Explaining program numbers and post positions
If you’re just getting started betting on Thoroughbred horse races, it can be easy to confuse program numbers and post position numbers. It's important to know they're not always the same.
Education
What is the Kentucky Oaks/Derby Double?
When the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Kentucky Oaks (G1) roll around, it’s common to hear handicappers discuss their plays for the “Oaks/Derby Double.” But have you ever wondered what this wager entails?
Kentucky Derby
Top 10 Preakness trends
To get you ready for the second leg of the Triple Crown, let's look back on the last decade of races, as we examine the top 10 Preakness racing trends.
Triple Crown
How to read a Brisnet horse racing program
Have you ever wondered how to read a racing program? Then you’ve come to the right place.
Education
The Science of Horse Racing: Changing Leads
Horses can switch their leading leg, called changing leads, during every type of stride.
Education
Pari-mutuel vs. fixed-odds wagering: How are they different?
Sports bettors are accustomed to fixed-odds wagering. Horse racing bettors are widely familiar with pari-mutuel wagering. But how do they differ? And is one better than the other?
Education
What happens when a horse race is "off the turf?"
Perhaps you’ve heard of horse races being taken “off the turf.” But unless you’re familiar with racing lingo and the broad workings of the sport, the meaning of the phrase isn’t necessarily obvious.
Education
How to read horse racing workout lines
Reviewing workouts is a key component when analyzing unraced horses or horses returning from long breaks. We'll teach you how to read all the numbers and abbreviations involved in workout lines.
Education
Recent trends in the San Felipe Stakes
The $400,000 San Felipe S. (G2) has a recent history (2010 onwards) that's been slightly different than other races we've explored this week.
Kentucky Derby
Recent trends in the Fountain of Youth Stakes
Arguably the most anticipated of the Kentucky Derby (G1) preps on Saturday is the $400,000 Fountain of Youth S. (G2) at Gulfstream Park. Here are some recent trends worth noting about the Fountain of Youth since 2010.
Kentucky Derby
What is a turf course? Everything you need to know
You’ve probably gathered that many horse races take place on grass. Others, it seems, take place on turf. Or are they one and the same?
Education
Recent trends in the Gotham Stakes
The Gotham S. (G3) will be the first of four Kentucky Derby (G1) point-scoring races on March 5. Here are three trends worth noting about the Aqueduct fixture since 2010.
Kentucky Derby
Recent trends in the Risen Star Stakes
Here are three things to know about the recent history of the Risen Star.
Kentucky Derby
Step-by-step: How to bet a Pick 6
In terms of difficulty, all other wagers pale in comparison to the Pick 6, which dares you to select the winners of six consecutive races.
Education
When maiden special weight to maiden claiming isn't a class drop
Many handicappers consider the drop from maiden special weight to maiden claiming company to be one of the biggest class drops in horse racing. But it's not always the descent it appears to be.
Education
Addeybb pictured winning the 2020 Champion S. (G1) (Photo courtesy of Ascot Racecourse via Racenews)
The Top 5 Races in Australia for 2021
Here are the top five Australian races for 2021, in chronological order.
International
What is a bullring racetrack, and how should you bet one?
Generally speaking, there isn’t much variety among North American Thoroughbred racetracks. But once in a while, you’ll hear the term “bullring racetrack” tossed around—what does it mean?
Education
What is betting "across the board," and is it a smart strategy?
Like any sport, horse racing comes with its fair share of specialized lingo. One confusing phrase you’re bound to encounter is “across the board.”
Analysis
How to understand and use average winning distance statistics
Average winning distance (AWD) stats can be useful when handicapping horse races. But the numbers must be analyzed in context with the realities of average race distances in North America.
Education
What are coupled entries, and how should you bet them?
Coupled entries are among the more confusing aspects of betting horse races. But once you dig into the details, they’re not quite as complicated as they seem.
Education
Exploring jockey stats and win percentages
While horses are naturally the most important factor in handicapping any horse race, many bettors look toward jockey statistics to strengthen their opinions and separate top contenders.
Analysis
Breeders' Cup: Trends worth remembering from Del Mar's first BC
As Del Mar plays host to the Breeders' Cup for a second time next month, we scout out the more notable trends from its first in 2017.
Breeders Cup
Using Brisnet dam stats for pedigree handicapping
Analyzing the produce records of broodmares can help steer you toward informative betting angles.
Pedigree
Using Brisnet sire stats for pedigree handicapping
Analyzing pedigrees can be a helpful tool for identifying which runners are suited to particular race conditions. And sire statistics are some of the most useful pedigree tools to utilize.
Pedigree
An introduction to track conditions (and all the related lingo)
Thoroughbred horse racing is an outdoor sport, with races typically taking place rain or shine. That means track conditions can vary widely with the weather.
Education
What is the History of entering a horse into a horse race?
The roots of racing in medieval England were planted when horses for sale were ridden in competition to demonstrate their speed to potential buyers.
History
5 important trends for Kentucky Downs
Large fields, rich purses, and enticing betting payoffs are par for the (unique European-style turf) course at Kentucky Downs, which will host its annual six-day meet starting Sep. 5.
Education
Speed & Class Ratings: Juveniles Wit, High Oak among standouts
The juveniles to make the biggest impression to date on the path to the 2021 Breeders' Cup.
Education
What are morning line odds, and what do they mean?
If you’ve bet on horse racing in the past, you’re probably familiar with the term "morning line odds." But if you’re a little hazy on the definition, never fear—we'll get you up to speed.
Education
What is a guaranteed pool, and how does one work?
Sometimes, you’ll see racetracks advertise high-profile wagers featuring “guaranteed pools.” But what exactly is a guaranteed pool, and how does one work?
Education
What is a single, and why are they valuable?
Hang around horseplayers long enough, and you might start to wonder—what are these coveted “singles” they refer to when betting multi-race wagers like the Pick 4, Pick 5, and Pick 6?
Education
Dirt, turf, and synthetic: An introduction to racing surfaces
You know how tennis is played across three main court surfaces—acrylic hard courts, clay courts, and grass courts? Horse racing is pretty much the same.
Education
What is takeout, and how does it affect betting profits?
If you’re a fan of fine dining at home, you’re probably a wholehearted supporter of takeout. But if you’re a bettor, then takeout comes with a much different definition.
Education