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Racing Roundtable: New Year's weekend and beyond in 2023
The Racing Roundtable kicks off 2023 with a look back at the action over New Year's weekend and a look ahead to the upcoming season.
Features
Catching My Eye: Fair Grounds, Dec. 29-Jan. 1 'Mercy, Mercy, Mercy'
Mercy Warren won by 16 lengths in a first-level allowance sprint on Sunday at Fair Grounds with a merciless move in the turn.
Analysis
12 to keep on the radar for 2023
Of the very many horses to look forward to in 2023, I’d like to highlight a dozen to keep on the radar.
International
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem Jan. 2, 2023
Jason discusses using the new year as an opportunity to make some changes.
Features
Kentucky Derby: 2022 End of Year Stock Take
With all major juvenile racing now complete in 2022, it’s time to take stock of the 2023 Kentucky Derby picture – though it may seem as murky as it’s ever been.
Kentucky Derby
Thursday Thoughts with Jason Beem Dec. 29, 2022
Jason looks back at some of his favorite moments from 2022.
Features
2022 in Review: Leading Turf Horses by Eclipse Award categories
A majority of Eclipse Award categories for equine flat performers is technically open to all runners, regardless of surface proclivity.
Breeders Cup
2022 in Review: A record year for trainer Todd Pletcher
With stable earnings of more than $30.3 million, Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher has enjoyed a record season in 2022.
Features
Top Winning Brisnet Speed Ratings for 2022
Brisnet Speed Ratings show there were two outstanding performances in 2022: one by Flightline, and one by… Wudda U Think Now?
Belmont Stakes
Thursday Thoughts with Jason Beem Dec. 22, 2022
Jason talks about some of his favorite holiday week traditions including opening day at Santa Anita!
Features
2022 in Review: Reilly's 10 favorite races
From the sublime Flightline to photo-finish thrillers, the 2022 racing year delivered some outstanding moments. Here’s a personal list of my 10 favorite races of the season, divided equally between North America and Europe.
Breeders Cup
2022 in Review: Bull's 10 Best Races of the year
As of this moment, these are the 10 races I enjoyed watching most in 2022.
Triple Crown
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem Dec. 19, 2022
Jason looks back at the career of Rated R Superstar who won another stakes Saturday night at Remington Park.
Features
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
The Jury: Bets and fades for Dec. 17
With most tracks dark next weekend for the Christmas holiday, bettors looking for a little extra spending money had better take advantage of the action available over the next few days.
Features
Jason Beem's Thursday Column for Dec. 15, 2022
Jason discusses the topic of what makes a "good betting race."
Features
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
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem Dec. 12, 2022
Jason discusses this past weekend's Champion of Champions at Los Alamitos and his relationship with Quarter Horse racing.
Features
Jason Beem's Thursday Column for Dec. 8, 2022
Jason talks about the concept of money management and how it relates to big scores.
Features
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem Dec. 5, 2022
Jason looks back at the weekend of racing and talks about Julia Shining's impressive but odd win in the Demoiselle.
Features
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Dubyuhnell
Unwavering tenacity carried Dubyuhnell to a hard-fought victory in the Remsen S. (G2) at Aqueduct, but can he stretch out over 1 1/4 miles in the Kentucky Derby (G1)?
Horse
After the Racetrack: Mr. Meso
Meet Mr. Meso, an essential member of the Clarke family and an OTTB who thrives in his roles as celebrity, companion, and four-legged assistant.
Aftercare
Jason Beem's Thursday Column for Dec. 1, 2022
Jason writes about the concepts of bankroll and risk tolerance in horse betting.
Features
Contenders to fill Flightline's void in older horse division
With Flightline headed to stud, the older horse dirt division lacks a standout entering 2023. Let's examine six contenders.
Analysis
Catching My Eye: Maidens at the Fair Grounds, Nov. 24-27
Racing analyst Kevin Kilroy examines the maidens that impressed him at Fair Grounds during Thanksgiving weekend.
Features
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
Instant Coffee winning the Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) at Churchill Downs (Photo by Coady Photography)
Racing Roundtable: Stars of Tomorrow II
With the 2022 Churchill Downs fall meet in the books, James Scully, Kellie Reilly, and Vance Hanson look back on the final Saturday's juvenile action in this week's Racing Roundtable.
Kentucky Derby
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem Nov. 28, 2022
Jason looks back at the weekend and discusses the response to Rich Strike's Clark Stakes effort.
Features
First-crop sires: Good Magic's Breeders' Cup Juvenile duo in KDFW Pool 2
Although his three Breeders’ Cup runners didn’t crack the trifecta on Future Stars Friday, Good Magic’s terrific start to his stallion career has warranted a stud fee hike.
Pedigree
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem Nov. 21, 2022
Jason looks to the week ahead as well as discusses the passing of longtime handicapper Dave Litfin and the changing guard of public handicapping.
Features
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
A desire to pay off gambling debts may have been behind the tampering with some horses in the 1990s.
True Crime in Horse Racing: Small Sponges, Big Problems
As racetracks wrestled with questions about security and access, everyone from fans to owners grappled with the idea that someone was hurting horses on purpose. Who was harming horses and why?
History
Fair Grounds racing trends
To get you prepared for the 2022-23 meet in Louisiana, we explore some of the top racing trends at Fair Grounds.
Analysis
First-Crop Sires 2022: Promising Start for Mendelssohn
The first-season sire that readers voted for us to follow hasn’t let anyone down, producing a nice crop of horses that promise much for the future.
Pedigree
Bolt d'Oro two-year-olds make mark on turf, overseas
Bolt d’Oro added six more winners to bring his total to 21 from 67 runners, with one of those victories coming in the Pilgrim S. (G2) at Belmont.
Pedigree
Catching My Eye: Positive and negative notes from Churchill Downs Nov. 12-13
Racing analyst Kevin Kilroy takes a look at the positives and negatives he witnessed over the weekend at Churchill Downs.
Features
Chop Chop among three early stakes winners for freshman sire City of Light
Since our first installment highlighting the first crop by City of Light, the freshman sire has been represented by an additional six winners, three of whom have won stakes.
Breeders Cup
First-Crop Sires 2022: Justify Heads the List
On all reasonable criteria, Justify has made a fantastic start as a sire.
Analysis
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem Nov. 14, 2022
Jason looks back at the weekend and remembers longtime Washington State handicapper Victor "The Predictor" Cozzetti.
Features
Catching My Eye: three things to take away from the 2022 Breeders' Cup
Three takeaways from last weekend: four-year-old equipment change for Todd Pletcher means something. Tyler Gaffalione is just getting started. Uncertainty around Cave Rock and Forte going forward.
Breeders Cup
Kentucky Derby takeaways from the Breeders' Cup Juvenile
What can we take away from the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile as we head toward the Kentucky Derby?
Triple Crown
Jason Beem's Thursday Thoughts for Nov. 10, 2022
Jason takes one last look back at the Breeders' Cup weekend and talks about Breeders' Cup winners going forward.
Features
Racing Roundtable: Reflections on the 2022 Breeders' Cup
With the 2022 Breeders' Cup now in the history books, the Racing Roundtable is back to reflect on the 39th edition of the series held at Keeneland last weekend.
Features
Hanson: A case for Flightline's early retirement
While some racing fans are disappointed Flightline won't reappear on the racetrack, the "he has nothing more to prove" argument might be a sound one.
Breeders Cup
Flightline: The best since Secretariat?
One of the superlatives given to Flightline has almost been sacrilege: a genuine comparison to Secretariat.
Breeders Cup
Flightline's Breeders' Cup Classic on the clock
Flightline’s tour de force in the Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1) was not only visually impressive. The unbeaten superstar delivered a performance of historical proportions on the clock as well.
Breeders Cup
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem Nov. 7, 2022
Jason looks back at the Breeders' Cup weekend including the Betting Challenge tournament.
Breeders Cup
Flightline seeks new heights in Breeders' Cup Classic
Flightline will bring superstar billing to the $6 million Breeders’ Cup Classic (G1), overpowering the competition in five career starts, but he’s yet to beat the best. That opportunity comes at Keeneland on Nov. 5.
Breeders Cup
Kilroy previews 2022 Breeders' Cup Classic contenders
There’s only one thing standing in the way of this being the most white-knuckle, adrenaline-pumping, root-worthy Breeders’ Cup Classics of all time. And that’s Flightline.
Kentucky Derby
Nest comes rolling into the Breeders' Cup Distaff
Following a second against males in June’s Belmont S. (G1), Nest stepped up with a series of stunning performances, winning the Coaching Club American Oaks (G1), Alabama (G1), and Beldame (G2) by a combined 26 1/4 lengths.
Breeders Cup
Jason Beem's Thursday Column for Nov. 3, 2022
Jason gives some thoughts and picks for some of Saturday's Breeders' Cup races!
Breeders Cup
Catching My Eye: Hot Keeneland jockeys
Wondering which jockeys were hot at the Keeneland fall meet? You should be. The turf and dirt courses were idiosyncratic, and the riders who figured it out in October will have an advantage this weekend in the Breeders’ Cup.
Breeders Cup
After the Racetrack: Finnick the Fierce finds his forever friend
With his racing days behind him, Finnick the Fierce has traded the racetrack for the trail, taking Jackie Barr on quite a journey in a short time.
Aftercare
Who were the founders of the Breeders' Cup and what legacy did they create?
On April 23, 1982, John Gaines made a surprise announcement at the Kentucky Derby Festival's "They're Off" luncheon, revealing his vision for an international racing event known today as the Breeders’ Cup World Championships.
Breeders Cup
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem Oct. 31, 2022
Jason talks about "state-bred season" as many states showcase their state-bred runners before the Breeders' Cup kicks off.
Breeders Cup
Jason Beem's Thursday Column for Oct. 27, 2022
Jason looks back at some of his favorite Breeders' Cup memories from over the years.
Features
Breeders' Cup Juvenile trends on the Road to the Kentucky Derby
Below we look at the last nine Juvenile winners, plus where they placed in Road to the Kentucky Derby prep races that followed and how they performed along the Triple Crown trail.
Kentucky Derby
Golden Pal looks to match Beholder, Goldikova as three-time Breeders' Cup winners
Speed rules for Golden Pal, who led rivals gate-to-wire winning the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Turf Sprint (G2) and Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint (G1) the last two seasons, and the four-year-old seeks to become only the third horse to capture three Breeders’ Cup races when lining up for a title defense in the $1 million Turf Sprint at Keeneland on Nov. 5.
Breeders Cup
Breeders' Cup trainer and jockey trends since 2017
Below we look at those trainers and jockeys who have been especially successful over the last five years, as we examine the top connections at the Breeders' Cup since 2017.
Breeders Cup
Jackie's Warrior pursues elusive Breeders' Cup win
Jackie’s Warrior has been a brilliant one-turn performer over the past three seasons, but the one distinction missing from a Hall of Fame-worthy resume is a Breeders’ Cup win.
Breeders Cup
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem Oct. 24, 2022
Jason looks back at the weekend, including his visit to Remington Park and calling the races there.
Breeders Cup
The Jury: Bets and fades for Oct. 22
A pair of three-year-old sprints at Keeneland, two graded turf events at Aqueduct, and the Maryland Million at Laurel highlight this Saturday's action.
Analysis
Breeders' Cup speed figure trends at Keeneland
To get you ready for Breeders' Cup weekend, let's look at the top speed figures in each of the 14 Grade 1 races based on the two previous World Championships held at Keeneland.
Breeders Cup
Jason Beem's Thursday Column for October 20, 2022
Jason discusses preparations for the Breeders' Cup two weeks out and asks "why do we change our play and prepare on big days?"
Breeders Cup
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
True Crime in Horse Racing: What Happened to 'Red' McDaniel?
This month, True Crime in Horse Racing looks at the life of this California trainer and the mystery behind his tragic death.
History
Racing Roundtable: Breeders' Cup contenders and favorites to fade
In this week's Racing Roundtable, James Scully, Vance Hanson, and Keeler Johnson discuss the Breeders' Cup Mile (G1), 2022 champion jumper candidates, and Breeders' Cup favorites worth fading.
Breeders Cup
Catching My Eye: Keeneland Oct. 12-16
Leading into Breeders' Cup weekend, racing analyst Kevin Kilroy continues to keep an eye on track trends as well as individual performances at Keeneland.
Features
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem Oct. 17, 2022
Jason looks back at the weekend, including Gina Romantica and her Grade 1 win, as well as her beginning her career at Tampa Bay Downs.
Features
Kilroy previews 2022 Breeders' Cup Distaff contenders
What's in store for the 2022 Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1)? Pre-entries won't be announced until Oct. 24, but the likely runners are fierce.
Breeders Cup
Jason Beem's Thursday Column for Oct. 13, 2022
Jason looks back at his visit to Sweetwater Downs in Wyoming.
Features
The up and down history of the American Grand National
The American Grand National, which carries a purse of $250,000 and is contested over 2 5/8 miles, is the richest and most prestigious jumping event in the U.S.
Features
Catching My Eye: Keeneland opening weekend
Leading into Breeders' Cup weekend, Kevin Kilroy will be keeping an eye on track trends as well as individual performances at Keeneland.
Features
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem Oct. 10, 2022
Jason looks back at some of the stories from the weekend, including a huge upset in the world of harness racing.
Features
Pedigree profile: Cave Rock
Speed is the greatest weapon a racehorse can possess. Stamina is equally dangerous as distances get longer. Combine speed with stamina, and you have the makings of an elite racehorse.
Horse
After the Racetrack: Underscore and Natalie Voss
This month’s After the Racetrack looks at the special relationship between Underscore, aka Blueberry, and his partner, the Paulick Report’s editor-in-chief, Natalie Voss.
Aftercare
First-crop sires: Good Magic's Blazing Sevens, Curly Jack win on Road to Kentucky Derby
By siring the winners of the first two scoring races on the main Road to the Kentucky Derby, Good Magic has surged to the lead in the freshman sire standings.
Pedigree
Jason Beem's Thursday Column for Oct. 6, 2022
Jason looks back at a forgettable day for him at Keeneland.
Features
Racing Roundtable: Reflections on first round of final Breeders' Cup preps
In the first of two special Racing Roundtables, a look back on the first weekend of final Breeders' Cup prep and thoughts on whose stock is on the rise and on decline.
Breeders Cup
Kentucky Derby pedigree profile: Blazing Sevens
It’s no wonder why Blazing Sevens has enjoyed success running long on the Road to the Kentucky Derby. The stretch-running Champagne S. (G1) winner has a strong pedigree for handling classic distances.
Horse
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem Oct. 3, 2022
Jason looks back at the weekend of racing, including Rich Strike's near win in the Lukas Classic.
Breeders Cup
Jason Beem's Thursday Column for Sept. 29, 2022
Jason discusses the importance and benefits of taking the occasional break from racing.
Features
2022 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe: 10 storylines to know
Europe’s richest race, the €5 million Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (G1), is the centerpiece of a fantastic Sunday at ParisLongchamp.
Breeders Cup
Monday Morning Message with Jason Beem Sept. 26, 2022
Jason looks back at his favorite moments from his racing weekend at Golden Gate Fields and talks about fan education.
Features
Catching My Eye: Classy longshots at Churchill Downs
Here are six runners from opening weekend at Churchill Downs who deserved backing but were simply overlooked by the betting public.
Features
Breeders' Cup: Top 12 international winners
International competition is an essential element of the Breeders’ Cup, going back to its inaugural in 1984. Here are the 12 best internationals who starred at the World Championships.
Breeders Cup
The Science of Horse Racing: The Psychology of a Racehorse
From ears flicking back and forth to swishing tails, just what do horse behaviors mean?
Features
International scouting reports for 2022 Jockey Club Derby and Jockey Club Oaks
Europeans have won both runnings so far of the Jockey Club Derby (G3), and the venue change to Aqueduct during the “Belmont at the Big A” season shouldn’t alter the equation on Saturday.
International
Queen Elizabeth II: A Life with Horses
Among those mourning her passing was the sport of horse racing, who remember Queen Elizabeth for her skills in the saddle, her passion for breeding, and her affinity for the racetrack.
International
2022 Woodbine Mile, Summer Stakes International Scouting Reports
Charlie Appleby cleaned up at Woodbine last September, and the Godolphin trainer is back with another dynamic duo on Saturday.
Breeders Cup
Bolt d'Oro rises to top of first-crop sires standings
Bolt d’Oro has ascended to the top of the earnings list for 2022 first-crop sires after a handful of his progeny succeeded in recent stakes efforts.
Pedigree
What does shaky history of odds-on BC Classic favorites mean for Flightline?
The main question is not so much who specifically will win the Breeders' Cup Classic, but whether Flightline will be a single or not.
Breeders Cup
True Crime in Horse Racing: Disappearance of Ron Hansen
Ron Hansen was one of a kind, a jokester that lightened every jockey’s room he entered. The talented rider had a quick wit and a penchant for living life to the fullest, which tended to lead to trouble — or at least the rumblings of such. His disappearance prompted questions about what happened to this leading jockey — and who might have wanted him gone.
Features
Stories of the Queen's links to New Zealand and Australian racing
Any contact the Queen had with people in the thoroughbred industry in former colonies would be fondly remembered.
International
World's great races named for Queen Elizabeth II
No fewer than five major jurisdictions have international Group 1 races named after Queen Elizabeth II.
International
Jason Beem's Thursday Column for Sept. 8, 2022
Jason looks back at the end of the Colonial Downs season and the track's progress since its reopening in 2019.
Features
First-crop sires: Good Magic's Vegas Magic eyes Del Mar Debutante
Since our initial profile of Good Magic in the freshman sires series, three of his early winners have furnished stakes updates, and several others are on the radar.
Pedigree