The graded stakes calendar continues at Arlington this Saturday with the Arlington Matron. In my latest at Picks and Ponderings, I set out to beat the chalk.
Picks and Ponderings: Santa Anita Memorial Day Grade 1 Triple
This Monday at Santa Anita features three Grade 1 races: the Gamely for turf fillies and mares, the Shoemaker Mile for open-company milers on the lawn, and the Gold Cup at Santa Anita for the handicap division. They're each an intriguing mix of West Coast denizens and shippers, and I discuss all three in my... Continue Reading →
Picks and Ponderings: 2019 Hanshin Cup Recap
In my latest at Picks and Ponderings, I take a look back at Lanier's dominant victory in the Hanshin Cup: his first stakes victory, and the first for his trainer Brett Santangelo as well.
Picks and Ponderings: 2019 Hanshin Cup Preview
In my latest at Picks and Ponderings, I take a look at the first stakes race of the Arlington summer meet, and one of my favourite races of the year because it is such a rara avis: the Hanshin Cup.
2019 Kentucky Derby Preview
Over at Picks and Ponderings, I take a horse-by-horse look at this year's Kentucky Derby, and share my selections in the races there all day long!
Picks and Ponderings: 2019 Kentucky Oaks Preview
In my latest at Picks and Ponderings, read my thoughts about Friday's Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks!
Picks and Ponderings: 2019 Hawthorne Spring Closing Day Preview
Tomorrow is closing day for Hawthorne's spring meet -- and in my latest at Picks and Ponderings, I take a look at every race on the card!
Picks and Ponderings: 2019 Florida Derby and Gulfstream Park Oaks Preview
In my latest at Picks and Ponderings, I take a detailed look at both three-year-old points races on Saturday's card at Gulfstream, as well as share my selections for all of Saturday's stakes races in Hallandale Beach. Read on right here!
Picks and Ponderings: 2019 Rebel Stakes Preview
The Derby Trail returns to Oaklawn Park this Saturday with the Rebel Stakes (G2). The race split into two divisions, given the wave of California shippers, and each division would pass as its own standalone Derby prep. In my latest at Picks and Ponderings, I preview both divisions of the 2019 Rebel Stakes.
Picks and Ponderings: 2019 Hal’s Hope Stakes Preview
Racing may still be on hiatus in Chicago for another three weeks, but that doesn't mean we aren't following locals in big races. This Saturday's card at Gulfstream is anchored by the Hal's Hope Stakes (G3), a race that marks the four-year-old debut of Illinois-bred rising star Sir Anthony. Read on in my latest at... Continue Reading →
Picks and Ponderings: 2019 Risen Star and Rachel Alexandra Stakes Preview
The stakes on the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks trails go up this Saturday at Fair Grounds, with the first of the 50-point preps. Both the Risen Star (G2) and the Rachel Alexandra (G2) drew large, intriguing fields -- and I tackle both in my latest at Picks and Ponderings.
Picks and Ponderings: Pegasus World Cup and Pegasus World Cup Turf Preview
In my latest at Picks and Ponderings, I take a look at the pair of rich Grade 1 races: the third annual Pegasus World Cup, and the first annual Pegasus World Cup Turf!
Picks and Ponderings: Hawthorne Closing Day, 1.12.19: Full-Card Picks and Analysis
Hawthorne's meet draws to a close on Saturday afternoon. However, before racing in Chicago goes on hiatus for two months, I have a full-card look at Saturday's closing day card at Picks and Ponderings.
Picks and Ponderings: 2019 Sham Stakes Preview
The Santa Anita spur of the three-year-old trail gets underway this Saturday with the Sham Stakes. Coliseum is getting all the buzz, but there's a more experienced horse I like better. Find out who in my preview at Picks and Ponderings!
Picks and Ponderings: Hawthorne Race 8 Preview: Super High Five Mandatory Payout
Today is the final race day of the year at Hawthorne, meaning all bets must pay out. Thus, there's $52,170 to seed the pool of the Super High Five -- and here's my analysis of today's High Five race at Hawthorne!
