2026 Wish List
Nine days into 2026 and, as always, there is plenty of excitement being generated for what’s ahead this year in the wonderful world of horse racing. A plethora of exhilarating races, memorable moments, and great times at tracks all across the country await us. Everyone (even horseplayers) make New Year’s resolutions; and as most resolutions go, some are more successful than others. That said, the Daily Racing … Continue reading 2026 Wish List
Derby Prep Races Are Underway
The two-year-old racing season is over, so happy belated birthday to all the 2026 Derby Contenders. The Road to the 2026 Kentucky Derby is open for business and traffic will be getting heavier as the Prep Races begin in earnest. Here is a basic primer/review about how horses qualify for the Run for the Roses. WHO: THREE-YEAR-OLD THOROUGHBREDS: When you hear that Winning the Kentucky Derby is a once-in-a-lifetime event, that’s … Continue reading Derby Prep Races Are Underway
Who Wins The Smarty Jones Stakes?
Saturday is the $250,000 dollar Smarty Jones Stakes at Oaklawn Park. The mile & 1/16th contest is a Kentucky Derby points race that offers 10-5-3-2-1 qualifying points to the top five finishers. Here is a brief look at the field: 1. UNIVERSE [ML 3-1] Jockey: Joel Rosario. Trainer: Ken McPeek. Ran 2nd in a pair of Churchill Downs Graded Stakes races at this distance in his last two … Continue reading Who Wins The Smarty Jones Stakes?
C.A.W.
2026 is just a couple furlongs away and the issue of Computer Assisted Wagering (CAW) is not going away with the flip of the calendar. The issue needs to be revisited given the extent to which it has grown. Bettor concerns are valid, and the question has always been whether any group- large or small, is given an unfair advantage that is not available to … Continue reading C.A.W.
Santa Anita ‘Classic’ Meet
Every year horse racing fans have one final Christmas gift to unwrap when California racing celebrates opening day at Santa Anita Park. The post-holiday kickoff marks the start of the winter-spring Classic meet at one of the country’s premier venues. The traditional opening day for the Santa Anita winter and spring racing is December 26th- Boxing Day, but this year the track delayed its launch until Sunday, December 28th, due … Continue reading Santa Anita ‘Classic’ Meet
Santa Hoofs
SANTA CLAUS (foaled in 1961) was a British-bred Irish trained racehorse and sire. As a three-year-old in 1964 the dark-coated bay stallion had his best year on the turf. There is no doubt that, back in the day, SANTA CLAUS brought a lot of joy (and cash) to the older boys and girls that believed in him. His most notable achievements were Winning the Irish 200 Guineas Stakes, as well … Continue reading Santa Hoofs
Who Wins The Gun Runner Stakes?
Saturday is the Gun Runner Stakes at Fair Grounds. The 2-year-old Stakes contest is the first of four Kentucky Derby preps at Fair Grounds. The mile & 1/16th Gun Runner will offer a total of 21 Derby qualifying points on a scale of 10-5-3-2-1 to the top five finishers. Here is a brief look at Saturday’s field: 1. MESQUITE [ML 9-2] Jockey: Jose Ortiz. Trainer: Cherie … Continue reading Who Wins The Gun Runner Stakes?
The Gun Runner Stakes
A new addition to the Road to the Kentucky Derby series of races is the Gun Runner Stakes. The mile & 1/16th contest at Fair Grounds was inaugurated in 2021. The race is named in honor of GUN RUNNER, the 2017 American Horse of the Year and a 2024 Hall of Fame inductee. The 5th edition of the Gun Runner is Saturday and is the first in a series … Continue reading The Gun Runner Stakes
The Majestic Thoroughbred
It matters not if they achieve Triple Crown glory or never take stride on a racetrack- every thoroughbred racehorse begins life as a foal at a breeding farm. These farms represent the best of the best in foal care, with proven methodologies for raising the strongest and healthiest athletes possible. Once foaled, the curious little ones are up and walking within an hour and within a week … Continue reading The Majestic Thoroughbred
Oaklawn Park Set To Open
Some of the winter season’s best dirt racing returns to the Midwest with the start of 2025-26 campaign at Oaklawn Park. This Friday (12/12) the winter/spring meet at the Hot Springs, Arkansas facility gets underway. Oaklawn racing boasts big fields, which make for good betting races for handicappers. They feature an excellent Stakes program, along with very strong purses throughout its 64-raceday season that will continue … Continue reading Oaklawn Park Set To Open
