Pegasus World Cup

The 2025 edition of the Pegasus World Cup Day at Gulfstream Park is Saturday, January 25th. The event is the winter season’s first truly monumental day of racing and wagering. Pegasus World Cup Day is one of the year’s premier days of Thoroughbred racing featuring a total seven Graded Stakes races with total purses of more than $5 million dollars. The feature race is the … Continue reading Pegasus World Cup

Ease On Down The Road (To The Kentucky Derby)

Prior to 2013 the traditional qualifying factor for horses wanting to participate in the Kentucky Derby was total Graded Stakes purse earnings- the more money an eligible horse Won, the increased chance of entering the starting gate. But beginning in 2013 Churchill Downs refined the classic earnings method in favor of a points based system which revamped the traditional prep races. These prep races were officially … Continue reading Ease On Down The Road (To The Kentucky Derby)

Sierra Leone Looking For More Treasure

SIERRA LEONE, who last out Won the Breeders’ Cup Classic returned to training today (01-06-25) at Payson Park Training Center Florida. He ran an easy three furlongs in :37 4/5 as he begins preparations for the $20 million dollar Saudi Cup on February 22nd. Said trainer Chad Brown after the Monday morning workout; “He went nice and smooth, he galloped out with a lot of … Continue reading Sierra Leone Looking For More Treasure

Happy New (Winning) Year

Happy New Year to all our fellow horseplayers Whether you make a living playing the horses or do it as a side-hustle the one resolution you should consider (if you haven’t already) is to work on being mentally strong. Being mentally strong sets apart the Winning horseplayer from the perpetual ticket-tearing loser.  Here are five examples of a Winning mind-set. If you already adhere to … Continue reading Happy New (Winning) Year

Track Stars…Or Not

It’s that time of year when industries (music, cinema, television, etc…) look back at the previous 12 months and review their ups and downs. Horse racing is no different but rather than trying to choose the good, the bad and the ugly across the board, we give you just a few snippets of some significant developments of 2024 involving some of the sports favorite venues. … Continue reading Track Stars…Or Not

Santa Liked The Grass

SANTA CLAUS (foaled in 1961) was a British-bred Irish trained race-horse 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 Liked The Grass

He’ll Always Be ‘The Kid’

Over four decades (can that be right?) removed from his sensational jockey career, Steve Cauthen lives the life of a typical Thoroughbred insider in his hometown of Verona in Northern Kentucky. Best known for capturing the 1978 Triple Crown aboard AFFIRMED, Cauthen had established himself as a potential superstar in his first full year as a jockey in 1977.  He was honored for that season with three Eclipse Awards—outstanding apprentice and journeyman … Continue reading He’ll Always Be ‘The Kid’

‘The Shoe’ Was Tough As Leather

At 4 feet 11 inches tall and 98 pounds, it didn’t look like Bill Shoemaker could ride a ten-speed Schwinn, let alone control a head-strong, 1200 pound Thoroughbred Race Horse. Still, Shoemaker personified that mysterious bond between horse and rider. He communicated with an innate light touch on the reins, coaxing the horse into the action, gentling it with his hands. Horses would always run for Shoemaker, … Continue reading ‘The Shoe’ Was Tough As Leather

Horse-Themed Coffee Makes A Great Gift

Saratoga Cool Beans is a nifty online coffee shop catering to horse loving, coffee drinkers. It’s a fun website and you needn’t love horses to enjoy the gourmet coffee, but knowing the game a little bit makes the references more enjoyable. The companies tag line is; Your Morning Cup Of Giddy-Up, and the coffee descriptions are just as much fun. For example: JIM DANDY– No 100-1 upset here.  This … Continue reading Horse-Themed Coffee Makes A Great Gift

Friday The 13th…Are you Superstitious?

If you weren’t aware, in two days it will be Friday, December 13th. This isn’t a holiday harbinger, rather just another reminder that horseplayers can be a superstitious group. The seasoned railbirds know that these unfounded beliefs have no basis in reality. That whatever the outcome, it can (usually) be explained away, yet they hang on to their sorcery believing it gives them an edge. … Continue reading Friday The 13th…Are you Superstitious?