Rebel History

The Road to the Kentucky Derby makes a stop at Oaklawn Park on Saturday, with the running of the $1.25 million dollar, Grade 2 Rebel Stakes. This 1 1/16-mile event typically draws a deep, competitive field, buoyed by a massive purse plus 50 qualifying Derby points going to the Winner. The race was inaugurated in 1961 as the Rebel Handicap, and was changed to the Rebel Stakes … Continue reading Rebel History

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

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 Triple Crown 70’s

There is at least one racing term that immediately inspires respect, and admiration from people in the racing industry and from those with little knowledge of the sport – the Triple Crown. The difficulty of capturing the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes, at three distances, on three tracks, all in the span of five weeks is not hyperbole. The task is such a tall … Continue reading The Triple Crown 70’s

Who Wins The PA. Derby ?

The Pennsylvania Derby is the last 3-year-old, G1, dirt Stakes of the year prior the Breeders’s Cup. Saturday’s 1 1/8 mile, million dollar contest at Parx Racing has attracted eleven entrants, including Preakness Stakes Winner SEIZE THE GREY. Here is a brief look at the field: 1. DOC SULLIVAN [ML 12-1] Jockey: Jose Ortiz. Trainer: Mike Miceli. Has been formidable in Stakes for New York-breds, but has yet to … Continue reading Who Wins The PA. Derby ?

Belmont Stakes Upsets

The Belmont Stakes is the oldest of the Triple Crown races. That said, the contest has seen it’s fair share of upsets throughout its 155 year history. During the post-World War II era, 20 horses have come into the Belmont Stakes with Wins in the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, only to have their bids for immortality denied. The 156th Belmont Stakes is June 8th, being … Continue reading Belmont Stakes Upsets

The Coach Comes Through

When the Kentucky Derby Winner chooses to run in the Preakness most horse racing aficionados (whether they admit to or not) are hoping the Derby Winner can cross the wire first at Pimlico, which would then set up a potential Triple Crown bid. Should the first two jewels be taken by the same horse, interest from casual horse racing fans is ratcheted up for the … Continue reading The Coach Comes Through

Who Wins The Preakness ?

Horse racing’s Triple Crown Winners Club has a mere 13 members. To say it’s an elite club would be a vast understatement. But it is worth noting that 11 Thoroughbreds have ran and lost in the Kentucky Derby but then came back to sweep the Preakness and Belmont Stakes (another seven Won those two races but did not run in the Derby). There are also … Continue reading Who Wins The Preakness ?

A Few Preakness Morsels

The Preakness Stakes is Saturday at Pimlico Race Course. A talented group of eight (MUTH scratched) 3-year-olds, including Kentucky Derby Winner MYSTIK DAN will compete in the mile 3/16th contest. The Preakness (usually) determines if a Triple Crown will be on the line in the Belmont Stakes three weeks later- this year being held at Saratoga.  So whether if you’re at the track or at … Continue reading A Few Preakness Morsels

Preakness Gate Assignments

The 2024 Preakness Stakes week is officially underway, with Monday’s Post Position draw. The race itself is Saturday, May 18th at Pimlico Race Course. Once Kentucky Derby Winner MYSTIK DAN committed to the race, racing fans were anxious to see what post he would draw. Could the horse racing world be on a Triple Crown watch? MYSTIK DAN has been given a chance to Win the second leg of … Continue reading Preakness Gate Assignments