Arkansas Derby First Division Picks
22 horses were entered for the 1 1/8-mile Arkansas Derby. After which Oaklawn Park officials decided to split the race into two divisions, both offering a $500,000 dollar purse. Churchill Downs opted to let both divisions of the Arkansas Derby race for the original 100-40-20-10 Kentucky Derby qualifying points. The generosity of point dispersion takes into consideration that the Wood Memorial, Blue Grass Stakes and, … Continue reading Arkansas Derby First Division Picks
The First Saturday In May
The horse racing world like all areas of society continues to make changes in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and public health crisis. Racetracks across America have either adjourned live racing or prohibited anyone other than essential employees from entering. Many tracks have cancelled or postponed meets during their respective April/May seasons. But racing continues at a few tracks across the country that have instituted … Continue reading The First Saturday In May
New Race For Gulfstream Park
While competition remains halted at many racetracks around the country, Gulfstream Park is still going strong. On Saturday they host a newly written 3-year-old Stakes Race-the $75,000 dollar Unbridled Stakes at 1 1/16 miles. It is the feature race of the day and it drew an interesting field of seven horses, including familiar names from the Kentucky Derby trail. The Unbridled Stakes is Race … Continue reading New Race For Gulfstream Park
Jose Isolation
When jockey Jose Ortiz purchased land in Ocala, Florida in 2018, it was partly done with an eye toward the distant future. Those 20 acres in the heart of Florida horse country would someday be the young rider’s landing place in retirement. Near term, Ortiz, 26, planned on visiting his farm whenever he could to check on the retired Thoroughbreds he and his wife, Taylor, … Continue reading Jose Isolation
‘Big Money’ Mike Smith
As a guest Saturday on Horse Racing Radio Network 54-year-old Mike Smith told host Mike Penna that he wants to get back to riding as soon as possible, amid a shutdown at Santa Anita Park. “Another two to three years if all goes well.” That was Smith’s response when asked how much longer he would like to continue to ride. Enshrined in the National Museum of … Continue reading ‘Big Money’ Mike Smith
Apple Blossom Special
The pickings are slim this weekend for Kentucky Derby prep races to preview and handicap. That said, there is the very competitive, Grade 1 $600,000 dollar Apple Blossom Handicap being run Saturday at Oaklawn Park. A full field of 14 fillies and mares are scheduled to travel the 1 1/16 mile circuit. The Apple Blossom is Race 10 on a card of 11 with a … Continue reading Apple Blossom Special
Mid-Week Trivia
Here’s a little racing quiz that will help keep your thoroughbred mind sharp as you’re being quarantined, and going through Kentucky Derby withdrawal. Answers appear at the end…no peaking. 1. Who is the last filly to Win a Triple Crown race? 2. What was the first race to offer a purse of $1 million in North America? 3. Which horse holds the speed record in … Continue reading Mid-Week Trivia
The WIN Bet
As Daily Racing Blog readers are well aware, there are numerous ways to wager on a horse race in this day and age. And the one bet that should never be overlooked is perhaps the oldest. While the payoff on a Win bet might be dwarfed by a Trifecta or Superfecta, its simplicity and effectiveness can help ensure turning a profit on your wagers. Of … Continue reading The WIN Bet
Oaklawn Stakes Picks
The Arkansas Derby (G1) at Oaklawn Park was moved to May 2nd after Churchill Downs pushed the Kentucky Derby back to September. The $200,000 dollar Oaklawn Stakes will run on Saturday at nine furlongs and offer three automatic berths to the Arkansas Derby to its top finishers. The Oaklawn Stakes is Race 11 on a card of 12, with a scheduled Post Time of 6:48. … Continue reading Oaklawn Stakes Picks
Jockey Out-Runs Covid-19
Jockey Javier Castellano plans on returning to competitive riding on May 1st at Oaklawn Park, 37 days after testing positive for coronavirus, per a report from turf writer David Grening. The Hall of Fame rider has not raced since March 15th, nine days before testing positive for the COVID-19 virus on March 24th. Castellano returned to New York on Tuesday, after spending two weeks at … Continue reading Jockey Out-Runs Covid-19
