Archive for April, 2012

Coolmore Lexington Offers Last Call for Graded Earnings

With Bodemeister‘s spot in the Kentucky Derby starting gate secured, trainer Bob Baffert is looking to add Castaway to his Derby roster, should he put up a big race this Saturday at Keeneland.  Castaway hopes to follow in his sire Street Sense’s hoofsteps, but his road to the Kentucky Derby has been a bumpy one after the lackluster seventh place finish in the Sunland Derby his last […]

Final Furlong?

by Ed Meyer

posted on April 20, 2012 in General Discussion, Horse Racing | 2 Comments >>

During the last three weeks, I have been getting Derby fever…  I know, I should know better by now.  But, it wasn’t for the big payoff, or getting seen at the big dance. Simply put, some events have me thinking about how special an honor it is to watch history. Many will be cheering that day, […]

Melikov’s Horses to Watch, Apr 2012 – Part 2

by Greg Melikov

posted on April 19, 2012 in Free Picks and Tips, Handicapping, Horse Racing, WinningPonies.com | 1 Comment >>

Horses worth watching, a list of runners compiled by handicapper/turf writer Greg Melikov that should do well next time out. These thoroughbreds won six times, finished second once, and ran third five times since Feb. 21. They’re worth considering when developing your wagering strategy for online betting or at your favorite track. AQUEDUCT Aptphilly: Raced […]

Free Keeneland/Oaklawn Selections – Saturday 4/14/12

The world of racing is focused on Arkansas and Kentucky. There are two prep races that have historically played a great role in sending players to the Derby. The weather is looking well for both ovals, and all that is left to do is let the horses do the talking.  One race looks like a […]

Hansen Takes on Talented Blue Grass Field

by Greg Melikov

posted on April 13, 2012 in Horse Racing, Kentucky Derby, News, Other Events | No Comments >>

Hansen and Street Sense have several things in common, including victory in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile at Churchill Downs. Street Sense did it five years ago while Hansen triumphed in 2011. Both horses boasted experience on synthetic surfaces. Street Sense finished third in Keeneland’s Breeders’ Futurity as a juvenile and was runner-up in the Blue […]

Greg Melikov’s Top 10 2012 Kentucky Derby Contenders – Fifth Edition

Here’s my updated ranking of the Top 10 Kentucky Derby contenders from bottom to top Dave Letterman’s style: Went The Day Well: The same connections won the 2012 and ’11 Spiral en route to Louisville. Animal Kingdom captured last year’s Kentucky Derby. This son of Proud Citizen didn’t run particular impressive closing fractions in this […]

Free Keeneland Selections – 2012 Blue Grass Stakes

The track at Keeneland has been tough to get a handle. Last Saturday, 6/8 winners went wire-to-wire, or were just off the pace. As late as Wednesday, 4/6 runners made their way into the winner’s circle by closing down the lane. The weather is supposed to be in the low 70’s, and the poly track […]

Post Time at Brigadoon

by Ed Meyer

posted on April 13, 2012 in General Discussion, Horse Racing, Other Events | No Comments >>

On a cold and blustery afternoon, I walked past the ancient Sycamore tree and the familiar scent of horses caught my nostrils. Walking across the paddock area, and feeling the years of history whisper gently in my ear. I knew that I could only be in one place – in beautiful Lexington, at historic Keeneland. If […]

Super Saturday – Free Horse Racing Selections – Apr 7, 2012

by Ed Meyer

posted on April 6, 2012 in Free Picks and Tips, Horse Racing, Other Events, WinningPonies.com | 1 Comment >>

If we were having an adult beverage, the bartender would be calling “last call.” The same can be said for Thoroughbred racing, where only a handful of preps still wait until the runners meet at the Derby starting gate. So, time is clicking away and you better catch all of the action you can to be […]

Two Top Stakes Feature Variety of Top Runners

by Greg Melikov

posted on April 4, 2012 in Horse Racing, Kentucky Derby, News, Other Events | No Comments >>

Two runners from the Gotham Stakes return to Aqueduct with their eye on Saturday’s $1 million Wood Memorial. The Grade 1 appears fairly wide open since Hansen opted for the Blue Grass at Keeneland on April 14. Gotham runner-up My Adonis, beaten three lengths, enters the 1 1/8-mile contest with only one off-the-board finish, while […]