It happens every year about this time. Racing fans from all walks start talking about the first Saturday in May. After this past Saturday, I can see the picture becoming crystal clear. We have a few more weekends left before the world of racing gets quiet, and the runners make their way to Churchill Downs. So, sit back and take it all in. For punters all around the world this is like Christmas and your birthday all wrapped up into a sensational day of Thoroughbred action.

Gulfstream Park

The under-card was good, and the Florida Derby lived up to the hype. That is, if you were a fan of Orb. Shug McGaughey has a late-developing runner, who is putting it all together at the right time. It was an 0 for 4 effort until he broke his maiden in New York. But now, it looks as if he is getting it all together as he blew past Itsmyluckyday to win by almost three lengths. I have to admit that when he was sweating out on the track, I was starting to waver a bit. But, long ago an old trainer told me about how some horses come out hot and cool off when they break from the gate. I guess this maxim held true, and we’ll find out on Derby Day. A great place to take a look at your favorite runners can be found at www.kentuckyderby.com.

http://www.kentuckyderby.com/prep_races/2013/florida-derby-0

Fair Grounds

Louisiana has held some incredible runs in the last 100-years. This year to me looked like a New York field trip. Revolutionary is another late-bloomer who took four times to break his maiden, took to the deep New Orleans track. Todd Pletcher had a rider who makes few mistakes in the saddle, and on Saturday afternoon, I guess you could say that Win Star Farm has given the green-light to head to Churchill. When Javier Castellano said that his colt had the goods to get the job done. Bet early, and bet often… Take a look for yourself.

http://www.kentuckyderby.com/prep_races/2013/louisiana-derby

Dubai

Meydan Race Course may be the next wonder of the world. Each time I see the facility, I still draw a deep breath of amazement. Aidan O’Brien has been to Dubai before. He had his sights set not only on the day, but where he would be in weeks to come. O’Brien said the race had a slow pace, and the win was that much more impressive for Lines of Battle. Jockey Ryan Moore had explained the track wasn’t playing particularly fast, but was still satisyfied with the effort of his mount. Take note and watch the last 100 yards. When Lines of Battle drifted out down the lane, and regains his composure to find that extra gear. This is a sign of a special runner

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P_fNOnqKuMw

The beat continues this weekend, as you will have the opportunity to watch the Wood Memorial, and Santa Anita Derby. For those who are keeping score of what to watch. It will be two weekends away, and then you get to watch and wager on the Bluegrass Stakes, and the Arkansas Derby. I love this time of year, as it comes down to just a handful of races that determine who gets to line up in the starting gate for Derby 139. So, sit back and enjoy! The racing is going to be great, and you have access to the E-Z Win Forms to make your day a winner. You can count on free selections for the weekend, and the “Winning Ponies Internet Show” each and every Thursday. Winning Ponies wants to keep you prepared for the big races being your one-stop-shop for all of your racing needs. So what are you waiting for? You can’t win it, unless you get in it!