Who is the big loser?- Is it the multi-billionaire backers of the game? Or, is it the trainer who just set the record for wins in the Kentucky Derby? Nope, it’s John Q bettor on the races. – This is a story about the real folks who got taken for a ride. Bob Baffert has […]

The first Saturday in May is only just days away. Hard to believe after this past year, but good things are just ahead. – Before you hoist that first julep or head to the windows. Here are three reminders before pulling the trigger.   Churchill Downs The 147th edition of the “Fastest Two Minutes in […]

The Jim Beam Stakes at Turfway Park originated as a stepping stone that would “Spiral” up to the Derby. –  The race produced some good races, but in the ’80s and ’90s, there were some real runners. In the span of four years from 1990-1993 there were four classic winners. The local event was thought […]

The first Saturday in May is a holy day for horseplayers. Nothing like it until the Breeders’ Cup comes along much later. Now we have multiple days to celebrate the equine. – I grew up in a small town. A mix between Mayberry and every town most of us grew up in. In my little […]

We all have one. If you’re a horseplayer you have had a list; doing adjustments as the marquee events pass. That is the way of the gambler. We watch and wager and go back and dissect our actions and the outcomes. That is the “Road to the Derby.” I have been keeping a few to […]

On the first Saturday in May, everyone is a horse racing fan. Some wager, many watch, and even more do both. As a reminder, keep these tools in your arsenal. – At the time of this blog there are only 21 days until post time. Best of luck from Winning Ponies!   Forget trying to […]

As we swing into the next bend of the Triple Crown journey, start your real handicapping now. The real running has begun and the time to get serious is upon. – Here are three handicapping tools to make your work more productive.   1. As much as we’ve studied, there is still more to do. […]

I can remember getting up early. My dad was known as the neighbor who liked to play the races; but on this day that was just fine as he gathered up bets from neighbors, family, and friends to get their action down. – There was nothing better than the excitement of things to come and […]

I looked over the balcony from the old press box with a smile from ear-to-ear. As a kid in the candy store, there was nothing better. Roses perfectly manicured in the infield winner’s circle, the made-to-order 75-degree day with sunshine. I was there. I had finally made it. Going to the Derby was a far-away […]

It was back in March when the announcements began. – Life as we knew it was changing drastically. It seemed as if our worst nightmares were coming true and uncertainty the rule of the day. – Families were being asked to keep distance, and the economy was short of collapse. All seemed bleak and there […]