The Man Behind the Man

Every team has a behind the scenes person who tends to the details and getting everything ready to roll. They do the jobs that few will see, but when they do right it becomes bright and clear. Rich Strike is tended to by many for Eric Reed. The hands who ready the horse to train, […]

Who Really Lost ?

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 […]

Three Reminders Before Betting the Derby

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 […]

What Say You ?

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 Making of a Horseplayer

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 […]

Derby Drawing Board

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 […]

Reminders When Betting the Derby

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 […]

3 Rules to Handicapping the Road to the Derby

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. […]

Derby Days Past

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 […]

The Sounds of Silence

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 […]

Winning Ponies

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