“Newbies” are the fresh faces that came to the track and wanted to play. Initially, they were drawn in with free music, cheap food, and beer. Now, how do we keep them? – Many tracks were stopped in their tracks as they didn’t have a plan beyond that part. – That’s fine. We’ll help you […]

With each passing day, the biggest stage of racing readies for the action. – It is never too early to get a jump on your handicapping, and starting right here is the perfect beginning! – Best of luck from Winning Ponies!     Breeders’ Cup Turf Sprint = 5 1/2f on the turf Stormy Liberal = […]

The old saying is it’s never too early to start handicapping! – Here is a little sample to whet your appetite for playing the races. – Just be sure to check back with the Winning Ponies E-Z Win Forms for the final answers on how the races will take shape. – Best of luck from […]

  Good racing this weekend as Thistledown will put on The Best of Ohio series.  – There is never a bad time to build your bankroll, and with Breeders’ Cup around the corner. We need every opportunity to cash in on the big score!     Thistledown     Race #5 – The Sprint – […]

Your horse is waiting for a spot along the rail and the pack is ready to make the turn for home. – As the leaders switch leads and horses begin to make their move, your runner dives to the rail and shoots through an opening. – That is until you see your rider take a stronghold […]

How do you begin to handicap a track that is open for 15 days twice a year? – I love the boutique meet and the beauty that’s only Keeneland. But, there are a few hints on how to maximize your bankroll for the meet. – Keep these in mind before heading to the windows. – Best […]

Another month in the books, and racing marches on to the next stop. – Fall time racing is a signal for the Breeders’ Cup. – As Keeneland opens you can feel the breeze turning cooler and leaves starting to change. The Happy Horseplayer looks forward to some special times this month. Last year I found […]

The week started out as many, but last week had some special magic. – Perry Ouzts was three wins away from 7,000 career wins. If it sounds like a great number, that’s because it is. – He is now the 9th rider in the history of racing to reach this milestone. To say this is […]

Sometimes you stumble across things that bring a smile to your soul. – It can be your secret love or best friend. For many, they search their entire life looking for such a thing and others find it in a blink of an eye. – For me, I was a younger man who fell head […]

I’m not about having a circus in the parking lot, or is that just what we’re missing? – The old days of ‘build it and they will come’ went the way of the dinosaur. If racing is going to make it to the next generation we need to loosen up and have some fun. – […]