(Photo John Engelhardt)   On Thursday’s show we interviewed a variety of experts and here is a consensus of their selections.  For a complete analysis of their selections you can listen to the show on podcast at – radio.winningponies.com Jennie Rees – Louisville Courier-Journal #3 – Take Charge Indy #15 – Gemologist #10 – Daddy Nose Best […]

This Saturday will be the 138th running of the Kentucky Derby. The post time is 6:24 p.m. ET, and this year has the makings of something special. It could be one of the best matched races in years, and this will have every racing fan around the globe watching intently. So, sit back and grab your […]

Handicapping the Kentucky Derby isn’t an easy task, especially this year when the 138th renewal is fairly wide open with quite a few contenders. You must have a battle plan. I start by eliminating runners, based on credentials and recent form, plus some variables each year. The Pretenders include runners that have not won a […]

  Empire Maker–Untouched Talent Trainer:  Bob Baffert Jockey:  Mike Smith Owner:  Zayat Stables Record:  4 – 2 – 2 – 0 Earnings:  $704,800 Last Race:  Arkansas Derby, 1st       After posting a dominating win in the Arkansas Derby last time out and whispers began circulating of being made the early Derby favorite, critics of […]

Racing is at a fever pitch this week with all of the works, changes, and defections that will come in the next few days. You could say this is like a week long holiday for punters. I spend most of my time perusing every article, and focus on the racing networks that bring you all […]

There have been many jinxes connected with the Kentucky Derby over the decades. And some memorable curses have been snapped during the 21st Century. One of the most discussed whammies ended in 2007 when Street Sense became the first 2-year-old champion to capture the Derby since Spectacular Bid in ’79. The son of Street Cry […]

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 son of Proud Citizen will try to duplicate what his connections did last year with Animal Kingdom – duplicate victory in the Spiral in the Kentucky Derby, That’s a tall order since […]

I am getting in full-swing with looking over works, and listening to all of the connections as we head toward the first Saturday in May. Every year I have to dig up my list of handicapping nuggets that hopefully will allow me to gain any edge under the sun. This week will be important for […]

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 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 […]