Winners of the Kentucky Derby and Preakness will battle Saturday in the 143rd Belmont Stakes for the first time in six years. In 2005 Preakness champ Afleet Alex triumphed while Derby upsetter Giacomo finished seventh. Animal Kingdom, the 2 ¾-length winner of this year’s Kentucky Derby under jockey John Velazquez, is attempting to become the […]
As you read, I am watching Andy Serling, of the NYRA, as he interviews some of the big connections for the Belmont Stakes. The questions were to the point, and very informative. This takes me back to the old Derby draw, and giving fans what they wanted to know. This makes me think: In the […]
Naaa… No illegal game, or a cards up your sleeve. I am just starting to put together a possible scenario for the Belmont, and how it will shake out from the gate. The real drawing begins on Wednesday, and we can start planning now as there is value to be had and a $1 million […]
For months we have watched every prep, and read about all of the works. You have heard about the defections, excuses, and late arrivals of great efforts. But as the Hall Of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas was quoted, “people have opinions, and horses have answers.” The Kentucky Oaks may take place under conditions other […]
This is one tough Kentucky Derby to figure out, sort of like 2009. And there’s a good chance of rain on Saturday for the 137th edition. Remember over the past three decades only four favorites have won — all in the 21st Century. Big Brown was the last in ’08; Street Sense,’07; Smarty Jones, ’04; […]
If you have heard of the “Dosage Figure” and wondered what it was all about…..Here is the dope. Or, the math that will make your head hurt. But, we are going to break it down, and you should follow with an open mind. Dr. Steven Roman figured a way to assign certain stallions a numerical figure […]
Scores of upsets in major preps and injuries have muddled my Top 10 Kentucky Derby contenders. But here’s my final list from the bottom to the top: Stay Thirsty: Although the son of Bernardini ran poorly in the Florida Derby, he did defeat Wood Memorial victor Toby’s Corner in the Gotham. On April 24, he […]
Upsets galore in the major preps have played havoc with my Top 10 Kentucky Derby contenders. You can count the number of favorites that scored in key preps on one hand. How the 3-year-olds work at Churchill Downs before the first Saturday in May will determine my final standings from the bottom to the top: […]
I am really starting to put things together in my noggin about what my tickets will look like. You will start hearing all sorts of “ins and outs.” Rosie will be the first woman in the Derby since Rosemary, and Shane Sellers may make it back to the spotlight if Twinspired gets in. This is better […]
After the Toyota Bluegrass and the Arkansas Derby, I have come out with a few thoughts. With all due respect; you can keep Santiva, Brilliant Speed, Uncle Mo, Elite Alex, Anthony’s Cross, Silver Medallion, Sway Away, The Factor, Comma to the Top, and Pants on Fire. Some won’t have enough earnings, and this is the […]
