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 […]
On March, 26th at Turfway Park. I caught the first glimpse of a horse with moves. I have seen many runners who were great, but only some have had that burst. The extra special thing you can’t train. Flat out… Animal Kingdom has some special mojo. That was his coming out party, and ever since […]
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 […]
It is time to start taking inventory. No, not on how many boxes you have or why you didn’t do your work project. One where you take a look at your methods, and find your madness. I get a lot out of talking with folks and knowing what makes them tick. It is like handicapping […]
I love it when someone jumps up and does the right thing. Kudos to Emerald Downs. They have the right idea. Everyone has heard of “Groupon” by now. It is where many people can purchase into a special deal, and pay a little, and get added value. On 5/15, they offered up a night at […]
The Belmont Stakes has become a tricky race to handicap lately for several reasons. While favorites have triumphed about 40 percent during the past 142 races, that hasn’t been the case the last three decades as only six won — 23 percent. And 15 winners during the past 30 years rewarded backers with double-digit returns […]
All racing eyes will be fixed on Uncle Mo in the Wood Memorial on Saturday as the early Kentucky Derby favorite runs in his final prep on the Road to the Roses, one of three key races this weekend. The early favorite in the first of the three Triple Crown events breezed a half-mile in 48 […]
Buoyed by increased wagering last season and steadily climbing casino revenue during the year, Gulfstream Park decided to hike purses for 3-year-old stakes in 2011. The 60th Florida Derby was bumped up $250,000 back to $1 million and scheduled nearly two weeks closer to the Kentucky Derby. The Grade 1 at 1 1/8 miles will […]
The 43rd Haskell Invitational will give the winner a leg up in the quest for top 3-year-old honors in 2010. It will pit winners of the Kentucky Derby and Preakness, plus the Belmont runner-up, in a very competitive race. Preakness heroine Rachel Alexandra and Belmont winner Summer Bird clashed in last year’s Monmouth Park showcase […]
The 142nd Belmont Stakes will not have the winning 3-year-old from the Kentucky Derby or Preakness in the field for the second time in five years. In 2006, Derby champ Barbaro suffered a crippling injury early in the Preakness that proved fatal in early ’07. The winner, Bernardini, didn’t run in the Belmont or Derby. […]
