Do you remember when Keeneland had that fast, speed favoring, dirt course? If you got on the lead, the race was for place. But, with poly track being installed, many trainers look elsewhere to prep to get ready for the dirt. This is no dig in any way against Keeneland. It is the preferred method […]
The Arkansas Derby could be called the Rebel Stakes II with six runners from the runner-up through the seventh-place finisher seeking a reversal of fortune against the winner — The Factor. The son of War Front is indeed the main factor in the $1 million Grade 1 on Saturday at Oaklawn Park, where on March […]
For the fans of Uncle Mo, please do not make any reservations for the Golden Gate Bridge just yet. For the many loyal fans, don’t sell your stock just yet. Sometimes in racing, just like the song says, “you can’t always get you want; you get what you need.” I admit, I lost my pick-4 tickets. I […]
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 […]
Horses worth watching, a list of runners compiled by handicapper/turf writer Greg Melikov, should do well next time out. These thoroughbreds won nine times, finished second three times and ran third four times since Jan. 23. They’re worth considering when developing your wagering strategy for online betting or at your favorite track. Aqueduct W. W.’s […]
There are some big guns aiming for Sunday’s $1 million Florida Derby. Winners of the Fountain of Youth (FOY) have won Gulfstream Park’s showcase event more times than the other two traditional preps combined during the past 20 years. That’s a good omen for Soldat, who captured the 65th FOY at 1 1/8th miles by […]
The synthetic revolution arrived in the middle of the night, and before our eyes, has transformed racing. Well, maybe not so dramatic, but you get the picture. For all of the good stuff that synthetic ovals have provided for racing, the issue of determining a runner’s ability to compete on the greatest stage, can be […]
There are several talented 3-year-olds going in the 98th Louisiana Derby that must prove themselves worthy of continuing on the Road to the Roses. The uncoupled trainees of Neil Howard figure to give morning line 9-5 favorite Mucho Macho Man the most trouble. Wilkinson has been freshened since his head victory over Pants on Fire […]
Last weekend, the Rebel at Oaklawn gave us a peek at a very nice runner. The Factor goes from flag fall to that’s all, and very impressive all the way. But will it be enough?? Martin Garcia in the irons went to the lead and put the field to sleep. Before we go any further, Sway […]
Last year’s initial rankings of my Top 10 Kentucky Derby contenders included all three winners of Triple Crown races from Derby winning Super Saver at No. 10 to Preakness champ Lookin’ at Lucky at No. 2. It also rated Belmont victor Drosselmeyer at No. 9. So here we go again from the bottom to the […]
