News - Railbirds

ICYMI: Fair Grounds Leads the Charge, but Gulfstream & Santa Anita Produce Equally Exciting Results

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon League of Their Own Good Cheer, who is now 5-for-5 after claiming this past Saturday’s $282,000 Rachel Alexandra (G2) at Fair Grounds, is nearing a level of...

Sierra-Leone-at-Fair-Grounds-via-Coady-Photography

February 13, 2025

What’s On Track: Long-Awaited Returns & Thriving Youngsters Highlight a Busy Stakes Slate

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Long Road Back Following a tough showing in November’s Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1), East Avenue finds himself on the road to redemption in Saturday’s...

February 9, 2025

ICYMI: Close Calls at the Wire Define Exhilarating Stakes Weekend

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon All Signs Pointing Up A signature showing in Saturday’s $140,000 Sam F. Davis earned John Hancock his first career stakes title in his debut at the level....

Start gate at Oaklawn Park at the Rebel Stakes

February 6, 2025

What’s On Track: A Modest Stakes Weekend with Plenty on the Line

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon We’re Live in 5, 4, 3… Breaking news out of Hot Springs, Arkansas as veteran mare Corningstone, after claiming back-to-back stakes titles, will make another...

February 2, 2025

ICYMI: A Spread Out Stakes Weekend Provides a Slew of Scintillating Finishes

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Square Up A choppy break out of the gate in Saturday’s $250,000 Holy Bull (G3) backed Burnham Square into a corner, but the 3-year-old gelding showed a flair...

January 30, 2025

What’s On Track: A Balanced Stakes Weekend Featuring Horses of all Billings

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Baffert or the Field? When the 2025 Major League Baseball season commences in March, we’ll be asking ourselves, “Dodgers or the field?” In...

January 26, 2025

ICYMI: White Abarrio Owns Pegasus, but Underdogs and Close Calls Still Shine Bright

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon White Hot It’s White Abarrio’s world and we’re all just living in it. The electrifying 6-year-old turned in a world-class effort on Saturday at...

Pegasus and dragon at Pegasus Cup Gulf Stream horse racing

January 23, 2025

What’s On Track: Pegasus World Cup Edition

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon The Place to Be In the world of Thoroughbred racing, late January means one thing: the Pegasus World Cup. On Saturday, the game’s brightest stars will...

January 19, 2025

ICYMI: Favorites Make Oddsmakers Look Good Over Entertaining Stakes Weekend

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Panic at the Disco It wasn’t the smooth trip they likely envisioned, but rider Florent Geroux and 9-5 favorite Disco Time found their groove in the nick of...

Catching Freedom winning the Louisiana Derby at Fair Grounds

January 16, 2025

What’s On Track: A Complete Stakes Weekend with Plenty of Graded Flare

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Three is Key On Sunday at 3 p.m. Eastern, the Philadelphia Eagles will rely on their three-headed monster of Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, and A.J. Brown to...

January 9, 2025

What’s On Track: Major Breakthroughs, Rebounds Preview Exciting Stakes Weekend

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Give Me a Break After a string of five straight scoreless outings, Taxed eyes a much-needed break in the $150,000 Pippin Stakes at Oaklawn Park. While...

Saudi Crown winning in horse racing action at Gulfstream

January 5, 2025

ICYMI: Several Streaks Kept Alive Over Thrilling Stakes Weekend

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon More in Store A noble effort from Barnes in the $200,000 San Vincente (G2) netted the lightly raced youngster ‘graded stakes winner status’ in his first test...

Skippylongstocking winning at Oaklawn Park

January 2, 2025

What’s On Track: Stakes of all Shapes & Sizes Ring in the New Year

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Red Hot Coal On a run of two straight stakes wins, Coal Battle (9-2) enters the $250,000 Smarty Jones with no intentions of slowing down. A pair of...

Win For The Money winning the 2024 Woodbine Mile

December 29, 2024

ICYMI: No Shortage of Bold Performances over Highly Competitive Stakes Weekend

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon A Roaring Success Mufasa (CHI) claimed his spot atop the throne with a lionhearted effort in Saturday’s $165,000 Mr. Prospector (G3) at Gulfstream Park....

December 28, 2024

How to Best Bet the “Queens County Stakes” At Aqueduct on Sunday

NEW YORK — By Chris Lomon Spotlight Race: $150,000 Queens County Stakes, 1 1/8 miles on the main track Date: Sunday, December 29 (Race 8, 3:35 pm ET ) What to do with a $20...

December 26, 2024

What’s On Track: A Sizeable Selection of Premium Stakes Action

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon A Year to… Although White Abarrio’s 2024 season has been a far cry from his brilliant 2023 campaign, the 5-year-old can end the year on a high note with a...

Gulfstream Park horse racing track in Florida

December 19, 2024

What’s On Track: Gulfstream Park Paces the Pack with Three Graded Stakes

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon I’ll be Transparent… Win for the Money’s intentions are clear ahead of this Saturday’s $215,000 Fort Lauderdale (G2T) at Gulfstream Park. While the...

Iscreamuscream winning San Clemente at Del Mar

December 15, 2024

ICYMI: Underdogs Give it their all, but Leading Choices Reign Supreme

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Building an Empire If the name ‘Sacrosanct’ is too hard to pronounce, just call him ‘perfect’ instead. It got a little dicey towards the end, but the...

Turfway Park horse racing track in Kentucky

December 12, 2024

What’s On Track: An Intriguing Lineup of Seasonal Stakes Span Far and Wide

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon New York, New York The good times in the Empire State (at least for Mets fans) keep on rolling with a pair of $500,000 New York Stallion Series events on...

Moonlight racing at Churchill Downs in the Street Sense Stakes

December 1, 2024

ICYMI: Underdogs & Favorites Share A Spaced Out Stakes Weekend

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Short and Sweet Scratches to Audacious and Just Music shortened the number of contestants for Saturday’s $200,000 Comely (G3) to five, and the added space...

November 28, 2024

What’s On Track: A Fleet of Ferocious Competitors Take to Iconic Venues for Shot at High-Quality Stakes

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Above the Norm Three cheers for Good Cheer, the 2-year-old filly who’s off to a perfect three-for-three start to her professional racing career. The promising...

November 24, 2024

ICYMI: A Thrilling Stakes Weekend Led Comebacks, Upsets, & Everything In-Between

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Start the Bus Thanks to a dominant showing from 3-year-old filly Two Sharp, this Saturday’s $300,000 Chilukki (G3) had the feel of an early afternoon game...

November 22, 2024

What’s On Track: Plenty on the Line for Savvy Youngsters & Eager Veterans Over Well-Rounded Stakes Weekend

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Rookie Reset While scouts may not look as fondly on “older” rookies – for example Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix – getting a step ahead of the learning...

November 17, 2024

ICYMI: Exhilarating Finishes Put Stamp on Underrated Stakes Weekend

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon 2 Much 2 Handle Two names, two starts, two wins. That’s been the story so far for 2-year-old colt Jack and Jim, who looked wise beyond his years in a...

November 14, 2024

What’s On Track: Budding Youngsters & Accomplished Veterans Clash with Bragging Rights on the Line

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon A New Adventure If Davy Crockett is anything like his lionhearted namesake, then the 2-year-old colt will embrace the uncharted territory that is the $150,000...

November 10, 2024

ICYMI: A Laundry List of Long Overdue Moments Headline a Lighter Post-Breeders’ Cup Stakes Weekend

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Use That The sequel to Integration’s perfect rookie campaign (3-0-0 with two graded stakes victories) hasn’t been as riveting, but the 4-year-old colt sure...

November 7, 2024

What’s On Track: Aqueduct, Churchill Downs, & Woodbine Ready to Shine After Dynamic Breeders’ Cup Weekend

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon The Art of Resilience The 2024 campaign hasn’t exactly gone to plan for multiple graded stakes winner Master Piece (CHI), but the 8-year-old Chilean-bred can...

November 3, 2024

ICYMI: Breeders’ Cup Recap Special 2024

SAN DIEGO — By Matthew Lomon Big Game Baller All it took for Sierra Leone to end a four-race winless streak was a matchup with 13 of the world’s greatest dirt horses in the $7 million...

October 31, 2024

What’s On Track: Breeders’ Cup Special 2024

SAN DIEGO — By Matthew Lomon Off Home Turf After posting Rafael Nadal-esque clay numbers on the turf, City of Troy – the highest rated turf horse in the world – will make his dirt debut...

October 27, 2024

ICYMI: Hot Streaks Continue and Slumps End Across Scintillating Stakes Weekend

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Give Him the Emmy Make that three weeks atop the charts for Hit Show, who starred in the $350,000 Fayette (G2) on Saturday afternoon at Keeneland. Billed as...

Mici's Express wins at Santa Anita in horse racing action

October 26, 2024

Betting Santa Anita: How to Best Bet the Autumn Miss Stakes on Sunday

CALIFORNIA — By Chris Lomon Spotlight Race: Grade 3 $100,000 Autumn Miss Stakes Date: Sunday, October 27 (Race 7, 7:04 pm ET ) What to do with a $20 Bet in the Autumn...

October 24, 2024

What’s On Track: Rematches, Close Calls, & Roaring Returns Lead a High-Powered Stakes Weekend

TORONTO — By Ed DeRosa The Sequel With the buzz around Hit Show (2-1) at an all-time high heading into Saturday’s $350,000 Fayette (G2), nine challengers, including Rattle N Roll (4-1),...

October 21, 2024

ICYMI: Racing Fans Treated to a Little Bit of Everything Over Thrilling Stakes Weekend

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Rave Reviews A Lamar Jackson-esque effort in the $350,000 Raven Run (G2) landed Emery her fourth win from five tries in 2024. The 6-5 closing line choice made...

October 17, 2024

What’s On Track: Rematches and Highly Anticipated Debuts Headline East-Coast Focused Stakes Weekend

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon A Noble Challenger Knightsbridge may not be as experienced as his 11 contemporaries in Saturday’s $300,000 Perryville (G3) at Keeneland, but the 3-year-old...

Spaliday wins Sands Point Stakes at Belmont at The Big A

October 13, 2024

ICYMI: Everybody Gets a Bite of the Stakes Pie Over Busy Canadian Thanksgiving Weekend

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon A Royal Romp An elegant effort from She Feels Pretty in the $750,000 Queen Elizabeth II (G1T) netted the 3-year-old filly her first graded stakes title since...

big money stakes races at Woodbine, Keeneland and across North America headline a busy weekend in horse racing

October 12, 2024

A Double Dip of Stakes Picks for Sunday Horse Racing Action at Woodbine

TORONTO — By Chris Lomon Spotlight Races: “Display Stakes” (Race 7) and “Glorious Song Stakes” (Race 8) Date: Sunday, October 13th Display Stakes...

October 10, 2024

What’s On Track: A Weekend of Captivating Stakes Action Spanning Far and Wide

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Big Game Fever Caitlinhergrtness is out to prove her brilliant conquering of the 165th King’s Plate was no fluke when she contests the $750,000 Queen Elizabeth...

Pipsy (Ireland) makes her North American horse racing debut on Sunday

October 6, 2024

ICYMI: Promising Rookies, Established Veterans Take Advantage of High-Class Stakes Schedule

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Simply Spack-tacular We’re running out of superlatives for 4-year-old colt Carl Spackler (IRE), who collected his sixth career graded stakes title in...

Sierra Leone winning the Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland

October 3, 2024

What’s On Track: Breeders’ Cup ‘Win and You’re In’ Events Take Over Massive Stakes Weekend

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Terrific Twos Immersive’s imperviousness to the dreaded ‘terrible twos’ has been a marvel for ownership group Godolphin, whose homebred filly is off to a...

War Like Goddess winning at Churchill Downs

September 29, 2024

ICYMI: Co-Stars Steal the Show Throughout Rainy Stakes Weekend

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Toll Bridge A win in Saturday’s $500,000 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic would have made War Like Goddess the first three-time champion in the history of the ½-mile...

September 28, 2024

How to Best Bet the Breeders’ Stakes at Woodbine on Sunday

TORONTO — By Chris Lomon Spotlight Race: $400,000 Breeders’ Stakes – the third jewel of the Canadian Triple Crown Date: Sunday, September 29 (Race 9, 5:40 pm ET )...

September 26, 2024

What’s On Track: Big Money & Bragging Rights Headline Weekend of Elite Coast-to-Coast Stakes Action

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Bring it Home After five seasons, 12 wins (10 graded stakes), and $2.875 million banked, War Like Goddess has given her connections just about everything they...

September 22, 2024

ICYMI: Leading Contenders Take Care of Business Over Prime Graded Stakes Weekend

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Moment Seized After missing the board entirely the last two times out, Seize the Grey made his triumphant return to the winner’s circle on Saturday afternoon...

September 19, 2024

What’s On Track: Parx Takes Centre Stage as Top Performers Stay East for Shot at Leading Roles

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Rested and Raring to Go The last two starts have been tantamount to a championship hangover for 2024 Preakness (G1) winner Seize the Grey, but the 3-year-old...

September 15, 2024

ICYMI: Underdogs Run Wild as Big Money Stakes Return Even Bigger Payouts

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Show Me the Money Usain Bolt was born to be a sprinter. Prince Fielder was born to be a baseball player. Win for the Money was born to be a champion racehorse....

September 12, 2024

What’s On Track: Turf Champions Day at Woodbine, Raucous Rookies at Churchill Downs, & Plenty More Stakes Action Ahead

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Three’s Company For all the talk around Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and a potential Kansas City Chiefs threepeat, there’s another powerhouse trio with a...

Kentucky Downs starting gate horse racing

September 8, 2024

ICYMI: Big Money Stakes Pave Way for Much Needed Wins

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon In Theory… Kentucky Downs’ stellar Saturday of stakes kicked off with a big bang courtesy of 3-year-old colt Howard Wolowitz. The 3-1 closing line choice in...

September 5, 2024

What’s On Track: A Memorable Weekend Ahead as Dogged Competitors Push for Posh Purses

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Still Burnin’ After 29 starts, four graded stakes wins, and over $2 million in total purse earnings, 7-year-old gelding Get Smokin is still hungry for more....

September 1, 2024

ICYMI: Underdogs Take Things Personally, Deliver a Stakes Weekend to Remember

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Business Trip Bellum Justum (IRE) continued the recent trend of the Irish winning in Kentucky with a textbook 2 ¼-length victory in Saturday’s $3.1...

August 29, 2024

What’s On Track: Top Competitors have (Multi) Millions on the Mind Over Lavish Stakes Weekend

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Life-Changing Money Poll time! Who will earn more money in 2024: Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell or the winner of this Saturday’s $3.1 million Nashville...

Caitlinhergrtness winning the 165th King's Plate at Woodbine

August 25, 2024

ICYMI: A Slew of Big Money Matches End in Dramatic Fashion

TORONTO– By Matthew Lomon Thanks for the Compliment When the only knock against Fierceness reads more like a compliment, it says a whole lot about how highly regarded he is amongst his...

August 22, 2024

What’s On Track: A Trio of Seven-figure Stakes Headline a Rich Weekend in Racing

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon A Royal Return A Twisters-esque scene in the Greater Toronto Area last Sunday cut short the most celebrated day on the Canadian Thoroughbred racing calendar....

August 20, 2024

ICYMI: A Fun Stakes Weekend Sees Fillies Flourish from Coast-to-Coast

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Rolled the Tide After a tame start, a late push turned the tide of the $600,000 Alabama (G1) in Power Squeeze’s favor. Working in concert with rider Javier...

August 12, 2024

ICYMI: Top Choices Meet Lofty Expectations Over Loaded Stakes Weekend

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Watchful Eye Originally scheduled for Saratoga’s turf, Tropical Storm Debby pushed the $300,000 Troy Stakes (G3) to the dirt. The change in surface caused...

August 9, 2024

What’s On Track: Saratoga and Colonial Downs Take Centre Stage Over Jam-Packed Stakes Weekend

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon 2.5 Million Reasons Colonial Downs is set to host a septet of stakes, including three of the graded variety, this weekend. Headlined by the $1 million...

Arthur's Ride winning the Whitney Stakes at Saratoga

August 5, 2024

ICYMI: Top Talents of All Ages Claim Their Piece of the Pie

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon King Arthur It was clear from the get-go that the nine other hopefuls in Saturday’s $1 million Whitney (G1) at Saratoga stood no chance against the team of...

August 2, 2024

What’s On Track: A Trio of Grade 1 Stakes at Saratoga Headlines the Rich Racing Weekend Ahead

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon The Future is Now Bright Future, who’s more than fit the bill through nine professional starts (5-0-2), is all about the here and now ahead of the $1 million...

July 29, 2024

ICYMI: Familiar Faces Deliver Across Weekend of Coast-to-Coast Stakes Action

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Against All Odds It took nine tries, but Nakatomi is finally a graded stakes winner. Like the man who saved Nakatomi Plaza in 1988, the 5-year-old gelding...

Sabatini winning the Star Shoot Stakes at Woodbine

July 28, 2024

How to Best Bet Stakes Races at Saratoga + Del Mar on Sunday

CALIFORNIA — By Chris Lomon There are a pair of stakes races we’ll be looking to make some money on Sunday: 1. Spotlight Race: Race 9- $250,000 Bowling Green Stakes (G2T)...

Silver Knott winning the Man O' War Stakes at Belmont

July 26, 2024

What’s On Track: Big Name Horses Look to Bolster Impressive Resumes with High-Grade Stakes

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Printing Money If Hans Gruber and his crew invested their time and energy in Nakatomi the horse, rather than the Los Angeles plaza, they’d be a whole lot...

July 25, 2024

How to Best Bet Thursday Stakes Racing at Del Mar & Saratoga

DEL MAR PARK — By Ed DeRosa Two diametrically opposed styles of races headline the top summer racing today, as the feature at Saratoga Race Course is a turf sprint while the Del Mar...

July 23, 2024

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ICYMI: Rookies, Vets, Longshots, & Favorites all Shine over Thrilling Weekend in Racing

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon No Slowin’ Down The summer of Dornoch remains in full force after another successful trip around the track in the $1 million Haskell (G1) at Monmouth Park....

Horse racing including star Track Phantom

July 21, 2024

Betting Saratoga: How to Best Bet the Shuvee Stakes (G2) on Sunday

NEW YORK — By Chris Lomon Spotlight Race: Shuvee Stakes (G2) at Saratoga Date: Sunday, July 21st (Race 5 at 3:17 pm ET ) What to do with a $20 Bet: $20 to win on Just...

July 19, 2024

What’s On Track: Big Money, Rematches, and More at Monmouth and Saratoga; Del Mar Kicks off 2024 Meet

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Formidable Foe If Leslie’s Rose (5-1) is the Buffalo Bills circa 1991-1994, then Thorpedo Anna (1-2) is the Lombardi Trophy. The pair will meet for the third...

Mo Plex winning the Sanford Stakes at Saratoga

July 15, 2024

ICYMI: Saratoga’s Stacked Stakes Weekend a Bettor’s Delight

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Laser-Like It took a laser-focused effort from Whitebeam (GB) to hold off Canadian Horse of the Year recipient (2022) Moira in Saturday’s $500,000 Diana (G1T)...

July 12, 2024

What’s On Track: Saratoga Welcomes a Stable of Top Talents for Bustling Stakes Weekend

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Fly your Flag Chili Flag (FR) (9-2) is flying high ahead of Saturday’s $500,000 Diana (G1T) at Saratoga. Currently boasting a streak of three straight graded...

July 11, 2024

Best Bets for Newmarket Stakes Horse Racing Action as England Hosts Big Money Events on Friday

ENGLAND — By Ed DeRosa A familiar face to North American bettors headlines the Falmouth Stakes on Friday at Newmarket in the UK, where last year’s Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies Turf...

July 8, 2024

ICYMI: Big Money Stakes Go Down to the Wire over a Scintillating Weekend of Racing

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Use your Head Trikari channeled his inner Mikel Merino with a heads-up effort in Saturday’s $750,000 Belmont Derby (G1) at Aqueduct. Like the Spanish...

July 5, 2024

What’s On Track: Belmont, Horseshoe, and Delaware Park Star Over Big Money Stakes Weekend

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Not About How You Start… Poor showings in their respective pro debuts didn’t stop Alex Bregman (0-4, 2 K) and Freddie Freeman (0-3, K) from going on to have...

July 2, 2024

Annual Jockeys vs. Horsemen Basketball Game is Set with NBA connections

SARATOGA — By Paulick Report The 15th annual jockeys-versus-horsemen charity basketball game, which benefits the programs of the New York Race Track Chaplaincy, in partnership with the...

Kingsbarns after winning the Stephen Foster Stakes at Churchill Downs

July 1, 2024

ICYMI: Talented Runners Add to Already Impressive Resumes Over Rich Stakes Weekend

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon King of the Castle Kingsbarns reigned supreme in the $1 million Stephen Foster (G1) on Saturday at Aqueduct. The 4-year-old colt, who closed at a curious 9-1,...

June 28, 2024

What’s On Track: Iconic Churchill Downs Leads the Way in a Rich Stakes Weekend

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Turn up the Difficulty Off to a perfect 3-for-3 start to the 2024 campaign, Pyrenees stares down his most daunting challenge to date in Sunday’s $1 million...

June 26, 2024

Former NHL Star Looks to Defend His Horse Race Betting Crown This Sunday

ILLINOIS — By Mary Rampellini Hawthorne Race Course is bringing together an elite cast of horseplayers for its fifth invitational contest on Sunday and a live stream of the event will...

Batten Down wins the Ohio Derby at Thistledown

June 24, 2024

ICYMI: Favorites Take Care of Business Over a Modest North American Stakes Weekend

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Lock it Down Batten Down had the $500,000 Ohio Derby (G3) on lockdown this past Saturday at Thistledown. Following the direction of veteran rider Junior...

June 21, 2024

What’s On Track: Title Defenses, Rebound Opportunities, & More Lead a Busy Stakes Weekend

TORONTO — By: Matthew Lomon Free to Roam Catching Freedom was seen by many as an intriguing pick in both the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Preakness (G1). Although the 3-year-old colt didn’t...

Inspiral winning at the Breeders' Cup world horse racing championships

June 19, 2024

Fun Facts About the 2024 Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series

CALIFORNIA — ABR Every year, the road to the Breeders’ Cup World Championships starts months before with a series of qualifying races that are known as the Breeders‘ Cup Challenge...

June 17, 2024

ICYMI: Monmouth and Aqueduct Play Host to a Weekend of Firsts

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Keep it Interesting Accede authored her best Jordan Romano impression to score the $200,000 Bed o’ Roses (G2) on Saturday at Aqueduct. Following the likes of...

Horse racing at Monmouth Park race track in New Jersey

June 14, 2024

What’s On Track: Monmouth Park Stars as Savvy Veterans Try to Turn Back the Clock

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Stricken from the Record Leave No Trace burst out of a tough five-race stretch with a strong-willed win in last month’s Vagrancy (G3) at 8-1. The 4-year-old...

Mystik Dan edging out the win in the 150th Kentucky Derby

June 11, 2024

Triple Crown Season is Over…What’s Next for the Star Studded 3-Year Old Division?

KENTUCKY — By Bob Ehalt In terms of excitement and drama, the 2024 Triple Crown season was a smashing success. It started with the pageantry of the 150th Kentucky Derby Presented by...

June 7, 2024

What’s On Track: Saratoga Steals the Show with Six Grade 1 Stakes’, Including the $2-Million Belmont

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Extraordinary Efficiency Didia (ARG) is ready to put her remarkable 81.2 podium conversion percentage on the line this Friday for the $1 million New York...

June 5, 2024

Betting-tipsNewsPicks

150TH KENTUCKY DERBY: WHO’S THE CURRENT FAVORITE?

KENTUCKY — By Twinspires.com Although no points races were contested over the weekend, there…

June 5, 2024

ICYMINews

ICYMI: A STAKES SLATE CHARACTERIZED BY UTTER DOMINATION OR THE CLOSEST OF CALLS

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Almost Automatic If an NFL kicker only makes 76 per cent of their…

June 4, 2024

Can Kentucky Derby Winner Mystik Dan Pull Off Another Upset at the Belmont Stakes?

NEW YORK — By NYRA Press Office Kentucky Derby one-two finishers Mystik Dan and Sierra Leone renew rivalry as Preakness-winner Seize the Grey’s stock rises in stacked G1 Belmont Stakes....

June 3, 2024

ICYMI: Class Efforts Serve Favorites and Underdogs well over a Busy Stakes Weekend

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon What a Rush While Saturday’s Blame (G3) didn’t end up being the highly anticipated duel between Tapit Trice and Highland Falls that we were hoping for, the...

horse racing at Woodbine race track in Toronto

May 31, 2024

What’s On Track: Stakes Action Picks Right Back up After a Dynamic Memorial Day Slate

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Keep an Open Mind Based on resume’s, the $275,000 Blame (G3) at Churchill Downs is Tapit Trice’s to lose. However, the same was said about Fierceness leading...

Mystik Dan winning the Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn

May 28, 2024

ICYMI: Close Calls, Bizarre Turns, & Scene Stealers Headline a Memorable Memorial Day Weekend

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon No Time to Burn Legend of Time (GB) decided to skip a step and make the second time the charm this past Saturday at Aqueduct. Making his first start since a...

May 24, 2024

What’s On Track: Rebound Opportunities Aplenty Leading into Memorial Day Weekend

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Espresso Yourself It’s been a rather vanilla start for Triple Espresso, who despite a superstar backing in jockey-trainer duo Irad Ortiz Jr. and Todd...

May 23, 2024

Did You Know? Fun Facts About the Belmont Stakes

SARATOGA — By Mike Curry This year’s Belmont Stakes Presented by NYRA Bets will be held June 8, but there is a notable twist to the final jewel of the 2024 Triple Crown. The race...

Horse Racing at Belmont Stakes 2023 race

May 22, 2024

Betting-tipsHeadlinesNews

Belmont Stakes Festival Week Post Times + Championship Qualifiers

NEW YORK — By Pat McKenna The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) announced post times for the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival, which will be held at historic Saratoga Race Course...

Belmont taking place at Saratoga Springs in 2024

May 21, 2024

Belmont Stakes 2024: Early Predictions for Top Contenders

NEW YORK — By Alex Ballentine While it’s always a little disappointing when there’s no chance of a Triple Crown, it’s hard to complain about the series of races thus...

May 20, 2024

ICYMI: Underdogs Dazzle on the Biggest of Stages

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Glamorous Grey Heading into Saturday, Seize the Grey was mostly known for being the only grey horse competing in the $2 million Preakness (G1). But after a...

May 17, 2024

What’s On Track: A Preakness Weekend Stocked Full of Juicy Storylines

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Who Wants it? This year’s edition of $300,000 Black-Eyed Susan (G2) is as wide open as the New York Giants’ quarterback competition heading into training camp....

May 16, 2024

Make it a Double! Betting Tips for the Preakness + Black-Eyed Susan Stakes at Pimlico

PIMLICO — By Ed DeRosa One of the most popular bets on Kentucky Derby weekend is the Kentucky Oaks-Derby double, tying together the Kentucky Oaks for three-year-old fillies and its...

What’s On Track_ Records, Qualifying Points, and Rematches Headline a Stakes-Filled Weekend – myrailbirds

May 15, 2024

NewsWhat's on the track

WHAT’S ON TRACK: RECORDS, QUALIFYING POINTS, AND REMATCHES HEADLINE A STAKES-FILLED WEEKEND

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Derby Darlings Not only will trainers Steve Asmussen and Todd Pletcher be jostling for

Bob Baffert with Muth in horse racing action

May 14, 2024

Preakness 2024: Muth made 8-5 opening odds favorite in field of nine

PIMLICO — By David Grening Muth beat Mystik Dan by 6 1/4 lengths in the Arkansas Derby two months ago at Oaklawn Park, and though the latter has since come back to win the Kentucky...

May 13, 2024

ICYMI: Underdog Winners Spice up the First Stakes Weekend After Kentucky Derby

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Silver and Gold Silver Knott (GB) came up gold in a stellar 4 ½-length rout of eight challengers in Saturday’s $400,000 Man o’ War (G2T) at Aqueduct. Closing...

May 10, 2024

What’s On Track: Rookie Debuts, Triumphant Returns, & a Hot Hitting Filly Headline this Weekend in Racing

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Prospect Watch Are you the person who loves to scour top prospect lists to grow your knowledge of the game and gain a competitive advantage over your peers? If...

May 7, 2024

Preakness Field Taking Shape, Kentucky Derby Winner Mystik Dan’s Status Undecided

KENTUCKY — By Sean Collins With the Kentucky Derby complete, the field for the 149th Preakness Stakes at Pimlico Race Course May 18 is beginning to take shape but most likely will be...

May 6, 2024

ICYMI: Close Finishes Return Generous Payouts Across the Board, Including the Kentucky Derby

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Three of a Kind All eyes were on the iconic Churchill Downs for the 150th edition of the $5 million Kentucky Derby (G1), and it certainly did not disappoint....

Front of Churchill Downs ahead of the 150th Kentucky Derby

May 3, 2024

What’s On Track: Churchill Downs Sets the Tone in a Jam-Packed Stakes Weekend

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Chance at History Have a hankering for mint juleps, cigars, and premier Thoroughbred action? Get your fix this Saturday evening at historic Churchill Downs for...

April 29, 2024

ICYMI: A Light Stakes Weekend Energized by Dramatic Finishes

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Chop Week The fourth weekend in April will now be referred to as ‘Chop Week’ until further notice. The festivities began Thursday with Penn State linebacker...

April 26, 2024

What’s On Track: Thoroughbred Hotbeds Headline a Steady Stakes Weekend

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Four the History Books War Like Goddess (3-5) has a chance to do something this Friday at Keeneland that’s only been accomplished six times in the history of...

April 25, 2024

2024 Kentucky Derby Cheat Sheet: Get to Know the Horses

KENTUCKY — By Patrick Reed Aside from all of the pageantry and parties that accompany the Derby every year, the Kentucky Derby is a unique horse race on the North American calendar. It’s...

April 24, 2024

5 Tips for Throwing the Best Kentucky Derby Watch Party

CHURCHILL DOWNS If you won’t be one of the more than 150,000 fans descending on the Kentucky Derby in person this year, you can still have a blast with “The Greatest Two Minutes in Sports”™. Here are...

April 22, 2024

ICYMI: Preakness Berths, First Wins, & a Hat-Trick Highlight a Wild Weekend in Racing

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Skip the Line Other than Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Daulton Varsho, nobody had a better Saturday than 5-year-old Skippylongstocking. The Saffie Joseph Jr....

April 19, 2024

What’s On Track: Automatic Preakness Berths, Graded Stakes Aplenty up for Grabs

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Red Route Redemption After putting an end to a five-start winless drought with a fine performance in March’s New Orleans Classic (G2), Red Route One’s (7-2)...

April 15, 2024

ICYMI: Favorites Deliver at Oaklawn, but a Surprise Winner Steals the Show at Keeneland

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon My Treat Saturday’s $500,000 Count Fleet Sprint (G3) at Oaklawn Park looked like a walk in the park for uncontested champion Skelly. As the 5-year-old...

Hades winning the Holy Bull stakes horse race

April 12, 2024

What’s On Track: Oaklawn and Keeneland Play Host to a Slew of High Value Stakes

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon R-E-L-A-X A rather dry performance in the Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1) last time out may have fans concerned about Wet Paint’s status heading into Saturday’s...

April 10, 2024

The Horse Racing World Looks to England on Saturday for the Iconic Grand National

ENGLAND — By Chris Lomon It’s a sure bet that the 2024 edition of the iconic Grand National at Aintree Racecourse in England is going to be a fun race to wager on. For those who like...

April 8, 2024

ICYMI: Young Stars Own a Loaded Stakes Slate

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Home Away from Home A handful of baseball games weren’t the only contests postponed this past weekend. Originally set for the last Sunday of March, the...

April 5, 2024

What’s On Track: Kentucky Derby and Oaks Points Up for Grabs Across Packed Stakes Weekend

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Battle on the Bluegrass Don’t get this Saturday’s $1 million Bluegrass (G1) confused with the Boise State Broncos’ iconic home field, otherwise you’d be...

April 1, 2024

ICYMI: A Saturday Heavy Stakes Weekend Proves Arduous for Some, a Breeze for Others

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Creative Differences Saturday’s $1.5 million Arkansas Derby (G1) at Oaklawn had all the makings of a heavyweight tilt. Sporting a combined 11: 6-3-0 line with...

March 29, 2024

What’s On Track: Rivalry Week Takes Over Gulfstream and Oaklawn Park

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Come Here Often? This Saturday’s $1 million Florida Derby (G1) at Gulfstream has just about everything racing fans could ask for: a massive prize pool,...

March 25, 2024

ICYMI: A Wild Weekend of Dramatic Comebacks, Reversed Fortunes, and Exciting Upsets

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Give Me a Minute One minute he was last, the next he was a graded stakes champion. A heroic effort from 3-year-old colt Catching Freedom (3-1) in this past...

March 22, 2024

What’s On Track: Records, Qualifying Points, and Rematches Headline a Stakes-Filled Weekend

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Derby Darlings Not only will trainers Steve Asmussen and Todd Pletcher be jostling for highly coveted Kentucky Derby qualifying points in this Saturday’s $1...

Sierra Leone winning the Risen Stakes at Fair Grounds in horse racing action

March 19, 2024

150th Kentucky Derby: Who’s the Current Favorite?

KENTUCKY — By Twinspires.com Although no points races were contested over the weekend, there was wagering action aplenty in Pool 5 of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager (KDFW). Sierra Leone...

March 18, 2024

ICYMI: A Stakes Slate Characterized by Utter Domination or the Closest of Calls

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Almost Automatic If an NFL kicker only makes 76 per cent of their kicks, they’re not very good at their job. If a racehorse wins at a 76 per cent clip, they’re...

who will finish first in the Glen Cove Stakes Thursday when it runs at Belmont at The Big A?

March 15, 2024

What’s On Track: Rematches, Second Chances, and Title Defenses Headline a Weekend of Scintillating Storylines

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Crown Keeper Tejano Twist has made seven starts since taking last year’s edition of the $250,000 Whitmore at Oaklawn Park. In that time, the 5-year-old gelding has...

March 8, 2024

What’s On Track: Rebound Opportunities Aplenty in a Saturday-Heavy Graded Stakes Slate

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Quad-A In professional baseball, the players who are too good for AAA but haven’t quite been able to find their footing at the Major League level are commonly...

March 6, 2024

Kentucky Derby Standings – Update After 26 Qualifying Points Races

KENTUCKY — By HRN Staff Dornoch and Deterministic moved into the top 10 of the Kentucky Derby 2024 leaderboard after picking up 50 points for winning the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth and the...

March 5, 2024

Weekend Look-a-Head: Kentucky Derby & Kentucky Oaks Preps Lead 9 Graded Stakes

KENTUCKY — By Carolyn Greer This weekend brings the last of the Kentucky Derby 2024 points preps that offer 50 qualifying points to the winner. The Grade 3 Tampa Bay Derby, which will be drawn...

Dornoch winning the Fountain of Youth Stakes at Santa Anita

March 4, 2024

ICYMI: An Action-Packed Stakes Weekend Yields Melting Pot of Winners

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon No Ordinary 9-to-5 A slew of late scratches in Saturday’s $400,000 Fountain of Youth (G2) shrunk the expected field from nine down to five, giving way for 3-year-old...

horse racing at Gulfstream Park for Pegasus Cup

February 29, 2024

What’s On Track: Big Money, Kentucky Derby and Oaks Points Up for Grabs

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Locked In Having not raced since finishing third in last November’s Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1), 3-year-old Locked is primed, ready, and fresh heading into Saturday’s...

Senor Buscador winning the 2024 Saudi Cup

February 26, 2024

ICYMI: Expensive Stakes Highlight a Loaded Weekend Menu

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Pardon Me Thanks to a heroic last-minute closeout by 13-1 challenger Senor Buscador, the 6-year-old’s connections walked away from Saturday’s $20 million Saudi Cup...

February 19, 2024

ICYMI: A Weekend of Glorious Graded Debuts

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Bizarro Shanahan In last week’s edition of What’s on Track, we talked about Sierra Leone’s Kyle Shanahan-esque performance in last December’s Remsen Stakes...

February 16, 2024

What’s On Track: Bounceback Opportunities Abound over a Stakes Filled Weekend

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Shanahan Adjacent Though nowhere near Kyle Shanahan territory, Sierra Leone is on the comeback trail after squandering a late lead last time out. The 3-year-old colt...

February 12, 2024

ICYMI: Favorites Take Care of Business Across the Board

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon D’Angelo Knows If Bo knows baseball, football, etc., then trainer Joseph D’Angelo knows Thoroughbred racing. Coming off a career year in 2023, D’Angelo’s seventh...

February 9, 2024

What’s On Track: A Full Weekend of Warm Weather Runs

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Championship Hangover Although it’s only been two races since West Saratoga’s breakthrough Iroquois (G3) win, the 3-year-old is in the midst of a pretty nasty...

February 5, 2024

ICYMI: Big Favorites Fail to Deliver, Longshots Take Advantage

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Mystik Man There’s no mistaking Mystik Dan after an otherworldly eight-length triumph in this past Saturday’s $800,000 Southwest Stakes (G3) at Oaklawn Park. Neither...

January 29, 2024

ICYMI: Tight Finishes, Record Runs, and Off-Script Endings Highlight an Eventful Stakes Weekend

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon There He Is In last Friday’s preview of the stakes weekend that was, we wondered which version of National Treasure would show up for Saturday’s $3 million Pegasus...

January 26, 2024

What’s On Track: Pegasus Weekend at Gulfstream Headlines a Slate of Southern Stakes

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Book of Secrets Sporting a record of 2-2-2 through 10 career starts, National Treasure is truly a book of secrets. The 4-year-old colt, who hasn’t won in four tries...

Pegasus World Cup Invitational horse racing event at Gulfstream Park

January 24, 2024

Pegasus World Cup is as Much About Partying as Racing

GULFSTREAM — By Miami New Times Regardless of what you think of horse-racing tycoon Frank Stronach, it can never be said that the man has half-assed anything. Take the statue outside Gulfstream...

January 22, 2024

ICYMI: A Weekend Of Firsts and Triumphant Returns

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Regal Return After a head-scratching tenth in last November’s Breeders’ Cup Classic, FMQ Stables’ Saudi Crown returned to his regal ways with a dominant display in...

January 19, 2024

What’s On Track: A Weekend of Rematches and Title Defenses

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Snowbird Season Like many Woodbine regulars, Katerina Vassilieva trainee Roaring Forties is making a habit of spending harsh Canadian winters in the Sunshine State....

January 17, 2024

The 8th Pegasus World Cup Field is Shaping Up

FLORIDA — By Gulfstream Park Media A full field of 12 is expected for the Jan. 27th $3-million Pegasus World Cup at Gulfstream Park, including stars First Mission and Saudi Crown. Current list...

January 15, 2024

ICYMI: Favorites Leave a Lasting Impression

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon All Knight Long With the way California-bred Kings River Knight has been running lately, it wouldn’t be all that surprising to see the 5-year-old superstar in Dodger...

January 12, 2024

What’s On Track: Accomplished Youngsters Set the Tone Going Into a Stakes Filled Weekend

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Showing Some Sparkle Shimmering Allure (4-5) has her sights set on another stakes score when she takes on four competitors in this Saturday’s $100,000 Busanda Stakes...

January 10, 2024

Kentucky Derby 2024 Rankings

KENTUCKY — Horse Racing Nation No rankings are perfect, but this is a great snapshot of the top contenders and some up and comers for the 2024 Kentucky Derby. In addition to all those competing...

January 5, 2024

What’s On Track: sizzling stakes cooked up by scintillating sophomores

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon The Muth is Loose Not to be confused with Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth, 3-year-old colt Muth and his stellar track record are set to take on the...

Irad Ortiz Jr. is the top earning North American jockey in horse racing

January 3, 2024

Who was the top earning Owner, Jockey, and Trainer this past year in horse racing?

Godolphin LLC, which campaigned 15 North American graded stakes winners, including two Breeders’ Cup winners, repeated as leading owner by earnings, and Irad Ortiz Jr., again established a...

December 15, 2023

What’s On Track: Marathons, merriment, and monster betting opportunities

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Long Distance House Calls When saying something is a marathon, not a sprint, it’s not often we’re referring to an actual race, but that’s exactly what we’re doing...

Fashionably Fab winnng the La Prevoyante Stakes at Woodbine

December 11, 2023

ICYMI: Fantastic Fillies and Comeback Kids Rule the Weekend

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Going the Distance It wasn’t exactly a knockout performance from Butterbean, but the filly did just enough to hold on for a half-length win in Saturday’s $150,000...

December 4, 2023

ICYMI: Dark Horses Dominate a Stakes-Loaded Weekend

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Dancin’ Down the Line Frac Dancer made it clear who was in the lead this past Saturday’s Clarendon Stakes at Woodbine. Sent off at 3-1, the 2-year-old colt held the...

December 1, 2023

What’s On Track – Rookies, Rematches, Leaders, and Long Shots Highlight a Stakes-Filled Weekend

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Mischievous Mile Everso Mischievous’ connections have sparked victory cigars at Aqueduct once this year, and they’ll have the chance to do it again in the $500,000...

November 24, 2023

What’s On Track: Future Stars & Golden Opportunities Around Horse Racing This Weekend

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Golden Opportunity This Saturday, historic Churchill Downs in Kentucky will play host to a top-flight event for 2-year-old fillies. The $400,000 Golden Rod Stakes...

November 20, 2023

ICYMI: International Horses Come Up Big After an Exciting Weekend of Racing

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon An Honourable Display Australian-bred Flag Of Honour (AUS) left it all on the track in this past Saturday at Woodbine. The gelding put together a breakthrough...

November 19, 2023

Betting Aqueduct: What to Watch & How to Bet on Sunday

NEW YORK — By Chris Lomon Spotlight race: $135,000 Forever Together Stakes Date: Sunday, November 19 (Race 7) Why to watch: The 1 1/16-mile turf tilt for fillies and mares,...

Patches O'Houlihan looking to extend horse racing winning streak

November 17, 2023

What’s On Track: Can an Epic Winning Streak Continue?

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon A Colt and a Texan Integration will try to author his best C.J. Stroud impression this upcoming Saturday at Aqueduct. Like the Houston Texans’ rookie signal-caller,...

November 13, 2023

ICYMI: Bloodlines, Longshots, & Big Money Stakes Races

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Hooked on a Feeling It may have taken a few tries, but once Millie Girl got her first taste of graded stakes glory, she couldn’t let the feeling go. The 5-year-old...

November 10, 2023

HandicappingHeadlinesNewsThoroughbred

What’s On Track- Woodbine, Aqueduct, & Churchill Downs Highlight Horse Racing Stakes Action This Weekend

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Treat Yourself We all deserve a sweet treat every now and then. For some that could be ice cream, others candy, but for Awesome Treat it’s the $175,000 Bessarabian...

Thoroughbred stakes horse racing at Woodbine

November 9, 2023

Betting Woodbine: What to Watch & How to Bet this Friday

TORONTO — By Chris Lomon Spotlight race: $100,000 Lake Ontario Stakes Date: Friday, November 10 (Race 7) Why to watch: The Ontario Sired Heritage Series final for 3-year-old colts &...

November 6, 2023

ICYMI: Breeders’ Cup Rules the Weekend Across the Horse Racing World

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Stepping into the Spotlight This past Saturday at Santa Anita, Woodbine hometown favorite Moira proved to the horse racing world that she can run with the best of...

woodbine and other tracks have exciting horse racing to go along with the Breeders' Cup

November 3, 2023

What’s On Track: More Exciting Horse Racing across North America to go alongside the Breeders’ Cup

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Grey Area The Grey Stakes (G3) is a fitting title for a competition where the top three challengers are nearly indistinguishable based on opening line odds. Set for...

November 2, 2023

DeRosa: Best Ways to Bet at the Breeders’ Cup

SANTA ANITA PARK — By Ed DeRosa There are more ways to bet the Breeders’ Cup than there are ways to make a Waffle House hashbrown. The sheer volume of combinations in which you can bet your...

October 30, 2023

ICYMI: Exciting Big Money Stakes Race Wins Over the Weekend Leads into Breeders’ Cup Week

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Rose to the Occasion Olivia Rose rode into Woodbine this past Saturday entered in both the Frost King and South Ocean Stakes. Tasked with deciding which event to run...

horse racing at keeneland, churchill downs, belmont and woodbine

October 27, 2023

What’s On Track: Stakes Races Dominate the Weekend Across Kentucky & at Woodbine

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon One-upmanship Texas Rangers slugger Adolis García is the talk of the town after a legendary performance in this year’s American League Championship Series. Going...

Keeneland thoroughbred horse racing in Kentucky

October 26, 2023

Betting Keeneland this Saturday: What to watch & how to bet on the Bryan Station Stakes

KENTUCKY — By Chris Lomon Spotlight race: $300,000 Bryan Station Stakes (G3T) at Keeneland in Lexington, Kentucky. Date: Saturday, October 28 Why to watch: The one-mile turf race for...

October 23, 2023

BlogHeadlinesNewsThoroughbred

ICYMI: Underdogs, longshots, and surprises highlight an exciting weekend of horse racing across North America

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Underdog Sandwich Based purely on closing line odds, Saturday’s $250,000 Perryville Stakes at Keeneland seemed like a two-horse race between Dr. Venkman (even-money)...

Thoroughbred horse racing at Keeneland in Kentucky

October 20, 2023

How do you best bet on a “Maiden” race? Paquette gives her tips for Saturday at Keeneland

KENTUCKY — By Jessica Paquette Handicapping “maiden” races can pose some unique challenges. Many of the contenders are so lightly raced that their body of work does not give too...

Horse racing at Woodbine and Keeneland headline a busy thoroughbred racing schedule with plenty of betting implications

October 20, 2023

What’s On Track: Big Time Stakes Races Across North America as Breeders’ Cup Approaches

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Let’s Try this Again What was the difference between first and second place the last time Transient (GB) squared off with Vergara? Three-quarters of a length. That’s...

The Glen Cove Stakes runs Thursday at Belmont at The Big A in New York.

October 18, 2023

How to Bet on the Glen Cove Stakes at Belmont

NEW YORK — By Chris Lomon Spotlight race: $125,000 purse Glen Cove Stakes – Race 8 – Belmont at The Big A Date: Thursday October 19, 2023 Why to watch: The six-furlong turf race for...

Rose Maddox at Santa Anita on a busy weekend of horse racing and betting across North America

October 16, 2023

HandicappingHeadlinesNewsThoroughbred

ICYMI: Big Stakes Races Highlighted an Exciting Weekend of Horse Racing at Keeneland, Belmont, Woodbine & More!

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Déjà vu On September 16, Eternal Hope (IRE) bested Neecie Marie to take home the $350,000 Jockey Club Oaks Invitational Stakes (G3) at Belmont. The duo met again at...

October 14, 2023

Betting Tips, Lessons, and Picks for Stakes Races at Keeneland + Maryland This Weekend

KENTUCKY — By Ed DeRosa Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup Stakes: A Lesson in Class Tahiyra is one of the best turf fillies in the world, while she is not a part of the Queen Elizabeth II...

October 13, 2023

What’s On Track: Big Money Stakes Races Headline a Busy Weekend of Horse Racing Across North America

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Exclusive Company Only six horses have gone back-to-back in the 44-year history of the Ontario Fashion Stakes (G3). This Saturday at Woodbine, Hazelbrook (10-1) will...

Fev Rover of Ireland racing at Woodbine. Horse racing.

October 9, 2023

ICYMI: Breeders’ Cup Qualifiers and High Stakes Horse Racing Ruled the Weekend

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon FYI: This Filly is Good Two starts into her career and Just F Y I is already a Grade 1 stakes winner. Bad weather and poor track conditions at Belmont at the Big...

Horse racing stakes races at Woodbine, Keeneland, Belmont and more

October 6, 2023

What’s On Track: Big Time Stakes Races Highlight a Busy Weekend of Horse Racing Across North America

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon How do you like your Stakes? Kentucky-bred bragging rights are on the line this Sunday at Keeneland… and with a storyline so rare it’s blue. This year’s running of...

October 5, 2023

HeadlinesNewsStandardbred

Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” Races Highlight Keeneland Action This Weekend

KENTUCKY — By Jessica Paquette Though the sports world may be focused on Red October, there is some serious action heating up at Keeneland this weekend with three significant Breeders’ Cup “Win...

October 2, 2023

ICYMI: Which Horses Won Their Way Into the Breeders’ Cup?

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Parlay Power Fan of the parlay? Fan of horse betting? Allow me to introduce you to emerging rookie rider Sofia Vives and the Pick 3. On a sunny Saturday afternoon at...

September 25, 2023

ICYMI: September 23-24

TORONTO – By Matthew Lomon Super Sprinter What does Damon’s Mound have in common with Atlanta Braves Outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr.? They’re both at their best sprinting on dirt. That was the case...

September 22, 2023

HandicappingHeadlinesNewsThoroughbred

What’s On Track: September 23 – 24

TORONTO – By Matthew Lomon 3,837,000 Little Things How many reasons are there to be excited about Mohawk’s 12-race card this Saturday night? $3.837 million, to be exact. That’s right, the total...

September 16, 2023

Fair odds: In the Woodbine Mile, go against the betting favorite

TORONTO — When it comes to success betting on horse racing, taking a stand against a horse can be as lucrative as picking the right one. At least that is what I hope with my wagering strategy...

September 14, 2023

Nine Things You Need to Know About the 2023 Ricoh Woodbine Mile

TORONTO — Saturday’s Ricoh Woodbine Mile is a Breeders’ Cup Challenge Series “Win and You’re In” race for the FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Mile Presented by PDJF, offering the winner a fees-paid berth...

paramount_prince_kings_plate_2023_615x400

September 7, 2023

HandicappingHeadlinesNewsStandardbredThoroughbred

2023 Aqueduct Fall Meet Features 33 Stakes Worth $6.385 Million

NEW YORK — The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) today announced the stakes schedule for the 2023 fall meet at Aqueduct Racetrack, which will offer 33 stakes, 10 of them graded events,...

September 1, 2023

What’s On Track: September 2 – 3

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Changing of the Guard? There’s a youth movement going on in California, and no, I’m not referring to the Los Angeles Rams, who believe it or not, are the...

August 31, 2023

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Road to the Breeders’ Cup: Sneak Peek at Pacific Classic and Other Holiday Weekend Races

SARATOGA — The upcoming Labor Day weekend is one of the most highly anticipated three-day stretches on the racing calendar, as Saratoga Race Course’s summer meet concludes, Del Mar in...

August 29, 2023

The horse and sports betting market will grow to $171.87-million by 2027

NEW YORK — The Global Horse & Sports Betting Market is expected to increase in size US$ 171.87 million From 2022 to 2027. The development speed of the market will accelerate CAGR 9.64%....

August 26, 2023

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Travers Stakes 2023 predictions, odds, post time, horses: Surprising picks from horse racing insider

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Reigning 2-year-old champion Forte will square off against the three winners of this year’s Triple Crown races when the starting gate opens in the 2023 Travers Stakes...

August 23, 2023

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King’s Plate Handle Sets Single-Day Betting Record At Woodbine

WOODBINE — The 164th King’s Plate generated the largest single-card handle in Woodbine Racetrack history on Sunday afternoon. A total of $18,127,049.67 was wagered on Sunday’s...

August 22, 2023

More Sports Betting Sites to Carry Horse Racing in Ontario Following King’s Plate Success

TORONTO — Sports betting sites across Canada could offer legal sports betting on horse racing before next year’s Kentucky Derby, according to one industry executive. Woodbine Entertainment...

August 21, 2023

BlogFeaturedHandicappingHeadlinesNewsThoroughbred

ICYMI: August 18 – 20

TORONTO — By: Matthew Lomon Oh, How Sweet it is Canadiansweetheart stole the show in the Sweet Briar Too Stakes at Woodbine this past Saturday. Despite a 4-0-1 record in six 2023 starts, the...

August 19, 2023

Comparing the 2023 King’s Plate Field to Previous Year’s Winners with Similar Odds

WOODBINE — In sports betting, one popular strategy involves looking at a team or player’s past performance and comparing it to the present as a means of predicting a potential outcome. The same...

August 18, 2023

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Online sports betting is helping us attract a new demographic: Woodbine Entertainment CEO

TORONTO — Jim Lawson, CEO of Woodbine Entertainment Group, joins BNN Bloomberg to talk about bringing horse racing to online sports betting in Ontario ahead of the annual King’s Plate....

August 18, 2023

What’s On Track: August 18 – 20

TORONTO — By: Matthew Lomon Royal Rumble Have you heard that the 164th running of The King’s Plate is happening this weekend? For those who aren’t caught up, Canadian Thoroughbred racing’s most...

August 17, 2023

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Which Famous Athletes Match-up with Horses in the 2023 King’s Plate?

WOODBINE — By: Matthew Lomon The 164th running of the King’s Plate is fast approaching. This year’s 17 horse field is filled with interesting storylines and characters to boot. To help you...

August 17, 2023

First King’s Plate in 70 years brings plenty of buzz for horse-racing bettors

TORONTO — For a race about to add the 164th winner to its honor roll, there’s a lot about Sunday’s King’s Plate that feels like a fresh start. First off, the name. Since its inaugural running...

August 15, 2023

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2023 King’s Plate Cheat Sheet: Get to Know the Horses

TORONTO — The $1 million King’s Plate is the first jewel of the Canadian Triple Crown as well as that country’s oldest Thoroughbred horse race. Founded in 1860, the King’s Plate is the oldest...

August 14, 2023

ICYMI: August 11 – 13

TORONTO — By: Matthew Lomon Hanover Helper Driver Bob McClure and trainer Anthony Beaton certainly had fun at Mohawk on Saturday night. Together, and with help from Legendary Hanover and Elodie...

August 11, 2023

BlogFeaturedHandicappingHeadlinesNewsThoroughbred

What’s on Track: Aug. 11 – 13

TORONTO By: Matthew Lomon Bedazzle Me Impressed Is an upset brewing at this Sunday’s Bison City Stakes at Woodbine? If Bedazzle Me has anything to say about, the answer is a resounding yes. In what...

August 10, 2023

NYRA to Add $100K to Aug. 12 Pick 5 Pool

NEW YORK — the New York Racing Association (NYRA) today announced it will offer a Late Pick 5 pool seeded with $100,000 on Saturday, at Saratoga Race Course. The additional money offered in...

August 9, 2023

Colt sold for $4-million!

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The impeccably-bred son of Hall of Famers Curlin and Beholder sold for $4 million to Amr Zedan, ranking among the Fasig-Tipton Saratoga selected yearling sale’s top...

Elusive-Princess-Saratoga-Oaks-SA5_4187-PRINT-Sarah-Andrew

August 8, 2023

Road to Breeders’ Cup: Sneak Peek at Fourstardave, Beverly D., and Other Races

SARATOGA — After a weekend featuring one of the most important prep races for the Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic wrapped up with White Abarrio winning the Whitney Stakes, attention turns to...

August 8, 2023

Weekend Notables & Quotables: Aug. 5 – 6

TORONTO — Let’s ‘Dance’ Uphill Dance, trained by Rachel Halden, and ridden by Emma-Jayne Wilson, made an impressive debut on Saturday, notching a 1 ¼-length win in the sixth race. The daughter...

August 7, 2023

Conman Leads Casse Trifecta in Hamilton

TORONTO — Dual hall of fame trainer Mark Casse swept the top three spots in Sunday’s $100,000 Hamilton Stakes, at Woodbine. The Hamilton, a 7 ½-furlong inner turf event for 3-year-olds, went...

August 7, 2023

FeaturedHeadlinesNewsStandardbred

ICYMI: Aug. 4 -6, 2023

By: Matthew Lomon 13 Going on 30? Saturday’s Shady Daisy Stakes wasn’t a walk in the park for Sylvia Hanover, but the 3-year-old filly overcame a tough start to clinch her 13th straight win. The #1...

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August 6, 2023

Zeron Wins Third Hambletonian With Tactical Approach

MEADOWLANDS — As the outer flow developed in the 2023 Hambletonian, driver Scott Zeron took a tactical approach to his attempt for a third win in the million-dollar classic. His pylon-skimming...

Gold Phoenix as he gets ready to race in the American Stakes at Santa Anita

August 5, 2023

Del Mar Summer: Rising Star Berrios Making All The Right Moves

DEL MAR — At the start of the 2022 summer meet at Del Mar, few people in Southern California had ever heard of jockey Hector I. Berrios. But his brilliant winning ride in the Wickerr Stakes...

August 5, 2023

FeaturedHeadlinesNewsStandardbred

Jockey Club of Canada to Celebrate 50th Anniversary

ETOBICOKE — the Jockey Club of Canada has announced a series of presentations at race tracks across the country as part of its 50th anniversary celebrations. Beginning with the Manitoba Derby...

August 5, 2023

Mohawk To Offer A Pair Of Pop-Ups In August

MILTON — Woodbine Mohawk Park’s Race Office has released conditions for two upcoming Pop-Up Series starting on Aug. 10. Both Pop-Up Series will feature two preliminary legs (purse $15,000 for...

August 4, 2023

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What’s On Track

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Knocking at the Door If there was an equine representation of the Buffalo Bills teams from 1990-1993, you know, the ones that lost four consecutive Super Bowls, it...

August 4, 2023

FeaturedHeadlinesNewsStandardbred

“He’s all racehorse”: Aim for the Sky set for Vice Regent test

TORONTO — Aim for the Sky aims for the top prize in Saturday’s $150,000 Vice Regent Stakes, a five-furlong inner turf race for Ontario-bred 3-year-olds and up, at Woodbine. Trained by Steven...

August 3, 2023

Looking Like A Million

MOHAWK PARK — Oh Well heads into Saturday with one million-dollar win already to his credit and will try to add a second when he goes behind the gate with nine rivals in the $1 million...

August 3, 2023

Woodbine Turf Sprint Series back after cancellation

ETOBICOKE – The Gun Runner gelding Arms will race on turf for the first time in Friday’s second leg of the Woodbine Turf Sprint Series, a $25,000 starter allowance/$40,000 claimer. The six-furlong...

August 3, 2023

HeadlinesNewsStandardbred

Tampa Bay Downs To Boost Overnight Purses By $5.5 Million

TAMPA BAY — Tampa Bay Downs will allocate $5.5-million from the state of Florida for overnight Thoroughbred purses during the 2023-2024 meet, track Vice President-General Manager Peter Berube...

August 3, 2023

NewsStandardbred

Meadowlands: Hambo Day first-timers Bax, MacDonald set to go

EAST RUTHERFORD — Four trainers will head into Saturday’s Hambletonian Day card at The Meadowlands with the opportunity to win both the Hambletonian and Hambletonian Oaks, a feat accomplished...

August 2, 2023

Kiss My Cheek Cruises At Mohawk

MILTON — Kiss My Cheek turned over a new leaf for the start of the new month, winning her first race at Woodbine Mohawk Park on Tuesday (Aug. 1) evening and banking the winner’s share of...

August 2, 2023

2023 Whitney Stakes Cheat Sheet: Get to Know the Horses

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The $1 million, Grade 1 Whitney Stakes Saturday at Saratoga Race Course is one of the most important races in the Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic division as well as one of...

August 2, 2023

A Closer Look at Breeders’ Cup Sprint Hopeful The Chosen Vron

TORONTO — The fields for the 14 races that comprise the Breeders’ Cup World Championships really begin to come into focus in summer and fall and this regular feature will offer a snapshot...

August 1, 2023

Road to the Breeders’ Cup: Sneak Peek at Whitney, Clement Hirsch, and Other Stakes

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The first week of August hosts three important races that are part of the Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” Challenge Series. At Saratoga, the 96th running of the Whitney...

August 1, 2023

Santa Anita to install artificial training track as part of $32M renovation

ARCADIA, Calif. — Santa Anita will replace its dirt training track with a synthetic surface as part of nearly $32 million in improvements planned as the venerable racetrack absorbs an influx of...

August 1, 2023

ExpertFeaturedHeadlinesNews

Weekend Notables & Quotables (July 29-30)

TORONTO — Win-win situation Chasing Bourbon ($4.70) and Vandoo ($2.50) dead-heated for top spot in Saturday’s fifth race. It was the first race for the 2-year-olds, who covered five furlongs on...

July 31, 2023

ICYMI: July 28 – 30, 2023

By: Matthew Lomon Weekend action from around the world of horse racing – here are five storylines you may have missed. Matchups Matter In horse racing, just like any other sport,...

July 31, 2023

NewsThoroughbred

Hall of Famer to Ride at King’s Plate

TORONTO — Trainer Mike DePaulo has booked the hot Hall-of-Famer Javier Castellano to ride Stanley House in the $1 million King’s Plate at Woodbine. Full story by Ron Gierkink here. (Michael...

July 28, 2023

King’s Plate 2023: Trip notes and analysis from Plate Trial, Woodbine Oaks, and more

TORONTO, July 27, 2023 — Plate Trial Stakes Winner: Paramount Prince Trainer: Mark Casse Jockey: Patrick Husbands Owner: Gary Barber, Michael Langois Beyer Speed Figure: 81 Paramount Prince put...

February 20, 2025

What’s On Track: Oaklawn Park Paces the Pack with Massive Purses, but Aqueduct and Gulfstream Keep it Interesting

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Who Wants it? Oaklawn Park has hosted two Kentucky Derby points races so far this season. The first tilt, the Smarty Jones Stakes went to Coal Battle...

February 13, 2025

What’s On Track: Long-Awaited Returns & Thriving Youngsters Highlight a Busy Stakes Slate

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Long Road Back Following a tough showing in November’s Breeders’ Cup Juvenile (G1), East Avenue finds himself on the road to redemption in Saturday’s...

February 6, 2025

What’s On Track: A Modest Stakes Weekend with Plenty on the Line

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon We’re Live in 5, 4, 3… Breaking news out of Hot Springs, Arkansas as veteran mare Corningstone, after claiming back-to-back stakes titles, will make another...

January 30, 2025

What’s On Track: A Balanced Stakes Weekend Featuring Horses of all Billings

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Baffert or the Field? When the 2025 Major League Baseball season commences in March, we’ll be asking ourselves, “Dodgers or the field?” In...

January 23, 2025

What’s On Track: Pegasus World Cup Edition

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon The Place to Be In the world of Thoroughbred racing, late January means one thing: the Pegasus World Cup. On Saturday, the game’s brightest stars will...

January 16, 2025

What’s On Track: A Complete Stakes Weekend with Plenty of Graded Flare

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Three is Key On Sunday at 3 p.m. Eastern, the Philadelphia Eagles will rely on their three-headed monster of Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, and A.J. Brown to...

January 9, 2025

What’s On Track: Major Breakthroughs, Rebounds Preview Exciting Stakes Weekend

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Give Me a Break After a string of five straight scoreless outings, Taxed eyes a much-needed break in the $150,000 Pippin Stakes at Oaklawn Park. While...

January 2, 2025

What’s On Track: Stakes of all Shapes & Sizes Ring in the New Year

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Red Hot Coal On a run of two straight stakes wins, Coal Battle (9-2) enters the $250,000 Smarty Jones with no intentions of slowing down. A pair of...

December 26, 2024

What’s On Track: A Sizeable Selection of Premium Stakes Action

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon A Year to… Although White Abarrio’s 2024 season has been a far cry from his brilliant 2023 campaign, the 5-year-old can end the year on a high note with a...

December 19, 2024

What’s On Track: Gulfstream Park Paces the Pack with Three Graded Stakes

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon I’ll be Transparent… Win for the Money’s intentions are clear ahead of this Saturday’s $215,000 Fort Lauderdale (G2T) at Gulfstream Park. While the...

December 12, 2024

What’s On Track: An Intriguing Lineup of Seasonal Stakes Span Far and Wide

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon New York, New York The good times in the Empire State (at least for Mets fans) keep on rolling with a pair of $500,000 New York Stallion Series events on...

November 28, 2024

What’s On Track: A Fleet of Ferocious Competitors Take to Iconic Venues for Shot at High-Quality Stakes

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Above the Norm Three cheers for Good Cheer, the 2-year-old filly who’s off to a perfect three-for-three start to her professional racing career. The promising...

November 22, 2024

What’s On Track: Plenty on the Line for Savvy Youngsters & Eager Veterans Over Well-Rounded Stakes Weekend

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Rookie Reset While scouts may not look as fondly on “older” rookies – for example Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix – getting a step ahead of the learning...

November 14, 2024

What’s On Track: Budding Youngsters & Accomplished Veterans Clash with Bragging Rights on the Line

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon A New Adventure If Davy Crockett is anything like his lionhearted namesake, then the 2-year-old colt will embrace the uncharted territory that is the $150,000...

November 7, 2024

What’s On Track: Aqueduct, Churchill Downs, & Woodbine Ready to Shine After Dynamic Breeders’ Cup Weekend

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon The Art of Resilience The 2024 campaign hasn’t exactly gone to plan for multiple graded stakes winner Master Piece (CHI), but the 8-year-old Chilean-bred can...

October 31, 2024

What’s On Track: Breeders’ Cup Special 2024

SAN DIEGO — By Matthew Lomon Off Home Turf After posting Rafael Nadal-esque clay numbers on the turf, City of Troy – the highest rated turf horse in the world – will make his dirt debut...

October 24, 2024

What’s On Track: Rematches, Close Calls, & Roaring Returns Lead a High-Powered Stakes Weekend

TORONTO — By Ed DeRosa The Sequel With the buzz around Hit Show (2-1) at an all-time high heading into Saturday’s $350,000 Fayette (G2), nine challengers, including Rattle N Roll (4-1),...

October 17, 2024

What’s On Track: Rematches and Highly Anticipated Debuts Headline East-Coast Focused Stakes Weekend

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon A Noble Challenger Knightsbridge may not be as experienced as his 11 contemporaries in Saturday’s $300,000 Perryville (G3) at Keeneland, but the 3-year-old...

October 10, 2024

What’s On Track: A Weekend of Captivating Stakes Action Spanning Far and Wide

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Big Game Fever Caitlinhergrtness is out to prove her brilliant conquering of the 165th King’s Plate was no fluke when she contests the $750,000 Queen Elizabeth...

October 3, 2024

What’s On Track: Breeders’ Cup ‘Win and You’re In’ Events Take Over Massive Stakes Weekend

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Terrific Twos Immersive’s imperviousness to the dreaded ‘terrible twos’ has been a marvel for ownership group Godolphin, whose homebred filly is off to a...

September 26, 2024

What’s On Track: Big Money & Bragging Rights Headline Weekend of Elite Coast-to-Coast Stakes Action

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Bring it Home After five seasons, 12 wins (10 graded stakes), and $2.875 million banked, War Like Goddess has given her connections just about everything they...

September 19, 2024

What’s On Track: Parx Takes Centre Stage as Top Performers Stay East for Shot at Leading Roles

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Rested and Raring to Go The last two starts have been tantamount to a championship hangover for 2024 Preakness (G1) winner Seize the Grey, but the 3-year-old...

September 12, 2024

What’s On Track: Turf Champions Day at Woodbine, Raucous Rookies at Churchill Downs, & Plenty More Stakes Action Ahead

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Three’s Company For all the talk around Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, and a potential Kansas City Chiefs threepeat, there’s another powerhouse trio with a...

September 5, 2024

What’s On Track: A Memorable Weekend Ahead as Dogged Competitors Push for Posh Purses

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Still Burnin’ After 29 starts, four graded stakes wins, and over $2 million in total purse earnings, 7-year-old gelding Get Smokin is still hungry for more....

August 29, 2024

What’s On Track: Top Competitors have (Multi) Millions on the Mind Over Lavish Stakes Weekend

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Life-Changing Money Poll time! Who will earn more money in 2024: Houston Texans wide receiver Tank Dell or the winner of this Saturday’s $3.1 million Nashville...

August 22, 2024

What’s On Track: A Trio of Seven-figure Stakes Headline a Rich Weekend in Racing

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon A Royal Return A Twisters-esque scene in the Greater Toronto Area last Sunday cut short the most celebrated day on the Canadian Thoroughbred racing calendar....

August 9, 2024

What’s On Track: Saratoga and Colonial Downs Take Centre Stage Over Jam-Packed Stakes Weekend

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon 2.5 Million Reasons Colonial Downs is set to host a septet of stakes, including three of the graded variety, this weekend. Headlined by the $1 million...

August 2, 2024

What’s On Track: A Trio of Grade 1 Stakes at Saratoga Headlines the Rich Racing Weekend Ahead

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon The Future is Now Bright Future, who’s more than fit the bill through nine professional starts (5-0-2), is all about the here and now ahead of the $1 million...

July 26, 2024

What’s On Track: Big Name Horses Look to Bolster Impressive Resumes with High-Grade Stakes

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Printing Money If Hans Gruber and his crew invested their time and energy in Nakatomi the horse, rather than the Los Angeles plaza, they’d be a whole lot...

July 19, 2024

What’s On Track: Big Money, Rematches, and More at Monmouth and Saratoga; Del Mar Kicks off 2024 Meet

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Formidable Foe If Leslie’s Rose (5-1) is the Buffalo Bills circa 1991-1994, then Thorpedo Anna (1-2) is the Lombardi Trophy. The pair will meet for the third...

May 15, 2024

NewsWhat's on the track

WHAT’S ON TRACK: RECORDS, QUALIFYING POINTS, AND REMATCHES HEADLINE A STAKES-FILLED WEEKEND

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Derby Darlings Not only will trainers Steve Asmussen and Todd Pletcher be jostling for

February 16, 2025

ICYMI: Fair Grounds Leads the Charge, but Gulfstream & Santa Anita Produce Equally Exciting Results

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon League of Their Own Good Cheer, who is now 5-for-5 after claiming this past Saturday’s $282,000 Rachel Alexandra (G2) at Fair Grounds, is nearing a level of...

February 9, 2025

ICYMI: Close Calls at the Wire Define Exhilarating Stakes Weekend

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon All Signs Pointing Up A signature showing in Saturday’s $140,000 Sam F. Davis earned John Hancock his first career stakes title in his debut at the level....

February 2, 2025

ICYMI: A Spread Out Stakes Weekend Provides a Slew of Scintillating Finishes

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Square Up A choppy break out of the gate in Saturday’s $250,000 Holy Bull (G3) backed Burnham Square into a corner, but the 3-year-old gelding showed a flair...

January 26, 2025

ICYMI: White Abarrio Owns Pegasus, but Underdogs and Close Calls Still Shine Bright

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon White Hot It’s White Abarrio’s world and we’re all just living in it. The electrifying 6-year-old turned in a world-class effort on Saturday at...

January 19, 2025

ICYMI: Favorites Make Oddsmakers Look Good Over Entertaining Stakes Weekend

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Panic at the Disco It wasn’t the smooth trip they likely envisioned, but rider Florent Geroux and 9-5 favorite Disco Time found their groove in the nick of...

January 5, 2025

ICYMI: Several Streaks Kept Alive Over Thrilling Stakes Weekend

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon More in Store A noble effort from Barnes in the $200,000 San Vincente (G2) netted the lightly raced youngster ‘graded stakes winner status’ in his first test...

December 29, 2024

ICYMI: No Shortage of Bold Performances over Highly Competitive Stakes Weekend

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon A Roaring Success Mufasa (CHI) claimed his spot atop the throne with a lionhearted effort in Saturday’s $165,000 Mr. Prospector (G3) at Gulfstream Park....

December 15, 2024

ICYMI: Underdogs Give it their all, but Leading Choices Reign Supreme

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Building an Empire If the name ‘Sacrosanct’ is too hard to pronounce, just call him ‘perfect’ instead. It got a little dicey towards the end, but the...

December 1, 2024

ICYMI: Underdogs & Favorites Share A Spaced Out Stakes Weekend

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Short and Sweet Scratches to Audacious and Just Music shortened the number of contestants for Saturday’s $200,000 Comely (G3) to five, and the added space...

November 24, 2024

ICYMI: A Thrilling Stakes Weekend Led Comebacks, Upsets, & Everything In-Between

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Start the Bus Thanks to a dominant showing from 3-year-old filly Two Sharp, this Saturday’s $300,000 Chilukki (G3) had the feel of an early afternoon game...

November 17, 2024

ICYMI: Exhilarating Finishes Put Stamp on Underrated Stakes Weekend

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon 2 Much 2 Handle Two names, two starts, two wins. That’s been the story so far for 2-year-old colt Jack and Jim, who looked wise beyond his years in a...

November 10, 2024

ICYMI: A Laundry List of Long Overdue Moments Headline a Lighter Post-Breeders’ Cup Stakes Weekend

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Use That The sequel to Integration’s perfect rookie campaign (3-0-0 with two graded stakes victories) hasn’t been as riveting, but the 4-year-old colt sure...

November 3, 2024

ICYMI: Breeders’ Cup Recap Special 2024

SAN DIEGO — By Matthew Lomon Big Game Baller All it took for Sierra Leone to end a four-race winless streak was a matchup with 13 of the world’s greatest dirt horses in the $7 million...

October 27, 2024

ICYMI: Hot Streaks Continue and Slumps End Across Scintillating Stakes Weekend

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Give Him the Emmy Make that three weeks atop the charts for Hit Show, who starred in the $350,000 Fayette (G2) on Saturday afternoon at Keeneland. Billed as...

October 21, 2024

ICYMI: Racing Fans Treated to a Little Bit of Everything Over Thrilling Stakes Weekend

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Rave Reviews A Lamar Jackson-esque effort in the $350,000 Raven Run (G2) landed Emery her fourth win from five tries in 2024. The 6-5 closing line choice made...

October 13, 2024

ICYMI: Everybody Gets a Bite of the Stakes Pie Over Busy Canadian Thanksgiving Weekend

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon A Royal Romp An elegant effort from She Feels Pretty in the $750,000 Queen Elizabeth II (G1T) netted the 3-year-old filly her first graded stakes title since...

October 6, 2024

ICYMI: Promising Rookies, Established Veterans Take Advantage of High-Class Stakes Schedule

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Simply Spack-tacular We’re running out of superlatives for 4-year-old colt Carl Spackler (IRE), who collected his sixth career graded stakes title in...

September 29, 2024

ICYMI: Co-Stars Steal the Show Throughout Rainy Stakes Weekend

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Toll Bridge A win in Saturday’s $500,000 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic would have made War Like Goddess the first three-time champion in the history of the ½-mile...

September 22, 2024

ICYMI: Leading Contenders Take Care of Business Over Prime Graded Stakes Weekend

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Moment Seized After missing the board entirely the last two times out, Seize the Grey made his triumphant return to the winner’s circle on Saturday afternoon...

September 15, 2024

ICYMI: Underdogs Run Wild as Big Money Stakes Return Even Bigger Payouts

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Show Me the Money Usain Bolt was born to be a sprinter. Prince Fielder was born to be a baseball player. Win for the Money was born to be a champion racehorse....

September 8, 2024

ICYMI: Big Money Stakes Pave Way for Much Needed Wins

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon In Theory… Kentucky Downs’ stellar Saturday of stakes kicked off with a big bang courtesy of 3-year-old colt Howard Wolowitz. The 3-1 closing line choice in...

September 1, 2024

ICYMI: Underdogs Take Things Personally, Deliver a Stakes Weekend to Remember

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Business Trip Bellum Justum (IRE) continued the recent trend of the Irish winning in Kentucky with a textbook 2 ¼-length victory in Saturday’s $3.1...

August 25, 2024

ICYMI: A Slew of Big Money Matches End in Dramatic Fashion

TORONTO– By Matthew Lomon Thanks for the Compliment When the only knock against Fierceness reads more like a compliment, it says a whole lot about how highly regarded he is amongst his...

August 20, 2024

ICYMI: A Fun Stakes Weekend Sees Fillies Flourish from Coast-to-Coast

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Rolled the Tide After a tame start, a late push turned the tide of the $600,000 Alabama (G1) in Power Squeeze’s favor. Working in concert with rider Javier...

August 12, 2024

ICYMI: Top Choices Meet Lofty Expectations Over Loaded Stakes Weekend

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Watchful Eye Originally scheduled for Saratoga’s turf, Tropical Storm Debby pushed the $300,000 Troy Stakes (G3) to the dirt. The change in surface caused...

August 5, 2024

ICYMI: Top Talents of All Ages Claim Their Piece of the Pie

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon King Arthur It was clear from the get-go that the nine other hopefuls in Saturday’s $1 million Whitney (G1) at Saratoga stood no chance against the team of...

July 29, 2024

ICYMI: Familiar Faces Deliver Across Weekend of Coast-to-Coast Stakes Action

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Against All Odds It took nine tries, but Nakatomi is finally a graded stakes winner. Like the man who saved Nakatomi Plaza in 1988, the 5-year-old gelding...

July 23, 2024

ICYMI: Rookies, Vets, Longshots, & Favorites all Shine over Thrilling Weekend in Racing

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon No Slowin’ Down The summer of Dornoch remains in full force after another successful trip around the track in the $1 million Haskell (G1) at Monmouth Park....

July 15, 2024

ICYMI: Saratoga’s Stacked Stakes Weekend a Bettor’s Delight

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Laser-Like It took a laser-focused effort from Whitebeam (GB) to hold off Canadian Horse of the Year recipient (2022) Moira in Saturday’s $500,000 Diana (G1T)...

June 5, 2024

ICYMINews

ICYMI: A STAKES SLATE CHARACTERIZED BY UTTER DOMINATION OR THE CLOSEST OF CALLS

TORONTO — By Matthew Lomon Almost Automatic If an NFL kicker only makes 76 per cent of their…

December 28, 2024

How to Best Bet the “Queens County Stakes” At Aqueduct on Sunday

NEW YORK — By Chris Lomon Spotlight Race: $150,000 Queens County Stakes, 1 1/8 miles on the main track Date: Sunday, December 29 (Race 8, 3:35 pm ET ) What to do with a $20...

October 26, 2024

Betting Santa Anita: How to Best Bet the Autumn Miss Stakes on Sunday

CALIFORNIA — By Chris Lomon Spotlight Race: Grade 3 $100,000 Autumn Miss Stakes Date: Sunday, October 27 (Race 7, 7:04 pm ET ) What to do with a $20 Bet in the Autumn...

October 12, 2024

A Double Dip of Stakes Picks for Sunday Horse Racing Action at Woodbine

TORONTO — By Chris Lomon Spotlight Races: “Display Stakes” (Race 7) and “Glorious Song Stakes” (Race 8) Date: Sunday, October 13th Display Stakes...

September 28, 2024

How to Best Bet the Breeders’ Stakes at Woodbine on Sunday

TORONTO — By Chris Lomon Spotlight Race: $400,000 Breeders’ Stakes – the third jewel of the Canadian Triple Crown Date: Sunday, September 29 (Race 9, 5:40 pm ET )...

July 28, 2024

How to Best Bet Stakes Races at Saratoga + Del Mar on Sunday

CALIFORNIA — By Chris Lomon There are a pair of stakes races we’ll be looking to make some money on Sunday: 1. Spotlight Race: Race 9- $250,000 Bowling Green Stakes (G2T)...

July 25, 2024

HandicappingHeadlinesPicks

How to Best Bet Thursday Stakes Racing at Del Mar & Saratoga

DEL MAR PARK — By Ed DeRosa Two diametrically opposed styles of races headline the top summer racing today, as the feature at Saratoga Race Course is a turf sprint while the Del Mar...

July 21, 2024

Betting Saratoga: How to Best Bet the Shuvee Stakes (G2) on Sunday

NEW YORK — By Chris Lomon Spotlight Race: Shuvee Stakes (G2) at Saratoga Date: Sunday, July 21st (Race 5 at 3:17 pm ET ) What to do with a $20 Bet: $20 to win on Just...

July 11, 2024