News - Railbirds

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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 16, 2025

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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

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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

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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 6, 2025

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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...

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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),...

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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...

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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

June 14, 2024

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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...

June 11, 2024

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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...

May 21, 2024

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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

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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

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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

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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

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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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...

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...

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

HeadlinesNewsThoroughbred

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

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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...

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

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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

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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

HeadlinesNewsThoroughbred

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

HandicappingHeadlinesNewsThoroughbred

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

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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

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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

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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

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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...

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October 27, 2023

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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...

October 26, 2023

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

October 2, 2023

HeadlinesNewsStandardbred

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

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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

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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

HandicappingHeadlinesNewsThoroughbred

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

FeaturedHeadlinesNewsThoroughbred

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...

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September 7, 2023

HeadlinesNews

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

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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

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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

BlogExpertFeaturedHandicappingHeadlinesNewsThoroughbred

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

FeaturedHandicappingHeadlinesNewsThoroughbred

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

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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

FeaturedHeadlinesNewsThoroughbred

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

BlogFeaturedHandicappingHeadlinesNewsThoroughbred

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

FeaturedHeadlinesNewsThoroughbred

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

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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

FeaturedHeadlinesNewsThoroughbred

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

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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

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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

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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

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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...

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August 8, 2023

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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

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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

HeadlinesNewsThoroughbred

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

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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

FeaturedHeadlinesNewsStandardbred

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

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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

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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

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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

FeaturedHeadlinesNewsThoroughbred

“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

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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

FeaturedHeadlinesNewsThoroughbred

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

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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

HeadlinesNewsStandardbred

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

FeaturedHandicappingHeadlinesNewsThoroughbred

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

FeaturedHeadlinesNewsThoroughbred

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

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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

FeaturedHeadlinesNewsThoroughbred

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

HeadlinesNews

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

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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...

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...

June 5, 2024

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

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

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