Weekend Winners Club

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March 22, 2025.  Today’s podcast includes a precap of three year old stakes madness at Turfway and the Fair Grounds.  Free 3yo Stakes Grid included.

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Download today’s free Grid here to follow along:

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Get The Grid for all your favorite tracks and races here.

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Turfway Park, Lexington Kentucky

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March 15, 2025.  Welcome to the Weekend Winners Club Weekly Precap, previewing key 3yo stakes races at Colonial for March 15.

See all WWC podcasts here

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First let’s do a quick recap of last week’s podcast on Mar.7 regarding the Tampa Bay Downs March 8 racecard.  The first race we mentioned was the MSW race 3.

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R3 1:18ET 6f D MSW 3 YO F 53000.  I said “Hey Cookie at 12-1 is my secret long shot special…” and then I laid the rationale. The result?  Hey Cookie won at 20-1 odds!  It’s always nice to start off strong. Following that, most of my long shot picks were either scratched, or favorites took over. Even the featured Tampa Bay Derby, resulting odds for top the 4:  3, 2, 4.5, and 2.  Ugh.

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Finally in race 12 the finale, we got back on board with some decent odds.

R12 6:06ET 8.5f T MSW 3 YO F 53000 My quote was: “Native Rose at 15-1?? Who’s making those odds? “

The other long shot mentioned was scratched, but the top 3 were exactly as I ranked them raced at 6, 5, and 11 odds. And If you like wheeling long shots at the bottom of your dime super, which I do and is a great idea in maiden races, you may have got the 162-1 longest shot in the field in that 4 spot for a $698 dime payout.

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So we started and finished the day strong, but with lots of scratches and favorites in between. .

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This week we’re looking at stakes and other 3yo races at Colonial Downs. Keep in mind that during the entire weekend will be the Kentucky Oaks and Derby Futures Pool until Sunday at 6PM.

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That’s right, the short but high paying Colonial Downs is back in action, but with a new twist. It’s all dirt racing this week, which is shocking if you’re familiar with this track.  I was not shocked to see a lot of scratches Friday, because that’s usual for Cnl, but 8 of 11 scratches in their feature race the Boston was unappealing.

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But the weather forecast is strong for Saturday  March 15, set for 75 horses running in 10 races, featuring the Virginia Oaks and Derby, both run on the big dirt oval for the first time, and we’ll just hope for no scratches.

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Download or View Colonial Grid Free Here

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R9 5:10ET 9f D VaDbyB500k 3 YO  .One man happy to see this race switch to dirt is Bob Baffert, who enters favorite Getaway Car, who already has some credentials including the Sunland Derby win last out.  His 4 last PFs are better than anyone’s best pair in the field, and there are 9.5 good pairs in this field, since Georgia Magic only has one dropped yet.

Brad Cox will counter with 2 entries, also with decent credentials. John Hancock is the 2^nd choice and has won his first 2 races at Tampa including the Sam Davis stakes. Rapture is set to win his first stakes races.

So these 3 combined look like a legit trifecta trio, but at 2-1, 3-1, and 5-1 odds .  They’re all 3 in the KD Futures Pool.

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R8 4:25ET 8.5f D VaOaksB250k 3 YO F .The Oaks is a shorter field but looks more competitive all around.  There’s no obvious favorite but we have 8 strong fillies and literally any of them could win.  Looks like a good time for some exotics wheeling and dealing.  Gowells Delight is the only one appearing in the Oaks Futures Pool.

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Keep in mind there are 4 maiden special weight races for 3yo’s on the card, and some of those look just as good as those entered in the stakes, but of course they haven’t won yet.  You can see what I mean if you look at the Grid.

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Moving over to the Ky Derby and Oaks Futures Pool 5 Grid, You will see those 4 highlighted, and that they’re not being favored at all to win.  Instead you see various horses and fillies from the Baffert and Cox barns in the chalk.  Except for Cornucopian at 60-1 with the 3^rd highest PF in the chart in his debut for Baffert.

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Get Derby Oaks Futures Pool Grid Here Free

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You can do with that what you want, but there are lot of great odds on good horses and fillies, so pick some names, trainers, or colors you like and try to lock in early for a big Derby weekend.

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I hope you enjoyed this podcast which is now a weekly staple at the WWC.

As always, you can get The Grid for all your favorite tracks and races here.

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Good luck!   Dalton out.

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March 8 2025 at Tampa Bay Downs

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It’s a huge day for 3yo’s and also other classes for stakes races, and those are the races we will focus on in this podcast.  Before we start, make sure you download the Free Grid below for Tampa Bay to follow along.

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Remember from this conversation, we only focus on legit long shot contenders.  Let the sheeple bet on the chalk, but you my friend, will bet on long shots with double digit odds.

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R3 1:18ET 6f D MSW 3 YO F 53000

The first 3yo race is this Maiden Special Weight, 3yo fillies competing for $53 grand.  Remember that none of the 4 horses that have actually raced have not actually won a race, that’s why it’s called a maiden race.

One of those might break through for the money, but the unraced horses coached by Chad Brown, Brad Cox, and Graham Motion look good coming in.

Hey Cookie at 12-1 is my secret long shot special.  Unfortunately, in her first race, she didn’t realize it was a race until it was almost over, and came on belatedly.  But I think she knows the deal now.  Box and wheel her in the exotics.

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R5 2:21ET 8.5f D Challngr-G3 4 UP 

The first stakes race is the Challenger G3 for older horses.  The chalk is legit and will probably run 1-2 or 1-3 or otherwise clog up the trifecta.

But the thing I like about this race is that there is a good amount of early speed in it, which should make for an honest pace, and set it up for the only legit closer in the field:

Instant Coffee at 15-1 morning line looks primed for another great race for Chad Summers.

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R6 2:55ET 7f D MSW 3 YO  53000

Race 6 is one of those MSW’s where anything could happen, especially at 7f.  I would wheel all at the top of a super and trifecta, anchoring it with chalk at the 2-3-4 spots.  If that hits then you’re golden.

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R7 3:28ET 8f T ColumbiaB125k 3 YO 

The second stakes race on the card is the Columbia Stakes, for 3yo’s.  As usual, the chalk contains legit contenders.  HOWEVER.

Versus at 12-1 ML with the high LP according to the Grid?  I’ll take it.

Tapirs Valor at 30-1 with the high EP transferring from dirt/sprint to turf route:   Yes, please. Wheel and win.

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R9 4:31ET 9f T Hlsborgh-G2 4 UP FM

On paper, the Hillsborough Stakes looks like another boring turf race for fillies.  However, the only two early runners in the field have long odds.

Damaso is 15-1  and will attempt an early lead for Kathleen O’connell.

She’s Fire at 30-1 is worth a bet in the exotics because she will be on the lead for most of the race.

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R10 5:03ET 8.5f T FlaOaks-G3 3 YO F

The Oaks is similar to the aforementioned race because there is very little early speed, so focus on speed.

Miavana at 12-1 ML is an E8 and will take the lead and has the speed to get to that wire first if unchallenged.

Love You Anyway at 30-1?! Kidding? A late runner but only missed by ½ length in her debut.

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R11 5:34ET 8.5f D TamDby-G3 3 YO 

Alas the big Tampa Bay Derby.   Looks very chalky so don’t bet it and just wheel the single digits in your rollers.

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R12 6:06ET 8.5f T MSW 3 YO F 53000

Native Rose at 15-1?? Who’s making those odds?  I also like the Mike Dini speedster at 20-1.  Box and wheel those 2.

Good luck, this is Dalton, over and out

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Get The Grid for all you favorite tracks and races here.

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Saturday March 1, 2025:  Three Year Old Preview at Aqueduct, Fair Grounds, Gulfstream, and Santa Anita

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Today we shall review the 3 year old stakes races in play for the Road to the Roses on their way to a possible Kentucky Derby berth.  Go ahead and open today’s custom 3 year old Grid below to follow along.  There are many other great stakes races at Aqueduct, Gulfstream, and Santa Anita, but they can’t be covered in a 5 minute podcast.

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R8 4:18ET 8f D Gotham-G3 3 YO

The first big 3yo race is the Gotham at the Aqueduct at 4:18 PM ET, and it may be the only decent wagering race for 3yo stakes today.

Sand Devil at 9-5 ML is the obvious and legit favorite, having won all 3 for Linda Rice thus far.

Flood Zone at 12-1 is my 2^nd choice, improving for Brad Cox in his 2^nd race.

Sacrosanct at 3-1 has won all 4 races for Brad Cox, including 3 stakes races.

Scorching at 10-1 has been good but not great, and normally this type of horse will freak out in his first dirt race, for John Charalambous.

After that it’s anyone’s guess, but the superfecta will include 2 long shots any way you cut it.

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R8 4:50ET 8.31f D LaStalnYr100k 3 YO

This is not an official Derby prep point race, obviously, but it is a stepping stone for those who wish to enter the Derby fray.  It looks quite chalky so I wouldn’t bet it.  Wheel the top 3 in your vertical wagers (rollers.)

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R13 5:44ET 8.5f D FntnOYth-G2 3 YO

Next up is the Fountain of Youth, which hasn’t produced many real Kentucky Derby contenders in a while, but we have to cover it anyway.  Not a great betting race because it looks chalky, so include chalk in the rollers.

River Thames rolls away with 2nd win for Todd Pletcher.

River Thames at 2-1 ML, who we recommended betting on in the last Ky Derby Futures pool, will get his first stakes racing test, but looks solid for Todd Pletcher.

Burnham Square at 5-2 already notched his first stakes victory for Ian Wilkes in the Holy Bull here at GP and continues to improve with each race.

Gate to Wire 6-1 won the Swale Stakes in his 5^th race but 1^st dirt race for Pletcher.  It’s unclear why he raced 4 times on surfaces other than dirt, but the Swale was by far his best run, and he did it going away, suggesting that the two turns shouldn’t be a problem, and nor is the surface apparently.

Sovereignty 6-1 won the Street Sense for Bill Mott and is a good 4^th option here.

Keep it Easy at 8-1  and Neoequos at 10-1 would also make good options for spot 4 in the super.

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R8 6:43ET 8.5f D SnFelipe-G2 3 YO

In the 8.5 furlong San Felipe at Santa Anita, scheduled for 6:43 ET, as usual it’s not all, but mostly about Bob Baffert, whose trainees consist of half of the 6 horse field.  It’s not a good race for wagering, but you do need to wheel 3 in your rollers.  Baffert’s Barnes and Rodriguez, for sure.  The winner could well be 3^rd ML choice Journalism, coached by Mike McCarthy.  Include those three.

The next Kentucky Derby Futures Pool is scheduled for March 14-16, so we’ll know a lot more at that point, but it’s best to track the young colts as we go along.  Visit our website at horseracebetwin.com/picks and make sure to visit Kentucky Derby Central for all the latest info.  We will have a new Derby Double Dozen posted by the Ides of March.

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Stay tuned and as always you can get the Grid for all your favorite tracks and races at HorseRaceBetWin.com

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Good luck!  This is Dalton, over and out.

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March 2025 Thoroughbred Stakes Racing Schedule for NTRA and JRA.

March kicks off stakes racing at Meydan Racecourse in Dubai with Super Saturday, followed by graded stakes at the Aqueduct, Gulfstream, Fair Grounds, and Santa Anita.

Meydan Race Course in Dubai, UAE

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March 2025 Thoroughbred Stakes Schedule and Results

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February 13, 2025.  Yes Kentucky Derby 2025 Futures Pool 4 is already upon us.  It’s hard to believe, but we are less than 3 months away from this year’s edition of the Kentucky Derby.

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Citizen Bull racked up his 3rd straight graded stakes win in the RB Lewis Feb.1

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Hey it’s Dalton.  The first thing you want to do is go to download THE GRID.   There is no requirement, it’s completely free and doesn’t even need your email address or any other information.  It’s a free resource for everyone.  You can subscribe to The Grid but that’s up to you.

But anyway you can download the FREE grid and listen to the podcast FREE right now.  Below that is the text of the podcast.

KDF02142025GM

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or

LISTEN ON IHEARTRADIO FREE ALSO

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I have highlighted about 12 horses on the Grid, in multiple colors, and I have done that for a good reason.  The horses in darkest green are my top 3 picks.  These are the horses that I will absolutely bet to win, and box them in an exacta to win on the first Saturday in May.

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Your first question is  “ Dalton, why are there three?”  And heretofore is your explanation.

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Citizen Bull (6-1 ML) is my top pick.  Look at the stats and The Grid.  He won the BC Juvenile, making him the only contender with a triple digit Grid PF, and followed it up with an easy win in the Bob/Bev Lewis Stakes.  Until he gets beaten, I’m waiting to see if anyone can beat him. With Bob Baffert as his coach, that can be difficult.

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Captain Cook (20-1)  Yes Dicky Drugs Dutrow is back in the Kentucky Derby after recovering from years of suspension.  Is he giving his horses illegal anti-inflammatory drugs again?  Probably, but like Baffert, it is likely in amounts that are untraceable, below the threshold (hopefully).

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Anyway, Captain Cook had a bad trip in his maiden voyage, then responded by winning his first at the Aqueduct on a sloppy track, then won the 9 furlong (formerly Grade 2) Withers Stakes with a great outside stalking move.  His ability on wet or dry track is thus proven and very formidable.

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John Hancock (25-1).  Do I like his name as the most prominent signature on the United States of America Declaration of Independence? Yes.   But the stats will confirm my opinion.  He has won both of his races, the last of which was the Sam Davis Stakes, and Brad Cox training him, yeah he’s in good shape.

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So those are the 3 for my February 16 exacta box, which is all the Futures offer besides win bets. If you want to box more I will give you that shortly.

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But first let’s mention the 3 horses highlighted in orange, who are actually racing in the Risen Star G3 on Saturday.  And that’s all we’re going to is mention them, because this is one of the weakest Risen Star fields I’ve ever seen.   Built, Jonathan’s Way, and Vasimo will never win a Triple Crown Race.

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Next we will talk to some more real contenders who may actually win a Triple Crown Race this year, and I’m just going alphabetically here for the honorable mentions.

Barnes (8-1):  Baffert is Into Mischief again with a San Vicente G2 winner.  Dangerous speedster.

Gate to Wire (30-1):  won the 7f Swale going away, can he manage 10f?  Pletcher says it’s possible.

Getaway Car (80-1!!!):  in the money for 5 graded stakes already for Baffert, should show up again.

Hypnus  (80-1)  it’s difficult for me to exclude from my Exacta Box.  1 race wonder? I doubt it.  Kenny McPeek and son of Into Mischief?  Alright he’s in my box, just talked myself into it.

Innovator (50-1):  Wayne Lukas was certainly an innovator of the horse racing industry.  He’s already in the Hall of Fame but has a few years left in him.  I’ve met Wayne and I love him, but that’s not why I’m ranking Innovator.  It’s just that Lukas magic that can give him a chance to finish in the top 4.

Journalism (20-1): He’s done nothing wrong yet, winning the LosAl Futurity last out.  Mike McCarthy is no stranger to high caliber horses, so he’s in good hands and should excel again.

River Thames (25-1):  Won both races going away, with probably more in the tank for Pletcher.

Rapture (50-1):  just a hunch mostly.  Uncle Mo, Brad Cox, won 2^nd MSW going away.  There’s a reason he’s in the KDF4 pool, and that reason is that the oddsmakers believe he can do something.

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I would like to give you my exact bets but the above should give you a clue as to what they will be.  Just don’t take my Getaway Car please.

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You want THE GRID for all your favorite tracks and races? Here. 

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February 2025 Thoroughbred Horse Racing Stakes Racing Calendar, Schedule, and Results for North America and Japan. Check weekly for updates on race results.
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Delta Downs kicks off the month with Louisiana Premier Night Feb.1

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Get THE GRID for all your favorite tracks and races here!

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February 2025 Thoroughbred Stakes Racing Schedule for NTRA and JRA

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Saturday January 25, 2025.Hallandale Beach, FL.  Gulfstream Park highlights graded stakes racing in January as usual, concluding the last weekend of racing with the Pegasus World Cup.  The 13 race card contains 1 listed stakes and 7 graded stakes, culminating with the two G1 World Cup races.

The Pegasus World Cup G1’s on dirt and turf highlight January for Gulfstream.

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After morning scratches, 144 horses are still entered in today’s racing at GP, with the first post at an early 11AM ET.  Stakes racing begins at 1PM with the GP turf sprint, and the graded stakes will begin just after 2PM.  The Pegasus races are the last two at 5PM and 540PM.

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Weather is sunny with no clouds and zero chance of rain, with temperatures ascending from 61 to 71 degrees in the afternoon.  Yes if you are anywhere else in the USA, you would wish you were here right now.  All races remain on their scheduled surfaces. There’s a Jackpot 6 carryover of $375k.

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Let’s make some predictions with an emphasis on long shot specials.  I don’t bet on favorites, never have except to include them in exotics because it’s normally stupid not to do so.  Straight up, absolutely not.  So if you don’t hear me mention a favorite in a race, that’s why.  We do long shots.  Let’s take a look at the stakes racing.  Download today’s free GRID to follow along.

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R5 1:02ET 5f T GpTrfSptL165k 4 UP

11           Reef Runner       12           P3           You like long shots? 12-1 ML isn’t bad for a legit contender.

The others that look good here are all 6-1 or less ML so I won’t mention them.

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R6 1:33ET 8.31f A Hcp100000 4 UP

3              Stanley House   8              P5

10           Evade    10           P3

1              In A Jam               12           EP1

6              Exact Estimate   8              EP7

I don’t have to tell you why.  Look at the Grid and figure it out.

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R7 2:04ET 12f T LaPrvyte-G3 4 UP FM

Chalk, chalk, chalk, literally are my top 3, then add a couple long shots.  Maybe box’em and hope. Don’t bother betting unless you include the long shots.   Either could actually win as well.

2              Whatlovelookslike           12           EP4

6              Marksman Queen            10           E5

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R8 2:41ET 8f D FHooper-G3 4 UP

It’s hard to envision the two favorites not going 1-2 or 1,3.  After that, the next 2-3 logical mounts are also next in ML odds.  Ugh.  I’ll pass this one except in the rollers.  Here’s my long shot special:

8              Bourbon Resolve              10           P1

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R9 3:13ET 12f T WLMcKnt-G3 4 UP

This race is Bold Act then everyone else. But the chink in the armor is, there’s almost no speed in this race.  Does that matter in a 12f turf race?  Yes it does.  Here are your early pace specials that could hold up for a piece:

3              Cathkin Peak      20           EP7

13           Dashman             15           P5

14           Capture The Flag              15           EP5

16           Lorenz  30           P0

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R10 3:45ET 8.5f T PWCFMTIv-G2 4 UP FM

Thanks to the AE’s there’s a decent amount of speed in here.  Here’s your pack of top LP’s.

6              Dona Clota          15           NA0

7              Minoushka         10           S0

8              Papilio   8              P3

10           Sacred Wish        4.5          P4

11           Bless My Stars   8              S0

12           See You Around 20           EP4

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R11 4:20ET 7f D InsdInfo-G2 4 UP FM

5 horse race.  No way I would touch betting this, but in your rollers include the 2 faves.

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R12 4:55ET 9f T PWCTfInv-G1 4 UP

Alas the first of the World Cup races.  I don’t know what happened to Nation’s Pride last out at the Bahrain Turf Club, but whatever.  It’s one race gone bad.  He’s the one to beat.  However, with he and Integration solidified as the chalk, that means almost everyone else is a long shot.  Here

2              Formidable Man               15           EP3

3              Mi Hermano Ramon        8              P1

4              Win For The Money        12           P3

8              Spirit Of St Louis               20           EP4

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R13 5:40ET 9f D PWCInvit-G1 4 UP

White Abarrio stayed ahead of Charge It in the April 2022 Florida Derby, adding to his Holy Bull win. (Eclipse)

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The grand finale includes one BC Classic winner White Abarrio as the 2^nd ML choice, and 1 Kentucky Derby winner, starting at 8-1 ML after a couple of bad races.  The ML fav is Locked in after a Cigar Mile G1 win. In addition to those 3 aI would like to present a couple of others:

1              Mixto    10           EP6         Last year’s Pacific Classic G1 winner.

2              Saudi Crown       4.5          EP6         Back in form after a horrid BC performance.

Mostly not great odds on anyone likable here either, unfortunately, but anything can happen.

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Good luck in your racing and wagering endeavours!

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Press here to get THE GRID for all your favorite tracks and races!

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Click here to Donate if this precap analysis helped you out today.

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January 21 2025.  The Kentucky Derby Futures Pool ran last weekend from Jan.17 to Jan.19 and turned a handle of $328,150, increasing the total of the Derby pari-mutuel pools to $810k.

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Use this link for the wagering recap from KD: KDF-POOL3-RECAP

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The majority of bettors are still not convinced that the champion is listed in this Pool, however, as the vaunted field once again took the biggest handle and wound up as the 4-1 favorite.

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The top individual entry and only single digit horse was Barnes, who has raced and won twice for Bob Baffert, last winning the San Vicente at only 7f earlier this month.

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Barnes won the 2025 San Vicente G2 in January his second time out for Baffert.

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Bettors were quick to dismount Baffert’s previous favorite, Citizen Bull, who did little wrong last year while winning two Grade 1’s including the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile.  Bull wound up 4th in the individual betting at 17-1. 

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Patch Adams was next in betting at 12-1 after winning exactly one race, breaking his maiden second time out at Churchill for Brad Cox.  After losing his first race.

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Next up was East Avenue, clocking in at 15-1, ahead of Citizen Bull, who finished 13 lengths ahead of him in the BC Juvenile.  Given, he did stumble at the break, but also the trainer is Brendan Walsh, who has had very few horses even qualify for the Derby.

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So the bettors must know more than you? Most likely, not.  You will have this site at your disposal to stay more informed than them.  Stay tuned for the first Derby Double Dozen rankings later this month.  You will see the link at the top or side menu.

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January 2025 Thoroughbred Horse Racing Stakes Schedule and Results for North America and Japan. Warm weather tracks Gulfstream and Santa Anita serve up the bulk of stakes racing in January as usual.  Stay tuned here for updated results.

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The Pegasus World Cup G1’s on dirt and turf highlight January for Gulfstream.

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2025 January Thoroughbred Stakes Schedule & Results NTRA & JRA

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Get The Grid for all your favorite tracks and races here!

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