#Smile Happy

Michael "The Wizard'' Kipness has been a professional horse racing handicapper since 1986. The Las Vegas resident analyzes the 20-horse field for Saturday's 148th Kentucky Derby, designating each horse as a contender or a pretender. Visit Wizardraceandsports.com for his full card selections and wagering strategies for Oaks Day (13 races) and Derby…

An enticing sequence of graded stakes make up a fascinating Pick 4 opportunity on Saturday's Churchill Downs slate. Post time for the first leg of the Pick 4 is 3:40 p.m. ET. My top pick is #2 Main Event (5-1), but I can't single the colt in a deep race. #6 Portfolio Company (9-2), Transylvania S. (G3) star #7 Sy Dog (7-2), and Shug McGaughey's #1…

When a horse is purchased for $1.1 million, expectations are high. Baffert trains Shaaz, who has won two of four career starts but finished third going a mile against Grade 3 rivals last time out. His victory at Santa Anita in April was impressive. Cutting back to one turn may help Shaaz. That said, he is facing some veteran horses who know a thing…

The bourbon and mint juleps will be flowing at Churchill Downs for the 148th running of the Kentucky Derby, which hopes to race past last year's controversy The 2021 winner, Medina Spirt, was disqualified after testing positive for a banned substance. Bob Baffert, the horse's Hall of Fame trainer and a six-time Derby winner, was banned by Churchill…

The Kentucky Derby, the first and perhaps most important leg of the Triple Crown, is just two days away and horse racing fans will finally get to see what the race looks like without a Bob Baffert-trained colt on the track. Zandon, this year's betting favorite to win in the field of 20 thoroughbreds at 3-1, enters the 148th Run for the Roses having…

Assessing The Early Favourites For The Kentucky Derby The whole world's eyes will be on Churchill Downs in May, as the 2022 Kentucky Derby is staged on the second Saturday in the month. Once again, the leading three-year-olds in the United States will be on show, as the Triple Crown season gets underway. Much like taking advantage of the Bet365…

The principal action for Kentucky Derby 148 occurred more than 2000 miles west of Churchill Downs Thursday morning as Santa Anita Derby (GI) winner Taiba worked six furlongs in 1:12.80. "It was very straight forward," trainer Tim Yakteen said. "He worked three-quarters from the five-eighth pole. It was a typical Taiba work and we accomplished what…

Get the best Kentucky Derby plays from the horse racing experts at TwinSpires, including exacta, trifecta and superfecta picks. The 148th running of the Kentucky Derby will feature a fierce field of 20 horses set to race 1 1/4 miles on Churchill Downs' historic race track on Saturday, May 7. One undefeated runner, a Japanese-bred starter, and a…

According to Churchill Downs' Mike Battaglia's opening odds, thoroughbred contender Cyberknife is a 20-1 shot for Saturday's Kentucky Derby. Even if he doesn't win, his owner deserves a bouquet of roses or at least a glass of champagne. You see, Al Gold had more important things on his mind when he named his Chestnut colt. The prostate cancer he…

Last Saturday's Florida Derby, Arkansas Derby and Jeff Ruby produced as many as seven starters for the Kentucky Derby on May 7. A similar allotment may be known by the end of racing Saturday after the Santa Anita Derby, Blue Grass and Wood Memorial. The Santa Anita Derby in California features the brilliantly fast Forbidden Kingdom and Messier in…

Derby day has arrived, as sports bettors worldwide are looking to cash in on "the most exciting two minutes in sports" with the running of the 148th Kentucky Derby. Starting positions have been set, and a post time of 6:57 p.m. ET means that the first leg of the Triple Crown will likely conclude before the clock strikes 7. The 2022 Kentucky Derby…

Aboutthe only thing missing in Steve Asmussen's Hall of Fame career is a KentuckyDerby victory. That does not mean Las Vegas is shying away from him in 2022. With26 of his 3-year-olds among the betting choices at Circa Sports and CaesarsSportsbook at William Hill Nevada, Asmussen has nine more horses in the Derby futuresthan any other…

As the dust settled on Rich Strike's improbable 81-1 victory in the 148th Kentucky Derby on Saturday, the question of who would challenge him in the Preakness Stakes on May 21 in Baltimore, Maryland began to make the rounds across the country. Rich Strike, a last-minute Derby entrant who got a dream trip under jockey Sonny Leon for trainer Eric…

There will be 20 horses lined up in the posts at Churchill Downs for Saturday's Kentucky Derby. And 1.25 miles later, one will be crowned the 2022 champion and go on to leave Louisville with the opportunity to try to capture the illustrious Triple Crown. This year's Derby field is fairly wide-open, as there's no clear-cut favorite. So The Most…

Bettors and horse racing fans will descend upon Churchill Downs in Louisville for the 2022 Kentucky Derby on Saturday. The kickoff to the yearly Triple Crown features its usual large field. In total, 20 horses are set to run for the roses and a place in history. This year's American Classic race has a few favorites. Taiba has made a late run to…

The Kentucky Derby is the first leg of horse racing's Triple Crown and it will take place Saturday evening at Churchill Downs in Louisville. The year's derby will be one of the more interesting ones in recent memory since legendary trainer Bob Baffert will not be allowed at the track as he's serving a 90-day suspension. The ban was given to him by…

Dimers.com provides exclusive sports betting content to PennLive.com, including picks, analysis, tools and sportsbook offers to help bettors get in on the action. Please wager responsibly. Zandon has opened as a 3-1 favorite to win the 148th running of the Kentucky Derby this Saturday. TVG is celebrating the first jewel of the Triple Crown in horse…

Nest (white bridle), shown winning the 2021 Demoiselle at Aqueduct, returns as a heavy favorite in Saturday's Suncoast Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs, a Kentucky Oaks prep. Photo by Joe Labozzetta, courtesy of New York Racing Association Feb. 11 (UPI) -- Potential Kentucky Derby candidates are in action from California to Florida and all the way to…

French-born and Japan-based jockey Christophe Lemaire will try to transfer his international success to the United States when he leaves the starting gate aboard Crown Pride in the 2022 Kentucky Derby on Saturday at Churchill Downs. The 42-year-old Lemaire has led all Japan Racing Association jockeys in wins for five straight years. On Saturday, he…

The horses are nearing the starting gate for the 148th running of the Kentucky Derby. The post position draw and morning line oddswere released today, and the countdown to "the most exciting two minutes in sports" and America's most popular horse race is set. Post time for the Kentucky Derby from Churchill Downs in Louisville, KY is 6:57 p.m. ET on…

It's finally the first Saturday in May, meaning the 2022 Kentucky Derby is only a few short hours from starting. The "most exciting two minutes in sports" should once again live up to its reputation due to an intriguing field jam-packed with talented contenders. It's also the first Kentucky Derby in three years that will have a packed house of over…

The horses are nearing the starting gate for the 148th running of the Kentucky Derby. Mo Donegal will be first to load into the starting gate in post No. 1, and he'll be first to cross the finish line in the 2022 Kentucky Derby. You can bet on it. The opening pari-mutuel odds on Mo Donegal to win the Derby are 10/1. We're sticking to our plan to…

Grab your favorite hat and a refreshing mint julep, because it's almost time for the 2022 Kentucky Derby. And if you're the gambling type, it's just about time to head toward the ticket window to place some bets on this year's field of horses. Per usual, 20 horses will be competing in the 2022 Kentucky Derby. Seasoned gamblers know that the race…

Keeneland Barn Notes: Blue Grass Winner Zandon Zooms in Pre-Derby Work (Zandon in his work at Keeneland / Coady Photography) From the Keeneland Media Team: TOYOTA BLUE GRASS WINNER ZANDON TUNES UP FOR KENTUCKY DERBY WITH KEENELAND WORK Jeff Drown's Zandon, winner of Keeneland's $1 million Toyota Blue Grass (G1) on April 9, worked 4 furlongs…

The Kentucky Derby -- the greatest two minutes in sports -- is back in Louisville, Kentucky, on May 7. The Kentucky Derby is an event defined by pomp and fanfare, complete with big hats, mint juleps and major bets. Having attended last year's Derby, I can attest to the tradition and enthusiasm on Saturday of the race - from the infield to the box…

Michael McLaughlin's $300000 Iroquois Stakes (Grade 3) winner Curly Jack headlines a field of nine 2-year-old colts that were entered in Saturday's 96th running of the $400000 Kentucky Jockey Club (G2), a "Prep Season" race on the Road to the Kentucky Derby. The Kentucky Jockey Club, run at 1 1/16 miles, will award the Top 5 finishers points on a…

Churchill Downs' Barn Notes: Curly Jack May Set Them Straight In G2 KY Jockey Club (Curly Jack / Photos by Holly M. Smith) From the Churchill Downs Media Team: Michael McLaughlin's $300000 Iroquois Stakes (Grade III) winner Curly Jack headlines a field of nine 2-year-old colts that were entered in Saturday's 96 running of the $400000 Kentucky…

Mo Donegal rallied in deep stretch to get up in the final strides to take the 97th running of the $750000, Grade 2, Wood Memorial at Aqueduct on Saturday. After a slow start, Mo Donegal and pilot Joel Rosario settled comfortably towards the rear of the pack while Early Voting and Jose Ortiz set the pace in the 1-1/8 mile event. Mo Donegal saved…

Early Voting Set for Preakness; Zandon Decision Pending BALTIMORE, Md. - Trainer Chad Brown has not decided whether he will have one or two runners in the 147th Preakness (G1) on May 21 at Pimlico Race Course. Klaravich Stables' Early Voting (Gun Runner) is on course for the 1 3/16-mile Preakness, while Brown said that he is still considering a run…

In many ways the 148th running of the Kentucky Derby on Saturday represents a return to normal. A capacity crowd is expected at Churchill Downs after two years of COVID-19 disruptions and Nevadans are again able to access a full wagering menu on races from the Louisville track after resolution of a contract dispute. But the party-as-usual…

Second last time to the highly regarded and unbeaten Smile Happy in the Grade 2 Kentucky Jockey Club, Classic Causeway will look to begin his three-year-old season with his first stakes victory when he tops a deep lineup in Saturday's $250000 Sam F. Davis Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs. A son of Giant's Causeway, Classic Causeway was an impressive…

The "Fastest Two Minutes in Sports" is only one day away. The prestigious race will feature three horses with single-digit odds and 17 other contenders at potentially double-digit odds in a wide-open betting affair. Zandon for trainer Chad Brown was installed as the morning-line favorite (3-1), just slightly ahead of Steve Asmussen's attempt at a…

With three different Derby points races on Saturday and many other graded stakes races, fans can watch racing all day and not get bored. From a betting standpoint, the Grade 2, $750000 Wood Memorial Stakes at Aqueduct, Grade 1, $1 million Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland and Grade 1, $750000 Santa Anita Derby appear chalky. Players need to either go…

The Kentucky Derby is almost here and the latest TVG promo is a great way to bet on this historic race. Instead of leaving things to chance, place a bet on the horses completely risk-free. This TVG promo is unlocking a $200 risk-free bet for new users to use on the Kentucky Derby this weekend. Not only does this provide bettors with insurance on…

In this biweekly series, racing analyst Keeler Johnson shares promising horses from his handicapping watch list, reviewing runners who have recently caught his eye and previewing horses scheduled to run back in the near future. Upcoming Entries I loved the performance Epicenter put forth in the Lecomte (G3) at Fair Grounds last month. After carving…

Barely more than one month remains until the Kentucky Derby (G1) on the first Saturday in May. The Kentucky Oaks (G1), held one day prior, is also rapidly approaching. News and notes are coming fast and furious, so let's dive in and see what's happening. A trio of Kentucky Derby qualifiers worth 100-40-20-10 points to the top four finishers took…

At this time last year Medina Spirit was+2500 to win the Kentucky Derby. When he entered the starting gate his price was less than half of that. While 2021 was a wild year for trainer Bob Baffert, and the repercussions from the year cloud what his involvement in the Triple Crown will look like going forward, there is no doubt betting Derby futures…

The Kentucky Derby -- the greatest two minutes in sports -- is back in Louisville, Kentucky, on May 7. The Kentucky Derby is an event defined by pomp and fanfare, complete with big hats, mint juleps and major bets. Having attended last year's Derby, I can attest to the tradition and enthusiasm on Saturday of the race - from the infield to the box…

After a two-weekend pause, the Road to the 2022 Kentucky Derby resumes Saturday in New Orleans. Pappacap is the 8-5 morning-line favorite for the Grade 3, $200000 Lecomte Stakes. Post time from Fair Grounds is 7:20 p.m. EST, with TVG showing the 1 1/16-mile stakes for 3-year-olds. The Lecomte awards points toward the Kentucky Derby on a 10-4-2-1…

Pappacap (green silks), shown finishing second to Corniche in the Breeders' Cup Classic, is among the favorites for Saturday's Risen Star Stakes at Fair Grounds, a 50-point qualifier for the Kentucky Derby. Photo by John Voorhees, Eclipse Sportswire, courtesy of Breeders' Cup Feb. 18 (UPI) -- This is the weekend when we find out if a few highly…

1 3/16ths (Dirt) Preakness Stakes (G1), $1 million, 3 (Saturday 21 May) The 147th running of the Preakness Stakes is on the clock... Now, that a Derby Champion was crowned last Saturday, it is time to turn our attention to Pimlico Race Course, which once again hosts the 2nd jewel in the Triple Crown. Entries will be taken... and as the field takes…

Ready for the Run for the Roses? The 148th Kentucky Derby will take place on Saturday in Louisville, Ky., and the anticipation is champing at the bit. The premier event in horse racing comes with high payouts for the winner, huge fan interest - and perhaps most important, famously flamboyant outfits and hats from its attendees. Here's everything to…

Future Plans for other Preakness Starters BALTIMORE, Md. - Fern Circle Stables, Back Racing LLC and trainer Kenny McPeek's Creative Minister, who finished third in Saturday's Preakness (G1) at Pimlico Race Course, will be pointed toward the Belmont Stakes (G1) June 11 at Belmont Park. McPeek said the colt will likely have a couple of half-mile…

The bracing uncertainties of there being no runaway favorite for this afternoon's $3-million 2022 Kentucky Derby illuminate the robustness of the three-year-old Class of'22, as well as that of equine America, and that gives faithful Derby players many ways to cut the complex pie of their exotics. But there's still a blistering race to be run to…

Diego Herrera / 27 Abel Cedillo / 21 TRAINERS / WINS Philip D'Amato / 27 Bob Baffert / 25 Doug O'Neill / 23 John Sadler / 17 Richard Baltas / 16 Saturday • $100000 Irish O'Brien Stakes, fillies and mares bred in CA, 4-year-olds and up, 6 1/2 furlongs downhill turf course Sunday • $100000 Sensational Star Stakes, 4-year-olds and up bred in CA, 6 1/2…

Abel Cedillo / 15 Tyler Baze / 10 TRAINERS / WINS Bob Baffert / 20 Philip D'Amato / 15 Doug O'Neill / 13 Mark Glatt / 10 Two tied / 9 Saturday • $100000 Grade III Sweet Life Stakes, 3-year-old fillies, 6 1/2 furlongs downhill turf course • Trainer Bob Baffert is not sure if Corniche, winner of the Breeders' Cup Juvenile last fall at Del Mar, can…

I spent the last few seconds of the 2022 Kentucky Derby in shock as 80-1 longshot Rich Strike ran down favored Epicenter at the wire. Rich Strike practically bounced around after the race, biting at his lead pony and looking like he could do the whole thing all over again. Meanwhile I was almost scratching my head in disbelief. Weird things happen…

The 2022 Kentucky Derby is around the corner, and with it the beginning of the Triple Crown. It will be an attempt to return to normality, not just from the Covid pandemic, but controversy after Medina Spirit, the winner of the 2021 Derby, was disqualified due a positive test for betamethasone. The fallout from the test led to the suspension of…