Five From Derby Future Wager Go in Risen Star

By Mike Dempsey

The Kentucky Derby Trail heats up in a big way this weekend, with three preps on the menu along with Pool 1 of the Kentucky Derby Future Wager underway.

On Saturday, a field of ten three-year-olds go in the $300,000 Risen Star (G2) at Fair Grounds. The race is a key prep for the $1 million Louisiana Derby (G1) on March 26.

The other two Derby preps are Sunday’s $150,000 San Vicente (G2) at Santa Anita, and the $250,000 Southwest (G3) at Oaklawn Park.

The Kentucky Derby Future Wager gives horseplayers a shot of getting part of your betting bankroll down early on your early Derby pick.

Aqueduct Pick Four Preview – February 19

By Joey Adams

Last week we took a shot at the $250,000 Guaranteed Late Pick Four at Aqueduct. The winning ticket paid handsomely, $1,316.00, but we were left with the dreaded “three-of-four.” We had all the contenders, but couldn’t line them up correctly – and someone said that is required in order to cash! This isn’t an easy game.

The great thing about horse racing is there’s always a tomorrow, and once again we’ll take a crack at the big Pick Four at Aqueduct. You can’t win if you don’t play.

Risen Star Attracts Top Talent at Fair Grounds

By Aaron Huber

While other derby prep races and graded stakes have had trouble attracting top talent, the cream has really risen to the top at the Fair Grounds in New Orleans. Of the 10 3-year-old colts entered in this Saturday’s race several have won stakes and others have finished in the money in some rich events. Up for grab is $180,000 in graded stakes earnings for the winner and the prestige of a Grade 1 win – Both important things when aiming for the Kentucky Derby.

Kentucky Derby Future Wager – A Good Bet?

By Joey Adams

80 days. That’s all that remains until Kentucky Derby 137th on May 7 at Churchill Downs. While it may seem we’re still a long way from the big race, 80 days is actually precious little time for prospective three-year-olds to solidify their status by garnering enough graded earnings to make the starting lineup.

The early deadline for Triple Crown nominations was January 22, and 364 three-year-olds were nominated for a fee of $600. Topping that list was two-year-old champion, and early Kentucky Derby favorite, UNCLE MO. He was one of twenty nominations for trainer Todd Pletcher. Multiple Kentucky Derby-winning trainer Bob Baffert also had twenty nominations.

Super Saver’s Lil Brother Start of Kentucky Derby Preps

By Mike Dempsey

Brethren, the little brother of 2010 Kentucky Derby winner Super Saver was the star of the weekend among the three-year-old division, taking the $225,000 Sam F. Davis (G3) at Tampa Bay Downs.

“Comma” Can Go Right to Top of Derby Prospect Betting List

By Mike Dempsey

Comma to the Top puts his five race win streak on the line on Saturday as the heavy betting favorite in the $200,000 El Camino Real Derby (G3) at Golden Gate Fields.

The race is one of three key Kentucky Derby prep races, along with the $250,000 Robert B. Lewis (G2) at Santa Anita and the $225,000 Sam F. Davis (G3) at Tampa Bay Downs.

The Steve Asmussen trained Tapizar figures to be the heavy betting favorite in the Robert B. Lewis, while 2010 Kentucky Derby winner Super Saver’s little brother Brethren figures to take his share of the betting action in the Sam F. Davis.

Aqueduct Pick Four Preview – February 12

By Joey Adams

Once again this Saturday, Aqueduct rolls out its $250,000 Guaranteed Late Pick Four. Since its introduction nationwide, the Pick Four has become one of the most popular wagers on the betting menu. While selecting four consecutive winners is never an easy feat, those lucky enough to do so are often rewarded with large payoffs. As proof, the Late Pick Four on the last two Saturday cards at Aqueduct have returned $4,111 and $19,389!

California Derby Trail Heats Up with Robert B Lewis

By Aaron Huber

California racing is where it’s at this weekend with several Kentucky Derby prep races on tap for Saturday. The Grade 2 Robert B. Lewis and the Grade 3 El Camino Real Derby have managed to draw several of the same horses to the entry box – leaving racing fans on edge as to the final makeup of the fields. As expected Comma to the Top will likely defect to run in the El Camino Real Derby at Golden Gate Fields in order to avoid a confrontation with expected favorite and Sham Stakes victor Tapizar.

Winning Combinations – Revisited

By Joey Adams

A few weeks back we touched on the subject of “Winning Trainer/Jockey” combinations, and the ability of this handicapping angle to point horseplayers towards winning wagers. While this information is readily available, normally at a cost, to horseplayers through various services, it is very easy to assemble for any track you follow – you don’t need anything more than the daily results. Over time you will be able to see which trainers use which jockeys when they are pointing for “a score.”

Toby’s Corner Takes Whirlaway at Big A

By Mike Dempsey

Trainer Graham Motion may spike a case of Derby Fever after watching his promising three-year-old Toby’s Corner pull off the upset in Saturday’s $100,000 Whirlaway at Aqueduct.

The colt shipped in from Maryland off a 10 ¾ length maiden score followed by a win against first level optional claimers, with bettors letting the colt go off as the 9/2 third choice in the compact field of five.

Ridden for the first time by Eddie Castro, the colt broke smartly, and then was taken back to the rear of the field while saving ground down along the rail.