If you challenge yourself to become a better person, it is possible. If you want to be a better cook, worker, student, neighbor, believer, it is possible. So, can it be possible to be a better gambler, handicapper, and sharpen your focus to win? Yes. – Nothing is easy, but it can be achieved. Like most things, it takes practice, dedication and preparation.

As children, we were given homework. It was not to punish but rather sharpen our focus to learn the lesson at hand. – Doing your homework prior to wagering is the answer and making moves depending on weather, track conditions, and biases that erupt are the keys. Not shooting from the hip hoping to hit the jackpot. Put the time in and examine with an open eye. Look at the factoids of top riders, trainers, shippers from outside tracks. Keep an open eye to all that is going on and you will start seeing the small differences that determine your outcome.

No blame game. It is not the guy smoking a cigar or talking too loudly that causes you to lose. It is your lack of focus and preparation. – If you won, was it because of external forces that has you cashing? No. – It depends on your ability to take in the info and pay attention to all of the small factors around you. Keep laser focus and patience and you are getting closer with every step.

Weather is key. When a sudden storm arises and washes away the track when you handicapped for a fast track. It may be time to go on a “scouting mission.” – This is where you observe the races and take notes for future races. This will enlighten you into how some runners fair in the mud or off going. Keeping copious notes is the weapon of all great handicappers. Nobody can how each track played out and referring back to your notes is a tool that will raise your game. Taking notes is just like in school it will help you prepare for a test down the road.

Watch replays. This is worth a million when it all comes down. I’ve paid attention to Equibase chart callers who really are a master of their craft. You can go back and look with open eyes how the race took shape. Don’t make things happen or the process is worthless. Look with an unbiased eye and look for horses with a poor start but made-up ground, checked multiple times but still was in the race when the real running begun, and was boxed in with a handful of horses with nowhere to go. All are nuggets of gold.

You choose 5 races on the card. Whatever you like. Long, sprint, turf. Your call. – Now, cut it back to the top three races. Of these, choose where 20% of your bankroll will go on two races and 60% on your top race. – Let me know how this works out for you. I bet you’ll have a couple of successful betting stories.

If going to the track. Get there at least 30 min early and find the seat you like. If reservations are needed, do it the day in advance. Get your mind heading in the right direction. – If you’re wagering from home. Start the same time and listen to the track handicappers. You don’t need their selections, but they will bring you closer with advice about the condition, bias, and weather in the area. All are key to finding how your handicapping will be used.

Give it a try and let us know how your day at the races played out!

Seems like yesterday as winter winds blew, and preps lined up by the weekend. It felt like it was a hundred years away as we made the mental countdown when days got longer, but the big weekend is upon. Time to hunker down and start your weekend handicapping now.

Louisville Forecast

The 7-day projected forecast has rain Tuesday – Thursday with a slight chance on Friday and Derby Day looks clear. – The best part of Churchill Downs is they have incredible drainage that can have a yielding turf course firm by the big day. So, if you’re planning ahead, there is a little glimpse of what Mother Nature holds. – The main course can take a beating from rain and the top-notch crew will have it looking good on Friday; look for the course to have plenty of moisture for the Oaks and the cool sunny day on Derby Day should dry out by the hour.

Race #11 – The G1 Kentucky Oaks – 1 1/8 main track – 5:51pm

#2 – Simply Joking (10-1) = Lightly raced daughter of Practical Joke out of an E Dubai mare Imply. The dam has 2 starters, 2 winners, and both were stakes winners. Her last works have a blazing bullet the best of 56 works at that distance for the day going 58.2 – Her next work was ultra sharp as well over the deep Fair Grounds strip. Florent Geroux in the irons for Whit Beckman and she has two wins, and a close 2nd beat by 3/4 at the wire. Her win in the Silver Bullet Day was over a sloppy/sealed track, and with rain in the forecast most of the week should fit into her wheelhouse over a track that may come up a little soft. Her last race in the G-2 Fantasy Stakes was a key race where three runners have come back and produced two winners. There should be plenty of honest pace and her stalking style should fit like glove.

Use with #8 – Five G, #14 – Quietside, and #11 – Good Cheer. 

Race #12 – The G1 151st Kentucky Derby – 1 1/4 – 6:57pm

The race has plenty of speed, stalkers, and runners who come from out of the clouds. The winner will have to get the perfect trip in this field, and I’m leaning toward a couple runners you may want to take a double look at before making final decisions.

#10 – Grande (20-1) = Lightly raced son of Curlin for Todd Pletcher. Should play the role of the stalker with the pace in here and with Johnny V jumping back aboard has me excited. JV has been talking about retirement for quite some time, and what better way than play the role of the spoiler? – He has three starts, 2 wins, and a solid second in the Wood Memorial. This is his third start off a brief layoff, and both were at a 1 1/8. A nice work 20 days following the Wood and Johnny V wins 26% of the time when aboard for the “Todd Squad.”

#18 – Sovereignty (5-1) = 3rd off the layoff for the Bill Mott barn with Junior Alvarado in the saddle. A perfect late runner and was a beaten favorite in the Florida Derby last out. This son of Into Mischief is a gamer and 1/1 at CD and should be moving as they make their way on the far turn.

#19 – Chunk of Gold (30-1) = Jareth Loveberry aboard for Ethan West who is a local trainer in Northern Kentucky but looks like he is ready for the next level. Four lifetime starts with one win and three trips as a runner-up. West wins 40% with graded stakes and look at his last work; 59.1 over the Turfway Tapeta which is very fast over the forgiving surface in Florence. He’s done nothing wrong and a date with the winner’s circle is not one bit out of the question.

Just about the time you think you’ve seen everything; wonderful things appear. 2025 has me scratching my head and looking forward to the hidden gems that will surely keep us on the edge of our seats.

Perry Ouzts is the 5th leading rider in Norths America, and 7th in the world. – Closing in on 71 years old, Ouzts is still swinging for the fences. Climbing the ladder to move up another spot on the all-time win list is getting tough. – But Perry has his sights set on another milestone for total number of mounts ridden. – Russell Baze has 53,578, and Perry Ouzts has 53,476. He is only 102 mounts away from tying Baze and 103 from being the rider with the most mounts in a career. Just when it looked like the list was not going to be moving much, Ouzts digs down deep and competes at his highest level at all times. Poised to Baze with a little racing luck he should this milestone in early July.

Just as I was writing this article, I looked up and saw Perry on an 8-1 shot at Turfway Park jogging on the track. When he turned for home in the familiar red and white silks of Larry Smith, he drew off and won by daylight.

Just when you think you’ve seen it all. Along comes a rider closing in on 71 years old who rides like a jockey 40+ years his younger. I can’t wait to see Perry notch another win his storied career. Having a living legend in your own backyard is a true pleasure to behold. He wants his records at Belterra Park as he sometimes still refers to as River Downs that he held sway for decades. Perry Ouzts is a special piece of Thoroughbred racing. Rare is it to find someone his age plying their trade and still winning races like he always has. – Be sure and keep track and be there on the day when Ouzts notches his last career milestone. – Long may you ride, my friend.

Walking through the giant gates captured your senses. The barking of the program / tip-sheet sellers; hot dogs wafting through the air and the scent popcorn off in the distance drawing you in. The whirl of humanity and bettors filled wagering lines, and the parking lot was crammed to the hilt. Ultimately you made your way through the maze to where everything begins; the paddock saddling enclosure.

As a kid it was a magical day watching 1,200 lb. thoroughbreds saddle and ready in the paddock. When the multi-colored silks worn by the riders came out of the jocks room, you could feel electricity in the air. – When the paddock judge gave the command for “riders up” you knew the show was minutes away. It was like fighters making the long walk to the ring. The contest was ready to begin.

When the bugle played my favorite song ” The Call to the Post,” the horses danced on tip toes and pranced before the crowd. Heads bowed and a couple would jog away from the pony to loosen up their runners. The rest stayed in a military line and slowly picked up speed with the jockey high up in the irons. As they made their way to the starting gate in a line. Some standing still and others rustling around awaiting the bell.

“And they’re off!” – Runners shuffle in and out and vie for position. A horse dove to the rail and one went to the front to dictate the pace. The field begins to separate, and you’ll see them settle into stride for the big move at the 3/8th’s pole. This is when you see the fans press against the fence getting the garden spot watching for their runner making the winning move. – As they near the wire you can hear the throngs of cheers from the grandstand as the finish line will tell the final truth of the outcome of the race. I doubt I’ll ever have this much excitement standing over a roulette wheel.

Races would come and go and the walk to the car is for making excuses or planning the next trip. I was lucky for a horseplayer. We could go to the summer day races at River Downs and a winning day was in the pocket you could count on a box of chicken and heading out to the Latonia Trotters. Man, these were the best of times. What I wouldn’t give to have another double-header with my dad driving his big 4 speed truck. It seemed like they would never end, but with everything they fade into time and become a sweet memory.

Every day at the races is golden for bettors. There are only so many, and you never know when they will become a memory.

Brick and mortar contests have gone the way of the dinosaur, unless you are playing a $3,000 cash money contest where the track makes good handle. Turfway Park has tried to kick off some of these again and it looks like a winner. Players love to play and the bettors at home love the ability to take a good shot at the prize.

I love the contest play, and the opportunity to take a shot at the big prize. – Working in racing does not allow me to take part, but I will surely inform all of my buddies who enjoy the action. They love seeing players from all parts gather at Turfway Park and do friendly battle to see who the best capper is for the card.

Each year, I talk a walk down the past 365 days. I ed my dreams, wishes, and hopes for the year. This year has been no different and my introspective thinking has me looking back on the days gone by and the New Year that awaits. Here are some wishes and hopes for the 2025 year in racing.

I hope that the entities that bought up old tracks stop using them as a gaming license to get them started in the slot business. It was racing that first had you looking at the property and you figured if they liked horse racing; hell, they’re gonna love this mindless game of random luck. Well, if you keep jamming this down their throats they will play until they’re broke, and all you have to do is roll out a new program of “free play” for singing up, and “presto” they are the next generation. – Horse racing had people engaged for decades. Do they have a winner’s circle for a large group to get their picture taken after the big slot machine win? Nope. Some person looking tired from sitting for hours holding a big cardboard check. Not much excitement as people are craning their neck to see if you’re leaving your red-hot machine.

How about this? – Make your property an entertainment destination to enjoy the buffets of gambling that give players a little sampling of everything. – There has been little to no cross-promotion. The new companies keep racing and gaming as far apart as possible. Why? I have no clue. I would want slot players to play the ponies and once the races are over hit the slots and catch the live band on stage during a Happy Hour at the bar. Allow people to enjoy everything your property has to offer, and you’ll be that destination property they won’t drive past to find another. – I hope that 2025 has hope for ing racing and helping it to grow again. I know it’s a long shot, but they do happen. – Invest in the whole property and stop worrying about profit margins. Let the players enjoy all you have to offer, because if you keep splitting the two forms of gambling it will eventually fizzle out. I’ve seen it at a couple places I’ve worked.

I’ve never understood why the new Racinos and Casinos don’t offer a tutorial play for free and accrue points on their website. – Let them play with “Lucky Coins” and after accruing points from playing the horses or video gaming, they can come out and receive a 25% voucher off food and beverage, or a $20 voucher for the ponies and $20 free play on the slots. – People enjoy learning, but many won’t lose the car payment while learning to play the Buffalo Slots. – Let them learn on their own time and they will make the trip to play. They call that the ultimate bounce-back offer. I love learning new games and once upon a time that is how I learned to play Craps before going to Las Vegas. Getting a free night’s stay was icing on the cake and made many trips over the past thirty years. – Everyone wins! – You learn how to play for nothing, and the house has a profile for you they can roll into place with your player’s loyalty card waiting at the front desk with a small gift. – This turned a computer player into a long-time guest for years to come. Give them a reason to take a look at your entertainment destination and they’ll be coming with friends for years.

For 2025, I hope for a fresh approach of getting to know your players instead of seeing their name pop up on a screen and come running out to give a fake welcome. All managers and workers on the floor staying in touch being available is the answer. They don’t have to find you as you’re “Johnny on the Spot” to take care of their needs. – Just don’t assume they show up. You have to be out and about on the floor. Makes people feel really special like on opening night, but you allowed the facility to drop back into a coma-like approach. – Get out there! – I did it years ago and we took an older track and made people feel special. But that too will wear off and it is your job to keep it fresh and ever changing to engage them as your guest. – We didn’t keep changing for the future, and you can bet your bottom dollar gamblers grew weary of the same old action.

Your friends at Winning Ponies wish you and yours a safe and Happy New Year! – We hope racing can make a big step up to the plate as there is plenty for electronic gaming and horse racing to both survive for years to come! – Trust me, I’m working in the industry and have been seeing some incredible strides for both.

The season is upon, unwrapping gifts and sharing a glass of egg nogg with family and friends around the tree. No matter who you’re sharing your holiday with, take time to give thanks and enjoy the moments we have together.

Just like Santa, I’ve seen a great deal watching all the good boys and girls. Here are a couple of miracles of Christmas that touched my heart.

There is a jockey who is a kind and giving soul. All year long he gathers toys, clothes, life necessities, and puts on a fiesta fit for a king. – He came from a very poor beginning and every year he gives back to his whole community. Toys for all of the kiddies and presents for all of the parents in the form of food and life necessities. They celebrate by breaking bread together and sharing the evening telling tales and ing around delicacies that are sure to bring a smile.

I’ve heard of many holiday traditions and gathering of friends and family. But this one takes the prize. – My Mom used to tell me the season was about giving and sharing. That’s where the joy is found. This year give thanks for everything we have and share with others!

Every Christmas, a couple of parking lot kids would tell us about the yearly tradition their father ed on to them. – They would not open a present, have breakfast, or sip a warm glass of hot chocolate. – They would dress all warm and make their way down to the local bakery buying them out. The boxes overflowed, and smell of fresh pastry filled the car. – Dad and his two sons would drive down to the local homeless shelter and serve pastry and hot coffee. Dad would walk around the room and out envelopes with a little money for each. – When I was younger, I thought this is nice, but after a few years knowing these young men, I realized their Father was teaching the real meaning of Christmas.

This year, take the time for gratitude and sharing. Afterall, that is the true meaning of the season. For some the season can be tough and the best remedy is talking, eating, and sharing a few laughs. Check in on the older couple down the street, stop by the homeless shelter, soup kitchen, and anywhere people who may need a hand up. Stop by the ATM and get some cash and drop it in an envelope. When you see someone sleeping under the over or just sitting against a building clutching a blanket to keep warm. Drop off your little goody and you’ll feel the joy of helping. Stop by any retirement community with games and some music to reach their hearts of times gone by. – This is the season of happiness and gratitude. You’ll walk away feeling the true meaning of giving.

Happy Holidays from your friends at Winning Ponies, and we’ll have a few power plays for Thursday to get your bankroll swelling up in no time.

After eating more than your share of turkey and pie, it’s time to kick back and hunker down with some red-hot power plays that will be sure to have you going back for seconds. Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours from your friends at Winning Ponies!

Churchill Downs

Race #1 – #6 – Black Iron = Drops min class and two back this son of Constitution broke his maiden at KyD. Look for strong speed today over the deep course.

Race #2 – Expensive Cut = 2nd time off the layoff and plenty of speed to light up board under Brian Hernandez. Catch him if you can.

Race #4 – #4 -Cruise Missile = Speedy filly coming off a 48 day break. She drops down two class levels and Ken Meek wins 33% on this move.

Race #6 – #4 – Proctor Street = Daughter of Street Sense who is 2 wins from 3 starts. Tyler Gaffalione for Brendan Walsh. Look for a strong late run from this well-bred gal.

Race #9 – #4 – Musical Mischief = Coming off a two month break and a win in the G2 Locust Grove. She’s a perfect stalker and should make a solid move turning for home for Edgar Morales.

Race #11 – #4 – Queen Regent = Makes her trip to the states and is regally bred for Brendan Walsh for the greensward. Frankie Dettori makes this an attractive wager.

Fair Grounds

Race #6 – #7 – Shoot the Nickel = He was rolling late last out going 6f and today stretches out to a mile. Marcelino Pedroza has the call and if the price stays 10-1, it could be a nice score at a price.

Race #9 – #1 – Giant Mischief = Draws the rail off a win 48 days ago at Keeneland. He should be very close to the leaders and get a perfect stalking trip holding the rail.

I always wanted to be a gambler. We pitched pennies as kids in the boy’s room, played euchre at parties, and went to the races with my dad. – The word gambler was a badge of honor for some, while others thought it was straight from the Devil’s words. Not me, it was excitement, and a chance to share the action of rolling dice with friends. – The memories last a lifetime.

This time writing and thinking is from a friend. – I asked him what he was doing for Thanksgiving. – I was going to invite him and his wife to my son and I as we enjoy a bachelors feast watching football. Sounded nice, until he trumped my offer with the greatest idea. – They are going to his in-laws the day before and heading down to enjoy a great day of racing at Churchill Downs. – Man, that sure beats the hell out of dinner with two guys watching football. – Great idea. Give thanks for being able to do what you love and spend it with who you hold dearest.

I used to work on Thanksgiving and our meal was always held up until I could get there around 5:30. – Warm house, incredible homemade food, and laughter abound. – Yesterday, we helped Mom sell her house and she moved away. No more glowing light from around the table, or the smell of freshly made bread. Cold, and belonging to someone else now. – Not to cry or bitch. We had decades of a beautiful memories. Time and tide wait for no man. People have ed, the babies grew into adults, and the memories are what this gambler is thankful for.

For some it is a cornucopia of food, and it rarely happens. Hell, my mom cooked like that every day of my life. It is a meal, and a day to to be thankful. – We were thankful every time she called our names to the table. It was a great time to have her as mom being young with your life ahead. – For that, I am thankful for the many years of home cooked meals, laughter, and having her as our mother.

Now, no more goofing around. – Next year, I’m grabbing my son and some friends and making reservations at Churchill Downs for box seats, ten great races, and a wonderful feast we’ll share.  It’s just a meal, and being thankful is the message. Thankful for health, time spent together, laughter, and creating new memories with people we love. How many kids will tell their buddies they went to the track on Thanksgiving? Maybe we’ll alternate between going to the casino one year and the track the next. – Times change for some, and others come up with great ideas like my good friend. Damn! – I sure wish I’d thought of that one. But you can bet your ass I’ll be creating new memories and being thankful from the bottom of my heart. – Thank you for the friends of my youth, friends during college years, the incredible people I have had the great pleasure of working with and sharing an office that looked more like Animal House, and a wonderful son who is my best friend. Damn, I’m a pretty lucky fella. – One more time looking through the windows watching mom make incredible food for us to share. If you had a friend, someone from work, or anyone you wanted to bring was welcome at mom’s table. – It’s just a meal; but giving thanks with people we love is the part to hold tight.

Happy Holidays from Winning Ponies!

I loved playing horse racing contests for years. I have travelled all over and qualified in some of the biggest and best events. – For the contest scene, I have won, come close, and missed by a mile. When my son went to college, the contest scene has dwindled a bit for this handicapper. It has become a distant memory and someday I hope to get back in the game. That is, if they’re still around.

“Brick and Mortar” contests are the ones held at the track itself. Players had to travel, drive, and make flight plans. Factor in the cost of the accommodations, travel, having dinners out, and a few drinks with fellow players congratulating and making excuses for bad beats. – It becomes an expensive weekend. They have all but went the way of the dinosaur.

Some of the best contests happened at Keeneland, Churchill, Beulah Park, and Indiana Grand. – These are just to name a few of my favorites, and they were in driving distance from my front door. – They offered food, free DRF’s, and drawings for giveaways. As a player, you couldn’t ask for more. The top three qualified for the NTRA Contest to be held in Vegas. I made it on the list a few times to do battle with the best of the best. – The last contest I played in was at Red Mile in Lexington, Kentucky. $25 per entry / three max. It was held on the Del Mar card, and I came in 2nd by 20 cents. It was a great time, and I loved seeing the players. The money won was great to have in the pocket.

Where we come up short. We have given up on trying to rejuvenate the sport and showcase the players who keep the lights on. – Managers who put on the best contests have all but given up and only have the mega contests where it costs around $3,000 per entry. Too rich for my blood, and I had faded into the background. – Another contest was the BCBC Contest, where players did battle in Thoroughbred racing’s biggest live-money handicapping tournament, the BCBC, annually draws the top horseplayers from around North America and will crown the winner with the highest accumulated bankroll at the end of the two-day Breeders’ Cup World Championships.

The 2024 BCBC total cash prize pool was expected to be $1.25 million, with a $2,500 buy-in and $7,500 betting bankroll ($10,000 total) required of each player. All buy-in monies are applied to the prize pool. Players can bet into the Win, Place, Show, Exacta, Trifecta, and Daily Double pools with their $7,500 bankroll over the two days (22 races) and keep all monies earned from their betting. – Now, that’s a shot at the title and not a seat by the band!

I miss travelling to see friends and talk horses for hours. – I liked the $25 contests at Keeneland where it was held on Turfway Park. Bet 2 to win and place with a 20-1 cap, and a buffet that was second to none. Prizes donated by the DRF, and you had a shot at winning $599 for top prize and the top ten paid came back for the “Tournament of Champions” held after Breeders’ Cup. I loved going with my Dad, and we had a blast.

I sure miss the small and some of the biggest contests. – I think my worst beats came at Keeneland. It was $3,000 to play and the top three were sent to Vegas to the NTRA. – I played four years. I came in fourth, four years running, getting beat by 20 cents and 40 cents. Oh, well. A bad beat allows you to have a great story. – See you in the winner’s circle.