The great Flightline faced the best field of his lifetime in the Breeders’ Cup Classic at Keeneland on November 5, 2022 and he was up to the task. Ridden by Flavien Prat, Flightline drew off to a decisive 8 1/2 length victory over a stellar field. Post-race comments include Hall of Fame jockey Jerry Bailey.
Great Horse Racing Videos – 2022 Breeders’ Cup Classic Won by Flightline
November 6, 2022 by Leave a Comment
AGOS Horses to Watch & Trip Notes – April 3rd
April 3, 2022 by Leave a Comment
Free Horses to Watch & Trip Notes for visitors to AGameofSkill.com.
GULFSTREAM PARK
MASTER G (race 4 at Gulfstream Park, April 2, 2022) – This second starter was much the best in his 2nd career race. He was boxed in from the far turn until the top of the stretch. When he got clear, he easily ran down two runners who had perfect trips. The margin of victory was deceptive for this regally bred colt.
SANTA ANITA
KANT BEAT THE ROCK (race 5 at Santa Anita, April 1, 2022) – This maiden was claimed last summer by sharp handicapper Dylan Donnelly, and unfortunately he had to be put on the shelf for the remainder of the year. He returned, working sharp in the mornings for new barn, and then was pointed to this down the hill turf sprint. Making his first grass start, the Rock stalked from just off the pace. Made a bold move turning for home but was a tad green. When Tyler Baze got him straightened out and asked for run, the colt exploded. Pulled away from the field and galloped out very strong. This grandson of Raven’s Pass has a future on the sod, both short and long.
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AGOS Horses to Watch & Trip Notes – Oct. 12
October 12, 2021 by Leave a Comment
Free Horses to Watch & Trip Notes for visitors to AGameofSkill.com.
BELMONT PARK
BLUE ATLAS (race 4 at Belmont Park, Sept. 30, 2021) – This Belmont turf horse for the course made a monster move in mid stretch under Kendrick Carmouche but had absolutely no where to go. Jock switched the runner out multiple paths in deep stretch and came on again to be narrowly defeated in fourth. Big effort in only her second start since Aug. 2020.
MO DONEGAL (race 6 at Belmont Park, Sept. 30, 2021) – Uncle Mo two year old broke from the rail in his debut and was far back in the running. The Pletcher trainee got rolling late and made up a ton of ground, nearly getting the place spot. The race was won by his stablemater, another firster. Mo Donegal galloped out big past the wire.
KEENELAND
WATCH THE MUSIC (Race 2 at Keeneland, Oct. 8, 2021) – First time starter going two turns on the turf and breaking from a far outside post for a 7% debut barn. Not a recipe for winning, but this two year old gelding unleashed a powerful late run down the stretch on opening day to get up for a non-threatening third place finish. The grandson of English Channel has talent.
Wizard Full-card & Betting Strategies – Keeneland, Oct. 9th
October 8, 2021 by Leave a Comment
The one and only Wizard is here for Fall Stars weekend at Keeneland. The Wizard has extensive trip notes, track biases & horses to bet back from this summer who will be running at Keeneland this meet. Some of those runners are on opening Saturday at Keeneland, which features several ‘Win and You’re In’ Breeders’ Cup prep races. In his Full-card Analysis with Betting Strategies, you receive:
FULL CARD SELECTIONS
Expert Selections for ALL races
Comprehensive information on every horse selected
3 Crystal Ball Best Bets for Saturday
BETTING WINDOW
Wagering Strategies for ALL races
Exactas, Trifectas, Pick 3s, Pick 4s and more!
Only $30 for the Full-card analysis with wagering strategies from America’s top public handicapper. Every issue is a handicapping lesson! Get the Wizard for Keeneland!
Turf Pick-3 Wager to Debut at Keeneland Fall Meet
September 29, 2021 by Leave a Comment
Keeneland has announced a number of wagering opportunities, including the new Keeneland Turf Pick 3, for handicappers of all levels during the Fall Meet from Oct. 8-30.
The Keeneland Turf Pick 3 wager will be offered on the final three turf races each race day. The minimum wager is $3 and will follow the same rules as the traditional Pick 3. (The Keeneland Turf Pick 3 will be available only as a separate event on wagering terminals or on ADWs due to the unique $3 minimum and the fact that Keeneland has rolling Pick 3s on each race.)
The new wager has a 15 percent takeout, the same low takeout as Keeneland’s popular Pick 5 wager.
“We believe the Keeneland Turf Pick 3 to be the first wager of its kind to be offered to horseplayers,” Keeneland Vice President of Racing Gatewood Bell said. “With Keeneland’s deep turf schedule and the caliber of racing we expect to see during the Fall Meet – combined with a $3 minimum bet amount and lower takeout of the Keeneland Turf Pick 3 – this innovative wager should be appealing to handicappers.”
Post time for the first race during the Fall Meet, which marks Keeneland’s 85th anniversary, is 1 p.m. ET.
Got rebates? Wager on Keeneland, Santa Anita and more – apply for info.
Keeneland Select Handicapping Challenge, Super High 5 every race day
Every race day: Sport of Kings, the free horse racing contest website, has a new free online handicapping contest, the Keeneland Select Fall Handicapping Challenge, which will appeal to casual fans and serious horseplayers alike. The contest requires participants to make mythical selections on two Keeneland races for each day of the meet. Two seats to the 2022 NTRA National Horseplayers Championship will be awarded. To sign up, click here.
Also, the Super High 5 wager will be offered on the final race of the day and no longer be available as a jackpot wager. Therefore, it will return to traditional Super High 5 rules.
Special Pick 4, 5 and 6 opportunities
Friday, Oct. 8, 15, 22: $200,000 Guaranteed Pick 4 Presented by TVG.
Saturday, Oct. 9 and Sunday, Oct. 10: Breeders’ Cup Challenge Pick 6, featuring races from Belmont Park and Keeneland.
Saturday, Oct. 9: $300,000 Guaranteed All-Stakes Pick 5, $400,000 Guaranteed All-Stakes Pick 4
Saturday, Oct. 16, 23: $300,000 Guaranteed Pick 4
Saturday, Oct. 16, 23, 30: NYRA-Keeneland Cross Country wagers, featuring races from Belmont Park and Keeneland.
Handicapping contests for horseplayers of all levels
Wednesday, Oct. 13, 20, 27: WINS-Day Challenge Sponsored by Malone’s. This is an inexpensive way for beginning handicappers to test their skills and give handicapping contests a try. The contest has a $2,500-guaranteed pool. Enter for $10 at Wagering Central on the first floor Grandstand and place a mythical $2 win and place wager – no actual money required – on Keeneland races 3-8. Limit three entries per person. The first 200 participants receive a card for a free Malone’s appetizer and a complimentary copy of Daily Racing Form.
Saturday, Oct. 16: Fall BCBC/NHC Challenge. Registration is open for in-person and remote participation in the handicapping contest, which features Keeneland’s Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup (G1) Presented by Dixiana. Awarding berths in the Breeders’ Cup Betting Challenge and the NHC Challenge, the live-money contest is held in cooperation with XpressBet, NYRA Bets, 4NJ Bets and TVG. Click herefor more information and to register.
Sunday, Oct. 17: Fall $400 Challenge. Registration is open for Keeneland’s live bankroll handicapping tournament, which has a $400 buy-in with a live bankroll of $250 and $150 prize fund fee. Players will be able to wager any amount on any race at Keeneland with no minimum wagers or minimum number of races. The tournament is only available at Keeneland. Click here for more information and to register.
Source: Keeneland.com (edited Press Release)
AGOS Horses to Watch & Trip Notes – April 6, 2021
April 6, 2021 by Leave a Comment
AGOS Horses to Watch & Trip Notes for Agameofskill.com visitors and horse racing fans. In April we have a special focus on Kentucky horses to watch.
KEENELAND
SAUCY LADY T (Race 1 at Keeneland, April 2, 2021) – 2yo firster was a well beaten 4th in the Keeneland spring meet opener, but she rallied sneaky well for a 5% debut barn and quickly galloped out in front of the field. The granddaughter of Tapit could move forward off this race and surprise at a price in the right spot.
JEANNIE’S BEEPBEEP (Race 2 at Keeneland, April 2, 2021) – this live runner was racing inside of horses and then boxed in badly turning for home. Had to cry out for room and then finished gamely along the rail to get 2nd behind the logical winner. Consistent and honest racehorse can dirt or turf.
BODE BY YOU (Race 3 at Keeneland, April 2, 2021) – 2yo from the John Hancock barn flew home late in a gallant placing behind the upset wire to wire winner. You don’t see many 2yos make up that type of ground in these 4 1/2 furlong events, and the barn is only 9% with debut runners.
STAND BY YOU (Race 6 at Keeneland, April 2, 2021) – First time starter showed a lot of grit and professionalism by navigating her way through traffic, mostly on the inside, and finishing willingly down the lane. Solid third place show that she can move forward off of. Bred to be a nice runner.
ILLIOGAMI (Race 6 at Keeneland, April 2, 2021) – What a trip. Was last for half the race and had numerous traffic issues before unleashing a powerful late run to catch the loose Chad Brown horse in the short stretch. Tapit filly could have a big future.
24 hours in Horse-racing Heaven in the Bluegrass
March 13, 2021 by Leave a Comment
Keeneland paddock (copyright All Star Press)
Before the Kentucky Derby on the first Saturday in May, there is Keeneland in April.
Every spring, Lexington’s historic track fills with life. Some of it, you see. Most, you don’t.
The crowds that pack into Keeneland for spring racing feel the buzz at the rail and the betting windows, see the picture of the paddock, experience the rush of each race. There’s much more unseen to see here.
For 24 hours, Herald-Leader visual journalists Alex Slitz and Caitlyn Stroh looked inside that part of Keeneland.
Source: [Video link] Keeneland Around the Clock: Spend 24 hours in horse-racing heaven
This Many Fans Allowed at Upcoming Keeneland Spring Meet
February 17, 2021 by Leave a Comment
Horse Racing in the Covid-19 Era
Keeneland has announced plans to allow a limited number of fans to attend its 2021 Spring Meet, to be held April 2-23.
The COVID-19 pandemic forced Keeneland to cancel the 2020 Spring Meet and hold an unprecedented five-day Summer Meet in July. The 2020 Summer and Fall Meets and Breeders’ Cup World Championships at Keeneland were closed to fans.
For this year’s Spring Meet, Keeneland will make available a limited number of pre-sold ticket packages including dining, Grandstand reserved seating and general admission.
Keeneland will announce details about how to purchase ticket packages and pricing on Monday, March 1. Fans are encouraged to visit keeneland.com/newsletter to sign up for ticket alerts in the coming weeks.
Keeneland will also allow limited access to race participants, sponsors, box holders and Club members.
“The enthusiasm and loyalty of our fans are what make Keeneland so special,” Keeneland President and CEO Shannon Arvin said. “We have missed their presence on race days and we are excited to welcome them, albeit in limited number, back to Keeneland. We appreciate the support of the Central Kentucky community this past year, and we hope this step is the first toward somewhat normal operations in the fall.
“While our team has worked diligently on a plan for expanded attendance this spring, the safety of our guests and employees remains our top priority,” Arvin added. “As such, our COVID-19 protocols remain in place and will be strictly enforced during the Spring Meet.”
In accordance with Keeneland’s COVID-19 safety measures, all individuals will be required to wear a face mask and maintain proper social distancing while on the grounds. Health screenings and temperature checks will resume at all entrance gates for the race meet.
Source: Keeneland.com
AGOS Horses to Watch & Trip Notes – Jan. 26
January 26, 2021 by Leave a Comment
Up close and personal at Tampa Bay Downs paddock. Copyright AGOS
Check out our AGOS Horses to Watch & Trip Notes for Agameofskill.com visitors
SANTA ANITA
CHARMAINE’S MIA (Race 8 at Santa Anita, Jan. 9, 2021) – Moved into the barn of Phil D’Amato and what do you know – the mare improved by leaps and bounds. At 16-1 odds she dominated a very strong group here that included multiple stakes winners. There is no reason she can’t keep running big in turf sprints for her new outfit.
TAMPA BAY DOWNS
JUSTLYREWARDED (Race 6 at Tampa Bay Downs, Jan 6, 2021) – Broke from a tough outside post and then raced wide throughout. Worse yet, the 7yo gelding was racing against the grain of an inside speed bias. Better-than-it looks 4th place finish for owner/trainer Peter Knoll.
MY BROTHERSLEDGE (Race 7 at Tampa Bay Downs, Jan 6, 2021) – The best closer in this turf race made a strong early run against the eventual wire to wire winner. The 6oy was the only horse with a shot down the stretch but had to settle for 2nd. He ran a ‘winning race’ with new jockey Hector Diaz in the irons.
AGOS Horses to Watch & Trip Notes – Oct. 25
October 25, 2020 by Leave a Comment
Complimentary Horses to Watch & Trip Notes for Agameofskill.com visitors
KEENELAND
TRIBULATION (Race 5 at Keeneland, Oct. 16, 2020). Toss this start as this second time starter stumbled badly at the start. It was his first start going two turns and as a son of Medaglia D’oro he is clearly bred for a route of ground. Ran very well in his debut prior for trainer Dallas Stewart.
LITTLE BELLA (Race 10 at Keeneland, Oct. 16, 2020). Paddy O’Prado filly has really improved since the barn moved her to the dirt. Despite the rise in class she surged late to catch a nice horse who looked home free down the lane. Although she can turf, she looks better on the main track.
PIMLICO
COMPLETED PASS (Race 6 at Pimlico, Oct. 1, 2020) – The Robert Bone runner broke a step slow in this 5 furlong turf dash in honor of the late, great Jim McKay. He raced between horses early before unleashing a powerful late run to nearly catch the front-running winner.
GIGGLING (Race 8 at Pimlico, Oct. 1, 2020) – This filly tried to steal the race in a 5 furlong turf dash that was loaded with early speed but she faltered late over the yielding ground. Look for her back on her preferred dirt surface, especially in a situation where she can get loose on the front end.
