Weekend Winners Club

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April 2025. Thoroughbred stakes racing schedule and results for North America and Japan Racing Association.

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April 2025 Thoroughbred Stakes Racing Schedule & Results for NTRA & JRA

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Keeneland’s famous spring meet includes the Blue Grass G1 and Lexington Stakes

April 19 2025 precap:  WWC 3yo stakes races and Kentucky Derby points standings.

Hi welcome to the WWC podcast on April 19, 2025. Today we’re going to briefly cover the Kentucky Derby point standings and the 3yo’s that are competing in stakes races today.

You can look at the Kentucky Derby points standings and prep race results on the site horseracebetwin.com/picks and there are Derby links on the menu.  Burnham Square tops the standings just 1 point ahead of Sandman, but all of those in the top 20 can run for the roses if their connections choose to.

We have some 3yo stakes races today around the country. None of them are Kentucky Derby points races, but they do indicate horses that may run in the Preakness.

At the Aqueduct, the Bay Shore at 7f has a short field of 5 so I don’t recommend betting it. I would like Share the Ludt at 6-1 ML but his odds will bet more like 4-1 at the post.

Laurel Park is where you will find some fine young colts destined for the Preakness Stakes, in the Federico Tesio Stakes today.  Make sure you download today’s free Grid at the site http://horseracebetwin.com/picks 

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My top pick is Kentucky Outlaw at 8-1 ML.  I love it when my top pick is a long shot, and that pick usually wins or hits the board.  Besides having a cool name, Kentucky Outlaw blew away the field in his first 2 races, both at Parx race track, and the last one was around 2 turns, so he’s route ready. Also, he laid down the top PF of 96 in his last race. Lock him in for Preakness futures now if you can.

After that my next 4 picks are all very chalky at 5-1 or less, but if you include my top pick and those favorites, and Happily Delusional at 15-1, you could formulate a decent paying exotic wager.

Once again, this is not a points race, but the Tesio is the premier prep race for the Preakness.  Surfside Moon and Studlydoright both have Kentucky Derby points, but not enough to run for the roses, but they could be running for black-eyed Susan’s the third Saturday in May.

Studlydoright the horse

Laurel has a nice race card today with 4 other stakes races, so you definitely want to consult the Grid before you make wagers at Laurel. One race you’re want to bet on is the King Leatherbury at 5.5 furlongs on the turf. This race is wide open with a lot of possibilities.

In fact, there’s only 1 in the field that I don’t think can hit the board, but I won’t mention his name because then he probably WILL hit the board. My super long shot specials are El Divino Nino at 30-1, the co-longest shot in the field, and Swill at 15-1.  I also think Tudox Opportunity could factor in at 15-1. Alas, I do think the favorite Determined Kingdom will win or at least hit the board at 2-1.

Some other good long shot specials are Late Night Call at 15-1, who could hit the board in the Weber City Miss for 3yo fillies.

In the Henry Clark stakes on turf, also wide open, 2 of the top horses are Degree of Risk and Mischievous Angel, both at 8-1 ML.  Also Ocean City and Card Trick have some good odds.

Make sure you pay attention the next couple of weeks as I’ll be dropping more podcasts, including the Dalton’s Dirty Derby Double Dozen, which you need to say 5 times fast.  Lots of free content on the site, so take advantage of that, and if you want, become a subscriber at horseracebetwin.com.

This would give you The Grid for all the major tracks and races, including the famous Kentucky Derby Grid, with all the criteria that anyone ever wanted, to make their Derby picks.

As always, good luck. This is Dalton. Over and out.

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March 29, 2025. Welcome to the Weekend Winners Club Weekly Podcast. Today we cover major 3yo stakes races on the road to the roses, and the Kentucky Oaks as well.  First thing you should do is download today’s free grid below or just use the snapshot image to follow along.

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Let’s start with Gulfstream park and the GP Oaks for 3yo fillies.  It’s a short field so not a good betting race, but if you’re making vertical wagers, or rollers as I like to say, include the 2 favorites and throw in Cassiar at 5-1 who looked strong breaking her maiden on first ask.

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Moving down the race card, the Florida Derby is scheduled for 6:42 PM eastern, but before that, weather.com has thunderstorms scheduled in the 5 o’clock hour.  They’re on the radar moving up from Cuba but they could hit or miss.

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There are no scratches yet in the 10 horse Fla Derby field, so it’s setting up to be a great race.  I see the 4 horses that are 5-1 or less are solid. You have the FOY winner who will be favored, the Holy Bull runner-up and Street Sense runner-up, and then the Disrupter from Todd Pletcher in his first race around two turns.

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One thing that happens almost every year in this race, is some long shot speedster holds on for 2^nd or 3^rd, and this year it looks like Neoequos at 10-1 ML, who finished a game 3^rd in the FOY on March 1. Factor that in to inject some odds into your trifecta and superfecta.

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Over at Oaklawn Park, there are 4 MSW’s for 3yo’s before we even get to the stakes races.  You’ll want to consult the Grid for some value on those races, but here’s a hint: watch out for the 1^st time starters, especially those with good odds and trainer percentages.  Remember, there are no winners yet in these races. The weather is slated to be perfect and sunny all day.

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In the Grade 2 Fantasy Stakes at 7pm ET, we have a field of 9 solid fillies after morning scratches.  One thing you’ll see is that there is not much early speed in this race, so expect the speed of favorites Simply Joking and Quietside to hold up.  And possibly even the speed of Princess Aliyah at 12-1.

But after those top 2 favorites it’s anyone’s game, and the best two late runners are Kinzie Queen and California Sunset, both at double digit odds, so keep those in mind to round out your super.

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The Arkansas Derby is scheduled for 7:48pm  ET right after the Fantasy. The Baffert trainee Cornucopian is the favorite, after winning his only maiden race impressively, giving him the best PF in the field.  Plus he has a great name.

Unfortunately in this race, I have them ranked in the exact order of the ML odds.  But to round out your superfecta I would include First Division at 20-1 with 2^nd LP ranking, and Bestfriend Rocket at 20-1.  But you’re going to get chalk at the top of the ticket, whether you want it or not.

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Remember to get the Grid at horseracebetwin.com and good luck today. Dalton out.

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https://weekendwinners.podbean.com/e/mar29-florida-derby-arkansas-derby-fantasy-oaks-precap/

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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.

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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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