After more than 25 years working as mostly a private contractor in an industry that I love, I am pleased to announce that I have accepted a full-time position
@ChurchillDowns
@fairgroundsnola
@TwinSpires
. Thanks for the support. The passion I have for the game has never wavered!
A $35K yearling. A trainer who won 4% of her races last year. A four-time Eclipse Award winning jockey, who was seemingly on the back nine, just five weeks after winning his first Kentucky Derby with a 15-1 shot. 1 1/2 miles later - history. THIS is horse racing!
It's only a horse race. I know. Have no idea why that result made me so emotional. The battle. The filly. The fearless
@KennyMcPeek
. All that. Mostly happy for
@RobbyAlbarado
. Dude has taken lumps the last few years, but I never witnessed his spirit waver. Fate. What a ride.
I don't understand how anyone who cheats at anything can look in the mirror and be satisfied with their accomplishments, especially when so many others are affected in a negative way.
I can tell you first hand how hard
@ScottShap34
works at his craft
@ChurchillDowns
, and today he rewarded his backers with a huge pick six payout to the tune of $21,832.48. Look at this ticket construction. This is how it’s done. Best in the biz. Congratulations 🍾
Profile Sierra Leone
@KentuckyDerby
This $2.3 yearling purchase looks the part for Chad Brown. He's an intimidating animal with a powerful stride. Sierra Leone is not a great gate horse. He balked and delayed the Blue Grass for nearly 3 minutes prior to an eventual stutter step
Whether you’re a jockey, trainer, owner or gambler, you lose a lot more often than you win. Jockeys go through so much more - maintaining weight, injury, pressure to succeed. Before you bash, think about that. Anyone who needs an ear, feel free to reach out. 🙏 🙏 🙏
So proud of our members and everyone who pulled together to make this happen. Special thanks to Dave & Carmen McShane for their assistance & dropping the claim and
@jbark131
, who helped facilitate the transaction. There are good people in this game who put the horse first.
Eskenforit is coming home to be retired sound. He has done enough. We tried to claim Kenny last night at
@PrairieMeadows
and lost the shake - but got the horse. As soon as he was aware, John Ballantyne (NBS Racing) sold him back to us for the claim price. Can't thank him enough!
In my tenth season
@ChurchillDowns
, this
@KentuckyDerby
was the most gratifying.
The racing was fantastic, and it was all punctuated by wins in both the Oaks and Derby by a couple of of local guys I've gotten to know really well over the years in
@b_hernandezjr
&
@KennyMcPeek
.
Standing outside his barn at Churchill Downs on Sunday morning, trainer Kenny McPeek was asked to sum up his feelings about Mystik Dan’s victory in the $5 million Kentucky Derby.
“Wow,” was all the Lexington native could say.
Follow up on Derby horses:
Steve and Scott have walked Midnight Bourbon in circles 15 times trying to get him used to the environment. If will be interesting to see how he reacts on
@KentuckyDerby
Day.
Well, that's a wrap on my 16th meet as
@ChurchillDowns
racing analyst, and easily the strangest. Thanks to the all participants, and the fans, for all of your support. The
@KentuckyDerby
workout shows aren't that far away. See you
@TwinSpires
!
Been doing this a long time, but only twice have I eclipsed $100 in on top winners for a single card. Saturday
@fairgroundsnola
, I fell just short, bagging six for $93.60. It was a long, but very satisfying day. In any profession, hard work pays off, and my job happens to be fun.
That's a wrap. Thanks to everyone who tuned into the simulcast show this year. By the numbers, my ninth season of top picks
@ChurchillDowns
was my second most productive, behind only 2017. Always on a mission to improve, I hope I provided solid information & helped you cash a few
Profile Fierceness
@KentuckyDerby
This
@PletcherRacing
@RepoleStable
homebred is a freak. In the Florida Derby, he showed what he's capable of with a clean start. Watch the break from post 10 and how easily he crosses over in hand. At the half-mile pole, the rest of the field
.
@BreedersCup
Classic should be one of the most competitive in a long time. Tom's, please report to the work tab
1: Tom's d'Etat
2: Improbable
3: Maximum Security
4: Authentic
5: Tiz the Law
6: By My Standards
7: Art Collector
8: Code of Honor
9: Honor A. P.
10: Global Campaign
Bing. Bing. Bing. Bing. Bing. Bing. Bing.
@TravisStone
nails every horse, builds the excitement down the stretch and punctuates the finish. One of the best race calls I’ve ever heard on THE biggest stage.
Listen as the voice of the Kentucky Derby,
@TravisStone
, calls the incredible 150th edition of the Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve.
#KyDerby
There is a job opening
@fairgroundsnola
to be my sidekick for the upcoming meet. A love of horse racing, hard work and writing skills are paramount. On-air handicapping is also a part of it. It's a great gig, but I need the right person.
How could The Player not be nominated for the “Vox Populi”? Doesn't he embody everything the award represents? No disrespect, but two foreign horses in Enable and Winx? Who has a "connection" to Accelerate? The Player = heart, soul, personality, heroism. I'm confused...
My mom
@BearOnTheBulls
is a huge
@chicagobulls
fan. Cheering loudly and proudly from section 317 just a few short years ago. She’s having some health issues but reading “❤️ > height”
@nate_robinson
is inspiring her to get better. Dogged determination.
A day I will never forget. The anticipation. The race. The finish. The out of body experience. The objection. The official light. The mayhem in the winner's circle. I cherish all of our successes, but winning
@keenelandracing
, where I can actually enjoy it as a fan and partake in
It was exciting. It was dramatic. It was the first win for Brilliant Racing
@keeneland
.
@NormCasse
has done a wonderful job with Johny's Fireball -- 2 wins from 3 starts off the claim. Congrats to all of our partnership IV members and our partners at
@AJSuitedRacing
@D_Lev23
!
Kenny did it! Congrats to all of our members. It all came together for our boy and he was very proud of himself after the race!
#bebrilliant
#wasbrilliant
Proud to announce that starting next week, I will take the reins as
@fairgroundsnola
racing analyst. Kudos to my predecessor
@brianwspencer
, who did a fantastic job. Haven't even arrived, but I feel comfortable already. Hoping black and gold looks good on me for the playoff run!
Congratulations to
@JoeyDaKRacing
, the new paddock host & racing analyst for
@fairgroundsnola
! Kristufek gets started at the Gentilly oval on Thursday.
Trainer Steve Asmussen reports that his undefeated
@BreedersCup
Juvenile Fillies winner Echo Zulu arrived
@fairgroundsnola
this morning, and that the Rachel Alexandra (G2) presented
@FasigTiptonCo
, which should already be a G1, is on his radar.
A couple of months ago myself and many others received an email stating that, because we work for a racetrack, we were no longer welcome in the
@NTWAB
.
Part of the reasoning? My Eclipse Awards vote could possibly be bias towards the individuals I cover.
How am I different
2018 was a very memorable year. I sold my house and relocated to KY/NO, got back into the horse ownership game, and now that I have a full-time job in an industry I love, I feel much closer to finding "balance". Good vibes to all of you for a tremendous 2019. Happy New Year!
According to Larry Rivelli, the loose plan with Two Phil's is to run in the Matt Winn
@ChurchillDowns
or the Ohio Derby in advance of the Haskell and Travers. Was confident he would have won the Preakness but "couldn't do that to the horse" (in regards to the 2-week turnaround).
This is a really weird day. Very thankful we are racing
@fairgroundsnola
, and I hope we can provide a little enjoyment on Louisiana Derby Day. With an abundance of caution in mind, I will not be conducting post-race winner's circle interviews. iPhone and Tweet instead. Be safe!
He’s a little tired but all is well with our Lecomte winner Enforceable
@fairgroundsnola
this morning and he’s one chill, super cool dude. If all goes well, he’ll be back for the Risen Star on February 15. 🐴 ⭐️ 🐴 ⭐️
Rich Strike's half sister My Blonde Mary was claimed at Tampa Bay on April 6 for $5,000. Will be see her in another claiming race, or in the
@keenelandsales
ring in November?
Random thought: "Wire to wire" is one of the most erroneous phrases in racing. It's gate to wire. Very few races are actually run wire to wire. In addition, where's the actual "wire"?
The term "racing analyst" doesn't do the position justice. Those of us privileged enough to fill the role should also be educators and ambassadors for the sport.
Orioles announcer Kevin Brown has been indefinitely suspended for these comments on Baltimore's recent record against the Rays.
(via
@awfulannouncing
)
Another
@KentuckyDerby
in the books. It was great, but strange on so many levels. So proud of my colleagues and the coverage we were able to provide. I slept until 3pm Sunday afternoon. Bigger and better in nine months. Thanks for the support and kind words everyone!
Horse racing lacks personality and charisma to begin with and the one guy that has some of both, that most people in the general public recognize, is a big part of our industry’s perception problem.
Profiles
@KentuckyDerby
-- Catching Freedom, Honor Marie, Track Phantom.
Earlier in the prep season in the Risen Star, this trio finished 3rd, 5th and 2nd respectively behind eventual Blue Grass winner Sierra Leone, who will be the likely second choice in Saturday's Run for the
I feel like a proud dad. Couldn’t be happier for all involved. Not only did Ginger win, she ran really fast doing it. Winning a horse race is tough, but man does it feel good when you do.
Showed a profit with top pick and signature play selections for
@fairgroundsnola
'19-20
446-125-85-69 for $903.60 * Winners in top 3 = 303 (67.9%) Top Pick Win = 28% * Top Pick 1-2-3 = 62.6% * Top pick ROI = $2.03
In what is shaping up to be an EPIC
@KentuckyDerby
@ChurchillDowns
, Mendelssohn is my clear-cut number one and you can put a blanket over the next six. In the Oaks, flip a coin between Midnight Bisou and Monomoy Girl. Let the madness begin!
We compete hard in this game, but at the end of the day, we are all family. Thoughts, prayers, good vibes and lots of love for Shantel and Corey. 🙏❤️🙏❤️🙏
My immediate reaction to
@KentuckyDerby
was, this is impossible. After some much needed sleep and reflecting on what happened, WOW - what a race and great for the game. Team USA hockey, or Buster Douglas beating Tyson -- nah, THIS was the GREATEST upset in sports history.
Never in my life have I had such a prolonged streak of bad luck and misfortune in wagering. If it’s not one thing, it’s another. Any slump buster advice?
1 1/4 miles? No problem. Forget about Gamine. Off that Alabama effort, Swiss Skydiver is the clear-cut favorite for the Kentucky Oaks. Guessing the connections may even toy with the idea of running her
@KentuckyDerby
. Major flattery for Art Collector as well. Three. More. Weeks!
In
@ScottShap34
, we are losing one of the best racing analysts in the game
@ChurchillDowns
. We have enjoyed so many great times together - on and off the air. I’m disappointed to see him move on but I do understand. I witnessed his struggles first hand and hope that he finds
Congratulations to
@TonyCalo5
who has been named the new track announcer at
@EllisParkRacing
.
Calo will still call Turfway Park and join the handicapping team at Churchill Downs that includes Joe Kristufek, Kaitlin Free and
@TrustYourLuck
.
Read More:
The end of any meet is always bittersweet. With each passing year, my fondness of New Orleans &
@fairgroundsnola
grows deeper. Here are my end of season stats, top pick & signature plays.
514-139-100-78 * 27% win * 61.7% wps * $1.77 ROI
On to
@ChurchillDowns
@KentuckyDerby
!!!
With a plethora of key breezes slated for this weekend, the Kentucky Derby Morning Works Show presented by
@TwinSpires
will begin tomorrow, two days earlier than previous years.
The 20-minute program will be streamed live on Facebook, YouTube and X via
@KentuckyDerby
from
Trainer
@trainerMMaker
has been on a ridiculous roll
@ChurchillDowns
. He's won six in a row, 8 of his last 11 and 15 of his last 28 dating back to Nov. 8. Often categorized as a "turf" trainer, 14 of his 18 wins at the Fall meet have actually come on dirt.
No matter where this wonderful ownership ride takes us, this horse, this race, this win, this experience will always be extra special. Ginger SNAP. 🏆
Congratulations to all of our Brilliant Racing partners, Tagg Team Racing and
@Foley_Racing
!!!
The last time I owned a horse was 2010. The memories last a lifetime and for years I've been wanting to get back in. I have great people by my side and the timing is right. With much excitement and pride, that I officially announce our new horse racing ownership venture!
Maybe you’ve gotten a taste of horse ownership in the past or have thought about it and just haven’t pulled the trigger. This is your opportunity to get in on the ground floor with a horse racing partnership that strives to be brilliant on every level.
My seventh season
@fairgroundsnola
has come to a close. Final top pick stats are similar to the last couple of meets: 495-131-104-81 for $812.20 * 26.5% win, 63.8% WPS & $1.64 ROI. 25 off the turf days (out of 75 total) were a killer.
A little time to regroup and then get tied
Blowing off some steam after challenging but highly successful Louisiana Derby week
@fairgroundsnola
. Love going to battle with
@ScottShap34
and
@TrustYourLuck
. Proud of how far both of them have come. We get s*** done. Also cherish them as friends. Cheers! 🍻
The last two weeks are a blur. I couldn't be more proud of our team. Outside of my Oaks and Derby picks, the overall week was highly successful and I think I learned a thing or two. After sleeping an entire day, I'm ready to get back after it. First post Thursday is 5 pm ET!
During the Twitter spaces that
@TravisStone
hosted on Tuesday night, he put
@HorseRacingKK
on the spot - who are your best plays for this weekend? His response? Smile Happy & Pretty Mischievous. I can't say enough about the work he puts in and support he has given us this week.
So many thoughts but impossible to put them into words. Just happy Kenny came back well. He’s a fighter. Our thoughts are with
@JulienLeparoux
. Tough game but he’ll be back.
Eskenforit says thanks to everyone who supported him. Unfortunate circumstances but you can’t deny his heart. He thinks he won and came back great. Time to go home.
#bebrilliant
#thepeopleshorse
With four Derby and three Oaks horses, Brad Cox is loaded. Tuesday morning he joins Kaitlin Free, Scott Shapiro and me on the Kentucky Derby Works show presented by Twin Spires. Tune in at 7 am ET!
The last several years, Ed helped us take our game
@ChurchillDowns
to a new level, with lots of laughs and great memories along the way. Cheers to a new beginning, and a continued friendship. Congratulations!
What an INCREDIBLE ending in the Kentucky Derby..
"You can tell when horses are digging in because they extend their stride and lower their head..
Mystik Dan won it by less than a nose and it was a wild finish" ~
@TravisStone
#PMSLive
To
@JohnGDooley
, thanks for the laughs, the margaritas and helping to keep me sane
@fairgroundsnola
. Your passion for the job and horse racing is unmatched. For now, we’re done, have fun, and I know you will!
I’m back in the saddle for Friday’s Kentucky Derby Works show and I’ll be joined by two esteemed individuals who actually know how to ride a racehorse. Rosie Napravnik joins Kaitlin, Scott and me and Brian Hernandez, Jr. will be our special guest. Tune in at 7 am ET!
You don’t see 10-pound apprentice riders win high-level two-turn grass races very often, but that’s exactly what
@dcjock1
just did
@ChurchillDowns
. Well done, young man!
Kobe Bryant was an imperfect human who made horrible choices when he was young, famous and rich. His wife could have taken him to the cleaners, but instead she stuck by him and together they raised a beautiful family. With age comes maturity. Bottom line is, Kobe touched lives.
Not only does Epicenter check all of the boxes heading into
@KentuckyDerby
148
@ChurchillDowns
, as a January 29 foal, he's also the oldest horse in the prospective field. Mo Donegal, who hasn't even turned three yet (April 19 birthday), is the youngest.
Epicenter has talent, a great mind, gears, versatility, stamina and the right team to guide his career. The rest of the year will be fun. The older horses are good this year. Excellent timing for
@BreedersCup
Classic Future Wager coming up...
SO my twitter feed is full of horse racing (negativity about the state of the industry), Chicago sports (negativity about
@chicagobulls
@ChicagoBears
) and politics (continuous negativity), yet I remain an optimistic realist.
The end of the
@ChurchillDowns
racing season is always bittersweet. I'm proud to work with so many dedicated, passionate people. Seven winners from 12 races ($37.20) not a bad way to close the curtain. Time to pack the car and head to
@fairgroundsnola
. Hope you follow along!
PS - Where are all the peeps that screamed that Gamine would destroy Swiss Skydiver in the Oaks, or those who thought Uncle Chuck would take down Tiz the Law in the Travers?
This is huge on so many levels, most importantly it's a WIN for the horseplayers. Lots of hard work behind the scenes to make this happen, with
@garypaljr
leading the way.
Some (welcomed!) big changes to the
@fairgroundsnola
wagering menu this year: 15% takeout on both the 50-cent Pick 5 and NEW $1 Pick 6 wagers. Neither is a jackpot.
Making the ten hour drive to NOLA tomorrow and my first day on the air will be Saturday. The forecast looks great all the way through next week. Looking forward to it. Grilled oysters within 36 hours of my arrival!
For the first time this young meet, we are ON the turf (rail at 8 feet) and the main track is FAST. Nine races on the agenda beginning at 1 p.m. CT. Here are the early changes 📸
@hodgesphoto