Tag Archive for: horse racing

What to Expect in the 150th Year of the Kentucky Derby

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Welcome to the Kentucky Derby, an event like no other! With over 150,000 people, tons of history, and its unique spectacle, Forbes has called it one of the best sporting events in America. Every first Saturday in May, folks gather at Churchill Downs for unforgettable fun with friends and family.

 

But this year is extra special – it’s the 150th anniversary of the Kentucky Derby! As we get ready for this big celebration, excitement is everywhere.

 

Let’s closely examine what to expect in this year’s Derby.

Opening Night Festivities

Prepare for a fantastic start to the Kentucky Derby celebrations on Saturday, April 27! It’s the kickoff to a week of fun leading up to the big race. Here’s what you can look forward to on this particular night:

 

  • Feel the thrill as your favorite horses and connections reveal their positions for the Derby and Oaks races.
  • Step into style with Rodes For Him | For Her and know the latest Kentucky Derby trends that will make you shine at this year’s event.
  • Take a journey through Derby fashion history with curated pieces from different eras showcased in our premium dining areas.
  • Be amazed by the original couture pieces from three talented regional artists at the KMAC Couture 2024 “Runway for the Roses.”
  • Upgrade your fashion with tips from Kentucky Derby milliners and learn how to make your hat the star of your ensemble.

 

Remember the thrilling Stakes Races, including the Roxelana Overnight Stakes, which will add to the excitement of this unforgettable evening.

Dawn at the Downs

Start your mornings at Churchill Downs with Dawn at the Downs, a memorable behind-the-scenes experience during Derby Week. On April 25 to May 1, from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. ET, you’ll have the chance to see free kentucky derby picks and Oaks contenders up close as they warm up on the track. 

 

From 7:30 a.m. to 7:45 a.m. ET, catch exclusive training sessions with just the Derby and Oaks horses. This VIP experience includes expert commentary and is free for all guests. Upgrade your experience on April 28th and 29th with Dawn at the Downs Dining, featuring a tasty buffet breakfast on Millionaires Row. Tickets are limited, so grab yours early!

502’sDay

Get ready for the return of 502’sDay on Tuesday, April 30, as we celebrate the vibrant community that makes Louisville truly special. In its second year, 502’sDay continues to shine a spotlight on the enduring contributions of local businesses that have been the heart and soul of our city for over a century and a half.

 

As we also commemorate the 150th Kentucky Derby, this year’s 502’sDay takes on a special significance. Event Day Highlights:

 

  • $5 General Admission: Secure your spot at 502’s day with a $5 General Admission ticket. It’s your chance to be part of this celebratory event honoring Louisville’s long-standing businesses.
  • Louisville Business First Collaboration: We’re proud to partner with Louisville Business First to showcase and celebrate businesses that have been integral to our community for over 150 years. As a token of appreciation, acknowledged businesses will receive two complimentary tickets and the opportunity to secure a table at a special discounted rate.
  • Big Board Highlights: Test your knowledge of Louisville’s iconic businesses with our 502’sDay trivia. Throughout the day, meet the passionate individuals behind these remarkable establishments through interviews and featured highlights on the giant board.

Champions Day

Celebrate Kentucky’s sports heroes on Wednesday, May 1, at Champions Day. Presented by The Kentucky Sports Commission and The Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame, this event honors the state’s athletic history. 

 

Watch as they announce the 2024 Hall of Fame inductees and enjoy interviews with sports legends. Plus, catch live racing with the William Walker and Isaac Murphy Marathon Overnight Stakes. It’s a day of fun, inspiration, and celebration for all sports fans.

Thurby

Thursday, May 2, brings Thurby, a celebration of Kentucky’s culture, blending bourbon, Bluegrass, and thoroughbred racing. Enjoy live entertainment, indulge in Old Forester activations, and experience the thrill of Stakes Races throughout the day.

Kentucky Oaks Day

On Friday, May 3, experience the elegance and tradition of the Longines Kentucky Oaks. Show off your finest ensembles at the Longines Kentucky Oaks Fashion Contest and join the Survivor’s Parade to support breast and ovarian cancer awareness.

Kentucky Derby Day

Finally, the moment we’ve all been waiting for arrives on Saturday, May 4 – the 150th Kentucky Derby presented by Woodford Reserve. Gates open at 9 a.m. for a day filled with excitement, style, and the thrill of the races. Experience the Red Carpet spectacle, indulge in the legendary Woodford Reserve $1K Mint Julep, and witness the solemn Military Enlistment Ceremony.

Conclusion

Don’t miss your chance to be part of history. Get ready to experience the magic of the Kentucky Derby like never before. Secure your tickets now and join us on this extraordinary journey to Churchill Downs. Let’s make the 150th year of the Kentucky Derby an event to remember!

The Intricacies of Horse Racing: How to Be a Proficient Thoroughbred Sports Bettor

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Horse racing has been a proficient business for many cultures since its roots in track and field racing. Nowadays, it remains one of the most significant sports events in terms of audience following, international recognition, and revenue from door sales to sports betting. 

 

This article will cover critical aspects of becoming a proficient sports bettor. We will cover the basics to help you propel from a first-timer to an expert. Read more below, especially the first one, as it remains one of the best ways to kickstart your sports betting experience.

 

Know The Ins and Outs

Ask yourself: What’s the best asset a bettor can have? Is it luck? The best hats? Or money? Well, the answer is information. 

 

Even without the biggest bankrolls in the scene, understanding the rules of the road contributes to your decision-making skills. You can start by typing in keywords or getting the list of common betting types, which lets you see a bird’s eye view of the whole betting scene. From the breeders cup TVG picks to the horse’s odds, digging deeper lets you pick which bets you want to try on or what the numbers represent in your betting sheets. 

 

Many rookie bettors would rely on superstitions and luck, expecting they would win big. In some rare cases, they do, but those who try to understand the ropes would go far from being just any bettor in the leagues. That said, the fact you are reading this means that you’ve already reached the first step; now, let’s go over other practices you need to know before placing your first wager. 

 

Money Gets The Ball Rolling 

Sometimes, money isn’t everything. But in sports betting, money gets the ball rolling. Managing your budget means ensuring you earn more than you’ve lost. If your money runs out, that’s game over for you. So, how do you manage your money? By keeping track.

 

You separate yourself from those casual or leisure bettors by simply keeping track of your expenses in a notebook or a spreadsheet. Experienced bettors consider every cent they spend towards wagers, adjusting accordingly to their wins and losses. That said, part of the research is seeing how much you can afford to lose and what wagers are best suited for your money. We recommend starting at low-risk bets; not only can you get a hands-on feel of the game, but you can also potentially earn on the side and still have enough money to explore. 

 

No One Wins Without Losing

Another critical point to take when dealing with wagers is that, fundamentally, you will lose. Not necessarily that you can’t have an illustrious sports betting journey, but when you expect losses every time you play, you will become more steadfast and not be bothered too much. 

 

You see, emotion is a big thing in sports betting, and bookies exploit this by offering and even advertising no-loss betting lines or creative marketing tactics to give a sense of security from rookie bettors, making them feel as if they got a guaranteed win only to get back at it again to recover their losses.

 

Simply put, sports betting is all about wagering on the outcome that’s most likely to happen. Sometimes, we get it wrong and lose something valuable. So it’s best that you understand that to heart while playing. 

 

Avoid Chasing Losses

Speaking of losses, the idea of chasing losses is a clear sign that you’re a rookie. This term is widely used as a betting behavior where one plays the same wager in the same or high amount in a haphazard attempt to get back at their winnings, only to lose and fall into a financial rabbit hole.

 

Chasing losses is a hazardous betting style, often leading to a full-blown gambling addiction or committing gambling-related crimes. So, if you see yourself on a losing streak, it would be better to take a breather, rest for a moment, and get stronger instead of chasing your losses. 

 

Know How to Quit

This point might look counter-intuitive, but in becoming a better bettor, you must understand yourself and know how to quit. 

 

Betting, as with all gambling games, can be addictive, and addiction can be dangerous, especially if your reason for playing is to have fun while earning big. So, how do you know when to quit? There are many things to look for. Betting today is not for you, but generally speaking, once you feel desperate to win and have been spending more than you can afford, that is the time to stop. 

 

Other than that, everything can be just a gut feeling, but you still need to quit while it’s still early. And besides, betting lines would never close as long as there is a horse racing event. So you can quit today, recoup your finances, and return stronger in the successive league. 

 

Final Thoughts

Being a professional or proficient bettor is not just about knowing the strategies and having the big bucks to compete; it’s more about discipline. Discipline is not just in learning the ropes but also continuous discipline from start to finish. Nevertheless, it takes time and patience to pull this off. And as long as you have those qualities, you can perfectly apply the tips mentioned above and be an expert in no time!

Most Unforgettable Longshots in the History of Kentucky Derby

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The finest thoroughbred horses across the U.S. and abroad compete in the Kentucky Derby to start their bid in the Triple Crown Series. The Triple Crown Series is known to be the most prominent horse racing competition in the whole world. 

Like any other sports event, the crowd favorites who eventually win the title get extensive media exposure. That’s expected given that spectators have anticipated the horse to win the race. 

Let’s discuss some of the unforgettable longshots in the history of the Kentucky Derby and how they managed to clinch the title even without the initial cheers of fans. 

Donerail

Donerail was a colt owned, trained, and bred by Thomas P. Hayes. He triumphed in the 1913 Kentucky Derby with unbelievable 91-1 odds. No other horse in the history of Derby surpassed and even got close to Donerail’s longshot record. 

Roscoe Goose, the jockey who mounted Donerail in the Derby, became one of the most popular riding mentors of other successful jockeys like Eddie Arcaro and Charlie Kurtsinger.

Mine That Bird

With 50-1 odds, Mine That Bird was not expected to win the 2009 Kentucky Derby. However, the colt didn’t just prevail in the race. He won the Kentucky Derby by a shockingly large margin. 

His longshot record was only second to Donerail, who won the race in 1913. But Mine That Bird’s record was knocked off by Rich Strike (80-1) in 2022 and Country House (65-1) in 2019, first- and second-highest, respectively. 

He finished the Kentucky Derby by 6 3/4 lengths, topping one of the most astonishing come-from-behind victories in the history of Run for the Roses.

Animal Kingdom

Trained by H. Graham Motion, Animal Kingdom won both the 2011 Run for the Roses and the 2013 Dubai Cup. The chestnut stallion was awarded the American Champion Three-Year-Old Male Horse in the same year he won the Kentucky Derby. 

Animal Kingdom has a 30–1 morning-line odds in the Derby and was 21–1 by post time. Nonetheless, the long shot managed to guarantee a 2+3⁄4 length victory. 

He was mounted by the Puerto Rican jockey John R. Velazquez who was supposed to ride the early favorite Uncle Mo, who had suffered from gastrointestinal illness and failed to compete in the Derby. That time, Uncle Mo has topped FanDuel’s kentucky derby picks, among other betting sites. But, he was stripped of the field because of his health condition, giving way to the long-shot victory of Animal Kingdom. 

Giacomo

Giacomo was a 50-1 longshot, tied with Mine That Bird as the second-best longshot record of a Kentucky Derby champion. This colt is owned by Jerome Moss and trained by John Sheriffs. Giacomo holds the second-highest Kentucky Derby payout with $102.60 on a $2 bet. 

Donerail’s payout in the 1913 Derby is in the top spot, with $184.90. This colt’s bid for the Triple Crown title was derailed when he placed third in Preakness Stakes and seventh in the Belmont Stakes. 

Gallahadion 

Owned by Ethel V. Mars’ Milky Way Farm Stable, Gallahadion was mounted by jockey Carroll Bierman in his 1940 Kentucky Derby win. This stallion was trained by Roy Waldron and bred by Robert A. Fairbairn. He was a 36:1 long shot in the Kentucky Derby. Nonetheless, he won the Derby against the heavy favorite, Bimelech, a 1939 U.S. 2-Year-Old Champion. 

However, the overwhelming favorite has captured both Preakness Stakes and Belmont Stakes, frustrating Gallahadion. The iconic long short in the 1940 Kentucky Derby finished third in the second leg of the Triple Crown and fell short of securing a place in the Belmont Stakes. 

Charismatic

Charismatic won both the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes in 1999. He failed to ace in the Belmont Stakes and finished third instead. Bob and Beverly Lewis owned this stallion, and the legendary D. Wayne Lukas trained him. He was a 31-1 longshot in the first leg of the Triple Crown Series as he competed with 18 other horses. 

With a 1:55.20 record for the 1+3⁄16-mile distance, Charismatic also triumphed in the Preakness Stakes, hopeful of nailing the Triple Crown title by winning the last leg of the series. There has been a long Triple Crown drought, and if Charismatic can manage to defeat Manifee, a strong contender in the Belmont field, he would be the first horse to claim the title after 21 years. However, he only placed third in the Belmont Stakes after fracturing his foreleg. 

Country House

Country Horse was a chestnut colt who won the 2019 Kentucky Derby. He was trained by Bill Mott and bred by Joseph V. Shields. With odds of 65–1, Country Horse went on to win the Kentucky Derby after jockey Flavien Prat’s objection call, claiming Maximum Security, the supposed winner of the race, caused a near-spill. His longshot record was the third-highest, trailing Donerail (1913) and Rich Strike (2022).

Conclusion

Sports events as big as the Kentucky Derby sometime come with big surprises. These could either be awful injuries, unexpected attendance of prominent people, or iconic long shots winning the race. Upsets happen in any sport, but they hit differently in the Most Exciting Two Minutes in Sports. 

Expert Picks, Insights, and Futures Odds For The 2023 Triple Crown

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(courtesy of Lindsay Griffin)

 

Spring is an exciting time for horse racing fans. 

 

Last year’s youngest equine competitors have begun to come into their own and make names for themselves. True talent emerges over pure precocity, and nearly every owner and trainer dreams, even just fleetingly, of winning the Kentucky Derby.

 

It is an exciting time for fans, as well. Many who follow the sport keep a close eye on their favorite horses, analyzing past performances and track workout tabs prior to Kentucky Derby prep races. Of course, these fans also often enjoy placing bets on the horses they’ve followed, and all the better if those bets bring forth a profit. If one of those picks turns out to be a Kentucky Derby winner, not only can the bettor gain a tidy profit, but a hefty helping of bragging rights as well.

 

Here are some expert tips for the 2023 Kentucky Derby contenders by TwinSpires. Take a look at who and how to bet on the Kentucky Derby that happens on May 6.

 

The Future Pools

 

The Kentucky Derby and the Kentucky Oaks (the top race for three-year-old fillies) both offer a Future Wager, in which horse players can select their candidate months before the race is even won. The risk of loss is much higher than that of a standard bet because the bettor is putting money down without even being sure that their selection will run in the race at all. However, because of that risk, the financial rewards for a win can also be quite high. 

 

There are several opportunities to make a Future Wager on the Kentucky Derby, but each pool is only open for a few days. Pool 5 runs from March 10th through March 12th, and Pool 6 will open on March 30th and close on April 1st.

 

This year, each Future Wager pool has forty betting choices; 38 individual horses, and options for “All Other Males” and “All Other Fillies.” At the close of Pool 4, “All Other Males” was the overall favorite option, with Forte, Hoosier Philly, Tapit Trice, and Instant Coffee being the five top individual horses offered.

 

 

Insights and Trends

 

Up-and-comers beware: the experience counts.

 

It appears that this year, many of the top Triple Crown contenders (at least at the time of this writing) were top-tier two-year-olds or had at least broken their maidens by the end of 2022. 

 

Forte is of course the obvious example here; the Eclipse Champion Two-Year-Old Male of 2022 had a fantastic seasonal debut, taking the Grade II Fountain of Youth Stakes easily. However, he is not the only one. Practical Move, the recent winner of the Grade II San Felipe Stakes, was a Grade I winner at two. 

 

Grade III Lecomte Stakes winner Instant Coffee won the Grade II Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes as a two-year-old, and Grade II Rebel Stakes winner Confidence Game, while not a stakes winner at two, had two impressive victories over the Churchill Downs surface. 

 

It is also important to consider a racehorse’s human connections, and right now, trainer Brad Cox looks to have an embarrassment of Triple Crown riches. 

 

He is the trainer of the aforementioned Instant Coffee, as well as Grade II Risen Star Stakes winner Angel of Empire, Grade III Withers Stakes winner Hit Show, Grade III Gotham Stakes runner-up Slip Mahoney, and Gun Runner Stakes winner Jace’s Road. 

 

While only time will tell how many of these colts will make it to the Kentucky Derby, these are certainly names to keep in your head when planning your bets on future Kentucky Derby prep races!

 

5 Fun Facts About the Breeders’ Cup

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The Breeders’ Cup is without a doubt one of the most popular and famous events in all of horse racing. Sure, the Triple Crown is pretty big, but it doesn’t even touch on the infamy of the Breeders’ Cup. 

 

There have been so many horses and jockeys who have performed amazingly at this event, and we anticipate even more in the future as we start to consider 2023 breeders’ cup betting. 

 

But, there is much to the history of the Breeders’ Cup, and much to know. So, before hooves hit the track, let’s indulge you. Saddle up and ride through these fun facts!

 

Our Fun Facts

 

Here are 5 fun facts about this incredible race that will have you galloping to place your next bet.

 

#1. It’s Always Been Held In The U.S., Except Once

 

The Breeders’ Cup has always been a U.S. event, although there was one year this is untrue for. It has only ever been held outside of the United States on one occasion since its inception. 

 

Back in 1996, the Breeders’ Cup was run in Canada, at the Woodbine Racetrack in Ontario. 

 

#2. The U.S. Has The Most Winners.

 

While horses come from all corners of the globe to compete in this race, the U.S. has seen the most winners. The U.S. is the homeland of a majority of Breeders’ Cup champions, having nearly 300 winners overall. 

 

Just behind the U.S. is Ireland, Great Britain, and then France, Argentina, Germany, Canada, and Japan. 

 

When we consider the places best known for horse racing, these countries are no surprise, but we should be proud of having the most winners! 

 

#3. Only One Horse Won The Classic 2 Times

 

Of the entire Breeders’ Cup the most elite race is the final, which is the Breeders’ Cup Classic. It is a grade 1 race that is for only thoroughbreds of 3 years plus. The horses need to run a distance of one and a quarter miles on a dirt track. 

 

There is only one horse that has won the Classic two times, named Tiznow. He won in 2000 and 2001. Tiznow was a legend, winning 8/15 of his starts and taking home nearly $6.5 million in winnings. 

 

Of course there have been other big wins for this horse, such as the Affirmed Handicap. But, this was probably his greatest.

 

#4. Santa Anita Has Held It The Most

 

The Breeders’ Cup is not a stationary event, it moves and is held in different locations. Of all the popular locations, it has been held in Santa Anita park the most. 

 

Santa Anita park is in Arcadia, in the state of California, and has held the Breeders’ Cup 10 times, which is more than any other track has. 

 

Churchill Downs has the second most with 9 Breeders’ Cup races. 

 

Belmont Park has also held this race, although it is better known for the Triple Crown. 

 

#5. The Biggest Winning Jockey

 

All jockeys are great but Mike Smith kind of takes the cake. He is one of the most famous jockeys in the world at this time. He has over 5,600 wins overall and has won 26 Breeders’ Cup Classic races. 

 

This is more than any other jockey, and also more than any horse. 

 

He has also won the Triple Crown in 2018 on Justify, and make himself known as the oldest jockey to ever win this race, he was 52 when he completed this feat. He is followed closely behind in this by Velazquez, Bailey, and Dettori. 

5 Exciting Things About The Melbourne Cup 2022

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Australia’s most celebrated horse racing event, the Melbourne Cup, will crown the best galloper a few days from now. Besides the coaches, trainers and runners, racing fans, establishments, and other stakeholders are preparing for a few days of unforgettable celebrations.    

With an AUD$8 million prize pot, Melbourne Cup is Australia’s wealthiest handicap race. According to Victoria Racing Club’s track records and attendees, hundreds of thousands of spectators converge at the Flemington Racecourse annually for several days of fanfare. Others can watch the action live via sports television channels or online streaming platforms.   

Below are a few primary reasons why the event deserves the title, the race that stops the nation. 

  • The spectacular races 

Several races are included in the Spring Racing Carnival held from September to November. The famed Flemington Racecourse hosts four prominent competitions, including the Melbourne Cup race. Besides the big event on 01 November, fans are also treated to other turf competitions and celebrations, namely, Victoria Derby Day, Oaks Day, and Champions Stakes Day.   

  • Victoria Derby Day (29 October): The Flemington Racecourse hosts four races that make up the Carnival, which opens on the last Saturday of October this year. This 2,500-meter race is a competition for three-year-olds with an AUD$2 million prize pot. As the perfect pre-opening ceremony for the Cup, the twenty-four runners that make up the Melbourne Cup final field will be announced hours after Derby Day. 
  • Melbourne Cup Day (01 November): The Carnival’s main attraction and Australia’s second wealthiest race happens every first Tuesday of November. Thoroughbreds will battle it to win the AUD$4.4 million and 18-carat gold trophy. 
  • Victoria Racing Club Oaks Day (03 November): Three-year-old fillies compete on a 2,500-metre course for this Group 1 race. Prizemoney is more than AUD$1 million, attracting spectators and punters alike. This event, also called Kennedy Oaks or Crown Oaks Day, also features a day of music and fashion this year.  
  • Stakes Day (05 November): Closing the Spring Racing Carnival are two exciting Group 1 races in Australia’s premiere racecourse: the VRC Champions Stakes and the VRC Sprint Classic. Each of these sprint competitions carries an AUD$2 million prize purse.

It’s best to keep track of the important dates to make sure you don’t miss out on the exciting events.

  • The betting frenzy

Betting is a national pastime in Australia. The country’s gambling sector, which includes horse race wagering, netted at least AUD$225 billion in gambling revenues in 2019.  

Proceeds from the Melbourne Cup likely contribute a significant portion, considering that the Cup is the biggest one-day betting event in the country. Individuals spend an average of AUD$179 for the race, AUD$91 for entertainment, and AUD$88 for punting.   

Try your luck on lower-stake games first to increase your chances of picking the right horse. At the same time, access replay videos and other valuable information thru  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSqgmNBQDpoUIZPNB6CkUHg and similar channels. 

Keep updated with the race developments and, most importantly, the ever-changing order of entry before the final field is announced. For instance, as of 27 October, Caulfield Cup 2022 winner and race frontrunner Durston has withdrawn from the race for medical reasons.  

  • The unforgettable celebrations 

The Carnival is Australia’s prestigious horse racing event. And it’s only fitting that Melbourne Cup Day is a holiday in the city. On race days, crowds gather at Flemington to witness the race and participate in the celebrations. The live audience can also bet on their favorite runner, so heed the tips above and read a useful betting guide for beginners.

Marquees will dot the grounds where ticketholders are treated to sumptuous food and overflowing cocktail. Attendees will also be treated to live entertainment featuring local bands and musicians.   

Besides the Melbourne Cup Day happening on 01 November at 3 PM, punters and non-punters look forward to participating in several other events, in and out of the racecourse. Even residents outside of Melbourne join in the fanfare and celebrate in their homes, offices, or town centers. For instance, multiple venues across Australia’s capital, Canberra City, are preparing for the Cup Day celebrations in style.  

  • The opulent fashion 

Fashion is also a significant element in the Melbourne Cup celebrations. Racegoers are expected to dress their best according to the day’s theme. Cocktail dresses and fancy hats are a must for women, while men must look dapper in tailored suits for a shot to win prizes reserved for the best-dressed list. 

Derby Day is a black-and-white affair, while the Melbourne Cup focuses on colorful and bold patterns. Oaks Day, also known as ladies’ day, is about floral designs and pastel hues. Blue cornflower, yellow, and pink rose typically adorn these clothing ensembles.   

  • The star power 

Elsa Pataky, Chris Hemsworth’s wife, will appear on this year’s Derby Day stage. Athletes, Hollywood stars, and royal members have graced the Spring Racing Carnival for years.

Usain Bolt showed up twice, in 2017 and 2019, claiming that the Melbourne Cup is one of his favorite events. Lindsay Lohan and Lady Kitty Spencer also appeared in the same year. Derby Day and Oaks Day also hosted celebrities Sarah Jessica Parker, Liz Hurley, and Eva Longoria, to name a few. 

Even the late Queen Elizabeth II, a known horse lover, took a shot at winning the Melbourne Cup. In 1997, Her Majesty fielded Arabian Story and finished sixth place. 

Final thoughts 

The Melbourne Cup race may be the highlight of the Spring Racing Carnival, but there are other reasons to join in on the fun. Every year, organizers try their hardest to uniquely showcase Australia’s culture more than just celebrating the country’s best thoroughbreds. And with activities that appeal to everyone, participating in these festivities is an experience you don’t want to miss.  

5 Fun Facts About The Breeders’ Cup

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The Breeders’ Cup is without a doubt one of the most popular and famous events in all of horse racing. Sure, the Triple Crown is pretty big, but it doesn’t even touch on the infamy of the Breeders’ Cup. 

 

There have been so many horses and jockeys who have performed amazingly at this event, and we anticipate even more in the future as we start to consider 2022 breeders’ cup top picks. 

 

But, there is much to the history of the Breeders’ Cup, and much to know. So, before hooves hit the track, let’s indulge you. Saddle up and ride through these fun facts!

 

Our Fun Facts

 

Here are 5 fun facts about this incredible race that will have you galloping to place your next bet.

 

#1. It’s Always Been Held In The U.S., Except Once

 

The Breeders’ Cup has always been a U.S. event, although there was one year this is untrue for. It has only ever been held outside of the United States on one occasion since its inception. 

 

Back in 1996, the Breeders’ Cup was run in Canada, at the Woodbine Racetrack in Ontario. 

 

#2. The U.S. Has The Most Winners.

 

While horses come from all corners of the globe to compete in this race, the U.S. has seen the most winners. The U.S. is the homeland of a majority of Breeders’ Cup champions, having nearly 300 winners overall. 

 

Just behind the U.S. is Ireland, Great Britain, and then France, Argentina, Germany, Canada, and Japan. 

 

When we consider the places best known for horse racing, these countries are no surprise, but we should be proud of having the most winners! 

 

#3. Only One Horse Won The Classic 2 Times

 

Of the entire Breeders’ Cup the most elite race is the final, which is the Breeders’ Cup Classic. It is a grade 1 race that is for only thoroughbreds of 3 years plus. The horses need to run a distance of one and a quarter miles on a dirt track. 

 

There is only one horse that has won the Classic two times, named Tiznow. He won in 2000 and 2001. Tiznow was a legend, winning 8/15 of his starts and taking home nearly $6.5 million in winnings. 

 

Of course there have been other big wins for this horse, such as the Affirmed Handicap. But, this was probably his greatest.

 

#4. Santa Anita Has Held It The Most

 

The Breeders’ Cup is not a stationary event, it moves and is held in different locations. Of all the popular locations, it has been held in Santa Anita park the most. 

 

Santa Anita park is in Arcadia, in the state of California, and has held the Breeders’ Cup 10 times, which is more than any other track has. 

 

Churchill Downs has the second most with 9 Breeders’ Cup races. 

 

Belmont Park has also held this race, although it is better known for the Triple Crown. 

 

#5. The Biggest Winning Jockey

 

All jockeys are great but Mike Smith kind of takes the cake. He is one of the most famous jockeys in the world at this time. He has over 5,600 wins overall and has won 26 Breeders’ Cup Classic races. 

 

This is more than any other jockey, and also more than any horse. 

 

He has also won the Triple Crown in 2018 on Justify, and make himself known as the oldest jockey to ever win this race, he was 52 when he completed this feat. He is followed closely behind in this by Velazquez, Bailey, and Dettori. 

Top 3 Horses to Watch Out for in Belmont Stakes 2022

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Many punters are starting to prepare for the Belmont Stakes this year as the event gets closer. Others may already have placed their bets on the horse that they think will win the race this year via ante-post betting. 

 

But there are still many percentages of bettors who are still undecided as to who they will entrust their bet to this coming June 11. We will talk about the top three names that are making the rounds on the internet today. But first, we will discuss any updates regarding the projected lineup of the Belmont Stakes 2022. 

Post-Preakness Update

After dominating the Preakness Stakes last May 21, Early Voting trainer Chad Brown announced that they would not enter the Belmont Stakes race. Epicenter, the second runner-up of the Preakness Stakes, also won’t run the third and last leg of the Triple Crown this year. It was stated by his trainer Steve Asmussen. 

 

Therefore, both horses should be removed from your list if you have considered betting on them in the Belmont Stakes. However, Kentucky Derby winner Rich Strike will compete this coming June 11. 

 

With that being said, let us start discussing the top three contenders of the 2022 Belmont Stakes that you should watch out for. With this article, you can better prepare yourself before wagering on the tvg top picks for the belmont.

Rich Strike

Since the winner of the Preakness and its second runner-up will not be on the race track for the Belmont Stakes, we will be rooting for the Kentucky Derby winner. Rich Strike is expected to be amongst the final lineup of the Belmont Stakes, and he is not just a contender. He is one of the most promising to win the race. 

 

Rich Strike entered the Kentucky Derby Race race with an 80-1 odds. So it was an unexpected moment for the fans when Rich Strike won. At that moment, the Derby favorite Epicenter, who entered the race with a 4-1 odds, and Zandon with an 8-1 odds, were occupied on a duel on the front. Rich Strike seized his moment and stole the spotlight from the two frontrunners. 

 

The race ended with a winner that nobody had expected. Rich Strike, who is way below the odds list, has triumphed. He beat Epicenter, the favorite, by three-quarters of a length, while Zandon finished third also by three-quarters of a length behind Epicenter. The result of the Kentucky Derby 2022 became the second-biggest upset in Derby history.

 

Punters who trust Rich Strike also didn’t expect the turn of the events. Rich Strike pays out $163.60. The Kentucky Derby 2022 is a perfect example that not all the time, the favorite will win. Events will have their plots and twists that no one expected. In that race, Rich Strike shows the world what he is capable of. Not to mention that he finished his last five races in the top five. 

 

It would be best to consider that Rich Strike had plenty of preparation time after he skipped the Preakness Stakes.

Mo Donegal

Mo Donegal is one of the Kentucky Derby 2022 contenders. He has a short odds of 8-1 entering the competition, but he only finished the Derby in the fifth spot. However, on the Belmont Stakes, Mo Donegal has an increased chance of winning the race considering the lineup and his race history. 

 

This 3-year-old colt trained by Todd Pletcher has won three out of six races he joined. In two of them, he finished third and one as the fifth finisher, which was the Kentucky Derby. Remember that when handicapping a horse, you should also consider his competitors. Other horses who will compete with him significantly impact whether he wins or loses. 

 

Trainer Todd Pletcher also decided to skip the Preakness Stakes so Mo Donegal will have enough time to prepare for the last leg of the Triple Crown. Although Mo Donegal didn’t have luck on his side in the Kentucky Derby, it might be the opposite on the Belmont Stakes. Mo Donegal already has experience running in Belmont Park before. 

 

He raced on the track twice last year, where he recorded a win in one of those races and third on the other. Because of this, Mo Donegal’s familiarity with the race track might be his ticket to winning the Belmont Stakes.

 

Creative Minister

Creative Minister is the Preakness Stakes 2022 third-place winner. He entered the race with a 10-1 odds and finished it two ¾ lengths behind the second place winner, Epicenter. Out of the top three finishers of the Preakness Stakes, Creative Minister is only the one who has shown interest in contending for the Belmont Stakes. 

 

He has shown strength on the race track since May 21, which is why he became among the top three Belmont Stakes contenders that you should watch out for. Creative Minister has an outstanding race record. He runs for a total of four races, including the Preakness. He won two out of the four races he entered. Creative Minister never falls below third place in his racing history. 

Start Handicapping Early

If you plan to bet on the Belmont Stakes 2022, you should start handicapping as soon as possible. The race is set for June 11, and you only have a little time to do all the research to get the information you need. Then, you can start and prioritize handicapping these top three horses to start you off. 

3 Strategies You Need to Know to Bet on Horse Racing

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Horse racing is one of the most popular sports in the US. This is pretty impressive, considering that most people who tune in to horse racing are there mainly to bet. You can’t blame them because horse racing is thrilling in and of itself, and if you bet on it as well, it just becomes more exciting.

 

However, most people who bet on horse racing do it because it adds more thrill to the sport. There’s nothing wrong with that, of course, but if you are one of the people who want to take horse racing betting seriously, you need more than luck. In this article, we will be delving into some strategies that can give you a good chance of winning your next bet. 

 

This is especially true if you’re a beginner and you don’t know what to do to win more races. That said, here are some strategies you should do on your next bets.

Do Your Homework

Millions of people bet on horse racing each year, but only a small percentage of them do their homework to increase their chances of winning. In reality, a lot of information is thrown at you at any given minute, and it’s up to you if you have the patience to read all of them. 

 

Checking the racing forms is a good start if you don’t know where to look. Racing forms, also known as form guides, will give you a lot of information about the current races.

 

Of course, it won’t tell you which horse to bet on, but it can help you make an educated guess to help you win the races. The form guides will give you a lot of information about the horses and even the jockeys. 

 

That said, knowing which horses are consistently winning the top three is a generally good bet. However, you also have to check if these races are recent, so you might want to check the horses’ track record.

 

There is a lot more information on the racing forms, which can be overwhelming if you don’t know where to start. It can be overwhelming at first, but when you know what to look for and where to find it, this information will make sense, and you can use it to your advantage. Of course, don’t rush and take one step at a time.

Jockey Experience

Horse racing is a good example of what man and beast can achieve together. That said, horse racing does not solely depend on the horse but the jockey. Many people, especially beginners, only focus their research on the horses and ignore the jockeys altogether. However, in reality, jockeys are important just as much as the horse.

 

So first, to start your research on the jockeys, you can also begin on their track records. Are they winning recently? Are they staying in shape? When is their last race? Second, you can check their experience with the current track with their current horse. It’s just like driving a car. When you’re driving a car in a new place, you must study both the car and the road.

 

If the jockey has already been paired with the horse in the current race before, there’s a good chance they will perform greatly. On the other hand, if the jockey has no experience, their performance will be unpredictable, but mostly, they tend to underperform. 

Shop the Odds

Shopping odds is a pretty easy way to increase your payout. The best thing about it is that it doesn’t only apply to horse racing but to sports betting in general. If you’re betting with fixed odds, you can check on different sites online to see if your bet has greater value. However, it doesn’t work with pari-mutuel betting because the odds are not fixed.

 

Once you have made your bet, you can then begin shopping odds. Of course, as mentioned just now, you can check with different sports betting sites online to see if your bet has greater value. Of course, you must pick the odds that have a better value to increase your payout. 

 

After doing this for a while, you can begin to notice a pattern that you can take advantage of to increase your overall winnings, which you can learn more at tvg. Not only that, but if you create accounts on different sites, they tend to give out perks and bonuses to keep you betting with them. Sure, the difference might only be a few dollars, but over time, these extra dollars will stack up and can even go up to hundreds.

Final Words

These betting strategies are pretty common, but they are effective. Of course, they don’t guarantee you to win all the time, but at least you’ll have a greater chance to win and even increase your overall payout. So if you’re looking to start betting in horse racing events, you might want to take into heart the strategies that we talked about in this article.

Horse Race Betting Guide for Beginners

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Horse racing is a popular sport that facilitates many betting opportunities. The thrill of choosing a winning horse and watching it charge for the lead as it comes down the backstretch makes the sport more fun and exciting. Some of the biggest horse racing events attract huge viewership, and the payouts are just as big. To boost your horse racing betting skills, understand the competing horses’ form and know the jockeys, track, and horse conditions. Before placing your bets, understand the horse racing betting odds to help you make informed choices.

Consider diversifying your bets by wagering on several horses across multiple races or on a single race. Familiarize yourself with horse racing terminology and find a betting strategy, including Dutch betting, lay betting, or each-way betting. When starting, you may have a limited bankroll. However, based on the bookmaker, you can take advantage of welcome offers, cashback bonuses, and horse racing rebates. Below is a horse race betting guide for beginners.

Horse race betting sites

The birth of horse racing sites means you no longer have to go to the tracks to place your bets. Along with being able to bet on any race track globally, you can watch the sport from online sites. Look for trusted horse race betting sites and ensure that they offer multiple betting options, a lot of tracks and actions, and the best interfaces. You can also get betting tips for different races on these betting websites, including the Golden Slipper tips, the latest news, and everything horse race betting related.

Horse race betting strategy

There is no greater joy than watching the horses you bet on crossing the finish line just as you predicted. Nevertheless, winning a horse race bet isn’t about luck or selecting the horse with the best name. It’s about the racing strategies and tips you can use to make wiser choices with greater winning chances. Consider taking your time to go through strategy guides to help you crash every race you bet on. You can also create your own horse race betting strategy necessary for long-term bet winnings.

The odds

The odds indicate a horse’s winning chances. Shorter odds mean the horse is more favored. A horse with odds of 3/1 is deemed to have higher success chances than those with 6/1 odds. Odds are set by the bookmakers and are most likely to favor themselves. 6/1 odds mean that you get six in return for every one unit you bet plus one unit as it’s your original bet.

Bookmakers consider the horse’s track records and the amount wagered on them to protect themselves from losing money. If a horse attracts a lot of interest, its odds may be shortened and may not reflect its real winning chances. For example, if you bet $20 on 6/1 odds and your horse wins, you’ll get $140 (20*6 + 20*1) as your payout.

Types of horse racing wagers

When betting on horse races, it’s essential to understand the different bet types you can place. In show bets, your horse must finish first, second or third, making your winning chances very good. Place bets involve your horse finishing the race first or second, making your winning chances suitable. The win has average winning chances because your horse must finish first. In quinella bets, you choose two horses in the same race, and they must finish in first and second position in no particular order.

Exacta involves choosing two horses, and they must finish in the first and second position in the exact order you bet on, making your winning chances difficult. In trifecta bets, your horses must finish in first, second, and third places in the exact order you wagered on. This makes your winning opportunities very hard. Superfecta has tough winning chances because your horses must win in the precise order you bet on in positions one, two, three, and four. They also require a sizable bankroll, and the payouts are big. Daily double bets are hard to win as your horses must win two consecutive races.

How to place a horse race bet

Placing a horse race bet isn’t complicated. If placing your bets online, you must open an account with a legit betting site and deposit funds. Find the race you want to bet on and how much you’re betting on it, then place your bet. If you’re going to the tracks to get your ticket, state the racetrack’s name and the number of the race you’re betting on. Indicate your bet amount, the type of wager, and the horse’s number.

Endnote

If you’re new to horse racing betting, researching before placing your bets increases your winning chances. Consult the above guide for betting basics and understand how the sport works.