Keeping Pace

Staff writer Frank Angst examines racing, handicapping, and other mysteries.

May 2017 - Posts

NTRA Staying Busy in Washington

While the Triple Crown races are approaching beginning with the Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1) in Louisville, Ky., the National Thoroughbred Racing Association continues a busy stretch in Washington putting the industry's message forward on immigration and tax issues. The political mood on immigration issues may be too steep a challenge for horse racing and other industries that want... Read More

Every Picture Tells a Story, or Two

Horsemen talk about the ups and downs of racing; those hills and valleys can occur in the same season, same day, or even the same race. The latter occurred in the 1945 Futurity Stakes at Belmont Park when trainer Tom Smith—of Seabiscuit fame—sent out Maine Chance Farm's eventual champion 2-year-old male Star Pilot and eventual champion 2-year-old filly Beaugay. Star Pilot would register a one-length... Read More

Tapwrit Would Give Sire Tapit Shot at Belmont History

Should the connections of Tapwrit decide to enter the Lambholm South Tampa Bay Derby (G2) winner in this year's Belmont Stakes (G1), it would provide his sire, Tapit , a shot at history. Tapit, of course, has piled up accolades while leading the North American sire list each of the past three seasons. A Belmont Stakes victory by Tapwrit, or any other starter by the sire in the 1 1/2-mile classic, would... Read More

Examining Top Derby Prep Days for Possible Track Bias

A look at recent Kentucky Derby Presented by Yum! Brands (G1) dirt prep races in the United States could determine if any potential bias toward a particular running style on the main track existed on particular race days. One less thing for handicappers to worry about? Note that all tracks for race days involved were listed as fast. Sunland Derby (G3), March 26 at Sunland Park Of the six races contested... Read More

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