View from the Grandstand

By Rick Francis —- The first Saturday in May once again brings us the annual “Run for the Roses”, the Kentucky Derby. The 151st edition of “The Greatest Two Minutes in Sport” will feature 20 three-year-olds in the starting gate eack looking for their...

Bob Hill, TSV staff writer Among the hard lessons we learn as horse players is that the best horse does not always win. Sometimes the best horse just has an off day. More often, however, the best horse may not win due to what happens in a race – he misses the break, another horse...

By Pat McKenna —- Single-day Saratoga tickets on-sale April 30 Dining reservations accepted beginning Wednesday, April 23 SARATOGA SPRINGS, N.Y. – The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) today reminded fans of the upcoming on-sale dates for single-day reserved seats...

By Bob Hill TSV Feature Writer —- Santa Anita Derby Selections Santa Anita (G1) 1-1/8 miles on main track The importance of this race is hard to figure, given that only five horses are entered. Most believe that the winner of the race will gain favoritism in the Kentucky...

By Bob Hill Tracksideview Feature Writer —- Oaklawn Park (G1) 1-1/8 miles on main track The Arkansas Derby has produced seven winners of the Kentucky Derby. It’s a Grade 1 race with a purse of $1.5 million. Top American trainers view the race as a perfect proving ground for...

By Bob Hill Tracksideview Feature Writer —- Louisiana Derby G2 Fair Grounds 1-3/16 miles on main track We’ve reached the time of year in the run-up to the Kentucky Derby where the prep races are stretched out to at least nine furlongs and where the participants compete for...