Rick Francis – Handicapping

By Rick Francis —- What was once the final leg of the Triple Crown and run at a distance that tested true champions is now the first jewel of racing’s Triple Crown and contested at a route many have travelled before; it’ been that kind of year. Race 10)...

By Rick Francis —- Michael Dubb Monomoy Stables champion 5-year-old Monomoy Girl returns to racing to headline Churchill Downs opening day race card; first post 1pm EDT (Please note: check scratch list due to an overabundance of early entries) Race 1) 12, 10, 1, 4 Race 2)...

By Rick Francis —- Race 12) 1&1/8th Mile. Oaklawn H. Grade II. Purse $600,000 FOUR YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD. Post Time: 7:04/( 6:04)/ 5:04/ 4:04 ADVANCED FORECAST: Sunny, High 82, Low 64 1) Chess Chief- Into Mischief colt has been a steady earner finishing in the money in...

By Rick Francis —- OAKLAWN PARK Race 7) 1&1/16th Mile. Arkansas Breeders’ Championship S. Purse $165,000 Post Time: 5:06/( 4:06)/ 3:06/ 2:06 ADVANCED FORECAST: Sunny, High 81, Low 61 3) K J’s Nobility (Borel/Borel); 6-year-old has won 3-of-4nd hasn’t...

By Rick Francis —- An “interesting” group of twelve three-year-olds are slated to go in the Grade 2 Tampa Bay Derby, each with an eye on the winners share of the 400k purse and a starting berth in the 146th running of the Kentucky Derby; let’s take a look...

By Rick Francis —- Full fields await both divisions of the Grade 2 Risen Star, each carrying a purse of $400k and a 85 valuable Kentucky Derby points; let’s have a look at the contenders. Race 12) 1&1/8th Mile. Risen Star S. presented by Lamarque Ford Grade II....

By Rick Francis —- Gulfstream Park Race 12) 1&1/8 Mile. Pegasus World Cup Invitational S.PRESENTED BY RUNHAPPY. Grade I. Purse $3,000,000 FOUR YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD WITH NO RACE DAY MEDICATION Post Time: ( 5:34)/ 4:34/ 3:34/ 2:34 ADVANCED FORECAST: Mostly Sunny, High...

By Rick Francis —- AQUEDUCT Race 10) 1 Mile. Cigar Mile H. Grade I. Purse $750,000 A HANDICAP FOR THREE YEAR OLDS AND UPWARD Post Time: ( 4:16)/ 3:16/ 2:16/ 1:16 1) Whitmore (Moquett/Rosario); veteran exits a willing third in the BC Sprint, his fourth board finish of 2019;...