Rick Francis – Handicapping

By Rick Francis —- As the Belmont summer meet nears its close, five graded stakes, topped by the Grade 1’s Runhappy Met Mile and Manhattan Stakes should make for an enjoyable Fourth of July. We’ll start with a closer look at the graded contests and selections...

By Rick Francis —- Churchill Downs spring/summer meet roars into it’s closing weekend with graded stakes action headlined by the Grade 2’s Stephen Foster and Fleur de Lis Stakes for fillies and mares; weather forecast looks promising as do the full-card...

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....