Rick Francis – Handicapping

By Rick Francis —- Fair Grounds Race Course “Road to the Kentucky Derby” series comes to a conclusion with the running of the 112th Grade 2 Louisiana Derby and along with the winner’s share of the $1 million purse, a starting spot in the 151st edition of...

By Rick Francis —- The “Road to the Kentucky Derby” heads to New Orleans Fair Grounds Saturday with the seasons first 105 points contest as the 53rd running of the Grade 2 Risen Star headlines a fourteen race card; let’s have a look at the selections. Race...

By Rick Francis —- It’s Louisiana Champions Day from Fair Grounds highlighted by seven stakes contests and a “guest” appearence by reigning Kntucky Derby champion Mystic Dan who’ll paddock parade before and during the third race. Weather conditions...

By Rick Francis —- Saturday’s signature race from Aqueduct is the Grade 2 Cigar Mile Handicap named for the legendary gelding who won 16 straight contests each at racing’s highest levels. There are and will be great racehorses but none more than the...

By Rick Francis —- Nine Breeders’ Cup races are on tap highlighted by the $7 million Classic to culminate the 41st running of thoroughbred racing’s World Championships, below are my selections. Race 4) PNC Bank Breeders’ Cup Filly & Mare Sprint 7...

By Rick Francis —- SARATOGA Race 13) Draftkings Travers S. 1 1/4 Miles | Open | 3 Year Olds | G1 STAKES | PURSE: $1,250,000 Post: 6:10 PM ET 7) Dornach (Gargan/Saez); Good Magic colt enters having won both the Belmont Stakes and Haskell each in game gut check fashion; this...

By Rick Francis —- A field of nine three-year-old fillies, six of which exit the Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks, are set to do battle again in the now Grade 1 Acorn Stakes run over the Saratoga main track at a mile and one-eigth. Rainy conditions no longer look to be an issue so may...

By Rick Francis —- A week before heading to beautiful Saratoga and the 156th running of the Belmont Stakes, we’ll head south a bit to Grantville Pa. for a Friday night stakes special from Penn National Race Course and the running of the Grade 3 Penn Mile over what...