Rick Francis – Handicapping

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...

By Rick Francis —- It’s the first Saturday of May which means it’s the running of the Kentucky Derby. The 150th edition will once again go to post with a field of twenty 3-year-olds each looking for their place in horse racing history. Although 6-time winning...

By Rick Francis —- A mild day with sunny skies are forecast for the 111th Running of the Grade II Louisiana Derby. Morning line favorite Track Phantom will look to solidify his Derby contender status, this time over what will be a fast and dry surface. A full field of...

By Rick Francis —- Though the 87th running of the Grade 1 Santa Anita Handicap may lack the legendary star power it carried when the likes of Seabiscuit, John Henry and 3-time winner Game On Dude traversed it’s course, it remains one of racing’s top contests for...

By Rick Francis —- The “Road to the Kentucky Derby & Oaks” makes it’s Championship Series stop at New Orleans Fair Grounds where the Grade 2 Risen Star and Rachel Alexandra will offer starting points of (50-25-15-10-5) for the 150th “Run for the...

By Rick Francis —- We return to sunny South Florida and Gulfstream Park where the “Road to the Derby” continues with the Running of the Grade 3 Holy Bull for sophomore colts and geldings along with the G3 Forward Gal for 3-year-old fillies. Full-card selections...

By Rick Francis —- The Pegasus World Cup from Gulfstream Park features a card of thirteen races highlighted by the 8th Running of the $3 Million Grade 1 World Cup invitational. Weather promises to be a perfect South Florida day with first post time at 11:00AM EST, and as...