S6E50: At the junction of turf and surf

The Grade 1, $1 million Pacific Classic, a win-and-you’re-in qualifier for the Breeders’ Cup Classic, is the centerpiece of this week’s episode of the Ron Flatter Racing Pod.

Hall of Fame trainer Richard Mandella talks about his morning-line favorite Geaux Rocket Ride, who won for him this summer in the Haskell (G1). He also discusses his other entries in the graded stakes Saturday at Del Mar.

FanDuel TV’s Andie Biancone offers the story of her life in horse racing and how it has turned to being a TV analyst. She offers her opinions of how the Pacific Classic horses are looking headed into this weekend’s race.

Super Screener creator Mike Shutty handicaps not only the Pacific Classic but also Friday’s Saranac (G3) and Saturday’s Jockey Club Gold Cup (G1), both at Saratoga.

Listener and reader feedback is focused on the tragic death last week of New York Thunder in the H. Allen Jerkens Memorial (G1) at Saratoga.

The Ron Flatter Racing Pod via Horse Racing Nation is available via free subscription from Apple, Google and Spotify as well as HorseRacingNation.com.

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S6E49: Travers, Rich Strike, and how long is summer?

The mid-summer derby at Saratoga formally known as the Grade 1, $1.25 million Travers Stakes is the focus of this week’s Ron Flatter Racing Pod.

TV analyst Andy Serling from Fox Sports and the New York Racing Association previews the race and offers his thoughts about the Saratoga summer.

At this time last year the 80-1 winner of the 2022 Kentucky Derby was getting ready for the Travers. What is going on now with Rich Strike, who has raced only once since November? His owner Rick Dawson provides details.

Horse Racing Nation’s Ed DeRosa handicaps weekend Grade 1 races at Saratoga including the Travers, the H. Allen Jerkens Memorial and the Sword Dancer. There is also listener and reader feedback.

The Ron Flatter Racing Pod via Horse Racing Nation is available via free subscription from Apple, Google, Spotify and one last time on Stitcher as well as HorseRacingNation.com.

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S6E48: King’s for a day and a tribute to Jerry Moss

The King’s Plate at Woodbine and a tribute to the late Jerry Moss are featured this week on the Ron Flatter Racing Pod.

Track announcer Robert Geller discusses Canada’s biggest race and trends that have developed through the entire meet.

A 2010 interview with Moss, owner of Zenyatta and Giacomo, has been brought back from the archives and will be played in honor of the man who was iconic in racing and in the music industry.

 Super Screener creator Mike Shutty handicaps the Alabama (G1) and the Lake Placid (G2) at Saratoga, and there is listener and reader feedback.

The Ron Flatter Racing Pod via Horse Racing Nation is available via free subscription from Apple, Google and Spotify as well as HorseRacingNation.com.

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S6E47: Yes, Virginia, there is an Arlington Million

The Grade 1 Arlington Million has a new home at Colonial Downs in Virginia, and that is this week’s venue for the Ron Flatter Racing Pod.

Adrian Beaumont of the International Racing Bureau provides insight into the rebuilding of the Million and the horses from Europe who will be in this weekend’s featured stakes.

Trainer Michael Stidham discusses United Nations (G1) runner-up Catnip’s bid to win the Arlington Million.

David Levitch handicaps weekend races at Colonial Downs and Saratoga, and there is listener and reader feedback.

The Ron Flatter Racing Pod via Horse Racing Nation is available via free subscription from Apple, Google, Spotify and Stitcher as well as HorseRacingNation.com.

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S6E46: Cody’s Wish is back

Cody’s Wish returns in the Grade 1 Whitney Stakes at Saratoga, and that puts him in the spotlight for this week’s Ron Flatter Racing Pod. His Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott talks about the challenge of his extending to 1 1/8 miles this weekend. He also discusses his sprint star Elite Power. 

Tom Law of The Saratoga Special examines the shrinking field sizes in the Spa’s top stakes as well as the controversy over last week’s Jim Dandy Stakes won by Forte. He also offers his thoughts about the Whitney.

Mark Midland handicaps five stakes and two other weekend races at Saratoga.

Listener and reader feedback focuses on jockey safety as well as moves announced by The Stronach Group since it said it would close Golden Gate Fields.

The Ron Flatter Racing Pod via Horse Racing Nation is available via free subscription from Apple, Google, Spotify and Stitcher as well as HorseRacingNation.com.

Check out this episode!