S7E11: Horse of the year will not be unanimous

The end of the year brings the Eclipse Awards. This week’s Ron Flatter Racing Pod brings together a panel of Horse Racing Nation writers who will be among the roughly 250 media and racing-industry voters who will have a voice in the 17 championship categories.

Las Vegas correspondent Mike Brunker, division-rankings expert Chip Gehrke and pedigree analyst Laurie Ross offer their opinions on all the major categories, including their varied opinions on who should be the finalists and the winner of the horse-of-the-year award.

Mark Midland takes his turn in the handicappers rotation with an emphasis on a late Pick 4 on Saturday at Gulfstream Park plus some first-time starters who have caught his eye.

John Cherwa discusses opening day at Santa Anita as it was cast against his Los Angeles Times story about the future of horse racing in California.

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

Check out this episode!

S7E10: The 2023 racing year in review

Whether it is Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa or even Festivus, it is the perfect time to gather friends. That is precisely what happens this week in a special holiday episode of the Ron Flatter Racing Pod.

John Cherwa of the Los Angeles Times, Lee Mottershead from Racing Post in England and international racing liaison Kate Hunter in Japan review the headlines of the 2023 racing year.

They discuss the memorable performances from the likes of Cody’s Wish and Equinox, the early retirements of U.S. standouts, the unretirement of jockey Frankie Dettori, the breakthrough victory by trainer Jena Antonucci in the Belmont Stakes, the spates of horse deaths at Churchill Downs and Saratoga, a surge in animal-rights protests at racetracks in the U.K. and the specter of affordability checks on gamblers in Europe.

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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S7E9: Celebrate with the DeVaux and Blasi families

Siblings in racing are in the spotlight on this week’s Ron Flatter Racing Pod.

Trainer Cherie DeVaux and her assistant and younger sister Adrianne DeVaux talk about their relationship and how it has grown into working together in a stable that is coming into its own with graded-stakes success.

Scott Blasi, the longtime assistant to trainer Steve Asmussen, and his older brother Greg Blasi, an outrider at Churchill Downs, discuss growing up together around horses and how they see their roles today.

Ed DeRosa handicaps the Remington Springboard Mile, the Los Alamitos Futurity and, at Turfway Park, the Prairie Bayou Stakes.

Listener and reader feedback touches on last week’s interview with Mike Repole and on last week’s column about the 2024 Belmont Stakes* and how it has been shortened to 1 1/4 miles.

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

Check out this episode!

S7E8: Mike Repole, Bayou breds & symposium elevators

Entrepreneur and horse owner Mike Repole is the featured guest this week on the Ron Flatter Racing Pod.

Repole discusses his creation of the National Thoroughbred Alliance and why he believes he was right to name himself the commissioner of horse racing. He also answers questions about how likely he is to prevail with his rewriting of the way the sport carries out its business.

Highlights and impressions of the Global Symposium on Racing in Tucson, Ariz., are reviewed.

Super Screener creator Mike Shutty offers handicapping of some of Saturday’s races on Louisiana Champions day at Fair Grounds.

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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S7E7: Cigar Mile, Claiming Crown and zebras

The Cigar Mile Handicap at Aqueduct and the Claiming Crown at Fair Grounds share center stage on the Ron Flatter Racing Pod.

TV analyst Maggie Wolfendale Morley from the New York Racing Association and Fox Sports previews the graded stakes at Aqueduct that will be highlighted by the Cigar Mile.

Eric Hamelbach of the National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association shares insight on his organization’s role in the Claiming Crown as well as some highlights in the making this weekend in New Orleans.

Paddock Prince handicapper David Levitch has tips for betting Aqueduct as well as the Hollywood Derby at Del Mar.

Reader and listener feedback includes opinions about the retirement of Kentucky Derby winner Mage.

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

Check out this episode!

S7E6: From turkeys to horses to tuchuses

The final days of the fall meet at Churchill Downs and a prep for Kentucky Derby 2024 are the focus of the Thanksgiving week episode of the Ron Flatter Racing Pod.

Trainer Dale Romans and jockey Tyler Gaffalione talk about their entries in the Grade 2 Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes as well as some of their other stakes horses this holiday weekend.

Rich Perloff, who just left FanDuel TV, talks about the most contentious Eclipse Award categories and what he may do next in his career.

Ed DeRosa handicaps three graded stakes this long weekend at Churchill Downs, and new co-host John Cherwa of the Los Angeles Times provides an added voice for 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.

Check out this episode!

S7E5: Teach a sports bettor how to love racing

Can a career sports bettor be convinced to venture into playing the horses? That is the question for podcast pioneer Gill Alexander. He raises questions about how to play the races, especially as someone who does not play pari-mutuels. Was his curiosity satiated to the point of taking a plunge into playing the races? Find out on the Ron Flatter Racing Pod via Horse Racing Nation. It is available via free subscription from Apple, Google and Spotify as well as HorseRacingNation.com.

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S7E4: The two old men in the balcony from the Muppets

A look back on Breeders’ Cup 2023 and a freewheeling conversation between two aging turf writers fills this week’s Ron Flatter Racing Pod. Friend of the show John Cherwa of the Los Angeles Times joined Ron in a look-back at the two-day meet while sitting in the dining room of the media hotel in Pasadena, Calif. As is the usual wont of these two, the talk wandered off in all directions while still touching on such topics as who should be the horse of the year. Hear horse-racing media’s version of an old, married couple on the Ron Flatter Racing Pod via Horse Racing Nation. It is available via free subscription from Apple, Google and Spotify as well as HorseRacingNation.com.

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S7E3: Breeders’ Cup: Look who I found at Clockers’ Corner

From Santa Anita, Breeders’ Cup 2023 is the focus of the Ron Flatter Racing Pod.

Trainers Bill Mott, Todd Pletcher and Brad Cox discuss their top prospects in the 14 championship races Friday and Saturday.

World Horse Racing’s Naomi Tukker offers her point of view about the top matchups of the week and how defections have made the Breeders’ Cup Classic a potentially wide open race with longer odds on so many starters.

New York radio personality Brad Blanks has a snapshot of the Breeders’ Cup scene and his plans to race back to his native Australia for next week’s Melbourne Cup.

Super Screener creator Mike Shutty talks about some Breeders’ Cup trends that may be the foundation of winning bets this week.

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

Check out this week’s hard-core handicappers episode featuring Mark Midland, Ed DeRosa and Johnny Avello previewing and analyzing all 14 Breeders’ Cup races:

https://www.horseracingnation.com/news/Flatter_Pod_Breeders_Cup_hard_core_handicappers_pop_up_123

Check out this episode!

S7E2: Breeders’ Cup hard-core handicappers pop-up

For the seventh year in a row, the Breeders’ Cup will be featured in a hard-core handicappers episode of the Ron Flatter Racing Pod. Hear Horse Racing Nation’s Mark Midland and Ed DeRosa and DK Horse’s Johnny Avello analyze all 14 races with advice on who and how to bet. The Ron Flatter Racing Pod via Horse Racing Nation is available via free subscription from Apple, Google and Spotify as well as HorseRacingNation.com.

Check out this episode!

S7E1: 6th anniversary celebration is ... iron?

The Breeders’ Cup is the main topic this week to start the seventh season of the Ron Flatter Racing Pod.

Hall of Famer Mike Smith, who has ridden more Breeders’ Cup winners than any other jockey, talks about his mounts in next week’s championships.

FanDuel TV’s Joaquin Jaime offers analysis of some of the 205 horses who were pre-entered this week for the races at Santa Anita.

Paddock Prince handicapper David Levitch has tips on the graded stakes this week at Keeneland and Belmont at Aqueduct as well as an advance look at his angles for the Breeders’ Cup.

Listener and reader feedback is focused on the retirement of Eclipse Award winner Forte.

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

Check out this episode!

S6E57: Breeders’ Cup, British Champions & home cooking

From Keeneland to British Champions day to the Breeders’ Cup, important autumn races are the focus of this week’s Ron Flatter Racing Pod.

Trainer Brendan Walsh talks about Pretty Mischievous and his other contenders for next month’s championship races at Santa Anita.

Racing Post turf writer Maddy Playle checks in from England to provide insight into the season-ending card at Ascot, including the Queen Elizabeth Stakes and British Champion Stakes, the last win-and-you’re-in races for the Breeders’ Cup Mile and Turf.

Horse Racing Nation’s Ed DeRosa handicaps weekend races at Keeneland, including the Grade 2 Raven Run and the Perryville Stakes.

Listener and reader feedback is focused on jockey Frankie Dettori’s decision to postpone his retirement from racing.

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

Check out this episode!

S6E56: 3 continents, 14 time zones

Three continents are spanned on one episode with this week’s Ron Flatter Racing Pod.

Flying to the U.S. to ride Mawj in the Grade 1 Queen Elizabeth II Challenge Cup at Keeneland, three-time U.K.-champion jockey Oisín Murphy discusses the race and his possibilities for the Breeders’ Cup next month at Santa Anita.

At $12.8 million, The Everest is the richest turf race in the world, and it will be run this weekend in Australia. That is where RSN927’s Matt Stewart, who has spent 30 years covering racing, offers a preview of that feature in Sydney as well as the big races in the Melbourne Spring Carnival during the coming weeks.

Paddock Prince tips come from David Levitch, who focuses on the late Pick 4 on Saturday at Keeneland. The QEII will be among the races he handicaps.

Listener and reader feedback focuses on Keeneland and the changing of the guard in the older-females division from Nest to Idiomatic.

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

Check out this episode!

S6E55: Keeneland is lovely in the fall

Fifteen races will bring the Breeders’ Cup qualifiers in the U.S. to a climax this week, and they are the focus of this week’s Ron Flatter Racing Pod, which originates from Keeneland.

FanDuel TV’s Scott Hazelton is based this month at the Kentucky track, where he looks at the Breeders’ Cup divisions and specifics on some of the big races this weekend.

Larry Demeritte is one of the first Black trainers to have won a Kentucky Derby prep. He and West Saratoga, who finished first last month in the Iroquois (G3), try to go one better this weekend in the Breeders’ Futurity (G1) at Keeneland.

Horse Racing Nation’s Mark Midland handicaps some of the weekend races that he expects may yield big profits, and listener and reader feedback focuses on the ever-changing landscape of racing coverage.

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

Check out this episode!

S6E54: Get your passport for this episode

Breeders’ Cup win-and-you’re-in races go from California through Kentucky and New York and all the way to Europe. They are the focus of this week’s episode of the Ron Flatter Racing Pod.

From Paris, Racing Post turf writer Scott Burton previews the Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe and four other Breeders’ Cup qualifiers being run Sunday on the undercard.

Godolphin bloodstock director Michael Banahan talks about Cody’s Wish in the Vosburgh Stakes and the immediate plans this fall for him, Pretty Mischievous, Proxy and other standouts.

Super Screener creator Mike Shutty handicaps weekend races at Belmont at Aqueduct, Santa Anita and a Breeders’ Cup qualifier at Churchill Downs.

Listener and reader feedback focuses on five ways racing is ahead of other sports and another five ways that it is not.

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

Check out this episode!

S6E53: Under my umbrella at the Penn Derby

What may be a rainy renewal of the Grade 1 Pennsylvania Derby is the highlight of this week’s Ron Flatter Racing Pod.

Track announcer Jessica Paquette previews the $1 million race and talks about her groundbreaking year at Parx Racing.

Jockey Florent Géroux talks about his ride on Saudi Crown in the Penn Derby as well as his other stakes mounts on the undercard.

Handicapper Ed DeRosa has tips not only for the big races at Parx but also the Oklahoma Derby at Remington Park.

Listener feedback is focused on the calls to replace racing and playing surfaces that are widely regarded as unsafe in their sports.

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

Check out this episode!

S6E52: Trail mix is served for Kentucky Derby

The road to Kentucky Derby 150 begins this weekend, and it is the focus of the Ron Flatter Racing Pod.

Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas talks about Market Street and Seize the Grey, his two starters in the Grade 3 Iroquois Stakes that christens the points preps for 2023-24. He also has some early details on the yearlings he has been involved in buying at this week’s Keeneland sale.

TV analyst Joe Kristufek looks at the Iroquois as well as other stakes this weekend at Churchill Downs. He also talks about his own year in racing that took him to Fair Grounds and Ellis Park.

The Paddock Prince handicapper David Levitch has tips for the five stakes races Saturday at Churchill Downs.

There is feedback from last week’s discussion of takeout and racing’s relationship with sports betting.

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

Check out this episode!

S6E51: Big bucks at Kentucky Downs + Del Mar & Colonial

The big-money meet at Kentucky Downs plus closing weekend at Del Mar and Colonial Downs are the talking points on this week’s Ron Flatter Racing Pod.

Vice president of racing Ted Nicholson and National Horseplayers Championship Hall of Famer Chris Larmey talk about Kentucky Downs’ ongoing growth and its 1 percent increase in takeout this year.

Trainer Michael McCarthy discusses his young horses who are racing in Grade 1 stakes at Del Mar.

Horse Racing Nation’s Mark Midland handicaps weekend races at Kentucky Downs and Colonial Downs, including the Virginia Derby.

Listeners and readers offer their feedback on the way the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority does business.

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

Check out this episode!

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.

Check out this episode!

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.

Check out this episode!

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.

Check out this episode!

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.

Check out this episode!

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!

S6E45: Summer stakes and safety scrutiny

Summertime stakes at Saratoga and Del Mar and concerns about rider safety are the hot topics on the table for the Ron Flatter Racing Pod.

Fox Sports and New York Racing Association TV analyst Sara Elbadwi checks in from Saratoga to discuss this weekend’s Jim Dandy Stakes and Vanderbilt Handicap.

Jockeys’ Guild president and CEO Terry Meyocks provides updates on the safety concerns raised in the past week at Del Mar, Saratoga and at Finger Lakes, where riders refused to continue racing Wednesday after a gate accident.

Ed DeRosa handicaps the big Saratoga races as well as the San Diego Handicap and Bing Crosby Stakes at Del Mar.

Listener and reader feedback focuses on the permanent closing this fall of 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!

S6E44: From California to the Jersey Shore and back again

Opening week at Del Mar, the closing of Golden Gate Fields and the $1 million Haskell Stakes are the focus of the Ron Flatter Racing Pod.

Owner, handicapper and radio host Jon Lindo discusses the developments in California, including featured stakes at Del Mar.

From Monmouth Park, Mage’s assistant trainer and co-owner Gustavo Delgado Jr. talks about the Kentucky Derby winner’s bid to win the Haskell.

Super Screener creator Mike Shutty has handicapping advice for Del Mar and Saratoga as well as the Haskell.

Listener feedback is also part of the program.

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!

S6E43: Saratoga commits hard

It is opening week at Saratoga, and that is the focus of this week’s Ron Flatter Racing Pod.

Fox Sports and New York Racing Association TV analyst Acacia Clément previews the summer meet, including this weekend’s Grade 1 Diana Stakes.

National Horseplayers Championship Hall of Famer David Gutfreund discusses the recent collusion controversy that led to three players being disqualified and questions about how long this has been going on at the annual tournament.

Super Screener creator Mike Shutty handicaps weekend races at Saratoga.

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 Stitcher as well as HorseRacingNation.com.

Note: There is a video version of last week’s story about technology that has the potential to save the lives of racehorses. The interviews and demonstration of StrideSafe took place at Churchill Downs. See trainer Dale Romans and veterinarians David Lambert and Denise Mc Sweeney on Horse Racing Nation’s YouTube page. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W5g14sFweYw

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S6E42: Baffert ban, high-tech safety and tips for Belmont Park

Equine safety, a controversial suspension and closing weekend at Belmont Park are the topics of this week’s Ron Flatter Racing Pod.

Attorney Clark Brewster talks about trainer Bob Baffert’s ban from Churchill Downs Inc. tracks being extended by another 1 1/2 years. He also discusses the setting aside of the medication suspension of trainer Ray Handal.

Trainer Dale Romans and veterinarians David Lambert and Denise Mc Sweeney offer an audio tour of the new StrideSafe technology that was deployed in Kentucky to identify potential injuries in racehorses before they became serious.

Paddock Prince handicapper David Levitch offers tips on four weekend races at Belmont Park, including the Belmont Derby (G1), the Belmont Oaks (G1) and the Suburban Stakes (G2).

Ron also offers some thoughts spanning the globe from his vista last weekend covering the Stephen Foster (G1) at Ellis Park.

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!

S6E41: Stars from Dallas and Ellis

This weekend’s $1 million Stephen Foster Stakes, the first Grade 1 in the history of Ellis Park, is the centerpiece of this week’s Ron Flatter Racing Pod.

Recently retired Dallas sports-talk icon Norm Hitzges talks about his radio career and his years of experience as a horseplayer.

Owner Mike Mackin discusses his horses Smile Happy and Rattle N Roll, who are racing in the Stephen Foster.

Handicapper Ed DeRosa has betting advice for the Stephen Foster and other weekend races.

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!

S6E40: Smile for the camera

What is behind the making of some of the best horse-racing photos around? Alex Evers from Eclipse Sportswire answers that question and talks about his travels as a photojournalist. As summer approaches, Louis Rabaut of the Horse Racing Happy Hour takes a final look back at the spring of 2023 and a troubled Triple Crown season. 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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S6E39: Wesley Ward did what to the Queen?

From New York, a preview of Royal Ascot and a review of the Triple Crown are heard this week on the Ron Flatter Racing Pod.

For the 14th time in the last 15 years, trainer Wesley Ward sends horses to England for the most prestigious five days of racing in the world. He discusses each of the runners who will try to add to his 12 previous victories at Royal Ascot. He even has a hilarious story about a conversation he had with the late Queen Elizabeth II.

Los Angeles Times writer John Cherwa joins Ron for a recap of the 2023 Triple Crown season as they try to put perspective on all the ups and downs of the racing spring.

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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S6E38: Belmont Stakes: All I need is the air that I breathe

Amid the smoky conditions ahead of Belmont Stakes 2023, the Ron Flatter Racing Pod originates from New York to preview the last race of this year’s Triple Crown. Trainers Brad Cox and Jena Antonucci discuss their Belmont horses. TV analyst Maggie Wolfendale-Morley of the New York Racing Association and Fox Sports offers her thoughts about Belmont week and her tips on Saturday’s $1.5 million race. Super Screener creator Mike Shutty has handicapping advice for three undercard stakes plus some thoughts about the Belmont itself. 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!

S6E23: Belmont Stakes hard-core handicappers pop-up

The sixth annual hard-core handicappers roundtable to preview Belmont Stakes 2023 has been convened for this pop-up episode of the Ron Flatter Racing Pod. Hear Horse Racing Nation’s Mark Midland and Ed DeRosa and the return of DraftKings Sportsbook’s Johnny Avello. They preview all nine horses and provide their handicapping advice for the 155th running of the Belmont. They also have some tips for Saturday’s undercard at Belmont Park. 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!

S6E36: Early to Belmont, right now to Churchill

It is not too early to preview Belmont Stakes 2023, and that is just what happens this week on the Ron Flatter Racing Pod.

New York Racing Association TV analyst Andy Serling from “America’s Day at the Races” on Fox provides early insight.

Churchill Downs has responded to 12 recent horse deaths by meeting with horsemen to outline new restrictions for races. Trainer Dale Romans was there and offers his thoughts.

Paddock Prince handicapper David Levitch joins in the Belmont preview and also has tips on four races this weekend in New York and Kentucky.

There is also reader and listener 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.

Check out this episode!

S6E35: He is the Ripken of racing media

The Triple Crown and jockeys’ health are the subjects of this week’s Ron Flatter Racing Pod.

Gene Kershner of The Buffalo News offers his early assessment of Belmont Stakes 2023, the current series of classics and how he may be the turf writer with the longest active streak of Triple Crown races covered.

The Jockeys’ Guild president and CEO Terry Meyocks talks about this week’s symposium that was focused on the mental-wellness of riders and offers some startling statistics about the challenges facing racing’s most overlooked athletes.

Horse Racing Nation’s Ed DeRosa has some handicapping tips for some of this weekend’s races plus his own early view of the Belmont Stakes.

There also is a backlog of 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.

Check out this episode!

S6E34: Mage and those 7 others in the Preakness

From Pimlico in Baltimore, connections and predictions for Preakness 2023 fill the Friday episode of the Ron Flatter Racing Pod.

Assistant trainer and co-owner Gustavo Delgado Jr. discusses Kentucky Derby winner Mage’s bid to stay alive with his Triple Crown campaign. First Mission’s trainer Brad Cox and Coffeewithchris’s owner and trainer John Salzman Jr. discuss their horses.

Two-time Eclipse Award-winning writer John Scheinman of Baltimore offers his preview of the Preakness. There are also tips for Friday and Saturday at Pimlico from Paddock Prince handicapper David Levitch and Super Screener creator Mike Shutty.

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!

S6E33: Preakness pop-up with the hard-core handicappers

The sixth annual hard-core handicappers roundtable to preview Preakness 2023 has been convened for this pop-up episode of the Ron Flatter Racing Pod. Hear Horse Racing Nation’s Mark Midland and Ed DeRosa and the return of DraftKings Sportsbook’s Johnny Avello. They preview all eight horses and provide their handicapping advice for the 148th running of the Preakness. 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!

S6E32: ’Tween Derby drama and Preakness

A recap of Kentucky Derby 2023 and an early preview of Preakness 2023 are the topics of conversation on the Ron Flatter Racing Pod. Ramiro Restrepo, co-owner of Derby winner Mage, talks about how he spotted the colt at a sale last year and his path in the racing industry. Former Daily Racing Form turf writer Marty McGee talks about career change from journalist to jockey agent. Los Angeles Times writer John Cherwa discusses the recent spate of horse deaths at Churchill Downs. Horse Racing Nation’s Mark Midland handicaps weekend races, including the Peter Pan (G3) at Belmont Park. 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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S6E31: Kentucky Derby cast of thousands

From trainers Todd Pletcher, Steve Asmussen and Larry Rivelli to jockey Jareth Loveberry. From celebrities Steve Kornacki and Joy Taylor to handicappers Mike Shutty, Mark Midland, Ed DeRosa and Johnny Avello. From Louisville, it is a jam-packed Kentucky Derby edition of 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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S6E30: Hard-core handicapping Kentucky Derby 2023

The sixth annual hard-core handicappers roundtable to preview Kentucky Derby 2023 has been convened for this pop-up episode of the Ron Flatter Racing Pod. Hear Horse Racing Nation’s Mark Midland and Ed DeRosa and the return of DraftKings Sportsbook’s Johnny Avello. They preview all 20 horses in the main draw and the three also-eligibles in addition to providing their handicapping advice for the 149th running of America’s greatest race. 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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S6E29: A week to go for Yakteen and us Kentucky Derby watchers

Get the jump on Kentucky Derby 2023 with this week’s early preview on the Ron Flatter Racing Pod.

Trainer Tim Yakteen discusses Practical Move and Reincarnate and his plans for breezing and shipping them this week.

Two-time Eclipse Award-winning writer John Scheinman checks in from Baltimore to talk about the ongoing trouble with the racing surface at Laurel Park.

Back in Kentucky, Churchill Downs TV analysts Kaitlin Free and Scott Shapiro talk about morning workouts this week and offer their early thoughts about next week’s Derby.

Paddock Prince handicapper David Levitch provides his first impressions of how to bet next week’s big races.

There also 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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S6E28: Popping up for Secretariat’s golden anniversary

The 50th anniversary of Secretariat’s Triple Crown is celebrated in this pop-up episode of the Ron Flatter Racing Pod. Hall of Famer Ron Turcotte, who rode Big Red to victory in the 1973 Kentucky Derby, Preakness and Belmont stakes, speaks in a new interview about his experiences that spring as well as his relationship with the late trainer Lucien Laurin. Kate Tweedy, the daughter of Secretariat’s owner Penny Chenery, recalls her time as a college student who was there for all the important moments that year, big and small. Tweedy’s co-author Leeanne Ladin, like Secretariat a native of Virginia, provides perspective as a lifelong rider who became a writer. There also are clips from the 2010 news conference promoting the motion picture “Secretariat” featuring Chenery and actress Diane Lane. 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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S6E27: The Derby question you should not ask

The early previews of Kentucky Derby 2023 continue on the Ron Flatter Racing Pod.

Workout analyst Bruno De Julio discusses what not to ask when handicapping the Derby and some of what to watch ahead of the race.

Wild On Ice’s trainer Joel Marr talks about his long shot for the May 6 classic.

Super Screener creator Mike Shutty handicaps weekend races at Keeneland and Oaklawn.

Reader and listener feedback samples opinions about this year’s changes to qualifying for Kentucky Derby 2023.

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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S6E26: Final Fractions Theory 2.0

Three weeks before Kentucky Derby 2023, the Ron Flatter Racing Pod examines the prep trail that made Forte the favorite for the May 6 classic.

Jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. discusses his Florida Derby (G1) victory riding the Eclipse Award winner.

Longtime turf writer and publicist Jennie Rees discusses the Final Fractions Theory that she pioneered and how it may impact handicapping for this year’s classic. She also talks about changes in the points system this year and how it affected the end of the road to the Derby.

Handicapper Ed DeRosa also talks about the qualifying system in addition to offering tips on the Jenny Wiley (G1) and Lexington (G3) at Keeneland and the Apple Blossom Handicap (G1) at Oaklawn.

Listener and reader feedback is also on this episode.

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.

More on the Final Fractions Theory: https://www.horseracingnation.com/news/Ky_Derby_formula_Fractions_figures_cut_list_of_contenders_to_5_or_6_123

 

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S6E25: ‘We’re in the vault’ at Keeneland

The Blue Grass, the Santa Anita Derby and the Wood Memorial are the last of the major preps for Kentucky Derby 2023, and they are main topics this week on the Ron Flatter Racing Pod.

Trainer Kenny McPeek has three horses trying to pull off the upset in the Blue Grass Stakes. He will talk about them and this year’s Derby trail.

Recently inducted in the National Horseplayers Championship Hall of Fame, Keeneland executive Jim Goodman talks about the weekend preps and the advent of sports gambling in Kentucky.

Paddock Prince handicapper David Levitch focuses on races at Aqueduct and Keeneland in his tips for weekend betting.

There also 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.

Check out this episode!