S8E50: Showdowns at Del Mar and Saratoga

Local standouts Journalism and Nysos face eastern shipper Fierceness in the Pacific Classic at Del Mar, and Mindframe gets a high-profile rematch with Sierra Leone in the Jockey Club Gold Cup at Saratoga. These 1 1/4-mile, Grade 1, $1 million races are spotlighted this week on the Ron Flater Racing Pod.

Christina Blacker of FanDuel TV provides insight on the east vs. west matchup in California. She discusses Preakness and Haskell (G1) winner Journalism’s first time facing older horses like Nysos and Fierceness in their audition for the Breeders’ Cup Classic over the same course and distance in a little more than two months.

Co-owner Brook T. Smith talks about whether Sierra Leone can reverse the trend against Mindframe when they have their third meeting, this time at Saratoga. He also outlines plans for the 4-year-old colt between now and the Breeders’ Cup as well as after the $7 million race in which Sierra Leone is the defending winner.

Super Screener creator Mike Shutty checks in from his home base near Del Mar to provide handicapping advice for the big weekend races.

Co-hosts John Cherwa of the Los Angeles Times and Keith Nelson of Fairmount Park join in a tribute to Secretariat’s late jockey Ron Turcotte.

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

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S8E49: Bring on fall and the Travers

The 156th running of the Grade 1, $1.25 million Travers Stakes at Saratoga is not only the mid-summer derby. It also is the centerpiece this week for the Ron Flatter Racing Pod.

Racing analyst and TV host Andy Serling of New York Racing Association TV and Fox Sports is along to discuss the race, the Grade 1s on Saturday’s card and the Saratoga summer. He also will talk about the 3-year-old male division and how the Travers could go a long way toward determining the Eclipse Award.

Jockey Júnior Alvarado rides Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes winner Sovereignty in the Travers talks about the five-horse field this weekend and his strategy for the race.

Paddock Prince handicapper David Levitch examines the Travers and has tips for other races on the Saratoga card.

Co-hosts John Cherwa of the Los Angeles Times and Keith Nelson of Fairmount Park have their thoughts about the Travers as well as reaction to listener and reader feedback.

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

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S8E48: Canada to Italy to Alabama in N.Y.

Canada and Italy line up with the U.S. on this week’s menu for the Ron Flatter Racing Pod.

Ashley Mailloux from FanDuel TV will be at Woodbine this weekend for the 166th running of the King’s Plate. She offers analysis about the field that includes No Time, the morning-line favorite trying to become the 40th filly to win this first race of the Canadian Triple Crown.

The Palio di Siena, the ancient bareback race run twice every summer in Tuscany, happens again this weekend. Sportscaster Kenny Mayne and producer Matt Doyle recall their adventure covering the sometimes controversial event that is centuries old.

La Cara, Good Cheer and Nitrogen are the big names in the Grade 1 Alabama at Saratoga. Super Screener creator Mike Shutty handicaps that and other races this weekend.

Co-hosts John Cherwa of the Los Angeles Times and Keith Nelson of Fairmount Park join in paying tribute to a famous guest of an old Arlington Million (G1).

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

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S8E47: The Million and a _____load of dimes

The Grade 1 Arlington Million returns this weekend to Virginia for the third time. It comes with the added attraction of Kentucky Derby 2024 winner Mystik Dan. The 42nd renewal of the well-traveled race catches the spotlight on this week’s Ron Flatter Racing Pod.

Colonial Downs track announcer Jason Beem checks in from his frequent travels to offer his thoughts on the $1 million race which lured Kentucky Derby 2024 winner Mystik Dan to try the turf for the first time. He also offers his thoughts on the rise of Virginia racing.

Hall of Famer Shug McGaughey trains 5-year-old morning-line favorite Integration and 6-year-old third choice Fort Washington. He talks about what it might take for Integration to go one better than last year’s second-place finish at Colonial. He also discusses Fort Washington’s season that includes two Grade 3 wins.

Paddock Prince handicapper David Levitch zeros in on the Arlington Million as well as the Sword Dancer (G1) card this weekend at Saratoga.

Co-hosts John Cherwa of the Los Angeles Times and Keith Nelson of Fairmount Park join in checking out listeners’ and readers’ feedback about last week’s interview with Resolute Racing owner John Stewart.

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

Check out this episode!