S9E38: We will raise The Hammer

Rick Hammerle, a horseplayer and a longtime racing executive who sits on the American Graded Stakes Committee member, is the special guest this week on the Ron Flatter Racing Pod.

Hammerle talks about topics that range from why there are so many graded stakes to the bigfooted presence of computer-assisted wagering to why racetracks should have newer music played for spectators. In a myth-busting tale he has spun more than a few times in public and private conversations, Hammerle looks back on the 2018 emergence of eventual Triple Crown winner Justify and how he was instrumental in writing the champion colt’s first two races while he was Santa Anita’s racing secretary. He also talks about his current role at Kentucky Downs.

Co-hosts John Cherwa of the Los Angeles Times and Keith Nelson of Fairmount Park offer their popular host chat.

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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S9E37: As many humans as Belmont horses

Anticipating Saturday’s finale to the Triple Crown season, there are as many humans as there are Belmont Stakes 2026 horses on the regular episode of the Ron Flatter Racing Pod.

Chris Fallica, who is best known as The Bear on Fox Sports’ “Big Noon Kickoff” during football season, leads off the guest list. He also is a seasoned horseplayer who has opinions about how the Belmont will be run.

Andy Serling from Fox Sports and New York Racing Association TV offers his analysis of the Belmont and more high points on a loaded undercard Saturday at Saratoga.

Trainers Todd Pletcher of Renegade and Powershift, Brad Cox of Commandment and Cherie DeVaux of Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo offer their insights to the Belmont.

Paddock Prince handicapper David Levitch has tips for the Manhattan-Belmont double on Saturday’s card.

John Cherwa of the Los Angeles Times and Keith Nelson of Fairmount Park check in with their popular chat segment and throw in their Belmont picks. Sort of.

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!

S9E36: Belmont Stakes hard-core handicappers

Deep analysis of every horse in Belmont Stakes 2026 is ready to hear now from the hard-core handicappers in their latest pop-up episode of the Ron Flatter Racing Pod.

Horse Racing Nation handicappers Mark Midland and Ed DeRosa are joined by FanDuel TV’s Caton Bredar. They go through the entire field, 1 through 9, including morning-line favorite Renegade and Kentucky Derby winner Golden Tempo.

How will they play the five horses coming out of the Derby and into this last 1 1/4-mile running of the Belmont at Saratoga? How do they see what looms as an iffy pace picture? Most important, what are their opinions about the pretenders amid the contenders? Where is the value? How will the horses take to the track at Saratoga? The panel answers all those questions.

There also is a bonus discussion about the best plays on the Saturday undercard at Saratoga.

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.

A video version of this episode will be posted to the HRN YouTube page Wednesday morning.

Check out this episode!