Tag: horse racing

Churchill Downs will be a busy racetrack this weekend, and there is at least one major race that is set to take place. The Pocahontas Stakes is a Grade III race for two-year old fillies, and those top horses will be on the track this weekend. 

This event was founded all the way back in 1969, and there have been some historic horses that have come up with a win in the past. Owners and trainers are always looking for ways to win at Churchill Downs, and this race will provide an interesting opportunity. 

Here is a look at the odds for the Pocahontas Stakes and a pick as to which horse will get it done.

WANT TO BET ON HORSE RACING? CHECK OUT THE BETDSI RACEBOOK! 

Four Out in Front

Most horse races are going to have one or two betting favorites, but there are actually four on top of the odds when looking at this race. The odds are extremely tight, and that could lead to an excellent race this weekend at Churchill Downs. 

Stilettos is currently the betting favorite to win this race at +400, and it’s a horse that has had a big year. Those odds might put Stilettos as the betting favorite, but there will be others that can win this race. 

Kimchi Cat is next on the list when looking at the odds at +450, and it’s a horse that has proven that it can win from the front. There are two other horses with identical odds at +500, and you have to keep a close eye on them as well. 

La Cara and Strong State are the two horses currently sitting at +500, and that is some great value for two talented horses. The odds for the top four horses could always change before the race begins, but don’t expect much movement. 

Other Horses to Consider

There simply has to be some variance in the odds with four clear favorites, but there are still other horses that can get the job done this weekend. If you are a bettor that likes to look for value when betting then you will have some great opportunities to explore. 

Quinn’s Promise and Lady Kathryn are coming into this race at +1000, and they are both horses that can win this race. Claire’s Charm and Good Cheer are next on the list at +1200, and they would be good horses to consider. 

There are two other horses to check out, and they both come with different odds. West Memorial is sitting at +1500, and then it’s Empirical Mischief at +2000 that will be another horse to watch. 

Go With a Slight Upset

This is going to be an excellent race this weekend, and there are about eight horses that could realistically win this race. Even though the betting odds start to fall off a bit after the top names, this race should come down to the wire. 

Stilletos and Kimchi Cat are the two favorites for a reason, but neither horse is going to get it done this weekend. If you are betting on the Pocahontas Stakes then you will want to back Strong State as that horse will come away with a big win. 

GET OUR TOP RACEBOOK BONUS AT BETDSI

The horse racing world is going to descend on Saratoga this weekend as there is a full slate of big races planned to take place. While there will be some great minor races on the schedule, there will also be one race that stands out among the others. 

The Belmont Stakes will be the third and final leg of the Triple Crown, but there won’t be a horse competing to try to win that historic feat. There have been two different winners at the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes, taking away a bit of intrigue. 

Even if there won’t be a Triple Crown winner, there will still be some great action on the racetrack. Here is a look at the 2024 Belmont Stakes, and the horse that will come away with a win. 

BET ON THE 2024 BELMONT STAKES AT MYBOOKIE

Some Clear Favorites

There are going to be some big names set to compete this weekend at the Belmont Stakes, and some early favorites have emerged. Sierra Leone is currently the betting favorite to win this race, and those odds are set at +135. 

This is a horse that was expected to be a Triple Crown contender this season, but it didn’t win either of the first two races. Since there isn’t a ton of pressure to deliver, that should allow Sierra Leone to run a free race, but there will be others in the mix as well. 

Mindframe is a surprising betting favorite this weekend as that horse has odds set at +350. This is not a horse that was in contention to win at Churchill Downs or Pimlico, but the odds suggest that it will be running fast this weekend. 

While those two horses have the best odds to win this race, you are going to find some other big names that could make a run as well. 

A Look at Contenders

Mystik Dan was the surprising winner of the Kentucky Derby, and that instantly made this horse one to watch when it comes to this sport. The odds for Mystik Dan to win the Belmont Stakes are set at +800, and that is actually a good chance to cash in on some value. 

Seize the Grey is another horse that has had a great year as it was the winner of the Preakness stakes. This horse will be starting from the inside at Saratoga, and that put the odds to win the Belmont Stakes at +1000. 

The odds really start to fall off from this point, and that will be something to watch when trying to make predictions on this race. There is a chance to cash in on some value picks, but it appears as if the top four horses are just simply better than the rest of the field. 

Since this is a horse racing event, there will be many ways to make bets beyond just betting on the winning horse. Those odds are something that you should consider as it could lead to a great way to cash in. 

Mystik Dan Gets it Done

Mystik Dan was not able to get it done at the Preakness Stakes, and that did take away some of the drama and anticipation for this race. There was just too much pressure on that horse, and all of the other jockeys knew the horse that they had to try to keep pace with.

Now that there are no expectations on Mystik Dan again, this is going to be the time to strike and cash in. There are some great horses in this field, but Mystik Dan can rise above if it runs another clean race. 

There is also some great value in betting on Mystik Dan at +800 (at MyBookie) and that is the bet that should be made on the Belmont Stakes for the big race this weekend.

Just seven days removed from the Kentucky Derby, the competitive horse racing action continues this weekend. The big race in the U.S. will be staged on the turf at Aqueduct, as the G2 Man O’ War Stakes will be run.

There will be a competitive field going to post on Saturday, including runners that have run in esteemed races such as the G1 Breeders’ Cup Classic and G2 Bahrain International Trophy. You can find out more about the runners that are set to be involved here.

Racing Information & History

The Man O’ War Stakes has been staged annually since 1959, and it will return back to its original home at Aqueduct in 2024. The race has been staged at Belmont Park throughout history, but due to ongoing work at the track it will not be staged at the home of the final leg of the Triple Crown this year.

Four horses have won the race on multiple occasions, including Gio Ponti, who landed victories in 2009 and 2010. MacKenzie Miller is the most successful trainer with four wins, while Jorge Velasquez is the leading jockey with five victories.

Leading Contenders

Nations Pride

Charlie Appleby has openly admitted that he will be pointing some of his stars at U.S. races this year, meaning it is little surprise that he will have two leading contenders on Saturday. Nations Pride was held when finishing seventh in the G2 Bahrain International Trophy last November, but his form Stateside deserves all the respect.

The five-year-old landed the G1 Canadian International Stakes last October, while he also boasts winning form at Aqueduct after landing the G3 Jockey Club Derby by a commanding six-length margin in September 2022. Down in grade this weekend, and should be the one to beat.

Bold Act

Bold Act is the second runner for Appleby in the Man O’ War this weekend. He returned to action with a decent third in the G2 Elkhorn, finishing clear of reappearing rival Dynadrive, who could only claim eighth. The four-year-old has already won this season after landing the G2 Dubai City of Gold Stakes in early March, beating Warren Point by two lengths.

Like his stablemate, he also boasts some excellent international form, which included a narrow success in the G3 Sycamore Stakes last October. It could be argued that the distance this weekend could suit this Appleby runner more so than his stable mate.

War Like Goddess

War Like Goddess has been an excellent runner from the William Mott yard throughout her career, and the seven-year-old remains an extremely interesting contender at this level. She boasts a lot of previous course form, including when landing the G1 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic in October 2022.

She will be making her seasonal reappearance this weekend after battling to seventh in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Turf last November. However, she remains a very likely contender on Saturday.

Man O’ War Stakes Prediction

A fascinating renewal of the race is set for this weekend, and there will be no shortage of chances. Bold Act is our top pick, as he should come on after his close-finishing third in the G2 Elkhorn. Kertez could also have interesting claims after dominating the field to land the G2 Pan American Stakes on their previous outing.

Pick: Bold Act

The opening leg of the Triple Crown gets underway this weekend, as one of the biggest betting events on the U.S. sporting calendar is staged at Churchill Downs. The Kentucky Derby celebrates its 150^th anniversary on Saturday, and a talented crop of horses aged three will be looking to add their name to the esteemed previous winners of the Derby.

Kentucky Derby Information

A field of 20 runners is expected to go to post for the 150^th Derby on Saturday, with the field competing over a distance of 1 1/8 miles. Only runners aged three are able to compete in the Triple Crown, and the Derby is traditionally the most-watched and attended horse race in the U.S.

Secretariat holds the speed record, with the Hall of Famer being one of just two winners to have completed the race in under two minutes.

Kentucky Derby Odds

There has been little movement in the odds since the draw last weekend, with Sierra Leone and Fierceness competing for favoritism, with both currently available at +300. Japanese raider Forever Young is available at +850, with Catching Freedom and Just a Touch priced up at +1000 and +1200, respectively. Honor Marie and Stronghold could be interesting outsiders at +2000.

Kentucky Derby Leading Contenders

Sierra Leone

Chad Brown continues his chase for a first Derby winner this weekend with the extremely talented Sierra Leone. This son of Gun Runner has won on both starts this year, including most recently in the G1 Blue Grass Stakes at Keeneland when finishing over a length clear of Just A Touch.

His only defeat came in the G2 Remsen, but that narrow defeat to Dornoch could be put down to the muddy conditions at Aqueduct.

Fierceness

Todd Pletcher holds one of the star contenders this year, as G1 Breeders’ Cup Juvenile champion, Fierceness, looks for a third Grade One prize. This three-year-old was in stunning form when landing the G1 Florida Derby by a dominant 13-length margin, and he is one of just two runners that have clocked a Beyer Speed Figure of 100+.

Solid claims on form, but questions remain surrounding his ability to battle in big fields.

Honor Marie

Honor Marie could be one of the potential value angles in the Derby this year after exceeding all expectations for D Whitworth Beckman.

The three-year-old was narrowly beaten by Catching Freedom on his previous start in the G2 Louisiana Derby, but the fact that he has high-class winning form at Churchill Downs could be integral to his chances this weekend for British jockey Ben Curtis.

Forever Young

Japanese raider Forever Young is trained by Yoshito Yahagi. This runner has won on all four career starts to date, and he has been incredibly impressive in the Middle East throughout the winter. He is an excellent stayer, and that could be a key factor this weekend.

He was last seen winning the G2 UAE Derby by two lengths from Auto Bahn, with many experts believing that the performance would have scored a 100+ rating had it been on American dirt.

Kentucky Derby Prediction

Honor Marie is our big long shot play in the Derby this year, with previous winning experience at Churchill Downs being a massive factor. Fierceness should finish in the first third, while Forever Young looks capable of battling for a place.

West Saratoga may be a huge outsider, but we could see the three-year-old running a strong race from a promising draw to finish in the frame after previously winning under the Twin Spires.

Win: Honor Marie

Trifecta Box: Honor Marie/ Fierceness/ Forever Young/ West Saratoga

The high-quality racing action continues at Keeneland this weekend, as the G3 Bewitch Stakes is set to take place. This race will see a field of fillies and mares compete over a distance of 1 ½ miles on the turf, with a purse of $300,000 up for grabs. A familiar name will be at the top of the betting, as War Like Goddess chases a historic fourth straight victory in the race.

Race Information & History

The G3 Bewitch Stakes has been staged at Keeneland annually since 1962, with a field of fillies and mares competing over a distance of 1 ½ miles for a share of the $300,000 purse. This Grade Three has produced some historic moments throughout history, with another of fillies running in the race prior to competing in the Kentucky Oaks throughout its early history.

However, it has been run on the turf since 1985, and the distance was also increased to its current trip in 1995. William Mott has been the dominant trainer in the Bewitch, landing six victories between 1984 and 2023. Three of his wins have come with War Like Goddess, who is already the most successful runner in the history of the race. The seven-year-old is chasing a fourth straight victory in the Bewitch on Friday.

Leading Contenders

War Like Goddess

It would be challenging to start anywhere else when considering the leading contenders this weekend than the three-time defending champion in the Bewitch. War Like Goddess has been an excellent runner for connections throughout her career, scoring victories in eleven of her 18 career starts.

In fact, she has only finished outside of the top three on just three appearances. The seven-year-old will be making her seasonal reappearance once again in the Bewitch this weekend after finishing seventh in the G1 Breeders’ Cup Turf last year. But, her form in the book remains high quality after scoring in the G1 Joe Hirsch Turf Classic last season.

Vergara

Vergara will represent the Graham Motion yard in the Bewitch this weekend. The five-year-old has won four from her 15 career starts, but she looked largely progressive throughout last year. But, she is yet to make her presence felt in graded company.

She was only third in the G3 Long Island Stakes on her final start last season, while she was also well back in the field in both the G3 Rood and Riddle Dowager Stakes and G2 Glens Falls Stakes. Her only success last season was scored in the G3 Ladies Marathon Stakes, and a massive improvement on that form is required to challenge War Like Goddess on Friday.

Lovely Princess

Lovely Princess could be one of the most interesting contenders in the field this weekend for trainer Kenneth McPeek. The five-year-old has won four from 15 career starts to date, but she comes into this weekend with a run under her belt this season after finishing third in the Marie G. Krantz Memorial Stakes at Fair Grounds.

She will need to come on plenty from that run to feature in this race on Friday, but she does have bits of Keeneland form that make her appealing. That includes a success in an allowance race last April, but she was firmly put in her place when only fourth in the G3 Rood and Riddle Dowager Stakes in October.

Bewitch Stakes Prediction

War Like Goddess is clearly the classiest runner in this field, and she will be incredibly hard to beat based on her high-quality form. Chop Chop could be an interesting selection in Exactas, having won once from three already this season, which includes a very eye-catching speed figure when scoring in the Wintergreen Stakes at Turfway Park.

Pick: War Like Goddess

Exacta: War Like Goddess/Chop Chop

The competitive action at Keeneland continues this weekend with a star-studded renewal of the G2 Elkhorn Stakes. International raiders will be looking to take their chance in the turf race, with Charlie Appleby looking for a second straight graded success in Lexington following a dominant win for Master of the Seas last Saturday.

But, can anything stop the powerhouse British trainer from landing another illustrious prize this weekend?

Race Information & History

The Elkhorn Stakes has been staged at Keeneland since 1986, with the field competing over a distance of 1 ½ miles on the turf. A purse of $350,000 has been put aside for this contest, which has produced some famous winners throughout history.

A number of champions have landed success in the Elkhorn, including Manila in 1986. Dual Breeders’ Cup Mile hero Lure won this race as a short price favorite in 1994, while Chief Bearhart landed success before being named as the US Champion Male Turf Horse. Verstappen was the most recent winner of the Elkhorn Stakes for trainer Brendan Walsh in 2023.

Leading Contenders

Bold Act

Bold Act will likely be a short price for the in-form yard of Charlie Appleby this weekend. Frankie Dettori will take the ride on the four-year-old, who has already showcased his talent this year after landing success in the Middle East in March. Bold Act was excellent in the G2 Dubai City of Gold, finishing two lengths clear of Warren Point.

He will likely be pointed at a number of prestigious U.S. races this year, and he was excellent over course and distance when landing the G3 Sycamore Stakes last October. The form in the book very much makes him the one to beat this weekend.

Silver Knott

Charlie Appleby will be chasing a second straight weekend to achieve a one-two finish in a prestigious graded race at Keeneland. Silver Knott certainly boasts plenty of talent, as the four-year-old has finished in the top three on eight of his ten starts in stakes company.

However, he has been slightly more expensive to follow than his stablemate after being turned over at short prices on his last two starts in the U.S. His most recent defeat came in the G1 Hollywood Derby when finishing two lengths behind Program Trading. But, he is down in grade this weekend, and could present a value angle in the betting.

Missed The Cut

Missed The Cut certainly appears to be the leading chance for the home team this weekend. The John Sadler-trained runner has won four from ten starts in stakes company, and he has looked better than ever on his three starts this year. He was most recently seen landing the G3 San Luis Rey Stakes over a mile and a half at Santa Anita, finishing over a length clear of Planetario.

The decision to campaign this runner on the turf this season has been an excellent one, as he looks a more competitive runner than the star that finished last of 12 in the Breeders’ Cup Classic last year.

Elkhorn Stakes Prediction

Bold Act ticks plenty of boxes in terms of claiming the race victory this weekend. But, Highland Chief could be an excellent selection to complete the exacta. The seven-year-old returns from a lengthy layoff since finishing last but one in the Breeders’ Cup Turf in 2022, but he boasts some strong Keeneland form after landing the G3 Sycamore Stakes over course and distance.

Pick: Bold Act

Exacta: Bold Act/Highland Chief