The Ron Flatter Racing Pod

The Grade 1 Arlington Million is Sunday at Colonial Downs. Even though the race and the journey there were pushed back a day because of tropical storm Debby, the Ron Flatter Racing Pod was not. This episode originates from the road to Virginia. Track announcer and podcast host Jason Beem offers his insights into the Million, the Beverly D. (G2) and the Secretariat (G2), the three traditional graded stakes that anchor Sunday's card. He also has some stories about the odd places he has recorded podcasts and called races. Trainer Graham Motion discusses the decision process for his horses who are cross-entered at Colonial Downs, Saratoga and Woodbine. They include Trikari, Mission of Joy and Highland Chief. Paddock Prince handicapper David Levitch has tips for the Million, the Fourstardave (G1), the Saratoga Derby (G1) and the Saratoga Special (G2). John Cherwa and Ron go over feedback from the past week, including reaction to Bob Baffert's thought that Adare Manor could go against males this month in the Pacific Classic (G1) at Del Mar, and there is something completely different at the beginning and end of this episode. 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

Three big race days at three big tracks share the focus this week on the Ron Flatter Racing Pod. The Grade 1, $1 million Whitney Stakes featuring Pegasus World Cup (G1) and Met Mile (G1) winner National Treasure is one of the Saratoga races discussed by New York Racing Association TV analyst Acacia Clément. She also will touch on the Test (G1), the Saratoga Derby (G1) and Cogburn in the Troy (G2). The Clement L. Hirsch (G1) at Del Mar could be the race of the weekend featuring Adare Manor and Eclipse Award winner Pretty Mischievous, who is trained by Brendan Walsh. He will talk about the difference between last year and this year for his champion filly and what she needs to do to win this weekend. The $1 million Hambletonian, U.S. harness racing's biggest event, gets the attention of Horse Racing Nation handicapper Ed DeRosa. He also has tips for the Hirsch, the Whitney and the Test. John Cherwa and Ron go over feedback that is dominated by responses to Kenny McPeek's decision to send division-leading filly Thorpedo Anna against the boys this month in the Travers (G1). John also reveals his candidate for the most overrated horse in training. 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.

Covering someone racing at Saratoga and someone who covers horse racing from the site of the Paris Olympics. They are part of this week's Ron Flatter Racing Pod. Jockey Jaime Torres talks about his ride Saturday on Preakness winner Seize the Grey in the Grade 2 Jim Dandy Stakes at Saratoga. He talks about having to go against Sierra Leone and Fierceness in a race that could shape next month's Travers (G1). He also tells the story of a personal rivalry with a long shot in the Jim Dandy field as well as the ambitions that could have had him in France right now. Turf writer Scott Burton of Racing Post has been based for 17 years in Paris, where he will get to treat the Olympics as a home game. He talks about some of the experiences he already has had dealing with the games being in his back yard. He also has some tips for the King George (G1) on Saturday at Ascot, England. Horse Racing Nation handicapper Mark Midland will handicap weekend races, and John Cherwa helps Ron sift through feedback about last week's interview with Mike Repole and the end of Bob Baffert's three-year suspension by Churchill Downs. 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.

Opening day at Del Mar and the Grade 1, $1 million Haskell Stakes at Monmouth Park are the focus of this week's episode of the Ron Flatter Racing Pod. Mike Repole, who owns the favorite Mindframe and Eclipse Award winner Fierceness, discusses his thinking into whether to send both horses to the post Saturday for the Haskell. He also talks about having that race and the Jim Dandy Stakes (G2) next weekend at Saratoga so close together. He also has some candid thoughts about some of the first steps racing can take to turn the sport in the right direction. Workout analyst Bruno De Julio checks in from his trackside clocking work to provide his perspective on the West Coast's most popular meet, including storylines that horseplayers may want to pursue this summer. He also talks about undefeated Medoro's bid to win the San Clemente (G2), the opening-day feature at Del Mar Super Screener creator Mike Shutty is back to offer tips for the Haskell, the Coaching Club American Oaks (G1) at Saratoga and undercard stakes Saturday at both tracks. Co-host John Cherwa joins Ron to go through the past week's listener and reader feedback, and there may be a surprise or two from some unlikely singers of Del Mar's signature song. 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.

The opening at Saratoga 2024 and Saturday's Grade 1 Diana Stakes are front and center on this week's episode of the Ron Flatter Racing Pod. TV analyst Maggie Wolfendale Morley of Fox Sports and the New York Racing Association discusses some of the most-anticipated races this summer, including next month's Travers (G1) as well as the early highlights of the meet. Trainer Ignacio Correas IV talks about his mare Didia, a recent Grade 1 winner who faces nine rivals including five from the Chad Brown barn this weekend in the Diana. Paddock Prince handicapper David Levitch returns to offer tips for Saratoga as well as his look ahead to the rest of the Saratoga summer. Co-host John Cherwa joins Ron to go through the past week's 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.

Computer-assisted wagering. Is it the wave for all future betting on horse races, or is it the scourge that will drive gamblers away from the game? That is the theme of this week's Ron Flatter Racing Pod. Elite Turf Club president Scott Daruty and professor and horseplayer Marshall Gramm are together to talk about the ins and outs of what has come to be known by the acronym CAW, both for good and for bad. They will talk about how batch betting has changed the game and criticism that it has prevented a level playing field for horseplayers. Racing attorney Drew Couto was there in the early days of computer betting and has stories about how it has evolved, complete with his own experiences that were filled with international intrigue. Horse Racing Nation handicapper Ed DeRosa also weighs in on the subject in addition to offering tips for three stakes races Saturday on the Indiana Derby card at Horseshoe Indianapolis. Co-host John Cherwa also offers critical commentary about computer wagering in addition to his thoughts about the host's recent vacation. 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.

More than a half-century in the racing industry has taken Jon White into myriad roles from writer to steward to TV analyst to handicapper. He just retired after 15 years as the track handicapper at Santa Anita. White talks about his career and has stories to go with it on this week's Ron Flatter Racing Pod. The writer of the morning line for eight renewals of the Breeders' Cup, White has witnessed racing history first hand. He recalls his first day of work for Daily Racing Form 50 years ago when he was put in his place while also being vindicated. After seeing so many of the sport's greats race right before his very eyes, White has a surprising declaration about who he believes is the greatest Thoroughbred of all time. One hint: He could not have seen this horse race in his lifetime. 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.

Past performances are written largely from the charts generated from every horse race run in the U.S. and Canada. Just how are they written? What does it sound like when a chart caller chronicles a race? How has the process advanced over the years? How are differences of opinion about track conditions resolved? Steve Peery and Rowan Ward of Equibase are the guests who answer those questions on this week's Ron Flatter Racing Pod. They take us through the steps they take in every race to determine where horses are at each call. They also describe how video has enhanced the accuracy of charts and talk about the deadlines they face in generating the information twice every hour on race days. They also discuss the debates over the track conditions last month on Preakness day and the first time the term wet-fast was used for the Kentucky Derby. 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.

The closing last weekend of Golden Gate Fields and the future of California racing are the subjects of this special edition of the Ron Flatter Racing Pod. A reunion by phone of Hall of Famers Jerry Hollendorfer and Russell Baze highlights this episode. Arguably the most successful trainer-jockey combination in racing history and unquestionably the best ever to be paired at Golden Gate Fields comes together again to reminisce about the good old days in Northern California and ponder what the future might hold with the closing of the track in which they were inextricably linked. Track general manager David Duggan and trainer Steve Sherman also discuss their memories and their thoughts about the closing of the 83-year-old racecourse. John Cherwa of the Los Angeles Times has covered the story of the end of Golden Gate Fields more closely than anyone, and he provides his perspective on what is next not only in the north state but whether this was a sign of things to come for all of California racing. 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. This episode is sponsored by Xpressbet. For information on Sunday's Santa Anita Closing-Day Challenge, go to https://www.xpressbet.com/sap-1500-6-16-24.

One final preview of the Belmont Stakes features an expert from the race's new backyard, an owner whose horse might be a wise-guy pick for the race and a handicapper who has become a familiar voice on the Ron Flatter Racing Pod. New York Racing Association TV analyst Andy Serling is at Saratoga, where the Belmont will be run this year and next. He discusses racing's early arrival this season, the $2 million classic itself and other races and horses on one of the best cards this side of the Breeders' Cup. President and co-owner Don Little of Centennial Farms talks about Antiquarian, the Grade 3 Peter Pan winner who has attracted attention from seasoned bettors who think he may crash the party in which Sierra Leone is favored. He also discusses his background in polo and how it has helped him in business. Paddock Prince handicapper David Levitch has tips for the Belmont as well as the Manhattan (G1) and Woody Stephens (G1) on the Saturday undercard at Saratoga. Ron is at Golden Gate Fields for this weekend's closing of the 83-year-old racetrack. He and John Cherwa go over some of the feedback from listeners and readers during the past week. 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. This pop-up and the regular Friday episode are sponsored by Xpressbet. For information on Saturday's Belmont Stakes Challenge, go to https://www.xpressbet.com/bel-1500-challenge-6-8-24.

Deep analysis of every horse in Belmont Stakes 2024 is ready to hear now with the hard-core handicappers pop-up episode of the Ron Flatter Racing Pod. Horse Racing Nation handicappers Mark Midland and Ed DeRosa in Kentucky are joined by DraftKings Sportsbook director Johnny Avello in Las Vegas. They go through the entire field from 1 to 10. They will consider whether to buy or sell Kentucky Derby runner-up Sierra Leone. They must decide whether Mystik Dan and Seize the Grey are potential overlays despite winning the first two Triple Crown races. They also size up Mindframe, who is 2-for-2 with eye-popping wins but without stakes experience coming into this $2 million classic. The handicappers also will offer a thumbnail look at the Grade 1 Met Mile, which shapes up as a showdown between White Abarrio and National Treasure but could carry value with one of the other four entrants looking for an upset. 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. This pop-up and the regular Friday episode are sponsored by Xpressbet. For information on Saturday's Belmont Stakes Challenge, go to https://www.xpressbet.com/bel-1500-challenge-6-8-24.

An early preview of the Belmont Stakes is the centerpiece of this week's episode of the Ron Flatter Racing Pod. New York Racing Association TV analyst Sara Elbadwi, a fixture on Fox Sports, offers some early analysis of the Belmont as well as the Grade 1 Met Mile, both of which will be run next Saturday for the first time at Saratoga. Preakness winner Seize the Grey is aiming to make it back-to-back classic wins next week. He is owned by 2,570 MyRacehorse shareholders who bought 5,000 shares for $127 apiece. CEO Michael Behrens discusses the unique partnership concept and ambitions for the colt. Super Screener creator Mike Shutty not only has weekend handicapping advice but also some early thoughts about how he may approach betting the Belmont Stakes. John Cherwa and Ron go over listener and reader feedback that was focused last week on lies and mistruths that are part of racing. 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. This episode is sponsored by Xpressbet. For information about and to sign up for the Monmouth "Pick Your Prize" Challenge, go to https://www.xpressbet.com/mon-2000-challenge-6-1-24.

A recap of the Preakness, a preview of the Belmont Stakes and some holiday-weekend handicapping are part of this week's Ron Flatter Racing Pod. From Fox Sports and In the Money Media, New York Racing Association TV analyst Jonathon Kinchen offers his take on the Triple Crown series so far plus some early thoughts about betting the Belmont Stakes next month at Saratoga. A morning-after interview with D. Wayne Lukas brings us back to the fresh memories of Seize the Grey winning the Preakness to give the Hall of Fame trainer his seventh victory in the Pimlico jewel of the Triple Crown. Horse Racing Nation's Mark Midland handicaps four weekend stakes, including Saturday's Grade 2 Pennine Ridge at Belmont at the Big A, Cliff Hanger at Monmouth Park and Keertana at Churchill Downs as well as Monday's Winning Colors (G3) at Churchill. John Cherwa and Ron go over listener and reader feedback about the future of Pimlico, the disagreement over track conditions on Preakness day and the Lukas interview in the middle of this episode. 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. This episode and the preceding pop-up show with analysis of every horse in the Preakness are sponsored by Xpressbet. For information about and to sign up for $1,500 Gold Cup Challenge, go to https://www.xpressbet.com/sap-1500-5-27-25. Track Trends Tool for Churchill Downs: https://www.horseracingnation.com/tools/track-trends?iframe=false&track_code=CD&start_date=2023-08-01&end_date=&course_type=T&distance=Sprints&condition=&exact_distance=&temporary_rail_distance=&mode=3-Post&early_max=100&stalker_max=400.

From Baltimore, two Kentucky Derby-winning connections are among the guests previewing Preakness 2024 on the Ron Flatter Racing Pod. Mystik Dan's trainer Kenny McPeek and co-owner Sharilyn Gasaway talk about the experience of winning the Derby as well as their colt's chances of continuing his quest to become U.S. racing's 14th Triple Crown champion. Jimmy Barnes, the longtime assistant to trainer Bob Baffert, discusses Imagination being in the Preakness and Muth being out of the race because of a fever this week. He also offers behind-the-scenes insight about the challenges of shipping horses in the past three years. 1/ST Racing TV analyst Ron Nicoletti provides his thoughts about the Preakness and provides some color about what makes the week leading up to the race unique among the Triple Crown races. Paddock Prince handicapper David Levitch rolls out his tips for the Pick 4 building to Saturday's Preakness. 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. This episode and the preceding pop-up show with analysis of every horse in the Preakness are sponsored by Xpressbet. For information about and to sign up for Saturday's Preakness Stakes Challenge, go to https://www.xpressbet.com/pim-1500-5-18-24.

Deep analysis of every horse in Preakness 2024 is ready to hear now with the hard-core handicappers pop-up episode of the Ron Flatter Racing Pod. Horse Racing Nation handicappers Mark Midland and Ed DeRosa in Kentucky are joined by DraftKings Sportsbook director Johnny Avello in Las Vegas. They go through the entire field from 1 to 9. How will they play Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan in his quest to win the Triple Crown? Will Bob Baffert's new shooters Muth and Imagination take too much money to make them worth their odds? Who are the long shots worth watching? Who are the pretenders amid the contenders? Where is the value? The panel answers all those questions. 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. This pop-up and the regular Friday episode are sponsored by Xpressbet. For information on Saturday's Preakness Stakes Challenge, go to https://www.xpressbet.com/pim-1500-5-18-24.

Between the Kentucky Derby and the Preakness, a look back and look ahead are on the menu this week for the Ron Flatter Racing Pod. TV analyst Kaitlin Free talks about her uncannily accurate forecast of the Derby in addition to her early analysis of next week's second jewel of the Triple Crown. Brian Hernandez Jr., the first jockey in 15 years to win both the Derby and the Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks, discusses his rail trip in both races, comparisons with Hall of Famer Calvin Borel and his own look ahead to riding Derby victor Mystik Dan in the Preakness. Super Screener creator Mike Shutty offers his early thoughts on the Preakness as well as handicapping tips for Saturday's Peter Pan (G3) stakes in the Belmont at Aqueduct meet. The race is a prelude to next month's Belmont Stakes. Co-host John Cherwa and Ron go over some listener and reader feedback, and they also listen to one of the most infamous race broadcasts in history, Clem McCarthy's call of the 1947 Preakness on NBC Radio. 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. This week's episode is sponsored by Xpressbet. For information on the Preakness Stakes Challenge and the daily feeder tournaments, go https://www.xpressbet.com/tournaments.

From Louisville, the cast of thousands has its annual gathering for the regular Kentucky Derby 2024 episode of the Ron Flatter Racing Pod. Fox Sports handicapper Chris Fallica offers his assessment of the Derby as well as the memory of his biggest score from five years ago. Sierra Leone co-owner Brook Smith, Forever Young's trainer Yoshito Yahagi, West Saratoga's trainer Larry Demeritte, Domestic Product's jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. and Fierceness's connections Todd Pletcher, John Velázquez and Mike Repole are featured in quick interviews from the buildup to the Derby. Super Screener creator Mike Shutty describes some of the statistical paradigms he uses to come up with potential winners and board hitters for the Derby. Horse Racing Happy Hour hosts Louie Rabaut and Mike Gandolfo join co-host John Cherwa of the Los Angeles Times to discuss the absence of six-time Derby winning trainer Bob Baffert. 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. This week's episode is sponsored by Xpressbet. For information on Saturday's Kentucky Derby Challenge, go to https://www.xpressbet.com/kyd-3000-5-4-24.

Deep analysis of every horse in Kentucky Derby 2024, even the also-eligibles, is ready to hear now with the hard-core handicappers pop-up episode of the Ron Flatter Racing Pod. Horse Racing Nation handicappers Ed DeRosa and Mark Midland and DraftKings Sportsbook director Johnny Avello in Las Vegas go through the entire field from 1 to 20. Plus 21 and 22, who could add to the four also-eligibles who have shown up in the superfecta since the Derby points era began 11 years ago. How will they play the favorite Fierceness? Will Sierra Leone, Catching Freedom and Forever Young figure prominently on their tickets? Who are the tosses, and who are the value plays? The panel answers all those questions. The group also has a snapshot of Friday's Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks and their best strategy for attacking Kentucky Derby 2024. 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. This week's episode is sponsored by Xpressbet. For information on Saturday's Kentucky Derby Challenge, go to https://www.xpressbet.com/kyd-3000-5-4-24.

With a week to go until America's biggest racing holiday, Kentucky Derby 2024 and the Grade 1 Kentucky Oaks are the focus of this week's Ron Flatter Racing Pod. Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas discusses his Derby horse Just Steel and his Oaks filly Lemon Muffin. He also has some thoughts about how conservative rival trainers are in racing their horses less while he races his more. Sports Illustrated writer Pat Forde discusses Fierceness, Sierra Leone and Forever Young, the big three coming into next Saturday's Derby. He also has thoughts about the leftover issues from 2023, namely the horse deaths that happened last spring at Churchill Downs and the ongoing ban of trainer Bob Baffert. Paddock Prince handicapper David Levitch has some early thoughts about the Derby and Oaks, especially the challenge of comparing and contrasting different styles and strengths of prep races as well as the angles he will pursue playing the two features next week. John Cherwa and Ron review the new F/X documentary "Broken Horses," especially the point of view it takes in addressing what ails horse racing. 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. This week's episode is sponsored by Xpressbet. For information on Saturday's Santa Anita Park $500 Challenge, go to https://www.xpressbet.com/sap-500-4-27-24.

Some early handicapping tips for Kentucky Derby 2024, an insider's look at one of the contenders in the race and some handicapping for this weekend's Preakness 2024 qualifiers are front and center on this week's Ron Flatter Racing Pod. National Horseplayers Championship winner Mike Gillum checks in from Indianapolis with his five horses whom he counts among the most likely winners of the Derby. Here is a hint. Two of them are not obvious choices. In other words, long shots. Trainer Whit Beckman talks about Honor Marie, his first Derby horse in his name. He also remembers when he was an assistant on the teams that Todd Pletcher and Chad Brown led to past Derby accomplishments as Super Saver's 2010 win and Good Magic's 2018 runner-up result. He also discusses who may ride Honor Marie on May 4 at Churchill Downs. Mark Midland is in the handicappers rotation to offer his tips on the Federico Tesio at Laurel Park, a Pick 3 that starts with the Bathhouse Row at Oaklawn and the Illinois Derby at Hawthorne. The three stakes are win-and-you're-ins for the Preakness. John Cherwa joins Ron to dissect the court ruling in favor of Churchill Downs Inc. in the Zedan Racing Stables' lawsuit that failed for now to get Arkansas Derby (G1) winner Muth and trainer Bob Baffert into next month's Kentucky Derby. 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. This week's episode is sponsored by Xpressbet. For information on Sunday's Illinois Derby day handicapping contest, go to xpressbet.com/tournaments.

The Grade 1, $1.25 million Apple Blossom Handicap at Oaklawn and the last Kentucky Derby 2024 points prep at Keeneland are the focus of this week's Ron Flatter Racing Pod. Track announcer Matt Dinerman will offer his insight on Saturday's Apple Blossom as well as his first season calling races in Arkansas and his new assignment this summer as the voice of Monmouth Park. Trainer Joe Orseno, who won the Preakness with Red Bullet in 2000, may be on the verge of a return to the Triple Crown series with Hades, who races Saturday in the Lexington Stakes (G3). Horse Racing Nation's Ed DeRosa handicaps graded stakes at Oaklawn and Keeneland, a 2007 racetrack interview with the late O.J. Simpson is replayed, and Ron will be joined by John Cherwa to sample feedback from listeners and readers. 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. This week's episode is sponsored by Xpressbet. For information on Saturday's Keeneland Grade 1 Gamble, go to xpressbet.com/tournaments.

The last three major preps of the season will fill the field for Kentucky Derby 2024. This week's Ron Flatter Racing Pod comes from Keeneland, site of this weekend's Grade 1 Blue Grass Stakes. Jockey Tyler Gaffalione will discuss Sierra Leone, who is one of the top contenders not only in the Blue Grass but also for the Derby. Stanley Cup champion and horseplayer Eddie Olczyk takes the long view of betting this Derby season as well as his strategy for playing handicapping contests like the National Horseplayers Championship, where we caught up with him last month in Las Vegas. Super Screener creator Mike Shutty offers tips for the Blue Grass, the Wood Memorial at Aqueduct and the Santa Anita Derby, the races that will send top finishers to Churchill Downs in just four weeks. He also goes in depth on four stakes that offer the best betting opportunities on the Saturday card at Keeneland. Co-host John Cherwa of the Los Angeles Times also weighs in with insight on the Amr Zedan lawsuit seeking to get Bob Baffert back into this year's Derby and his first-hand impressions of the Florida Derby, where Fierceness won by 13 1/2 lengths to become the prohibitive favorite for the Kentucky Derby. As a bonus, former Horse Racing Nation turf writer Matt Stahl checks in from his current beat, the Alabama Crimson Tide, as he reports from the NCAA Men's Final Four in Phoenix. 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. This week's episode is sponsored by Xpressbet. For information on Saturday's Santa Anita Derby Challenge, go to https://www.xpressbet.com/sap-1500-4-6-2024?utm_source=hrn&utm_medium=digital&utm_campaign=saderbychallenge

Kentucky Derby 2024 win-and-you're-in preps at Gulfstream Park and Oaklawn and the state of the game are the subjects of the Ron Flatter Racing Pod. Jockey Flavien Prat, who won last week's Grade 2 Louisiana Derby on Catching Freedom, talks about that ride and his assignment this weekend in the $1.5 million Arkansas Derby (G1) on Timberlake. National Thoroughbred Racing Association CEO Tom Rooney answers questions about issues in the sport, including trainer Bob Baffert's suspension from the Kentucky Derby, the progress and challenges of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Authority and an upcoming documentary that will shed a harsh light on the game. Paddock Prince handicapper David Levitch analyzes this weekend's Florida Derby card and the Arkansas Derby. John Cherwa and Ron also go over 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. This week's episode is sponsored by Xpressbet. For information on Saturday's Florida Derby Challenge handicapping tournament, go to https://www.xpressbet.com/gsp-1500-3-30-24. Remember the commemorative bourbon for the 150th Kentucky Derby that was mentioned on the pod last month? We promised we would say when it was coming out. Here it is: https://store.darkartswhiskey.com/products/isaac-murphy-kentucky-derby

On the road in New Orleans, the first major preps for Kentucky Derby 2024 are in the spotlight on the Ron Flatter Racing Pod. At Fair Grounds, two-time Eclipse Award-winning trainer Brad Cox discusses his Derby campaign, including his running of Catching Freedom in Saturday's Grade 2, $1 million Louisiana Derby. He also discusses Timberlake's upcoming move into the Arkansas Derby (G1) next weekend. Finally, Cox has morning-line favorite Tarifa going Saturday in the Fair Grounds Oaks (G2), a points prep for Kentucky Oaks (G1). Fair Grounds track announcer John G. Dooley offer his insights about the trends during the winter meet that will come to a close this weekend. He also has an early preview of the Horseshoe Indianapolis opening day April 8, when a total eclipse of the sun will pass over the track during the program. Handicapper Mark Midland has tips for Saturday's Bayou-Bluegrass Pick 5, which takes in the Louisiana Derby, Fair Grounds Oaks and New Orleans Classic (G2) at Fair Grounds and the Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3) and Bourbonette Oaks at Turfway Park. John Cherwa and Ron discuss the California Horse Racing Board meeting Thursday, when a 26-day north-state meet was approved to help fill the void with the closing of Golden Gate Fields in less than three months. The Ron Flatter Racing Pod via Horse Racing Nation is available via free subscription from Apple, Firefox, Google, iHeart and Spotify as well as HorseRacingNation.com. This week's episode is sponsored by Xpressbet. For information on Saturday's $500 Santa Anita-Xpressbet handicapping tournament, go to xpressbet.com/tournaments.

The annual visit to Las Vegas for the National Horseplayers Championship is on the Ron Flatter Racing Pod. Two-time NHC Tour winner Kevin Costello, former NHC champions Scott Harrison and Paul Matties and economics professor and horse owner Marshall Gramm take part in the annual horseplayers roundtable. They discuss last weekend's tote breakdown that impacted the Tampa Bay Derby, the latest trends and concerns with computer-assisted wagering and why it is that Chicago players have done so well in the NHC. Horse Racing Nation handicapper Ed DeRosa is taking part in his first NHC as a competitor. He not only discusses that, he also has tips for the Grade 3 Whitmore at Oaklawn and two other Saturday stakes at Laurel Park and Turfway Park. Listener and reader feedback is focused on last week's column about the rebuilding of Belmont Park. The Ron Flatter Racing Pod via Horse Racing Nation is available via free subscription from Apple, Firefox, Google, iHeart and Spotify as well as HorseRacingNation.com. This week's episode is sponsored by 1/ST Bet and Xpressbet. For information on Saturday's Exacta-Thon at Tampa Bay Downs and to get a free entry, go to the Promos page at either 1st.com/bet or xpressbet.com. Accommodations for Horse Racing Nation coverage of the National Horseplayers Championship were provided and paid for by the National Thoroughbred Racing Association.

From Super Tuesday to top 10 sports events to Tampa Bay Downs. Less than two months until Kentucky Derby 2024, the Ron Flatter Racing Pod covers a lot of ground this week. MSNBC political analyst and NBC Sports racing handicapper Steve Kornacki talks about similarities between covering this week's primary elections and the Derby trail. He also has some thoughts about Saturday's Tampa Bay Derby (G2). Can Adare Manor be toppled in the Beholder Mile (G1) at Santa Anita? Trainer Phil D'Amato talks about his two challengers Desert Dawn and Turnerloose. He also offers updates on a few more horses in his stable, including Kentucky Derby candidate Stronghold. Super Screener creator Mike Shutty handicaps the Tampa Bay Derby as well as two other Saturday stakes races at Gulfstream Park and Santa Anita. Co-host John Cherwa joins Ron to talk about the top 10 sports events each has covered or attended, and they have tributes to the late Larry Lederman and Chris Mortensen. The Ron Flatter Racing Pod via Horse Racing Nation is available via free subscription from Apple, Firefox, Google, iHeart and Spotify as well as HorseRacingNation.com. This week's episode is sponsored by 1/ST Bet and Xpressbet. For information on and to register for Saturday's ExactaThon, use one of these links and click Promos: www.1st.com/bet www.xpressbet.com

This weekend brings four Kentucky Derby 2024 points preps, including the Grade 2 Fountain of Youth at Gulfstream Park, the Gotham Stakes (G3) at Aqueduct, the John Battaglia Memorial at Turfway Park, all Saturday, and the San Felipe (G2) on Sunday at Santa Anita. They are the focus of this week's episode of the Ron Flatter Racing Pod. Fox Sports and New York Racing Association TV analyst Andy Serling discusses the Derby trail in general and the Gotham in particular. Trainer Danny Gargan talks about his colt Dornoch, the highly regarded winner of the Remsen Stakes (G2), who will race in the Fountain of Youth. Paddock Prince handicapper David Levitch has tips for all four Derby preps plus a bonus race on Saturday's Gulfstream Park undercard. John Cherwa and Ron go over some of the feedback in the past week from listeners and readers reacting ton Ron's column calling for stewards' hearings to be streamed live. The Ron Flatter Racing Pod via Horse Racing Nation is available via free subscription from Apple, Firefox, Google, iHeart and Spotify as well as HorseRacingNation.com. This week's episode is sponsored by the Ultimate Betting Challenge via Xpressbet. For information on and to register for Saturday's Ultimate Betting Challenge: www.xpressbet.com/tournaments

The next Kentucky Derby 2024 points prep and Black History Month are the focus of this week's Ron Flatter Racing Pod. Jennifer Hoyt, who spent more than 13 years working at Oaklawn, offers her thoughts about this weekend's Grade 2, $1.25 million Rebel Stakes, which will ticket the winner for the Kentucky Derby. She also talks about her move from the racetrack to becoming a school-district spokesperson. The advancement of diversity in racing meets Kentucky bourbon. Leon Nichols of the Project to Preserve African-American Turf History and Allen Carter of Silver Springs Farm Eqwine and Vineyard join Macaulay Minton of Dark Arts Whiskey House to discuss their partnership to promote inclusion ahead of the 150th running of the Kentucky Derby. Horse Racing Nation's Mark Midland handicaps the Rebel, the Razorback Handicap (G3), the Honeybee (G3) and three maiden races on the Saturday card at Oaklawn. John Cherwa and Ron pay tribute to the late Jerry Antonucci and Art Wilson, two longtime turf writers from Southern California. The Ron Flatter Racing Pod via Horse Racing Nation is available via free subscription from Apple, Firefox, Google, iHeart and Spotify as well as HorseRacingNation.com. This week's episode is sponsored by the Ultimate Betting Challenge via Xpressbet. To enter the Ultimate Betting Challenge: www.xpressbet.com/tournaments For Horse Racing Nation handicapping tools: www.darkartswhiskey.com/spirits To learn more about Dark Arts Whiskey House: www.darkartswhiskey.com/spirits

This weekend's Risen Star Stakes is the first win-and-you're-in prep for Kentucky Derby 2024, and it is the main subject of this week's Ron Flatter Racing Pod. FanDuel TV racing analyst Caton Bredar offers a preview of the race and some highlights from the rest of the stakes-laden card at Fair Grounds in New Orleans. Hall of Fame and Sierra Leone are among the Risen Star favorites not to mention top contenders for the Derby. They will be discussed by Robyn Murray, who handles sales, racehorses and marketing for their lead owner Coolmore America. Horse Racing Nation handicapper Ed DeRosa has tips for the Risen Star and the other races this weekend as well as some thoughts about futures wagering on the Derby. John Cherwa and Ron sample listener and reader feedback about how racing and the Super Bowl have gone opposite directions in the past half-century when it comes to betting handle. The Ron Flatter Racing Pod via Horse Racing Nation is available via free subscription from Apple, Firefox, Google, iHeart and Spotify as well as HorseRacingNation.com.

The next Kentucky Derby 2024 points prep and Super Bowl LVIII are the focus of this week's Ron Flatter Racing Pod. Hall of Fame trainer Shug McGaughey talks about Change of Command, the morning-line favorite for this weekend's Sam F. Davis Stakes at Tampa Bay Downs. He also discusses some other Derby and Kentucky Oaks prospects in his stable. From Las Vegas, NBC Sports racing analyst and longtime NFL reporter Randy Moss provides insight into the Derby trail as well as Sunday's championship between the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers. Super Screener creator Mike Shutty handicaps the Sam F. Davis and two other weekend stakes at Tampa Bay Downs and Gulfstream Park. Ron also samples the feedback about his column that declared the absence of Bob Baffert's horses would make America's biggest race nothing more than Kentucky Derby 149 1/2. The Ron Flatter Racing Pod via Horse Racing Nation is available via free subscription from Apple, Firefox, Google, iHeart and Spotify as well as HorseRacingNation.com.

This week's Ron Flatter Racing Pod has three main subjects, five races to handicap and one embarrassing admission. Eclipse Award winner Fierceness headlines Saturday's four Kentucky Derby points preps. Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher talks about the champion colt's 2024 debut in the Grade 3 Holy Bull Stakes at Gulfstream Park. Todd also discusses two of his other prominent 3-year-olds who are Derby contenders. Bob Baffert's announcement that he will not have any of his horses in the Derby gets the once-over. Co-host John Cherwa of the Los Angeles Times had an exclusive interview with Baffert that was the focal point of his report this week. He and Ron discuss what the absence of the Baffert horses will mean to his year's Derby. The tenuous future of Turf Paradise in Phoenix is discussed by Arizona Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association executive director Leroy Gessmann. How California's uncertain racing picture affects his state is also grist for the conversation. Paddock Prince David Levitch has tips for the Holy Bull, the Withers (G3) at Aqueduct, the Southwest (G3) at Oaklawn and the Robert B. Lewis (G3) at Santa Anita plus an allowance race that caught his attention. Ron confesses that he completely missed Camila Cabello in the paddock last weekend on Pegasus day, even though he walked right past her three times. The Ron Flatter Racing Pod via Horse Racing Nation is available via free subscription from Apple, Firefox, Google, iHeart and Spotify as well as HorseRacingNation.com.

A trip to Florida for big races and yearly awards is the focus of this week's Ron Flatter Racing Pod. The Grade 1, $3 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational at Gulfstream Park has trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. and TV analyst and morning-line writer Brian Nadeau talking. They discuss their views of the big three races on the card. Horse Racing Nation handicapper Mark Midland focuses not only on big stakes on Saturday's card at Gulfstream Park but also on one early offering on the undercard that could yield some strong value for bettors. From The Breakers in Palm Beach, Fla., Ron has a recap of Thursday night's Eclipse Awards, which were dominated by the emotional story of horse of the year Cody's Wish. Also, John Cherwa joins Ron to discuss Bob Baffert's decision to drop his appeal to restore Medina Spirit as the winner of the 2021 Kentucky Derby and Churchill Down Inc.'s decision to keep Baffert under suspension through at least the end of this year. The Ron Flatter Racing Pod via Horse Racing Nation is available via free subscription from Apple, Firefox, Google, iHeart and Spotify as well as HorseRacingNation.com. It is sponsored by the Pegasus World Cup Betting Championship. https://www.xpressbet.com/pegasus-world-cup-betting-championship?utm_source=hrn&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pwcbc

More qualifying points are on the line for Kentucky Derby 2024 with the Lecomte Stakes at Fair Grounds, the centerpiece this week on the Ron Flatter Racing Pod. FanDuel TV's Michael Joyce checks in from New Orleans to offer his insights on the Derby trail and with some predictions about next week's Eclipse Awards. Trainer Mark Casse talks about his Lecomte colt Can Group and his Colonel E. L. Bradley Stakes starter Strong Quality. Handicapper Ed DeRosa has tips for weekend races, including the Lecomte, more stakes at Fair Grounds and one at Gulfstream Park to start the coast-to-coast Pick 5. Listeners and readers join the Los Angeles Times' John Cherwa to offer their feedback about last week's visit to Old Friends retirement farm in Kentucky and the future of Maryland racing. The Ron Flatter Racing Pod via Horse Racing Nation is available via free subscription from Apple, Firefox, Google, iHeart and Spotify as well as HorseRacingNation.com. It is sponsored by the Pegasus World Cup Betting Championship. https://www.xpressbet.com/pegasus-world-cup-betting-championship?utm_source=hrn&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=pwcbc

How great does it sound to spend a day at Old Friends retirement farm in Georgetown, Ky.? That is exactly what happens on this week's episode of the Ron Flatter Racing Pod. Michael Blowen, who started the program 20 years ago, is handing over the reins as president next month, but not before he takes listeners on an audio tour of the farm, providing his thoughts about how it has gone and how it will be going after he leaves. He also introduces listeners to 1997 Kentucky Derby winner Silver Charm, who looks great at age 30. Super Screener creator Mike Shutty handicaps weekend races, including the Pasco at Tampa Bay Downs and two turf stakes at Santa Anita. Listener and reader feedback centers on the decline of Southern California racing and Ron's column about underperforming winter preps for Kentucky Derby 2024. The Ron Flatter Racing Pod via Horse Racing Nation is available via free subscription from Apple, Google and Spotify as well as HorseRacingNation.com.

It is a coast-to-coast episode to start the new year on the Ron Flatter Racing Pod. From the east, Brittany Russell talks about being the first woman to train the most winners in a calendar year in Maryland. She also looks at Regalo's bid to win the Jerome Stakes, a Kentucky Derby 2024 prep Saturday at Aqueduct. Racing insider Bob Ike looks at some early returns on the winter-spring meet at Santa Anita, where the handle is down, and the San Vicente Stakes (G2) will be run Saturday. Paddock Prince handicapper David Levitch has tips for weekend races, including the Jerome at Aqueduct and the all-stakes late Pick 3 at Gulfstream Park. There also will be listener and reader feedback and a tribute to the late comic and horseplayer Shecky Greene. The Ron Flatter Racing Pod via Horse Racing Nation is available via free subscription from Apple, Google and Spotify as well as HorseRacingNation.com. The Sept. 13, 2019, episode of the Ron Flatter Racing Pod featuring the late Shecky Greene: https://content.libsyn.com/p/b/6/3/b636abe52b19b496/HSW6226440037.mp3?c_id=118786664&cs_id=118786664&response-content-type=audio%2Fmpeg&Expires=1704367542&Signature=JyfzUnURNfIu~06lsgYcjryXlxGoPGqToWfwRPLcLcBLLT4N0Gv-qonyv9sdCiUny3V4oHGoq1S0joBwcZCPSlIi7hWPg4fHhasnqz45f~7kz9ZRSRAL8-BvOGG5BMzJMfkBQAqmEIZ6iQtd1zaUdL5uUDC7uj~FjziVmkGi19HKe-74jyiqamFU6b0uscN-IKAhCtmTO~CdJLZHxyrlkjjBfxi2PJ5vKJEiIgAmpIRCmMyqIhE2lOoQ~VacxV6pKQ6kfMlGw7ZszqWbIPaTQK2iSQg5XL03hR-UfixjkDeeNu~rkIiclOMMNkQF04LPQXGcoPnmPjz-HRuEUcv-8g__&Key-Pair-Id=K1YS7LZGUP96OI The story Ron wrote Sunday on the death of Shecky Greene: https://www.horseracingnation.com/news/Flatter_Remembering_comic_and_horseplayer_Shecky_Greene_123

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.