Tag: Robertino Diodoro

Rated R Superstar, seen here winning the Grade 3 Essex Stakes, is one of three millionaires in the Grade 2 Oaklawn Handicap field. He is 5/1 on the morning line in a deep, eight-horse field. (Image: Coady Photography)

This Deep Oaklawn Handicap Provides A Handicapper’s Puzzle

- 4 min read

The numbers tell you how competitive Saturday’s Grade 2 Oaklawn Handicap is from a wagering standpoint. Because this is a race where just about everyone can win. How competitive is the anchor stakes race on Oaklawn Park’s 12-race card? Six of the eight older horses in the 1 1/8-mile Oaklawn […]

Lone Rock's first Oaklawn Park stakes victory came in this Tinsel Stakes score in December. He is the 3/1 morning-line favorite in Saturday's Grade 3 Razorback Handicap. (Image: Coady Photography)

Lone Rock Becomes a Solid Choice in a Deep Razorback

- 2 min read

This time last year, Lone Rock was preparing for a mid-level allowance race at Oaklawn Park. He was three months away from being claimed for $40,000 after a November race at Churchill Downs. Now, the gelding is two days away from racing for a chunk of a $600,000 purse in […]

Hot Rod Charlie and trainer Doug O'Neill get a prime opportunity to win their first Grade 1 in Saturday's Pennsylvania Derby at Parx. (Image: Sarah Andrew)

Hot Rod Charlie and Midnight Bourbon Seek Grade 1 Glory in Penn Derby

- 5 min read

The Pennsylvania Derby, your traditional last major 3-year-old race of the season, returns after a COVID-related year absence. And the Penn Derby returns, asking the pressing question concerning a couple of decorated sophomore runners: Will either Hot Rod Charlie or Midnight Bourbon finally get that elusive Grade 1 victory? If […]

Masqueparade led his last parade by nearly 12 lengths. He is an 8/1 morning-line selection to win Saturday's Grade 3 Ohio Derby. (Image: Coady Photography)

Ohio Derby Brings Back Some Familiar Names, Along With A Newcomer

- 4 min read

Unlike last year, there are no Kentucky Derby qualifying points available in this year’s Grade 3 Ohio Derby. No mulling over potential Derby dark horses coming out of what is usually a C-level field of 3-year-olds anyway. No. Instead, we have one Derby and Preakness alum, one would-be Derby alum, […]

Minnesota's Canterbury Park takes center stage Wednesday with its Northern Stars Racing Festival. Training stars such as Eclipse Award-winning trainer Brad Cox and jockey Florent Geroux will be at Canterbury. (Image: Canterbury Park)

Racing Stars Align at Canterbury Park’s Northern Stars Racing Festival

- 3 min read

Track officials call Wednesday’s six-stakes card at Canterbury Park the Northern Stars Racing Festival. It’s a rather apt name, given the stars coming out to the suburban Minneapolis track. There’s Eclipse Award-winning trainer Brad Cox. Enough said there. There are also his fellow trainers, Mike Maker, who is currently sixth […]

UAE Derby winner Rebel's Romance won't run the Belmont Stakes due to a hind-leg infection. (Image: Coady Photography)

Rebel’s Romance, Keepmeinmind Exit Belmont, Field Likely Down to Eight

- 3 min read

The Belmont Stakes looks like it will be a tight-knit affair with just eight horses entering the starting gate after connections for Rebel’s Romance announced on Tuesday that the gelding will miss Saturday’s race due to a hind-leg infection. Rebel’s Romance’s owner, Godolphin, posted the news about the UAE Derby […]

The results of Tuesday's post-position draw for Saturday's 146th Preakness Stakes. (Image: Maryland Jockey Club)

Amid Controversy, Derby Champ Medina Spirit Named Preakness Favorite

- 3 min read

As controversy about his Preakness Stakes appearance swirled around him, Kentucky Derby champion Medina Spirit seized the familiar favorite status Derby champions get coming into the Preakness. The Derby winner became the 9/5 morning-line favorite for Saturday’s second jewel of the Triple Crown. Along with favorite status, which nearly all […]