From Kentucky Derby 2025 points preps to other weekend stakes to
Fair Grounds moving forward after the New Orleans terror attack. All these
topics are discussed this week on the Ron Flatter Racing Pod.
New Orleans-based trainer Neil Pessin discusses the racing
community’s reaction to the Bourbon Street tragedy and his thoughts about Fair
Grounds proceeding with its New Year’s Day program.
Trainer Michael McCarthy talks about two potential Derby horses. His
undefeated colt Bullard races Saturday against Bob Baffert’s $3.2 million debut
winner Barnes in the Grade 2 San Vicente Stakes at Santa Anita. He also has
Journalism, who won last month in the Los Alamitos Futurity (G2) on the way to
being the winter-book favorite in Las Vegas futures for the Derby.
Handicapper Ed DeRosa has analysis and picks for the Jerome Stakes
at Aqueduct and Smarty Jones at Oaklawn, the two Derby points preps scheduled
for Saturday. He also looks at the Turfway Prevue Stakes, which itself might
produce a would-be runner for the roses.
John Cherwa is along to help distill listener and reader feedback and
discuss some of the goings-on during the holidays.
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.
Photo: Jason Moran / Eclipse Sportswire Jockey Mychel Sanchez will serve a seven-day suspension and pay an additional $1,750 in fines
Photo: Gulfstream Park / Lauren King Sovereignty, dramatic late-running winner of the Fountain of Youth (G2) March 1, is being pointed
Photo: Santa Anita / Benoit Photo Cavalieri and Alpha Bella, who finished one-two in the Grade 3 La Cañada in January at Santa Anita,
Photo: Gonzalo Anteliz Jr. / Eclipse Sportswire The stars will shine Saturday at Tampa Bay Downs, and not just in the Grade 3 Tampa Ba