ROAD TO THE KENTUCKY DERBY UPDATE

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3 January 2021

Road to the Kentucky Derby – Upset in the Jerome Stakes

Road to the Kentucky Derby: It is a busy weekend in the world of horse racing; as we had three races that count towards the Road to the Kentucky Derby. At the time of writing, one of those races; the Jerome Stakes at Aqueduct Park; was done and it delivered a result that will come as a surprise; to a lot of horse racing fans.

It was Swill who came into the Jerome as the favorite, closely followed by Eagle Orb. It was a big race for all 5 horses who started; as there were value points available that could vault these horses into the Road to the Kentucky Derby Leaderboard. The points were assigned to the top 4 as follows: 10-4-2-1.

It was Capo Kane who broke well and took the early lead; with Swill settling in about a half-length off the pace. By the time they hit the turn; Swill began to exert some pressure, but Capo Kane had another gear to move into. Eagle Orb also made a move, but was forced 3-wide coming home, making it tough to get up in time. Capo Kane drew away and ended up with a comfortable 2 ½ length win. The final payouts looked like this:

Capo Kane paid $15.80 for the win, but perhaps more importantly, he also picked up 10 points. The rest of the points were distributed as follows: Eagle Orb (4), Hold the Salsa (2), and Swill (1). This is sure to be a disappointment to the owners of Swill; as he was highly favored ahead of this one.

Road to the Kentucky Derby Leaderboard

In the road to the Kentucky Derby, Essential Quality is still the horse to catch at the top of the leaderboard with 30 points. Keepmeinmind is next with 18 points, while Jackie’s Warrior and Spielberg have 12 points each. Capo Kane drops into a group of horses sitting on 10 points; but we still have a long way to go before we get to the end.

There are two more races this weekend that count as Kentucky Derby preps. The Sham Stakes at Santa Anita has the same 10-4-2-1 points up for grabs. The Mucho macho Man Stakes at Gulfstream Park does not have points on the line; but it is still a critical prep race.

Be sure to check JAZZ Horse Racing for all the latest horse racing news; previews, and results, as well as up to the minute reports on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.

GRADED STAKES RACE PREVIEWS

By

John Miller

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2 January 2021

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Horse Racing Cards – Graded Stakes Race Previews, Week Ending Jan. 1, 2021

Graded Stakes Race Previews: By the time you read this piece, we will have already had some important horse racing cards over and done with race previews. There are a couple of major stakes races set for Friday, the biggest of which is the Jerome Stakes at Aqueduct. That one will have points up for grabs that count in the Road to the Kentucky Derby. We will, of course, provide you with all the details of that race, as well as the ones we cover here, in our weekend wrap-up on Monday. For now, let’s get into the Saturday and Sunday races.

Saturday

Santa Anita Race 7 – San Gabriel Stakes 1 1/8 Turf – $200,000

We have a 7-horse field set to go in a race that will serve as a nice precursor to the huge race that comes next. Count Again is in as the morning line favorite at 2/1, but the bookies see this as tight, with Anothertwistafate in at 5/2. A pretty open field her, so this should be a good race.

Santa Anita Race 8 – Sham Stakes 1 Mile Dirt – $100,000

This is one of three Kentucky Derby prep races that we have going over the weekend. There are points (10-4-2-1) up for grabs here and with just a 5-horse field, it’s a great opportunity to make a mark on the leaderboard in the Road to the Kentucky Derby. Life is Good is the overwhelming favorite at 2/5 on the M/L, but Parnelli will be sure to get some love at 5/2.

Gulfstream Park Race 10 – Mucho Macho Man Stakes 1 Mile Dirt – $100,000

This is another Road to the Kentucky Derby race, making this one of the biggest horse racing cards of the weekend. Unlike the other two prep races, this one does not have any points available, but it is still big. We have a field of 10 here, with Mutasaabeq in as a 5/2 favorite despite switching from turf to dirt. Pickin’ Time is second favorite at 3/1.

Those are the horse racing cards to keep an eye on this weekend. We will cover all the results on Monday. Be sure to check back daily for all the latest horse racing news, previews, and results, as well as up to the minute reports from our experts at Jazz Horse Racing on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.

ROAD TO DERBY: GRADES STAKES PREVIEW

By

John Miller

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1 January 2021

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ROAD TO DERBY – Jan. 1 Graded Stakes Sneak Preview

Road to the Derby Grades Stakes Preview: We are not wasting any time in 2021 getting back to the Road to the Derby. There are three races on tap this weekend that are derby preps; although only two of the three come with points available to the top four finishers. We will take a quick sneak peek at those races; as well as the other graded stakes races set to go this weekend.

Santa Anita

It’s another busy weekend at Santa Anita and it begins on Friday with the Joe Hernandez Stakes (G2). 11 horses will run 6 ½F on turf for a purse of $200,000.

There are a pair of graded stakes races set to go on the Saturday card; including one that is a Kentucky Derby prep race. The San Gabriel Stakes (G2) is the first to go; with 7 horses set to compete over 1 1/8 on the turf for a purse of $200,000).
The biggest race of the day, though; is the Sham Stakes, which is a Derby prep that will have a small field of five going a mile on the dirt. The top four horses will pick up points (10-4-2-1) that count towards Kentucky Derby qualification.

On Sunday, we have the Santa Ynez Stakes (G3); which will have a seven horse field going 7F over the dirt for a purse of $200,000.

Aqueduct

Of all the horse racing cards over the weekend at Aqueduct; it is the Friday card that stands out; as that is where we will find the Jerome Stakes; another race that is part of the Road to the Kentucky Derby. There are 10-4-2-1 points up for grabs for the top four finishers; with 5 horses set to go a mile over the dirt for a $150,000 purse.

Gulfstream Park

The last of the horse racing cards to feature a major stakes race is at Gulfstream Park on Saturday. While the Mucho Macho Man Stakes is considered a Derby prep race, there are no points available in this one. Still, it is a huge race for the 10 horses going a mile over the dirt.

Be sure to check JAZZ Horse Racing for all the latest horse racing news; previews, and results, as well as up to the minute reports on the Road to the Kentucky Derby.

TIZ THE LAW FORCED TO RETIRE

By

John Miller

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31 December 2020

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Horse Racing News – Tiz the Law Forced to Retire

We have some sad horse racing news to report to today, as Belmont Stakes winner Tiz the Law has been forced into retirement on the recommendation of a veterinarian; the news came after x-rays showed bruising in the horse’s leg that could potentially lead to more serious damage if he continued to race.

The diagnosis from the vet seemed to come as a surprise to Sackatoga Stable, the group that owns Tiz the Law; they had already planned to move forward and race the horse as a 4-year-old, but that career path is now off the table. The ownership group took to twitter to announce the retirement plans, issuing the following statement:

“We are saddened to say that Tiz the Law has been retired based on Veterinary advice. We were very much looking forward to his 4yo campaign, but his longterm health is paramount. We are beyond grateful for the time we had with him. #tizthelaw.”

The Ownership Group

Added to this horse racing news by going into more detail about the results of the x-ray that forced the retirement; the bruising was described as severe, with the group saying that any further training or racing would deliver the threat of a “catastrophic breakdown.” Simply put, the horse would be put in a potentially life-threatening condition if he continued to train and race; which left the owners with no choice but to pull the plug in a very good career.

Tiz the Law ran in nine races and saw some real success during that time. He picked up six wins in those races and earned over $2.7 million. He finished second behind Authentic in the Kentucky Derby earlier this season, but he won the Belmont Stakes; which proved to be the first Triple Crown race of the year after the schedule was shuffled due to the pandemic; the final race of his career came at the Breeders Cup Classic in November; where he finished in sixth.

It proved to be a bittersweet day for Barclay Tagg; who trained Tiz the Law he turned 83 on the same day that the announcement of the colt was announced. Both, though, have made a big impact on the sport of horse racing.

Follow Jazz Horse Racing for more 2021 Kentucky Derby updates; as well as other news, tips, and results from the sport of kings.

PREP RACES ROAD TO THE KENTUCKY DERBY

By

John Miller

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30 December 2020

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Road to the Kentucky Derby – More Prep Races Coming This Weekend

Prep Races: The end of 2020 and the start of the New Year are going to be big in the Road to the Kentucky Derby, as we have a trio of prep races set to go this weekend. It all begins on Friday at Aqueduct with the running of the Jerome.

Trio of Derby Prep Races

That is then followed by two races on Saturday, which are the Sham at Santa Anita Park and the Mucho Macho Man at Gulfstream Park. The latter of the three races does not have points up for grabs, but it is still part of the 36 prep races in the Road to the Kentucky Derby. We will have more information on these races, as well as the other graded stakes races this weekend, a little later in the week, but for now, let’s take a brief look at the prep races.

Friday, January 1 – 2021 Jerome at Aqueduct

A talented group of 3-year-olds is expected to hit the track on Friday, racing a mile for a share of a $150,000 purse. The current field of six will also be looking to claim some points in the quest to be a part of the 2021 Kentucky Derby, with the top four all picking up points (10-4-2-1). Eagle Orb, who picked up a win at the Notebook Stakes is expected to run and will likely be among the favorites. We might also see Swill, the winner of the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (G2).

Saturday, January 2 – 2021 Sham Stakes (G3) at Santa Anita

This was the race that Authentic won for Bob Baffert last year and the trainer is expected to be back with another contender on Saturday. Life is Good is expected to be among the field for the mile race this weekend. This is another one where we have points (10-4-2-1) up for grabs for the top four. Uncle Boogie, who finished second to Red Flag at the Bob Hope Stakes, is another who might get a start here.

Saturday, January 2 – 2021 Mucho Macho Man at Gulfstream Park

The final weekend prep race in the Road to the Kentucky Derby foes on Saturday at Gulfstream Park, although there are no points available in this one. There are several possible who could get the start here, including Smiley Sobotka, who finished second at the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (G2), and Mutasaabeq, who could potentially move to dirt after a pair of turf races that included a win at the Bourbon Stakes (G2).

Follow Jazz Horse Racing for more 2021 Kentucky Derby updates; as well as other news, tips, and results from the sport of kings.

BELMONT PARK GRANDSTAND

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John Miller

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29 December 2020

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Belmont Park Grandstand Rebuild a Possibility

Belmont Park: It has been a rough year for all sports organizations, but it appears as though the New York Racing Association (NYRA) has come though it quite well. This despite the fact that they were forced to shut down for 11 weeks and have now gone 7 months without having fans at the track. The NYRA has come through the storm, and while we still have an uncertain future in 2021, they are already making some big plans.

One of the things that NYRA president and CEO David O’Rourke has in mind is the redevelopment of the Belmont Park grandstand. Rather than going bigger, O’Rourke is contemplating a facility that would be roughly one-third the size of the building that is currently in place. The project would require approval from the state, with the ultimate goal of the new project being the consolidation of downstate racing.

Redeveloping Belmont Park

There have been talks about redeveloping Belmont Park for the past few years, but it now seems as though those conversations are going to be turned into actions. O’Rourke claims that the entire project could be funded using money from VLT’s, with new job opportunities going hand in hand with what should be a massive project. O’Rourke is of the belief that conversations with the state will move into high gear in a matter of a few short weeks.

Both a rebuild and a retrofit of the grandstand were on the table, with the rebuild looking like the better option. Initially, plans for the new layout were expected to be presented earlier in the year, but when COVID hit and racing became affected, those plans were temporarily shelved.

Horse racing news

O’Rourke revealed that the redevelopment at Belmont Park would also include much-needed updates to the three track surfaces. The main track would stay at a mile and a half even after the changes. Also included in the plans is the possibility of opening up the infield for fans, who he hopes will be able to return to the tracks in 2021.

It is the state that owns the land where Belmont Park resides, and as they already have a new arena for the New York Islanders being built on that same land, O’Rourke is going to need to wait and see of they will be willing to invest more money in the proposed developments.

Check in daily for all the latest horse racing news, tips, and results from our experts at Jazz Horse Racing.

GRADED STAKES RACES DEC 27

By

John Miller

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28 December 2020

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Horse Racing Results – Graded Stakes Races, Week Ending Dec.27, 2020

Graded Stakes Races: After a Christmas Day break, Horse Racing was back in action over the weekend. The opening of the Santa Anita Winter/Spring season was the biggest event; especially when you consider the number of graded stakes races they had on the weekend card. We are going to take a quick look at all the big horse racing results from this past couple of day.

Santa Anita

Race 4 – Mathis Brothers Mile Stakes (G2) – 1 Mile Turf $200,000
No surprises in this one, with Smooth Like Strait picking up an almost ¾ length win as the favorite. He paid $3.60 for the win.

Race 7 – San Antonio Stakes (G2) – 1 1/16 Mile Dirt $200,000
This race delivered one of the surprise horse racing results of the weekend. Kiss Today Goodbye romped home and paid $33.60 for the win. Mucho Gusto, the favorite, finished down in 4^th.

Race 8 – La Brea Stakes (G1) – 7F Dirt $300,000

Another huge upset here; with Fair Maiden hitting the finish line first at 20/1. He paid $43.20 for the win and triggered a $1 exacta that paid $247.20. Finite, the favorite, finished 4^th.

Race 9 – American Oaks (G1) – 1 ¼ Mile Turf $300,000

The trend of upset winners continued in this race, with Duopoly coming in first at 6/1 and paying $14.00 for the win. Sharing, the favorite, landed in 3^rd.

Race 10 – Malibu Stakes (G1) – 7F Dirt $300,000

The final graded stakes race of the day saw some normalcy resumed, with second-favorite Charlatan getting the win and paying $5.20. It was a disappointing run from Nashville, who started as the favorite and ended up finishing 4^th.

Dec. 27

Race 3 – Robert Frankel Stakes (G3) – 1 1/8 Mile $100,000

The lone graded stakes race on Sunday pretty much went as expected, with co-favorite Mucho Unusual driving home down the stretch to win and pay $7.80. Miss Teheran will have been disappointed with a 4^th place finish in this one.

Laurel Park

Race 8 – Allaire DuPont Stakes (G3) – 1 1/8 Dirt $150,000

While things were wild at Santa Anita Park over the weekend; the lone graded stakes race at Laurel Park went as expected. Eres Tu won as a heavy favorite, paying $3.40 for a $2 bet. He had to hold off a strong bid from longshot Wicked Awesome who made a great late run.

Check in daily for all the latest horse racing results, news, and tips from our experts at Jazz Horse Racing.

ROAD TO THE DERBY – JANUARY CALENDAR

By

John Miller

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27 December 2020

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ROAD TO THE DERBY – JANUARY CALENDAR — Essential Quality with Luis Saez riding wins the Breeders Cup Juvenile for trainer Brad Cox at Keeneland Race Course, Lexington, KY 11.5.2020

Road to the Kentucky Derby – January Race Calendar

We are still very early in the Road to the Derby, with 9 of the 36 prep races in the books. As we head into the Christmas Season, several graded stakes races come before the end of the year, but we need to wait until 2021 before we get to see the Kentucky Derby hopefuls begin to pick up points.

You are going to find that the odds for the horses in the Kentucky Derby futures pool are going to change a lot in the coming weeks and months. The top four horses right, with their points in parentheses, are Essential Quality (30), Keepmeinmind (18), Jackie’s Warrior (12), and Spielberg (12).

The points handed out are 10 for a win, 3 for second, 2 for third, and 1 for fourth, but those point values will start to rise in February and March, which is when the bigger events in the Road to the Kentucky Derby take place. The 10-4-2-1 points system is in place through the month of January, where we will have six prep races on the calendar. Let’s take a look at what’s on tap to start the year.

On January 1, we have the Jerome

Which is one of the oldest stakes races in the country. Run at Aqueduct, the Jerome became part of the prep race schedule in 2013 after it moved from Belmont Park. The following day, on January 2, the action shifts to New Orleans and the Sham Stakes at Santa Anita Park.

There is a 2-week break before we get to see the next Derby qualifying race, with that one going on January 16 at the Fair Grounds in New Orleans. The Lecomte has quickly become one of the most important races on the Road to the Derby. Next up is the Smarty Jones at Oaklawn Park, with that race scheduled for January 22. This 1-mile race first appeared on the schedule back in 2009.

The final two derby prep races in January both come on the 30^th, and both are big. The Robert B. Lewis Stakes is run at Santa Anita Park, while the Holy Bull runs on the same day at Gulfstream Park. By the time we get to the end of January, the Kentucky Derby picture should start to become a little clearer. We will get into the February calendar in a later piece.

Check in daily for all the latest horse racing Odds available at Jazz Horse Racing; courtesy of Online MEGA sportsbook JazzSports.ag

RACE PREVIEWS & GRADED STAKES DEC 26 – 27

By

John Miller

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26 December 2020

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Horse Racing Cards – Graded Stakes Race Previews, Week Ending Dec.27, 2020

Race Previews: The world of horse racing rests on Christmas Day, but it returns with a bang on the 26^th. We have opening day at Santa Anita, with no less than five graded stakes races to choose from. There are other horse racing cards on that day, but Laurel Park is the only one with a graded stakes race.

Let’s take a closer look inside all the big races this weekend.

Santa Anita

Race 4 – Mathis Brothers Mile Stakes (G2) – 1 Mile Turf $200,000
We have a field of seven for the first graded stakes race of the day. There are two definite favorites in the morning line, with Smooth Like Strait in at 8/5 and Field Pass at 5/2.

RACE#4 – MATHIS BROTHERS STAKES (G2)	Odds
Smooth Like Strait	+125
Field Pass	+300
Scarto	+450

Race 7 – San Antonio Stakes (G2) – 1 1/16 Mile Dirt $200,000
A field of eight will enter the starting gate for this one. It is Mucho Gusto who is in as the early favorite at 2/1, but expect Sharp Samurai (5/2) to also be in the mix.

RACE#7 – SAN ANTONIO STAKES (G2)	Odds
Mucho Gusto	+200
Sharp Samurai	+250
Idol	+500

Race 8 – La Brea Stakes (G1) – 7F Dirt $300,000
It’s a much bigger field for this race, with eleven horses expected to step into the starting gate. Finite is in as the morning line favorite at 7/2, but that price might shorten. Merneith is next on the board at 4/1.

RACE#8 – LA BREA STAKES (G1)	Odds
Finite	+350
Merneith	+400
Stellar Sound	+500

More Race Previews Below…

Race 9 – American Oaks (G1) – 1 ¼ Mile Turf $300,000
It’s back to the turf for the 9^th race of the day, this one going a mile and a quarter on the downhill turf. There are ten horses set to go, and it is Sharing in as the 3/1 ML favorite. Luck Money is next on the board at 7/2.

RACE#9 – AMERICAN OAKS (G1)	Odds
Sharing	+300
Luck Money	+350
Capital Structure (GB)	+400

Race 10 – Malibu Stakes (G1) – 7F Dirt $300,000
The final race preview of the day features a smaller field of six that has two very distinct favorites in the morning line. Those horses are Nashville at 6/5 and Charlatan at 9/5.

RACE#10 – MALIBU STAKES (G1)	Odds
Nashville	+140
Charlatan	+180
Independence Hall	+400

Preview Races For Dec. 27

Race 3 – Robert Frankel Stakes (G3) – 1 1/8 Mile $100,000
The lone graded stakes race on Saturday is the 9^th at Santa Anita Park. There are a pair of favorites to look at here, starting with Mucho Unusual at 5/2. We also have Rideforthecause at 3/1.

RACE#3 – ROBERT FRANKEL STAKES (G3)	Odds
Mucho Unusual	+250
RideForTheCause	+300
Miss Teheran (Ire)	+500

Laurel Park

Race 8 – Allaire DuPont Stakes (G3) – 1 1/8 Dirt $150,000
One of the other horse racing cards that has a graded stakes race is at Laurel Park. In this one, we have a 7-horse field led by Eres Tu at 2/1 followed by Ice Princess at 3/1.

RACE#8 – ALLAIRE DUPONT STAKES (G3)	Odds
Eres Tu	+200
Another Broad	+350
Landing Zone	+600

Check in daily for all the latest horse racing Odds available at Jazz Horse Racing; courtesy of Online MEGA sportsbook JazzSports.ag

GRADED STAKES RACES SNEAK PREVIEW

By

John Miller

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25 December 2020

0

Horse Racing Cards – Dec. 26 Graded Stakes Sneak Preview

We have some good news for those of you scanning the horse racing cards in search of graded stakes races. Between Saturday and Sunday, we will have seven races to watch and wager on, with the majority of the action at Santa Anita Park.

Let’s take a quick look at what’s coming, as well as what our friend at JazzSports.ag have for us, with full previews of these races coming your way on Saturday morning.

Santa Anita

There are five graded stakes races on the card at Santa Anita on Saturday for the opening day of their Winter/Spring meet. The action begins in Race 4 with the Mathis Brothers Stakes (G2) on the turf. Over at Jazz Sports, all horses must start this one for the race to have action.

The action really heats up in the second half of the Saturday horse racing card at Santa Anita, as we have four consecutive graded stakes races, starting with Race 7. The San Antonio Stakes (G2) will have action if Mucho Gusto and Sharp Samurai start.
Race 8 is the La Brea Stakes (G1). Finite needs to get the start in that race for the pool to have action. Next up is Race 9, which is the American Oaks (G1) on the turf. Look for Sharing and Luck Money to start for this race to have action.

The final graded stakes race of the day is Race 10 and the Malibu Stakes (G1). All horses need to start this race for the pool to have action.

It’s a bit of a quieter day on Sunday, with just one graded stakes race on the card at Santa Anita. That is Race 9, which is the Robert Frankel Stakes (G3) on the turf. Mucho Unusual and Rideforthecause need to start for this one to have action.

Laurel Park

As you can see, there is a lot going on at Santa Anita on the opening day of their season, but we have one more graded stakes race to cover this weekend. That is Allaire DuPont Stakes (G3), which is Race 8 at Laurel Park on Saturday. All horses need to start for this one to have action.

It’s a busy weekend of graded stakes races, so join us again tomorrow when we take a deeper dive into these horse racing cards. We will have the potential favorites lined up for you in that piece.

Check in daily for all the latest horse racing Odds available at Jazz Horse Racing; courtesy of Online MEGA sportsbook JazzSports.ag

Road to the Kentucky Derby – Upset in the Jerome Stakes

Road to the Kentucky Derby Leaderboard

Horse Racing Cards – Graded Stakes Race Previews, Week Ending Jan. 1, 2021

ROAD TO DERBY – Jan. 1 Graded Stakes Sneak Preview

Santa Anita

Aqueduct

Gulfstream Park

Horse Racing News – Tiz the Law Forced to Retire

The Ownership Group

Road to the Kentucky Derby – More Prep Races Coming This Weekend

Trio of Derby Prep Races

Belmont Park Grandstand Rebuild a Possibility

Redeveloping Belmont Park

Horse racing news

Horse Racing Results – Graded Stakes Races, Week Ending Dec.27, 2020

Santa Anita

Dec. 27

Laurel Park

Road to the Kentucky Derby – January Race Calendar

On January 1, we have the Jerome

Horse Racing Cards – Graded Stakes Race Previews, Week Ending Dec.27, 2020

Santa Anita

More Race Previews Below…

Preview Races For Dec. 27

Laurel Park

Horse Racing Cards – Dec. 26 Graded Stakes Sneak Preview

Santa Anita

Laurel Park

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