A small but stellar field was entered for Saturday’s $500,000 Santa Anita Derby, an important Road to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve qualifier held at 1 1/8 miles at Santa Anita Park.
Spring is in the air and that means we are currently in one of the most active and important seasons of the year in horse racing. As the calendars flip to April, the winter meets are coming to an end just as racing prepares to enjoy a spring renewal in places like Lexington, Ky., where a new season of racing and wagering is ready to begin at Keeneland Race Course.
Analyzing the recent history of the $750,000, Grade 2 Wood Memorial Stakes Presented by Resorts World Casino April 5 at Aqueduct reveals several trends helpful for handicapping the 1 1/8-mile Road to the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve qualifier.
Every Sunday Noel Michaels will provide free full-card picks for a one racecard in North America. A veteran handicapper and tournament-play pioneer, Michaels also writes a weekly “Weekend Winners” blog for America’s Best Racing with a focus on key stakes races at marquee tracks. This feature will be straight-forward: full-card picks for one Sunday slate of races of his choosing.
