ESPN producer, researcher, and personality Chris Fallica is known to fans of college football for his appearances on “College GameDay” during the season, offering information and picks on the day’s action. The East Moriches, N.Y., native and University of Miami graduate also hosts a podcast with “Stanford Steve” Coughlin and appears on ESPN’s “Daily Wager” offering gambling insights.

In addition, “The Bear” is widely known in horse racing circles as an expert handicapper and devoted fan of the sport who has participated in several National Horseplayers Championships.

Fallica recently chatted with ABR about his career, his love of horse racing, and his enjoyment of ABR’s Stay Lucky app, which offers players a no-risk opportunity to pick winning horses in qualifying stakes races from January to November each year. In the game, players attempt to build a winning streak and claim prizes at various win streak levels, vying for a grand prize of $1 million for 20 straight wins. Stay Lucky is free to play and can be downloaded in the Apple Store and on Google Play.

 What do you find attractive and fun about playing Stay Lucky?

Obviously, the chase for the prize is the most attractive part of the contest. But the game theory part of to really attracts me. Which favorites to avoid? Which ones are the best bets? Do I take a chance with a bit of a price horse here? How many races a weekend do I want to get involved in? It’s just a fun, simple way to be invested in the sport.

What’s your favorite bet to make at the races and why?

I’m a Pick 5/Pick 4 player. Always in pursuit of the big score. Typically I’ll play a caveman-type ticket, then press a single in a leg or two – whether it’s a favorite I think will be tough or a price horse I think has a huge shot. In terms of single race bets, I like playing trifectas. I’ll find a price or two that I like and key them in the 1st and 2nd spots with a couple of favorites and hope one of the prices get up.

What’s the worst bad beat you’ve suffered in racing?

There’s only one answer and it’s the multi-day Pick 6 carryover at Hollywood Park May 19, 2004. I was alive to two horses in the last race for well into seven figures. One of my horses, Aaronasher, hesitated at the start, made a huge middle move then got edged for second and the other, Yodelin Two, was in great stalking position, but was empty in the stretch and finished fourth. It was brutal to be so close to a completely life-altering score. Making matters worse, Aaronasher won his next start, reaffirming my belief I had the right horse that day.

What’s your favorite sport to bet after horse racing and why?

I’m sure most people think I’m going to say college football, and while I love the sport and betting on it, there’s nothing like a tennis slam or an under in a high-stakes soccer match. There are so many ways to bet the tennis – money line the big favorites, play the game spread, win in straight sets, over/under games, etc. And in soccer, people love betting overs, but under 2.5 is almost a token play in a big match.

What’s your favorite racetrack to bet and why?

Saratoga. Being a native New Yorker, it’s the circuit I’m most familiar with and the fields are typically full and when they are on the grass, the cards are great to bet into. The Kentucky Derby Day card has surpassed the Belmont Day card as my favorite single-day card to play. Maybe it will change this year, but the Belmont Day cards have been full of short prices and fields the last year or two.

What’s your favorite race to experience in person?

Incredibly, I’ve never been to the Breeders’ Cup. Working in college football for the past 27 years has limited my ability to do that! The Belmont Stakes with a Triple Crown on the line is obviously at the top of the list – and I’ve fortunately been to a bunch of those – both as a fan and someone covering the race. It sounds cliché and obvious, but there really is nothing like the Kentucky Derby. Everything about the day is memorable.

Besides gambling and watching sports, what other hobbies do you have?

My wife and I love to travel. Every year – well, except for 2020 – we take a post-football season beach trip and then during the late spring or summer head somewhere where we can just walk around and take in the history and the sights and sounds of the area.

Who is the best racehorse you’ve ever seen race in person?

The 2002 Test Stakes and the classic duel between Carson Hollow and You tops that list. I could also easily say the 1998 Belmont Stakes and the dramatic finish between Real Quiet and Victory Gallop, but the Test was just an amazing race.

Do you have a favorite all-time horse?

Invasor. That horse was very good to me! I was on him long before winning the Classic.

Favorite all-time jockey?

If for no other reason than having to gotten to know him through working with him, it would be Jerry Bailey. Which also makes sense given the era and region of the country I grew up and really got into racing. Chris McCarron would probably be second.

With the "College GameDay" crew. (Courtesy of Chris Fallica)

Bigger horse racing fan: Kirk Herbstreit or Stanford Steve?

Kirk for sure. Not only is he totally into the Derby weekend experience, but I’ll get a random text every now and then during the offseason – “any pick 4s or Pick 5s today?” He’s really grown to love the sport.

Best movie you’ve seen in the last year?

I’ll be honest… I can’t remember the last movie I’ve seen! We would go to the theater quite a bit before COVID hit, but haven't been since. Hoping that will change soon!

What shows are you currently streaming?

Narcos: Mexico. The Office – no, I have never seen the entire series. And I will start Succession shortly after I get back from vacation.

Name two things you learned during the pandemic?

Not to get too deep, but first would be how one’s decisions affect others. And I think the vaccination numbers probably back that up. Even now when I return from a trip, I’m careful not to be around a high-risk neighbor of mine. She is a breast-cancer survivor and I couldn’t live with myself if I was responsible for her getting sick. The other is at the other end of the spectrum and a lot lighter – but certainly pertinent to my job. Just how much I missed hearing the roar of the crowd. Fans are such a huge part of sports and not having them at games was noticeable. It was great to have games to the extent we were able to in 2020, but it was also nice to see and hear stadiums again this past fall.

Favorite racetrack food?

I’m a traditionalist here. Just give me a hot dog with mustard and onions and a pretzel and I’m good!

Racetrack you’ve never to but desire to get to?

Oaklawn Park is one place that I've never been, but have played quite a bit more over recent years. I’d say that would be the next spot I would like to hit.

What is your memory of your first racetrack experience?

We lived a few minutes away from a quarter-horse track named Suffolk Meadows, so that’s my first real experience. My dad would take me often as it was more convenient than Belmont Park or Aqueduct.

Can you name a personality you’d love to see at the races?

Oh wow, great question. I’ve run into so many people at the races, so let me think of someone who I haven't – and I don't even know if he is a racing fan – but being a college football guy, I’d love to spend an afternoon with Nick Saban at the track. I think it would be pretty neat to watch him try and figure out a way to “beat the game” – read the PPs/“gameplan” and find winners. One thing’s for sure, I wouldn’t bet against him!

Courtesy of Chris Fallica

Who will win March Madness this year?

It's so hard to call right now. People will obviously say Gonzaga or even Duke in Coach K’s final year. I honestly think you could make a legit case for about 15 teams and wouldn’t sound crazy. Illinois is a team I have my eye on. It’s an experienced team with a dominant big man in Kofi Cockburn and three other legit scorers. If I were making a futures bet, the price on the Illini is good.

What’s your favorite hotel?

The best hotel in which I’ve ever stayed is the Katikies Resort in Santorini. It’s pretty much perfect – and was only affordable to me because of a Pick Six I hit at Del Mar the previous year. Two more international ones – Casa 1800 in Sevilla – its right next to Sevilla Cathedral and hearing the church bells in the center of the old town is so relaxing. Firenze Nine in Florence is also perfectly located in walking distance to everything in Florence.  If we’re talking in the U.S – and I have quite the experienced portfolio – you give me a JW Marriott or a Westin and I’ll be happy every time.

Favorite beverage?

I always have two things in my fridge besides water: Gatorade Zero (Lemon-Lime and Orange) and Arnold Palmer Lite.  There also might be a bottle of Blanton’s nearby, along with a bottle of Ginja Cherry Liqueur we got in Portugal. Pour some in a chocolate shot-glass sized cup and it’s like a chocolate-covered cherry for adults.

Cheese or no cheese on your tacos?

Wait, what? Is this a serious question? How can you have a taco without cheese? Is that even legal!?