Hall of Fame trainer D. Wayne Lukas’ entrant in the March 15 Virginia Derby delivered a career-best effort to finish 7 3/4 lengths ahead of runner-up Render Judgment, setting a track record for 1 1/8 miles on the dirt at Colonial Downs.
Up to 20 lightly raced 3-year-old Thoroughbreds get loaded into the starting gate with somewhere in the neighborhood of 150,000 fans (many well-lubricated) whipped into a frenzy. Approximately two minutes after the horses begin the cavalry charge down the stretch for the first time, a new Kentucky Derby winner is feted in the winner’s circle.
For the ninth year in a row, America’s Best Racing is challenging some of the brightest minds in horse betting to come up with their top three picks for key races every weekend leading up to the 2025 Triple Crown and then continuing through the 2025 Breeders’ Cup World Championships. The handicappers face off in what we like to call the “Big-Race Showdown.”
Welcome to Noel Michaels’ Weekend Winners, the place to go for weekend best bets and spot plays from veteran handicapper and tournament-play pioneer Noel Michaels. Check back every week for a couple of highlighted selections designed to help you cash a few bets and make some money.
The midway point in March arrives this weekend, and it serves as a crucial signpost on the Road to the 2025 Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve.
