ITM Players' Newsletter - May 30, 2025
Pick Your Prize Weekend!
One week closer to the Belmont Stakes!
Ever since Journalism’s gangbusters win in the Preakness Stakes, my mind has been LOCKED on this year’s Belmont. I couldn’t resist — even two weeks out from the race — speculating on how this race could unfold, so I had to bring in my good friend Nick Tammaro to hash out a discussion as soon as possible earlier in the week.
I always walk away from a discussion with Nick thinking about things a little differently. Maybe (or hopefully) you feel the same way!
Aside from the Belmont, this is another exciting week for horseplayers because tomorrow is the Pick Your Prize Handicapping Challenge at Monmouth Park — perennially one of the best opportunities to qualify for the NHC (they also have BCBC seats and cash prizes on offer as well). Plus, Brian Skirka is one of, if not the top, contest directors I know out there, so I’m sure the tournament this year will again turn out tremendously!
We love to help promote and support these opportunities for the horseplayer. These are the kinds of weekends where we put in the work to potentially pay off in the dream — making it to the NHC or the BCBC, or even just collecting an incredible wad of cash. And you still have time to register for the tournament! BUT TODAY IS THE LAST DAY ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED! Be sure to check out the Monmouth Park website for more information on the tournament.
Also be sure to check out our content focused on the action at Monmouth for tomorrow’s contest! We compiled it all into a special newsletter that we sent to all subscribers yesterday. It includes bullet-point information on the contest as well as some analysis of the races from JK and myself along with a race-by-race analysis over on the ITM blog from our own Eric Solomon. Today we also uploaded a tournament strategy podcast with Drew Coatney for the ITM Plus subscribers that we hope you’ll find useful. Just another reason to make sure you are subscribed to the Substack, so you won’t miss additional information and content for your own horseplaying endeavors!
Best of luck not only to those taking the plunge in the Pick Your Prize Handicapping Challenge, but to all of you putting money down this weekend.
MYWAYP,
PTF
Subscribe to ITM Plus for exclusive picks, written analysis, and shows from your favorite ITM contributors! Exclusive content this weekend includes:
Notes from this week’s ITM content
Pick Your Prize Handicapping Challenge tournament strategies w/ BCBC Champ Drew Coatney
Make sure to save and follow the ITM blog for daily picks from your favorite tracks and more racing coverage:
Santa Anita /// Laurel Park /// Coast to Coast Pick 5 /// Monmouth Park /// Horseshoe Indianapolis
Players’ Podcast - RIP Christophe Clement
PTF sits down with Joe Migliore to remember the life of Christophe Clement.
In the show’s second segment, Jonathon Kinchen also shares memories of Christophe and then he and PTF look back at some of the big races from last weekend.
The show concludes with a visit from Brian Skirka reminding the audience that Monmouth’s Pick Your Prize Contest is only a few days away.
Players’ Podcast - Santa Anita Friday All-Turf Pick Three
PTF and Dean Keppler are back with you for free tips and analysis and betting strategies on Friday’s All-Turf Pick Three at the Great Race Place, Santa Anita.
Players’ Podcast - Santa Anita Pick 6, Japanese Derby, Woodbine Pick 4
Saturday Players Podcast with another loaded show. PTF and Dean Keppler work the Santa Anita Pick 6 for Saturday, May 31. Japanese Derby Roundtable with Mikee P, Klaus Ebner, Toshi Onikubo and Alex Henry breaking down this weekend’s huge JRA race (video available below). Mikee P finishes the show with Jackson Muniz doing the Late Pick 4 from Woodbine with 3 graded Stakes races on Saturday.
Woodbine Thoroughbreds is back in full swing for 2025! Catch racing from the Toronto oval on Saturdays and Sundays starting at 1:05 p.m. (EDT). Don’t forget, too, about the $100,000 guaranteed Early Pick 5!
Monmouth Park hosts the nation’s BEST NHC qualifying opportunity tomorrow, May 31st! TODAY IS THE FINAL DAY to register for the 2025 Pick Your Prize Handicapping Challenge. Please visit the Monmouth Park website for more information.
Join in on the thrilling late-night thoroughbred action at Assiniboia Downs! Catch racing from the gem of Manitoba on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from May through early October with first-race post time at 7:30 p.m. (CDT).
Monmouth Park 2025 Pick Your Prize Tournament Preview | Race Analysis
In The Money's PTF and JK take a look at the last five races on the Saturday (May 31) horse racing card at Monmouth Park, a day that features a popular betting tournament both on track and online.
The Owner’s Box - Episode 167 – Robert LaPenta
Michelle and Billy are joined by legendary owner Robert LaPenta!
ptf where has dan I. gone from d.r.f. is he sick,retired,or going out on his own. just a fan of his always liked his input on horse racing