Players' Newsletter - April 23rd, 2021

Apr 23, 2021

It’s just a week away…

Hopefully, it’s obvious but we’ve been heads down focusing on the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby. And there’s plenty more to come next week.

We’ll keep this short this week but I did want to let you know about a couple of events we are involved in next week - As always, thank you so much for your continued support!

Medallion Racing Kentucky Derby Handicapping Event

TRF / ITM Thurby Party

MYWAYP,

PTF

ITM Plus coverage might be lighter than normal this weekend to allow for travel and all of the Derby and Oaks content for next week. You can check out what we have planned for Derby and if you join now you’re covered through Preakness!

Here’s an unexpected surprise for readers:

Jake Jacobs of Racing Flow has kindly provided some Flow upgrades and downgrades for Hawthorne tomorrow. You’ve heard PTF reference these over the years and here’s a previous episode that has more information. We are planning a partnership with Jake for ITM Plus Subscribers…

HAW Race 1

#3 Joan’s Way rallied in a very closer friendly CFR 92 (downgrade).

HAW Race 2

#7 To the Bank wired on a very speed favoring (BIAS -200) surface (downgrade).

HAW Race 7

#2 Follow the signs could not rally on the same (BIAS-200) surface (upgrade). Surface change remains a question.

HAW Race 8

#2 Minister’s Glory was up against tough-to-close (CFR 4 & 8) conditions in the last two (bold upgrade).

#6 Justenufftuff was up against tough-to-close (CFR 6) in his last (upgrade).

Notes

BIAS - indicates whether a racing surface favored speed versus stretch runners. Large negative BIAS figures denote a speed bias. Large positive BIAS figures indicates a surface putting speed at a disadvantage.

FLOW - indicates whether the race shape favored speed versus stretch runners. Large negative FLOW figures denote a speed-favoring scenario. Large positive FLOW figures denote scenarios favoring a deep closer.

CFR (closer favorability ratio) - combines the independent effects of BIAS and FLOW into a single figure indicating whether the race favored speed versus closers. The CFR ranges from a low of 1 (most speed favoring) to 100 (best for stretch runners).

We are continuing to add new tracks to our daily coverage so the ITM blog is a great page to save to ensure you’re not missing any of the analysis by the team.

Friday’s Coverage - Keeneland - Belmont - Oaklawn - Derby Contender Profiles

Players’ Podcast - April 23rd, 2021

***Show will be posted around 4PM EST

Professional Horseplayer, Duke Matties, joins PTF to discuss Kentucky Oaks and Derby. Then they handicap the Golden Hour Wagers for Saturday.

Kentucky Derby Monster Pod

*A reminder you have a chance to win a $100 free bet on the Kentucky Derby. All you have to do is drop a note in the comments section (on YouTube) letting us know who you think will win this year's Derby. One winner will be chosen at random next week.

Kentucky Oaks Monster Pod

The Owner’s Box - Gary Barber

Billy and Michelle finally – after six years – get Gary Barber on the pod… and he doesn’t disappoint!

Off Track with Maggie Wolfendale-Morley - Dynamaker

As a reminder, if you’d like to support the show and the cause, consider a donation to TRF.

The Matt Bernier Show - Episode 62

Matt recaps the Apple Blossom, discusses Rock Your World and welcomes former colleague, Dan Illman.

Talk Racing to Me - Nick Luck

Eight time Horse Racing Broadcaster of the Year, Nick Luck, fills you in on all the European Racing news. And towards the end, recaps his career in racing.

Redboard Rewind - Marshall Sterling

Spencer and Marshall review some of the action from Keeneland’s card on Saturday.

In The Ring With Acacia Courtney - Episode 14

Price Bell, General Manager of Mill Ridge Farm, joins Acacia on this week’s episode to pay tribute to his trailblazing grandmother, Alice Headley Chandler, the owner of Mill Ridge who recently passed away at the age of 95. Price also discusses their stallion Oscar Performance and promoting Horse Country. Acacia is then joined by Bret Jones, Vice President of Airdrie Stud, who speaks about several of their stallions, both new and established, and what it takes to create and market a successful stallion.

**Make sure to take time to read the Thoroughbred Idea Foundation’s (TIF) series “Wagering Insecurity.”

Part 1 - Expectations

Part 2 - Intertwined

Part 3 - Volponi

Part 4 - Confidence

Three weeks are in the books on the HorsePlayer Happy Hour Tour. Check out the structure and rules - You’ll realize there’s essentially $20,000 up for grabs here thanks to our partners at Breeders’ Cup.

If you haven’t gotten involved, there’s still PLENTY of time to make a splash!

Here’s a look at the Top 10 Finishers from yesterday: