Alastair Bull
Alastair Bull has been writing on sports and horse racing for many years. Starting in his home near Auckland, New Zealand as news editor for several papers and since contributing for BloodHorse, The Associated Press and Churchill Downs, Inc after relocating to Cleveland, Ohio. Other sporting events Alastair has enjoyed covering are the 2012 London Olympics, Dubai World Cup, Melbourne Cup, Royal Ascot, Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, Cheltenham Festival and the Grand National.
More named Future Wager options get 2023 Kentucky Derby starts
With the Kentucky Derby (G1) just one day away, it’s worth a look to see how the Future Wager pools are set to play out, and how that might impact betting strategies for the big race.
Kentucky Derby
Horses: $122 Billion annually to the US Economy
For many Americans, Kentucky Derby day is the one big day when they take an interest in horse racing. In the popular mindset, all roads lead to the first Saturday in May at Louisville. But as spectacular as that one day is, it’s merely the high point of a multi-billion dollar industry that employs thousands of people.
Features
Great Britain Preview: Little Big Bear can upset Auguste Rodin in 2000 Guineas
In all likelihood, Auguste Rodin will be a strong contender in the 2000 Guineas (G1) at Newmarket. But I’m more interested in his stablemate Little Big Bear.
International
How long are the three Triple Crown races?
The three races which make up the U.S. Triple Crown of Thoroughbred horse racing—the Kentucky Derby, Preakness S., and Belmont S.—each provide a test over a different distance at a different venue.
Racing
Grand National Preview 2023: Gaillard Du Mesnil a leading chance
The huge field, the handicap conditions, the extreme distance of 4 1/4 miles, and the challenging fences mean the uncertainties are high.
International
The impact of the new Road to the Kentucky Derby points system
Four consistent horses that in previous years would not have made the Kentucky Derby field are set to make it this year under the new points system that rewards those which run more often in prep races.
Kentucky Derby
10 interesting facts about American Pharoah, the legendary horse and Triple Crown winner
American Pharoah was the 12th Triple Crown winner, having broken a 37-year drought to win the famed trio of races in 2015.
Racing
10 interesting facts about Justify, the legendary horse and Triple Crown winner
Justify is the 13th and most recent Triple Crown winner, having achieved his milestone in 2018 in remarkable circumstances. Below are 10 interesting facts about Justify.
Racing
Mattress Mack: A colorful gallery of big bet action
There are few more colorful people in the United States than Houston Furniture store tycoon "Mattress Mack". Successful businessman, he's also a unique figure in Thoroughbred racing.
Kentucky Derby
Ashland Stakes: Betting with, and against, Wonder Wheel
After a surprise defeat for Wonder Wheel on her three-year-old debut, it’s entirely reasonable to look elsewhere in the Ashland for a winner.
Wagering
Exotics plays for the 2023 Transylvania Stakes
If the morning line odds are anything to go by, the one to beat in the Transylvania is a maiden winner untested in stakes company.
Wagering
Sydney Preview: The 2023 Championships Day 2
Sydney’s autumn carnival reaches its climax with day two of The Championships at Royal Randwick.
International
Seabiscuit: 10 interesting facts about the legendary horse
Here are 10 interesting facts about America's favorite equine underdog.
Racing
Hong Kong Preview: Helene Feeling to build on debut HK effort
Helene Feeling can build upon his impressive first outing in Hong Kong and take out the Lusitano Challenge Cup Handicap at Happy Valley on Thursday.
International
Sydney Preview: The 2023 Championships Day 1
Sydney’s autumn carnival culminates with the Championships, held over successive weekends at Royal Randwick beginning Friday March 31 ET.
International
Hong Kong Preview: Campione set for successful dirt return
Don’t be surprised if recent form goes out the window in the Tung Wan Handicap at Sha Tin on Wednesday.
International
Dubai Preview: Spot Plays for 2023 World Cup Day turf races
With large fields and a lot of form to try to figure out, the betting opportunities are tremendous.
International
Dubai Preview: 2023 World Cup night dirt undercard spot plays
Here we look at some plays for the trio of major dirt Thoroughbred races at Meydan away from the World Cup.
International
Dubai World Cup Preview 2023: Algiers battles Country Grammer, Japanese
The Dubai World Cup for 2023 looks like a great betting contest.
International
Sydney Preview: Learning To Fly fancied for Golden Slipper
There are five Group 1 events on the Rosehill program, among them the world’s richest race for juveniles, the A$5 million Golden Slipper.
International
Cheltenham Festival 2023: A Plus Tard can win second Gold Cup
Day four at the Cheltenham Festival features seven races, including three Grade 1s, but most of the attention is on just one race: the Cheltenham Gold Cup (G1).
International
Cheltenham Festival 2023: Shishkin, Gold Tweet to take honors on Day 3
Day three at the Cheltenham Festival is the day that gives some specialist horses that are celebrated less than some of their peers a chance to shine.
International
Cheltenham Festival 2023: Edwardstone to win Day 2 feature
Day two at the Cheltenham Festival is all about variety.
International
Cheltenham Festival: Constitution Hill to light up Day 1
After months of anticipation, the Cheltenham Festival is finally here.
International
Kentucky Derby Future Wager 2023: Betting Strategies for Pool 5
Historically, the March Kentucky Derby Future Wagers are about when you can start to expect the eventual Derby winner to be a named individual option.
Kentucky Derby
New Zealand Preview: La Crique can win New Zealand Stakes
It’s a massive day in New Zealand, with two Group 1 races and a rich two-mile handicap at Pukekohe. Some of the runners may well appear in the Sydney autumn carnival in the next month.
International
Sydney Preview: Coolmore Classic day, 2023
Sydney racing this weekend is highlighted by a Group 1 race for the distaffers and two last chances to get into the world’s richest juvenile race next weekend.
International
Cheltenham Festival: Questions to ponder for 2023
Here are some posers to watch for as the Cheltenham Festival unfolds.
International
Hong Kong Preview: Rock Ya Heart set to roll at Happy Valley
Rock Ya Heart can cap off some consistent form with victory in the Wong Nai Chung Handicap at Happy Valley on Wednesday.
International
Great Britain Preview: Deere to make Mark at Kelso
The best British jumps racing this weekend is in Scotland, where the Morebattle Hurdle offers good punting opportunities.
International