The Tote Ten to Follow is up and running for another racing season, and there are some fantastic horses to choose from for your virtual yard. Whether you’re a fan of horses who’ve already begun the racing season with a bang or prefer waiting for those running later in the year to sneak a win from behind, we have a selection that will appeal to everyone.

The Ten to Follow is a great initiative because it’s cheaper than putting bets on each horse and awards you for your all-rounder knowledge. Of course, if you’re feeling super confident about a horse in your stable, grabbing one of the many free horse racing bets is a good way to bolster your winnings.

Chaldean

60.2% of people have already added this promising chestnut colt to their stables, and after his recent performance in the 2000 Guineas, it’s not hard to see why. Chaldean has started off the season early, and it’s fair to assume that the colt will continue to put in some blinding performances. The St James Stakes ought to be his at the upcoming Ascot festival, which would net a nice purse for your budding stable.

Emily Upjohn

We can’t wait to see how Emily Upjohn arrives at the first race of her four-year-old season.

As a three-year-old, she had some great successes, including most recently in the Qipco British Champions Fillies & Mares Stakes, where she dug deep to win by three lengths over Thunder Kiss. This result certainly put any worries about her crushing defeat in the King George VI And Queen Elizabeth Qipco Stakes at Ascot to bed (she finished last in the field, trailing behind).

With three wins and a very close second under her belt, this filly looks hugely promising for this year. She’s already entered into five Group 1 races and a Group 2 for this season’s racing, and though she won’t be running in all of them, if she even takes home half, she’ll be a valuable asset to your stable.

Modern Games

With a first in the Al Shaqab Lockinge Stakes at Newbury and a close second place in another Group 1 race at Keeneland, it would be fair to say that the racing season is already off to a brilliant start for Modern Games.

The Charlie Appleby-trained colt seems to be going from strength to strength, meaning his entry into the Queen Anne Stakes could very well end in a nice chunk of prize money. He’s already taken on the course in October of last year when he was a respectable second to Bayside Boy, so any fears of worrying and pulling too hard should be laid to rest.

Vadeni

Vadeni might not have had the most spectacular start to the season, finishing fourth in the Prix Ganay. With that said, the field was exceptionally strong this year, and Vadeni never looked to be travelling as fluently as he usually does.

He managed to score a hat trick of Group wins last summer, and his entries for the year look well-spaced and ambitious. Even if he took a victory in just a couple of days, he’d be a valuable Tote Top Ten addition.

Kyprios

Kyprios had a fantastic last season, where he took the title in every race he entered, culminating in an exceptional 20-length win in the Prix du Cadran. With a performance like that, this stunning five-year-old has cemented himself as the stayer to beat.

He only has one entry so far for this year, in the Irish St Leger, but we can’t see any competition for him to speak of over a distance of anywhere between a mile and six furlongs, right up to two miles and four.

Image by Marcel from Pixabay

Horse racing fantasy leagues have burst onto the scene, offering enthusiasts an exciting and immersive way to engage with the sport. By managing their virtual stables, participants can experience the thrill of being a top trainer and owner, all without the hefty investments required in the real world. This article delves into the world of horse racing fantasy, helping you understand how it works and how to get started.

Enter the World of Virtual Stables

First, you need to sign up for a fantasy racing platform, like Fanduel racing. After you’ve successfully signed up, you can start creating your virtual stable. Participants select a roster of horses, either through a draft or an auction process, to form their team. Each horse comes with its own set of attributes, such as speed, stamina, and pedigree, which determine its performance in the league.

Once the stable is set, players can follow the progress of their horses throughout the racing season. Points are earned based on each horse’s performance in real-life races. The better a horse performs, the more points it accrues for the participant. As the season unfolds, players can make strategic decisions, such as trading horses or adjusting their lineup, to outscore their competition.

Tapping into the Power of Data

Success in horse racing fantasy leagues hinges on the effective use of data. Analyzing past performances, track conditions, and a horse’s pedigree can provide valuable insights to inform your decisions. Many platforms offer comprehensive statistics and expert advice, giving players the tools they need to build a winning stable.

In addition to leveraging data, it’s crucial to stay updated on the latest news surrounding the sport. Injuries, suspensions, and changes in training can all impact a horse’s performance. By staying informed, participants can make timely adjustments and seize opportunities as they arise.

Dive into a Variety of Racing Events

Horse racing fantasy leagues cover a wide range of prestigious events, including the Triple Crown races – the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes – as well as the Breeders’ Cup and international events like the Dubai World Cup and Royal Ascot. This diverse selection allows participants to immerse themselves in the global horse racing scene, broadening their knowledge and appreciation for the sport. Here is a list of all the major horse racing events of the year:

• Kentucky Derby – May 6, 2023
• Preakness Stakes – May 13, 2023
• Belmont Stakes – June 10, 2023
• Epsom Derby – June 4, 2023
• Irish Derby – June 25, 2023
• French Derby – July 2, 2023
• King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes – July 23, 2023
• Breeders’ Cup Classic – November 4, 2023
• Breeders’ Cup Turf – November 5, 2023
• Breeders’ Cup Distaff – November 5, 2023
• Breeders’ Cup Juvenile – November 4, 2023
• Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies – November 5, 2023

Conquering the Competition

Horse racing fantasy leagues come in various formats, including public leagues, private leagues, and even daily or weekly contests. Public leagues are open to all participants, providing a competitive environment to test your skills against other racing enthusiasts. Private leagues, on the other hand, allow friends or colleagues to compete against each other in a more intimate setting.

Daily and weekly contests offer a fast-paced alternative to season-long leagues. In these competitions, players can draft a new stable of horses for each race or set of races. This approach keeps the action fresh, as participants have the opportunity to make new selections and try different strategies.

The Road to Glory

As the racing season progresses, participants can track their standings within the league. While accumulating points is the primary objective, the real thrill lies in the pursuit of victory. Each race brings the potential for unexpected outcomes and dramatic comebacks, keeping players on the edge of their seats.

At the end of the season, the participant with the most points takes home the coveted league title. In some leagues, cash prizes or other rewards may be up for grabs, adding an extra layer of excitement to the competition. But regardless of the stakes, the sense of accomplishment that comes with winning a horse racing fantasy league is unmatched.

Socialize with Fellow Enthusiasts

One of the most enjoyable aspects of horse racing fantasy leagues is the opportunity to interact with fellow enthusiasts. Many platforms offer discussion boards, chat rooms, and social media integration, fostering a sense of community among participants. Sharing tips, discussing strategies, and engaging in friendly rivalries can greatly enhance the overall experience.

Additionally, joining a community of like-minded individuals can provide invaluable learning opportunities. Seasoned players often share their expertise and insights, helping newcomers develop a deeper understanding of the sport and improving their fantasy league skills.

Get in on the Action

Now that you have a better understanding of horse racing fantasy leagues, it’s time to jump in and join the fun. Numerous platforms exist to cater to players of all experience levels, offering detailed guides and tutorials for newcomers. As you hone your skills and develop your stable, you’ll find yourself becoming more and more invested in the world of horse racing.

Horse racing fantasy leagues provide a captivating way to engage with the sport, offering endless hours of entertainment and strategy. Whether you’re a seasoned racing aficionado or a curious newcomer, there’s never been a better time to embrace the world of virtual stables.

The Cheltenham Festival is a leading horse racing-based meeting in the United Kindom’s National Hunt racing calendar. The Grand National is the only horse racing event in the UK that offers more prize money than Cheltenham. This four-day festival takes place every year at the Cheltenham Racecourse in Gloucestershire. It typically takes place around Saint Patrick’s Day, so it is popular with Irish fans. The Cheltenham Festival features many Grade I races like the Champion Hurdle, Stayers’ Hurdle, Queen Mother Champion Chase, and Gold Cup. Superstar Jockey Paul Townend is one of the jockeys who many punters will back due to his great odds of winning. Here’s why he’s so popular at this year’s Cheltenham Festival.

Who Is Paul Townend?

Ruby Walsh is indisputably Cheltenham’s most successful jockey of all time, with 59 wins. However, another Irishman, Paul Townend, shows similar potential and catches up fast. Townend undoubtedly has a long way to go to surpass Walsh’s tally of wins, but he took great strides towards achieving this by scoring numerous festival wins last year. Therefore, it is no surprise that Paul Townend became the Mullins yard’s tip jockey after Ruby Walsh’s retirement. In 2019 Towend famously gave legendary Irish trainer Willie Mullins his first ever Cheltenham Gold Cup winner with Al Boum Photo. After his Gold Cup Triumph last year, Townend spoke with the Irish Examiner’s Daragh Ó Conchúir about the winning feeling.

He revealed that he had never felt anything like that before, and the experience elevated winning to an entirely new level. He added that rewatching his Gold Cup victory felt like watching it as a third person. He disclosed the extra pressure accompanying Ruby Walsh’s absence in this same interview. According to him, he was always in the hot seat and rode through injuries when Rudy didn’t ride that much last season. However, he added that Walsh’s didn’t ride that much in the last couple of seasons, so it wasn’t a big change.

Paul Townend was born in Midleton in south-east Corky country on September 15, 1990. He initially joined Mullin’s stable as an apprentice Flat jokey. To date, he rides mainly for Willie Mullins’ stable. This rich horse racing tradition seems to run in the Townend family, as his younger sister Jody is also an accomplished jockey. Nowadays, Paul Townend also participates in National Hunt racing and emerged Irish jump racing Champion jockey for four seasons: 2010-11, 2018-19, 2019-20, and 2020-21. His precise net worth is unknown, but his career earnings as a jockey are around £8,500,000.

What Has Paul Townend Accomplished At Cheltenham?

Townend’s many victories at the Cheltenham Festival make him incredibly popular with ardent fans of the events. Also, this makes him a huge favourite of many punters who want to back the most likely winners. He rode his first Cheltenham Festival winner, What a Charm, at the Fred Winter Juvenile Novices’ Handicap Hurdle in 2011. Currently, he is the winner of  15 Festival titles, which include the following:

• The Cheltenham Gold Cup (2x), riding AlBoumPhoto (2019,2020)
• Queen Mother Champion Chase (1x), riding Energumene (2022)
• Arkle Challenge Trophy – (1x), riding Duc des Genievres (2019)
• David Nicholson Mares’ Hurdle – (1x), riding Glens Melody (2015)
• Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle – (2x), riding Penhill (2017) and Monkfish (2020)
• Stayers’ Hurdle – (1x), riding Penhill (2018)
• Triumph Hurdle – (2x), riding Burning Victory (2020) and Vauban (2022)
• Broadway Novices’ Chase – (1x), ridingMonkfish (2021)
• Supreme Novices’ Hurdle – (1x), riding Appreciate It (2021)
• Ballymore Novices Hurdle – (1x), riding Sir Gerhard (2022)
• Champion Bumper- (1x), riding Ferny Hollow (2020)
• Liberthine Mares’ Chase – (1x), riding Colreevy (2021)
• Ryanair Chase – (2x), riding Min (2020) and Allaho (2022)
• Centenary Novices’ Handicap Chase – (1x), riding Irish Cavalier (2015)
• Fred Winter Juvenile Novices’ Handicap Hurdle – (1x), riding What A Charm (2011)
• County Handicap Hurdle – (3x), riding Wicklow Brave (2015), Arctic Fire (2017), and State Man (2022).

Paul Townend- A Cheltenham Favorite

As mentioned above, many punters turn to Paul Townend during Cheltenham to improve their odds of winning. On March 17, ahead of the event’s third day, the story was no different. According to the bookmakers, all of Townend’s mounts in Thursday’s Grade 1s were popular in numerous bets, so the Paul Townend factor is a thing.

He enjoyed a great Wednesday, scoring his first wins of the meeting, riding Energumene in the Queen Mother Champion Chase and Sir Gerhard in the Ballymore Novices’ Hurdle. Therefore, it is no surprise that the highly esteemed jockey’s top-notch book of Thursday rides attracted a lot of backing from punters. He kicked off the day riding Galopin Des Champs in the Turners’ Novice Chase. Then, he rode Winter Fog in the Pertemps Final, Allaho in the Ryanair Chase, and Klassical Dream in the Stayers’ Hurdle.

Ladbrokes reported that numerous bets on Townend were popular throughout the morning. According to a Ladbrokes spokesperson, punters backed Galopin Des Champ, Allaho, Klassical Dream, and Winter Fog immensely. This is because everyone wanted Townend to be in their multi bets after his successful previous day. Also, given that it was St.Patrick’s Day, it was nice to see the Irish back one of their own for the win. However, Wednesday’s heavy rain and unspecified ground conditions resulted in uncertainty, with many firms reporting no huge bets. However, Star Sports reported taking a £40,000 wager and two £10,000 bets on Galopin Des Champs in the Turners Novices’ Chase.

Undoubtedly, Australia is a horse racing nation. This is evidenced by the various tournaments conducted throughout the year. Autumn is fast approaching. Therefore, trainers, jockeys, horses, and fans are preparing for the coming season’s racing carnival. But before that, there’s one summer race you can’t afford to miss – the Magic Millions Classic. This article discusses the details of this race and other information to catch when autumn finally arrives.

The Magic Millions Classic

The Magic Millions 2022 will take place on 15 January, Saturday. All roads will be leading to Gold Coast Racecourse in Queensland. The day will witness a buzz of activities going down in the tracks. Some of the contests include:

• Magic Millions Two-Year-Old Classic (2YO Classic)
• Magic Millions Three-Year-Old Classic (3YO Classic)
• Magic Millions Racing Women’s Initiative
• Magic Million Yearling Sale (1)

This day is considered the first of the prominent race days for the year as thousands gather to witness the action unfold. It may also be because the day’s activities sum up to around USD$7.3 million. (2)

Magic Millions 2YO Classic

With set weights on their backs, 16 two-year-old horse graduates from the Magic Millions Sales compete along a 1,200-m track to make it to the finish line first. And each jockey knows they should give their best to win as the race has an attractive prize of about USD$1.4 million. (3)

A brief history

Interestingly, this race is named so because of the prize money. It was run first in 1987, with the horse Snippets winning the race. Since then, many outstanding two-year-olds, such as Capitalist, Phelan Ready, Dance Hero, among other exceptional horses, have won it. This year, Shaquero emerged as the winner.

In 1992, Clan O’Sullivan set the record by finishing the race in 1.08.46. To date, no horse has managed to break this record yet as the average racing time is 1 minute and 10 seconds.

Betting

If you’re a punter, you can go through the Magic Millions form guide for further tips on betting. Some of the key points to consider include the horse’s:

• Gender:Fillies won 11 of the last 16 races.
• Position in key lead-up races:These are the Phelan Ready Stakes, Doomben, Gold-Coast two-year-old races.
• Career runs:Consider a horse with at least two career records.

Additionally, you can visit bookie sites for more betting tips. These may help you make favourable odds and get a successful win.

The top 10 races for the Autumn Racing Carnival

From March to May 2022, a series of horse races will happen around major Australian cities, including Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide. And these are the races marking the Autumn Racing Carnival. Some of the notable ones are:

• Neds Blue Diamond Stakes:2YO horses will compete in a 1,200-m race. The prize pool is around USD$1.06 million, with the winner bagging approximately USD$641,341. It goes down at Caulfield in Melbourne.
• Golden Slipper:This will be held at Sydney’s Rosehill Gardens Racecourse. It’s a 1,200-m race for 2YO horses. The horses compete for the first position to get around USD$2.4 million from the ~USD$3.5-million prize purse. For this big prize pool, it’s the world’s richest juvenile race. (4)
• The Australian Guineas:This is a mile-long race for 3YO horses held at Flemington, Melbourne. The prize is about USD$712,601, with the winner getting around USD$427,673.
• The Australian Cup:This is a2,000-m weight-for-age race held in Flemington. The winner gets approximately USD$641,509 from the total prize pool of around USD$1.06 million.
• The All-Star Mile:It’s unique and still in its initial years as it was first held in 2019 only. It takes place in Caulfield, Flemington, or Moonee Valley, where horses three years old or above run for a mile to compete for about USD$1.6 million from the ~USD$3.5-million prize pool. (5)
• Queen Elizabeth Stakes:This is a 2,000-m long horse race held in Randwick Racecourse under weight-for-age conditions. The horses compete for a share from the ~USD$2.8-million prize purse.
• Sydney Cup:Held in Randwick Racecourse, this is a 3,200-m handicap race with a prize pool of about USD$1.4 million.
• Australian Oaks: This is a 2,400-m race held in Randwick Racecourse under set weight conditions. The prize money is approximately USD$712,788.
• The Newmarket Handicap:This is a top sprint race in Melbourne held on Super Saturday in Flemington. It’s a 1,200-m long race with a prize pool of around USD$890,985. The winner goes home with approximately USD$534,591.
• Queen of the Turf Stakes:Held in Randwick Racecourse, this is a mile-long race for horses competing for a share from a prize pool of around USD$712,788.

Conclusion

If you’re a horse racing fan, you know with every season, there’s a lot for you in Australia. And with autumn coming up, you should prepare for the races listed here. However, when autumn comes, remember that January 2022 is the month of the prominent Magic Millions Classic, and you wouldn’t want to miss it. If you’re a punter, this article gives you a heads-up for betting on next year’s races. And you’d be wise to begin your preparations by gathering betting tips early enough.

References

1. “The Star Gold Coast Magic Millions Raceday”, Source: https://www.magicmillions.com.au/racedays/gold-coast/ 
2. “Punters could be feeling a little HORSE tomorrow as they let their hair down in wild scenes at the Magic Millions Classic on the Gold Coast – as animal rights protesters try to hijack the event and clash with police”, Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9154161/Punters-let-hair-Magic-Millions-Gold-Coast-protesters-attempt-hijack-event.html
3. “Coolangatta installed short favourite for Magic Millions 2YO Classic”, Source: https://www.news.com.au/sport/superracing/coolangatta-installed-short-favourite-for-magic-millions-2yo-classic/news-story/49b5dadcf8eea7215e5697ec98bd28cc
4. “Golden Slipper 2022: More than 2300 entries for world’s richest juvenile race”, Source: https://www.news.com.au/sport/superracing/golden-slipper-2022-more-than-2300-entries-for-worlds-richest-juvenile-race/news-story/4267d5e6dee92465ca11f76979a4f119
5. “WHAT IS THE ALL-STAR MILE?”, Source: https://www.allstarmile.com.au/about

If you’re new to horse racing or a seasoned pro, there are a few important rules to follow if you want to win consistently. As you’ve probably heard, knowledge is power in betting games, so if you’re just getting started, make sure you’ve thoroughly understood and appreciated this game.

Horse racing has grown even more popular in recent years due to the internet and is now one of the most bet on and watched sports. Thus, we go above and beyond by providing you with horse racing tips for a sort of event, such as those held at the del mar race track, that you may find useful.

Choose the Paddock Picks

If you want to get a good view of the horses as they run the race, the paddock is the best place to sit down. You can generally see and analyze your horse in the paddock before making a decision on your wager. It is recommended that you keep an eye on your horse’s characteristics, such as calmness, alertness, as well as the lightness of his feet, to ensure that he is fit for racing.

Check the Form History

Those who intend to place bets on horses should gain a better understanding of the horse’s form. This generally provides you with valuable information about a horse’s performance in the most recent races, which can be extremely useful.

Whenever it comes to horse racing, it may be necessary to check both the form history of the horse and any potential free racing offers. What is the significance of form history? The majority of the time, it provides information about a horse’s bloodline.

When deciding whether young horses seem to be preferable to older horses, this method is extremely effective. This can be applied in a variety of ways, but in most cases, nothing is as it appears, especially when considering the owner or trainer.

Handicapping

In horse racing, handicapping is a method of evaluating the data you find about a horse’s latest ‘races’ in order to determine the ability of a particular horse. There is a wide range of handicapping systems available that contribute to making use of data to the fullest extent possible. Therefore, understanding the handicapping system is vital if you intend to place big bets.

Betting Favorites

Putting money on favorites can be difficult because favorites are only top picks due to the bettors’ extreme money. Even if a horse is the favorite doesn’t really necessarily imply that it has the best chance of winning the race.

You must place your bets on the horses that your handicapping system indicates are the most skillful. In addition, if you aren’t making any money, you should work on improving your handicapping system.

Betting Long Shots

On the other hand, there is the option of placing bets on long shots. Some gamblers place bets on long shots since they stand to gain significantly if the long shot wins. However, the problem is that most long shots have extremely high odds of winning because they are not likely to win.

To place a wager on a long shot, you must have a compelling reason to do so. For example, if you’re handicapping shows and believe they will improve performance more than the odds, it could be worthwhile to place a show bet or an across-the-board bet on one of them; however, don’t place a bet on them solely based on the odds.

Select the Winners

After thoroughly understanding and analyzing the handicapping details as well as the horse’s current form, you can place your bet and stand in line for the racing schedule to be released before proceeding. You must exercise caution when making your selection if you want to achieve your goals.

As a beginner in horse racing, there are several factors to consider when selecting a potential winner. These include the trainer, the jockey, pedigree, and form whether or not the sector is ready for competing, weather conditions, and any possible weight that may be assigned in the handicap.

To Conclude

Betting on horses is somewhat comparable to betting on any other sporting event or competition. However, it takes a lot of small details to come together just right when it comes to winning. Everything, from the track to the weather to the jockey and the trainer, must be taken into consideration. Furthermore, if you make a single mistake, it could cost you money.

You have just learned important tips about horse betting that will assist you in making the best decision possible. First, use these tips to improve your handicapping systems and understand how to handicap horse races effectively. Then, continue to improve your horse race handicapping skills until you have a successful system in place.

One of the most popular sports betting events in the world is horse racing! Yes, it’s not just reserved for the rich or the royals. Once you get hooked, you’ll actually find that betting on horse races can be very fun. In fact, the game isn’t valued that much on the thrill of the sport per se. It has more to do with the thrill of the bets.

But, if you aren’t careful, this fun can also translate into losses.

That said, there are some tips and tricks you can apply in order to have the right horse racing picks, as well as to avoid losses as much as you can (even if these are part of the game). These include:

1. Budget Intelligently

Just because you’re sports betting, this doesn’t mean that right from the very beginning, you’ll blow all your money off. Like many things in life, you also have to learn how to budget your betting intelligently. Otherwise, you may be overspending or not have enough money to continue betting towards the end of the horse race.

If you like a couple of runners on the race card, you should bet a majority (or all) of your bankroll on the horses on which you have the most trust in terms of their winnings. This means betting on the top two or three horses that you’ve picked. If you’re on the track for the entire day, bet low on the beginning on the horses you don’t feel strongly about. Then, leave most of the money on your top bets.

2. Do Your Homework

There are so many people who bet on horses all the time. But, not every one of these people actually does their homework and research. As with any sport, you need to get to know more about the game so you can better understand what it takes to play and win the game successfully.

It pays to take that extra step of doing ample research by checking forums, reading blogs, and even going through other reputable online resources, before you actually select a horse to bet on. It doesn’t always have to be thorough. Even a simple step such as looking at the racing program before you bet can significantly increase your likelihood of winning.

A racing program is also referred to as a form guide. This contains all of the information you need to know about the horses that are competing in a particular race. While it won’t tell you deliberately which horse to bet on, it can help you make a more informed decision.

Here are some tips you can follow:

• Use the race guide to have some background about a specific race.
• Understand the different tracks available on each location as these can have either dirt tracks or turfs.
• Get information about each horse competing in that particular race.

3. Demand A Price

Demanding a price may be something you’ll need help with, especially if you’re not well-versed yet about horses.

For instance, if you’re lucky, you can find horses for every game that gives you a higher likelihood of winning than the average odds. For instance, if you think your chosen horse has 25% chance of winning and the odds are at 5-1 (20%), then you’ve got a value pick. This means that the horse you pick should be one that has a higher chance at winning than the morning line odds.

The most important thing for you to remember when betting is that your picks should offer value. 

4. Make Different Kinds Of Bets

A wager isn’t the only kind of bet that you can make in a horse race. In a wager, you’re basically just choosing a horse that you feel will win, and trusting in your instincts that, hopefully, you’re right.

But, if you want to take horse betting to the next level, you’ve got to learn how to use different kinds of bets and use the right strategies for them.

Some of the other kinds of bets are:

• Place, show, and across-the-boards bet. This increases your chances of winning because right at the beginning, you’ve got two chances to get it right, other than just one. This kind of betting allows you to hedge your bet quite a bit.
• Multiple horse bets. This kind of betting is an exciting way to bet on multiple horses in the same race. If you’ve done your homework, you can have a higher payout in this kind of betting.
• Multiple race bets. Instead of betting on multiple horses, you’re betting on multiple races. But, remember: the higher the payout, the higher the risk. Be very careful.

Conclusion

With these tips on your plate, now you can have a higher chance of wagering through winning bets. You can definitely use different kinds of bets to your advantage so that you’ll lessen the risk of losing. There’s more fun when you’re able to take home your winnings!  From researching more about the sport, the players, and the techniques, and even to getting to know more about shopping for the odds, these will all lead you towards finding the best bet.

We are into the final stretch of the 2020/21 National Hunt season now, however, due to the way the calendar falls in the sport, there are some major races over the next few months.

Here is a look at some horses, jockeys and trainers you should look to follow if you are taking part in any fantasy leagues or competitions at the big meetings.

Santini

As you can see from the Cheltenham race results, Santini finished a close second behind Al Boum Photo in the Cheltenham Gold Cup in 2020. He is arguably much better prepared for another shot at the Blue Riband event at the meeting this year.

Nicky Henderson’s runner is worth looking out for in the Cheltenham Gold Cup fast results on the final day of the Festival. If all goes well at Prestbury Park, he may run in the Grand National a month later at Aintree.

Santini has yet to prevail in three starts so far in the 2020/21 campaign, however, he should be fit now so he will be in great shape when he lines up for his primary targets in 2021.

The Cheltenham Gold Cup and Grand National are the two biggest races of the season and he has an excellent chance in both of them. He is a chaser to keep on your side as his best performances are likely to be ahead of him.

Brian Hughes

Champion Jockey Brian Hughes is on course to defend his title this season. He is being pushed hard by Harry Skelton though, so expect to see the reigning champion trying desperately hard for as many winners as he can.

Hughes particularly does well at the northern meetings in the country. He has had success at the big meetings though, with three winners coming at the Cheltenham Festival, including when Mister Whitaker won the 2018 Centenary Novices’ Handicap Chase.

Hughes has yet to win the Grand National, a race all jockeys dream of prevailing in. Given how well he is riding this season, he is unlikely to be short of offers for this marathon contest next month.

Dan Skelton

When it comes to in-form yards at the moment, Dan Skelton is right at the top of the list. It has been an excellent season for the Lodge Hill-based trainer. He has a fantastic stable of horses who should continue to provide him with lots of winner at the end of the season.

Allmankind is one of the star horses who will be representing Skelton at Cheltenham and most likely at Aintree. He is unbeaten over fences and goes into the Arkle Chase with an excellent chance of landing major glory.

Skelton also has several talented mares to look out for in your fantasy leagues. They will be contesting the leading mares’ races where they are up there with the very best in their division.

Good luck selecting the horses in your competitions. Hopefully, the above advice can help you top your league or tournament.

The 146th running of the Kentucky Derby is happening this May 1, 2021, at Churchill Downs, Kentucky. After experiencing a setback last year, it is opening in the U.S. Triple Crown Series, followed by its two jewels: the Preakness Stakes and the Belmont Stakes. The same rules apply, the Derby will showcase three-year-old colts and fillies in the dirt track.

In less than a hundred days, the Kentucky Derby will name another racehorse who will be the talk of the horse racing community.  However, the road to the Derby is not an easy task to fulfill. Every hopeful needs to complete Derby-prep races to earn qualifying points that will serve as their ticket to earn a berth at the dirt track.

This March and April, here are seven Derby trails that offer whooping points to the winning horse. Not only that, it helps the racehorse to gain the best position at the gate inside the Churchill Downs. You can  find the Kentucky Derby odds here in order to pick your next Derby winner, here are the top seven most important Derby-prep races to keep an eye out for.

Louisiana Derby

On March 20, 2021, one of the major Kentucky Derby prep races, the Louisiana Derby, will take place at Fair Grounds. This horse racing competition offers a million-dollar prize giving 100 points to the winner.

Mandaloun, the recent winner of the Risen Star Stakes, offers a bid to run for this event. Also, Hot Rod Charlie will take a chance at the Louisiana Derby.

UAE Derby

Another important Kentucky Derby prep race to look forward to this year is the UAE Derby. It is the youngest horse racing addition to the Derby trails. The UAE Derby is bound to happen this March 28, 2021, at the Meydan Racecourse.

A winning colt or filly can take home a purse prize of $2,500,000. Aside from that, the horse will earn a 100-qualifying Derby points. For now, there are no participating horses yet running in the UAE Derby, but they will surely come out in the next few weeks.

Florida Derby

If there’s a Derby trail, which is mostly attended by Run For The Roses hopefuls, then it must be the Florida Derby. Historically, fifteen Florida Derby winners won and placed significantly in the Kentucky Derby.

This horse racing competition is scheduled to happen on March 27, 2021. Like the UAE Derby, there are currently no entrants because the hopefuls are still preparing for this month’s trails. This year, the Florida Derby is happening at Gulfstream Park, bringing a purse prize of $1 million.

Wood Memorial Stakes

The winning horse in the Wood Memorial Stakes will earn 100-qualifying points. This is the most attended Derby trail after the Florida Derby. The Wood Memorial Stakes is happening on April 3, 2021, at the Aqueduct.

The same with other prep races, the Wood Memorial Stakes highlights only three-year-old horses who are vying for a Derby spot. The winning horse can take home a prize of $750,000 and should run in a one ⅛ mile dirt track.

Blue Grass Stakes

Highlighting a million-dollar prize at stake, the Blue Grass Stakes gives the same qualifying points to the winning Derby hopeful. This racing competition will take place on April 1, 2021 at Keeneland.

The participating horses should complete the one ⅛ mile dirt track. The winning horse can also get 100-qualifying points earning the best gate position at the Churchill Downs.

Santa Anita Derby

After the Blue Grass Stakes and Wood Memorial Stakes, the Santa Anita is something that Derby hopefuls must also complete. Giving 100 points to the winner, this racing show will occur on April 4, 2020 at the Santa Anita Park.

Aside from getting a sure spot in the Kentucky Derby, the winning horse can take home a prize of $400, 000. The contenders only need to complete a one ⅛ mile dirt track distance.

Arkansas Derby

If a horse needs to hustle and wants to earn a good position in the Kentucky Derby, he must participate in the Arkansas Derby. It is the final and most important trail that a Derby hopeful can participate in as it also provides a whopping 100-qualifying point.

This racing game offers a $1 million pot prize to the winner and has to overcome a 9-furlong running distance.

Takeaway  

As stated, a horse who wants to participate in this year’s Kentucky Derby should earn their spot in the most challenging way. They have to win the prep-races to gain the needed points before they are allowed to compete. With the seven most important Derby-prep races above, you won’t only see the winning horses, but you have the chance to pick them once you bet for the 2021 Kentucky Derby.