Winning Ponies

A graduate of The Ohio State University School of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. John Piehowicz opened his small business, Cincinnati Equine, LLC, and built an unparalleled reputation locally as a caring and compassionate physician with a client list that includes 10 Kentucky Derby winning trainers and countless Breeder's Cup winning trainers. With the injury to Horse of the year Wise Dan, Dr. John Piehowicz will be our guest to discuss that injury and the horse's health in general. Eric Wing from DRF will be our guest handicapper. Last week he went on air live at the Best of Ohio and gave out the winner of the Endurance Stakes at a juicy price. We have 2 all-state series on tap this week. We will look at the $150,000 Maryland Million Classic and the $150,000 Maryland Million Distaff. West Virginia is also having their big day Saturday and we will handicap the $450,000 West Virginia Breeders' Classic and then go to Keeneland to handicap the $300,000 Grade 2 Raven Run Stakes.

Our first guest will be Mike Penna, the President of the Horse Racing Radio Network (HRRN). HRRN broadcasts more than 100 major thoroughbred stakes races including the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, Belmont Stakes and Breeders' Cup. This week we will feature the Battle of the Buckeyes (and we don't mean THE Ohio State). John Engelhardt will be hosting The Best of Ohio championship series live on Saturday afternoon from North America's newest thoroughbred track - Belterra Park. The card features a Pick-5 of $150,000 stakes races. In the second segment, Rich Ruda will join in to help handicap these races. Rich's home base is Thistledown so he is close to the horses and horsemen up there. The Best of Ohio will be featured in every Daily Racing Form sold nationally on Saturday.

Amy Owens will be our 1st guest talking about all the many of the special events on tap for the Keeneland Meet. Events such as this weekend Friday, Oct. 3 through Sunday, Oct. 5 - the 'Win and You're In Challenge' gives fans a chance to win a VIP trip for two to the 2014 Breeders' Cup World Championships Oct. 31 - Nov. 1 at Santa Anita. The fan who picks the most winners from the Fall Stars Weekend Breeders' Cup 'Win and You're In Challenge' races will earn a prize that includes Breeders' Cup clubhouse seating for two, airfare, a three-night stay and Breeders' Cup merchandise. A full calendar of special events augments Keeneland' s 17 days of world-class Thoroughbred racing during its Fall Meet on Oct. 3-25. In the second segment 'Keeneland Dan' Cronin will join in to help with his insight on all the graded stakes that compose Fallstars Allstars Saturday at Keeneland.

This week we are handicapping East Coast versus West Coast. Long a fixture on the rail near the paddock at Del Mar, Tom Quigley has parlayed his perfect attendance at the races into a full time job. He will represent the West Coast and handicap all the Grade 1 races at Santa Anita - the $500,000 Awesome Again Stakes, the $250,000 Zenyatta Stakes, the $250,000 Chandelier Stakes, and the $200,000 Rodeo Drive Stakes. And representing the East Coast, DRF national handicapper Mike Watchmaker will join in to handicap all the Grade 1 Stakes from Belmont Park - the $1,000,000 Jockey Club Gold Cup, the $400,000 Vosburgh Stakes, the $600,000 Flower Bowl Stakes, and the $600,000 Beldame Stakes.

Jim Mulvihill is currently director of media and industry relations at the National Thoroughbred Racing Association. Since October 2009, Mulvihill has served as the communications and pari-mutuel marketing manager at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots in New Orleans. Mulvihill has started his new position on July 15 2014 in New York City with the other members of the NTRA communications department. He will share his experiences in Horse racing and describe his responsibilities with NTRA as director of media and industry relations. In the second segment Michael Beychok a regular on the show Horseplayers and winner of the $1 million first-place prize and title of 2012 Daily Racing Form/National Thoroughbred Racing Association Handicapper will join John in handicapping all the stakes races. A big day at Parx with California Chrome running in the $1,000,000 Grade 2 Pensylvania Derby; the $1,000,000 Grade 1 Cotillion Handicap; the $300,000 Grade 3 Gallant Bob Stakes all at Parx and the $150,000 Grade 2 Gallant

Frank Taylor is one of the team that makes up Taylor Made Sales Agency that has ranked as the Keeneland September Sale's leading consignor by gross 16 times since 1988. His father was the legendary horseman Joe Taylor who developed John Gaines' Gainesway Farm into a leading stallion farm during his 40-year management. The Taylor brothers were bred and raised in the horse business. Taylor Made Sales Agency quickly developed a reputation for quality care, and in 1978 expanded its operations with its first Keeneland consignment. Frank Taylor will share with us their sales at this year's recently held Keeneland September Sale. In the second segment Gary West who has the unique position of being the handicapper at Kentucky Downs, America's most European racetrack, will give his insights to four stakes on Saturday - the $200,000 More Than Ready Mile; the $200,000 Kentucky Downs Ladies Sprint; the $200,000 Kentucky Downs Ladies Turf and the $600,000 Grade 3 Kentucky Turf Cup

Bill Thomason President and CEO of Keeneland will discuss Keeneland Race Course's conversion from synthetic back to dirt as it announced Thursday that its new dirt main track has been installed and open for training. The historic track replaced the synthetic surface during the summer in time for the fall meet, beginning Oct. 3. A major purpose of the removal of the synthetic racing surface and installation of a dirt track was for Keeneland to host the Breeders' Cup World Championships, which it had never done. The track was rewarded with 2015's Breeders' Cup. In the second segment Byron King, a native of Louisville, Ky., and Kentucky handicapper and columnist for Daily Racing Form will join John in handicapping the major stakes this week-end: - the $200,000 Grade 2 Pocohontas Stakes and the $150,000 Grade 3 Iroquois Stakes both from Churchill Downs; the $250,000 Dueling Grounds Derby From Kentucky Downs and the $500,000 Grade 2 Super Derby from Louisiana Downs.

Old Friends' founder and President Michael Blowen discovered his unique bond with Thoroughbreds while working as a volunteer groom at Suffolk Downs during the 1990s, eventually buying and racing a small stable of claiming-level horses before leaving his position as Arts & Entertainment reporter and film critic for The Boston Globe to become operations director for the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation. Blowen will look back on last year and forward to next year at Old Friends Farm. In the second segment Ed Meyer prior host on this show, is currently the track announcer and odds maker at the new Belterra Park, on the site of the old River Downs, He will join John in handicapping the $500,000 Gr. 1 Forego Stakes, the $750,000 Gr. 1 Woodward Stakes and the $250,000 Gr. 2 Bernard Baruch Handicap all from Saratoga; and on the west coast they will analyze the $250,000 Gr. 1 Del Mar Debutante Stakes at Del Mar.

Jockey Ben Creed is the leading graduate of the North American Racing Academy founded by Hall of Fame Jockey Chris McCarron. The native of Louisville had no previous riding experience, but through a chance meeting with jockey Mark Guidry he learned about the newly formed school. After an internship with trainer John Sadler, Creed took out his jockey’s license and since then has won two riding titles at Turfway Park. Creed became the first graduate of NARA to win 500 races. On this show he will recall his early days under the tutelage of Chris McCarron and his development as a rider. In the second segment Bob joins John in handicapping the major stakes races this week-end from around the country: - Friday's $500,000 Gr. 1 Personal Ensign Stakes from Saratoga; Saturday's $500,000 Gr. 1 King Bishop's Stakes and $1,250,000 Gr.1 Travers Stakes both from Saratoga; and Sunday's $1.000.000 Gr. 1 Pacific Classic Stakes from Del Mar.

Kentucky photographer Rick Capone, who has captured hundreds of gorgeous images of ex-racehorses frolicking at Old Friends Equine, has now found the words to describe the amazing undertaking to create the world-renowned home for retired Thoroughbreds. In his new book, 'History of Old Friends, A Home for Retired Thoroughbreds,' Capone tells the story of Michael Blowen’s farm. In addition, he includes biographies of the farm’s famous residents, including Sunshine Forever and Creator, the first two residents to be flown from Japan to the sprawling retirement facility. Capone will discuss his background, entrance into the sport of horse racing and photography and his eventual association with Old Friends. In the second segment Thoroughbred Times writer and handicapper Frank Angst will join John in dissecting the main stakes races around the country - the $1,000,000 Gr. 1 Arlington Million, the $750,000 Gr. 1 Beverly D. Stakes and the $400,000 Gr. 1 Secretariat Stakes all from Arlington and the $600,000 Gr.1 Alaba

Joe Nevills, Bloodlines writer for DRF has been covering the Fasig-Tipton Sale in Kentucky and Saratoga. He will discuss trends in those sales and preview the upcoming Keeneland September Sale. This week's handicapper will be Ralph Siraco. Many times a guest on this show, he will join john in 'capping the $150,000 Gr. 3 Gardenia Stakes at Ellis Park; the $500,000 Gr. 2 Fourstardave Handicap at Saratoga: the $150,000 Gr. 3 La Jolla Handicap at Del Mar and the $100,000 Gr. 3 Monmouth Oaks at Monmouth Park

Corey Johnsen who is the President of Kentucky Downs is a returning guest on our show. He has added to his lengthy resume his being the force behind JockeyTalk360.com. Corey will elaborate on the creation of this website which stated mission is to promote and celebrate the sport of horse racing by showcasing jockeys from across the nation and around the world. By utilizing social media and other vehicles, JockeyTalk360.com will bring fans closer to these talented, fit and fearless athletes with stories and statistics you won’t find anywhere else. They understand their responsibility to the industry, and a majority of proceeds from their sponsors will go the Permanently Disabled Jockeys’ Fund. Winningponies is in full support of their efforts and will continue to promote the efforts of the PDJF. Our guest handicapper this week is Rich Eng. He is a frequent guest on the show, and with John will breakdown the $500,000 Gr. 1 Test Stakes and the $1,500,000 Gr. 1 Whitney Stakes both at Saratoga, the $300,000 Gr. 1

Nancy LaSala has served as Board President of Permanently Disabled Jockeys’ Fund (PDJF) since its inception in the spring of 2006. In January of 2009, she additionally accepted the role as Executive Director. Among her duties in that capacity is the administration of the fund in accordance with the by-laws set by its board of trustees. LaSala’s business background is highlighted by her 30-year employment with a global leader in power generation. Currently, she is responsible for contract administration and commercial activities. She will tell us about the mandate of the Permanently Disabled Jockeys' Fund (PDJF) and her responsibilities as its Executive Director. Our Handicapper this week is Dan Illman of DRF.com and we will be talking Haskell Stakes (at Monmouth on Sunday) and handicap three Gr. 2 stakes - the $600,000 Jim Dandy and the $200,000 Amsterdam both from Saratoga and the $200,000 San Diego Handicap from Del Mar.

Gary Falter, a Columbus, Ohio native, joined The Jockey Club Information Systems, Inc. in February 2000. He served as Vice President of Development and Operations until 2012. During that time frame Gary was responsible for the development of commercial products for horsemen including the Equineline Portfolio service, the Horse Farm Health-book software for tablets and more recently the iPad Sale Catalog App. Since 2012, Gary has been leading Thoroughbred OwnerView, a nationwide industry initiative to encourage Thoroughbred ownership. Gary will tell us about the efforts being made through Thoroughbred OwnerView to recruit, support and retain Thoroughbred owners. Tom Law is the Managing Editor of ST Publishing, Inc., the award-winning publishing company that produces The Saratoga Special and Steeplechase Times. He assists in the marketing, sales, and editorial efforts at a satellite office in Saratoga Springs, N.Y. since early 2013. Law, a native of Saratoga Springs and current resident of Lexington, Ky., is c

Conor grew up in Lexington, Kentucky. Drawn to the thoroughbred business since a young age, his experience in the industry began during his teenage years when he gained hands on experience working with horses while also analyzing data at Equibase. After graduating from the University of Kentucky, Conor accepted a position as the Stakes Coordinator for the Breeders’ Cup. This job allowed him to experience the entire scope of the North American thoroughbred industry. By managing the Stakes program for the Breeders’ Cup for several years, Conor had an intimate view of the best horses and horseman in America. “For me, working at the Breeders’ Cup was like putting on the Olympics; it created the foundation for my progression to becoming the professional that I am today”. After four years at the Breeders’ Cup, Conor was awarded a place in the Darley Flying Start program. This is a full time, two-year international management training program for potential thoroughbred industry leaders. It sets itself apart from any

Dr. James Robertson DVM is currently the track veterinarian at Belterra Park. He will discuss “A Day in the Life” of an on-track vet. He will also explain in laymen terms common horse injuries, what is being done to treat and prevent them. Dr. Robertson has an impressive resume in the field of equine experience, both as a surgeon and a professor. There is a lot of great racing this weekend and Tom LaMarra who has been many times a guest on this show will weigh in on the following races: - the $1,250,000 Gr. 1 Belmont Derby Invitational, the $1,000,000 Gr. 1 Belmont Oaks Invitational and the $400,000 Gr. 2 Suburban Handicap - all from Belmont Park. Los Alamitos opens its doors and features champion Shared Belief in the $500,000 Gr. 2 Los Alamitos Derby from Los Alamitos, and if time permits we will also look at the $250,000 Gr. 2 Delaware Oaks from Delaware Park.

After having California Chrome's farrier on the show last week, our first guest David McGlothin is the Manager of Harris Farms in California where California Chrome's sire Lucky Pulpit stands. He also raised California Chrome on the farm, from birth to breaking. California Chrome is back at the farm and Dave will give us an update on his recuperation from the Triple Crown trail. In the second segment, a previous guest on the show Les Instone who is the VIP Customer Service Manager at Twinspires.com is back to help us handicap some of the main races this week-end: the $150,000 Gr. 3 Bashford Manor Stakes and the $225,000 Gr. 2 Firecracker Handicap both from Churchill Downs; the $500,000 Gr. 1 Santa Anita Gold Cup From Santa Anita and the $250,000 Gr. 1 Mother Goose Stakes from Belmont Park.

Judd Fischer is the farrier for North America’s most popular horse – California Chrome. Following in his uncle’s footsteps, he started shoeing horses at the age of 23. He started with show jumping horses and soon picked up some thoroughbred farms, eventually finding his way to the tracks in California. He will talk about the art of being a blacksmith and how be became the farrier for the horse all of America has come to love - California Chrome. In the second segment Eric Wing who was asked recently to join the Daily Racing Form will tells us about his recent move from the NYRA to DRF. Also we will handicap the $150,000 Gr. 3 Bed O' Roses Handicap from Belmont Park; The $100,000 Gr. 3 Eatontown Stakes from Monmouth Park and the $200,000 Gr. 2 Summertime Oaks from Santa Anita.

For the last 28 years Jennie Rees has been associated with the Louisville Courrier-Journal as a turf writer. Prior to that, she had a stint of 2 years with the Rochester Times-Union as a sportswriter copy editor. She will give us her take on the Triple Crown races now that they are finally in the books and highlight the lasting winning and loosing moments. Evan Hammonds has worked at The Blood-Horse for 15 years, first as managing editor in 1998 and was named executive editor in 2007. Prior to that, he worked for eight years at Daily Racing Form in their main offices in New Jersey and Arizona. He will discuss the results of the Belmont Stakes, his article on California Chrome's co-owner Steve Coburn and give his analysis of the main graded races at Churchill Downs this Saturday - The $500,000 Gr. 1 Stephen Foster Handicap; the $200,000 Gr. 2 Fleur De Lis Handicap; the $100,000 Gr. 3 Matt Winn and the $100,000 Gr. 3 Regret Stakes.

Marty McGee who has been covering the Kentucky and Florida circuits for the Daily Racing Form since 1992, will report on all the happenings for this the 146th Belmont Stakes with implications for a potential Triple Crown winner this year. Marty is a frequent guest on the show and will give us his opinion about this Belmont Stakes and discuss California Chrome's chances of getting the third jewel which has eluded so many greats before him. In the second segment Dan Illman who is the DRF.com Handicapping Editor, also host of the DRF News Desk and author of the book 'Betting Maidens and Two-Year-Olds,' will handicap some of the many stakes on the Belmont Stakes card such as - the $150,000 Easy Goer Stakes, the $750,000 Gr. 1 Just A Game Stakes, the $500,000 G. 2 Woody Stevens Stakes, the $1,250,000 Gr. 1 Metropolitan Handicap, and the $750,000 Gr.1 Acorn Stakes. He will also share his opinion about the Belmont Stakes and give us his picks in that race.