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Los Angeles Times
12-05-2025
- Sport
- Los Angeles Times
Why is the Preakness more fun for trainers than the Kentucky Derby?
The horses have barely passed the finish line at Churchill Downs when many heads turn to the east, pointing to Baltimore, and start thinking about the Preakness, the second stop on racing's Triple Crown. And that quickness belies the problem. It's only two weeks after the Kentucky Derby. It used to not be a problem when horses raced more often than they do today. The only racing that goes on nowadays is to see how fast you can get your superstar-in-the-making into the breeding shed, which is where the real money is made. The Preakness is different from the Derby in so many ways. The biggest technical reason is the race is a sixteenth of a mile shorter than the Derby. The biggest non-technical reason is the Preakness is fun, an experience trainers and owners enjoy rather than the price-gouging pressure cooker that is Louisville on Derby week. 'What the Derby thinks it is, that's what the Preakness is,' Mickey Taylor, one of the owners of Seattle Slew, once said. This year's 150th anniversary of the Preakness is full of intrigue but short on stars, especially with Derby winner Sovereignty skipping the race. But it's still an interesting race and the winner will etch his name in history. Here are five storylines to look for this week. Trainer Bill Mott, a Hall of Famer, just didn't think it was worth it to run Sovereignty back in two weeks and compromise his chances of winning the Belmont Stakes at Saratoga. First of all, the Derby, especially over a very wet track, takes a lot out of a horse. Second, the race is shorter and Sovereignty's strength, it seems, is going longer. Third, the horse is owned by Godolphin, the racing arm of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai. And, well, he doesn't need the money and the Preakness doesn't fire up people in the Middle East. He leaves the decision making to Mott and Michael Banahan, who heads Godolphin's bloodstock operation, and they decided to wait for New York. Kenny McPeek, who won the Kentucky Derby last year with Mystik Dan, regrets running his colt back in two weeks. 'If I could have a do-over, I wouldn't have gone last year,' McPeek said on the 'Tony Kornheiser Show,' a podcast hosted by the ESPN host and former Washington Post journalist. 'I think it was a mistake on my part.' Another factor, brought up by McPeek on the podcast, is that there used to be $5-million bonus for any Triple Crown winner, paid by Visa. That is gone, along with some of the prestige of the race. The Preakness is not without some star power. On Sunday night, the connections of Journalism announced that the Kentucky Derby runner-up and winner of the Santa Anita Derby will be running in Saturday's Preakness. 'Journalism has been grand since the Kentucky Derby and trainer Michael McCarthy has greenlighted him to head to Pimlico for the 150th Preakness,' controlling owners Eclipse Thoroughbred Partners posted on X on Sunday. 'We look forward to showcasing Journalism's talents in Baltimore in such a coveted American Classic with Umberto Rispoli to ride.' The colt will likely be the favorite in the race. There are two other Derby horses that are confirmed for the race. Sandman, winner of the Arkansas Derby and seventh in the Kentucky Derby, will run for trainer Mark Casse. And American Promise, winner of the Virginia Derby and 16th in the Kentucky Derby, will run for Wayne Lukas. The status of the Preakness remains a subject of discussion, but it has a strong advocate in Gov. Wes Moore (D-Md.), who has been pushing for the rebuild of Pimlico Race Course. According to plans that seem about as fluid as a lazy river, this is the last year of the race at Pimlico, as it is currently constructed … or deconstructed. The race will move to Laurel for a couple years before returning to Baltimore. At least that's the plan. Pimlico, in short, is a dump. The water sometimes doesn't work, some of the grandstand has been condemned and uninhabitable, and the barns, well, almost all but the stakes horses ship in from training tracks or Laurel. But, it's not the track as much as the spacing — two weeks between the Derby and Preakness — that seems under the most scrutiny. Two years ago, Aidan Butler, chief executive of 1/st Racing, which will operate the Preakness for two years before surrendering to Maryland regulatory agencies, pushed for a new schedule with three or preferably four weeks between races. However, the third leg of the Triple Crown, the Belmont Stakes, shut that idea down. It comes three weeks after the Preakness and has shown no willingness to move its dates. The one thing you can always count on in racing is each of the owning entities don't often end up on the same page. Let's see. Do you want this gold bar or the other gold bar? Trainer Bob Baffert has won the Preakness eight times. Wayne Lukas has won it seven times, including last year with Seize the Grey. They are close friends and if one couldn't win they seem very happy when the other one does. Baffert has Goal Oriented, a lightly raced colt who won an allowance on Derby Day. He has won both of his races. Baffert was also going to run Rodriguez, but like the Derby, he was pulled from Preakness contention by a sore hoof. Lukas has American Promise, who ran poorly in the Derby. 'I really think that the race changes so much from the Derby to the Preakness that it's a whole different animal,' Lukas said. '[It's] different not only in the distance change, but the surface and a lot of things coming back in two weeks. There are so many variables going into the Preakness that it's not easy. It's not just another horse race. It takes some management and some thought, and it damn sure takes a good horse.' After watching horses slip and stomp in the slop on Kentucky Derby day, racing followers are looking for an honest track on Preakness Saturday. It's too early to tell if it will come about. According to it will be raining early in the week. By Friday, afternoon thunderstorms are predicted with a precipitation figure of 43%. On Saturday, it's the same forecast with a 38% chance of rain. That same percentage holds for race time at 7 p.m. EDT. Of course, getting weather predictions correct this far out, is about as easy as calling a superfecta cold. Check back on Friday.
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Jockey-trainer duo reflects on pulling off Oaks-Derby sweep
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (FOX 56) — Winning the Kentucky Derby is one of the most difficult feats in all of sports, let alone horse racing. Even more rare is winning both the Derby and the Oaks, but there is one duo that made that happen. 'I mean, going into last year, we went into both of those races really optimistic, thinking we had a really, really big chance,' said jockey Brian Hernandez. A chance that, after an Oaks Day win, turned into a shot at history the very next day. 'That was probably the longest two minutes in sports in my life is what I've always told everyone, you know, because I've ridden quite a few Derbies in the past, and I've always kind of thought that if you get to the eighth pole in front in the Kentucky Derby, horses don't really surge late. And when those two horses surged at us the last few jumps and we weren't certain,' said Hernandez. RELATED l Kenny McPeek eyes another 'McDouble' Oaks, Derby sweep this year One of the most dramatic finishes in Derby history, fitting for a historic achievement with a photo finish in the Derby, and pulling off an Oaks-Derby double. 'Before that year, it had only been done eight times. So, to be able to be the ninth jockey to do it, it was an incredible feat, and we were just so proud of both horses, to step up and be the best horse on the right day,' Hernandez said. Joining Hernandez in rarified air is trainer Kenny McPeek, a man who spends countless hours getting horses ready to race and one who has had several close calls in the past. 'These are races that I had been kind of around the bullseye on. I had run well in the Oaks, had been second three times, which was a little frustrating, but I really went into the Oaks expecting to win. Thorpedo Anna, from the beginning, been such a high-level talent,' said McPeek. 'The Derby was a race that I thought, and I knew that I was going to need to have a bit of racing luck and, fortunately, we got a great ride from Brian, and we were able to pull the double off.' Something that takes true teamwork to pull off. 'We've kind of grown to learn and to trust one another, and that's the fortunate thing: when I ride for Kenny, he goes out there and legs me up and just lets me do my own thing,' Hernandez said. 'We keep it real simple. We work hard to try to figure out whatever talent level horses we get and where they settle into, and Brian's a big part of the team,' McPeek added. A dynamic duo that is ready to repeat. Born to race: The Ortiz brothers reflect on their careers ahead of 151st Kentucky Derby Honoring the forgotten fillies: Derby mint juleps support retired mares at Our Mims Haven Jockey-trainer duo reflects on pulling off Oaks-Derby sweep 'I'm not going to tell you anything complicated. You get a good horse, you keep him in a good routine, you get him eating well, you get him happy, they run well,' McPeek said. FOX 56 reporter Vasi Prokos asked Hernandez, 'Do you think you can win both the Kentucky Oaks and Kentucky Derby again this year?' 'We're going in there with big chances. The nice thing about it is, I know I'm going in there with two really nice horses and a lot of confidence, said Hernandez. And when it comes to big races, McPeek stays true to his winning ways. 'I don't take pre-race photos. I believe you save all your photo energy and photo mojo for the winner's circle, and so when somebody asks, 'hey, can we get a picture before the race?' I'm like, 'No, no, no, no.'' McPeek said. FOX 56 reporter Vasi Prokos asked McPeek, 'What do you think about the saying sweep, like McPeek? Have you heard that?' 'I haven't that one, no, but they call it the McDouble,' laughed McPeek. Hernandez simply calls it a moment he and his family will never forget. 'It's history-making. So, it's, you know, you're proud of the accomplishments, but I think I was more proud of the horses. And, you know, it's something that we're going to be able to look forward to the rest of our lives and my kids as well, you know, it's something that they can brag about,' added Hernandez. What horses are running in the Kentucky Oaks? Here's the latest on post positions, odds Honoring the forgotten fillies: Derby mint juleps support retired mares at Our Mims Haven Creating the Garland of Lilies for Kentucky Oaks winner draws crowd at Middletown Kroger As for Derby 151, the excitement continues to build for both Hernandez and McPeek. The duo will partner up again with Take Charge Milady, hoping to win the Oaks again this year. Hernandez will be running in this year's Derby as well, but not with McPeek. He and trainer Ian Wilkes are hoping to ride the momentum of Burnham Square's win at the Blue Grass Stakes into the Derby. Kenny McPeek will train Render Judgment, the horse of the late Toby Keith. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Kenny McPeek eyes another 'McDouble' Oaks, Derby sweep this year
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (FOX 56) — Horse trainer Kenny McPeek accomplished one of the greatest feats in the history of thoroughbred racing last year, winning both the Kentucky Oaks and Derby for the first time since 1952. The Lexington-native hopes to sweep both races again this year, but it will be a longshot to say the least. His lone Derby contender is Render Judgement, who was a late addition into the field and opened at 30-1 on the morning line odds. Toby Keith's dreams come true at Kentucky Derby 151; friends and trainer reflect 'I'm pleased for the ownership group. For those that don't know, Toby Keith, the late Toby Keith owned this horse and his family owns him. And this is real important to them. And we're optimistic going in. Admittedly, the horse needs to show a lot more than he's shown up to now, but, weirder things have happened as we know,' McPeek said. His chase for another 'McDouble,' as he called it, starts on Friday in the Oaks with Take Charge Milady, who was the runner-up in the Ashland (G1) at Keeneland earlier this month. She opened at 12-1 on the morning line. 'Well, we're dealing with this little abscess out of her foot. And we've been trying a little this and that to make sure it's right for Friday. I mean we're going to be nip and tuck on all that,' McPeek said. Kenny McPeek's Magdalena Farm opens to public tours FOX 56 Sports Director Michael Epps asked McPeek if the odds are 50-50 that she would end up getting scratched, to which he answered 'I think it's a little bit better than that. I think it's better than that. But it's got to be 100% or at least close,' McPeek said. FOX 56 will be broadcasting live post-race coverage on Friday evening from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. recapping the Oaks and previewing the Run for the Roses. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
New York Post
29-04-2025
- Business
- New York Post
Chicago sports bettor claims Caesars refuses to pay out $800K winnings in lawsuit
A 24-year-old sports bettor from Chicago claims he is owed $800,000 from betting giant Caesars Entertainment. Thomas McPeek has been embroiled in a legal battle with Caesars over a series of winning bets that should have netted him almost $1 million, he revealed to CBS. McPeek, an aspiring professional gambler living with his parents in the suburbs of the Windy City, placed the bets between August and September of 2023 and has been trying to cash the tickets since. Caesars returned him his initial $50,000 stake, but is refusing to pay out his winnings because it says he broke two of its fine-print rules. McPeek placed the winning bets at Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, Ind., and Isle Casino across the border in Bettendorf, Iowa. The bets were accepted, though McPeek says he placed them at a kiosk rather than a window and wore a disguise so he wouldn't raise any suspicion. 'I pull out cash from Chase Bank. I take about $20,000,' McPeek said in an interview with CBS News. 'I sat at the kiosk for four hours just punching in my bets — bet after bet after bet after bet after bet.' Thomas McPeek said he is owed $800K. The jaded bettor had previously won – and was paid out – $127,000 at the FanDuel-operated Blue Chip Casino in Michigan City, Ind., and was subsequently banned, something that commonly happens to so-called advantage players. The rules that Caesars claims McPeek broke are commonplace at sportsbooks and casinos around the country, but they are vague. The first is dubbed 'cross-state coordination' and prevents players from making coordinated bets across state lines. Sportsbooks commonly ban professional bettors, forcing them to find other means of getting money down. Getty Images The second rule that Caesars alleges McPeek broke is called 'structuring,' and it prevents players from breaking down large bets into several smaller ones. Sportsbooks and casinos prohibit this act because it is often used as a tactic in money laundering. The decision has split the betting community. Some are siding with Caesars, saying that they have the right to void the bets because they were against the house rules. Others believe Caesars should honor the wagers since the sportsbook initially accepted them, and they only voided the tickets after the bets won. 'It's not like I can just snap my fingers and just make the bets win,' McPeek explained to CBS. 'They still have to win.' Get the lowdown on the Best USA Sports Betting Sites and Apps The Indiana Gaming Commission has already ruled in favor of the gaming giant, claiming it adhered to its house rules. The Iowa Gaming Commission is still reviewing the matter. McPeek is reportedly planning to lob a civil suit at Caesars for the full $800K if the Iowa regulators rule against him. 'There's no rules against staying under the radar,' McPeek told CBS. 'It's horrible what they're doing to me.' Why Trust New York Post Betting Michael Leboff is a long-suffering Islanders fan, but a long-profiting sports bettor with 10 years of experience in the gambling industry. He loves using game theory to help punters win bracket pools, find long shots, and learn how to beat the market in mainstream and niche sports.
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Chicago man won $800K at Midwest casinos — but they refuse to pay. How to ensure you can cash in your bets
Thomas McPeek didn't stumble into a lucky streak — he studied for it. The 24-year-old from Chicago spent last year diving into the world of sports betting, placing dozens of complex, high-risk wagers on football — called parlays — based on odds he believed he could beat. 'It was a calculated attack where I thought I had an edge,' McPeek told CBS News Chicago. I'm 49 years old and have nothing saved for retirement — what should I do? Don't panic. Here are 5 of the easiest ways you can catch up (and fast) Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 — and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how Nervous about the stock market in 2025? Find out how you can access this $1B private real estate fund (with as little as $10) In August, he visited the sportsbook at the Horseshoe Casino in Hammond, Indiana, owned by Caesars Entertainment. To ensure his bets wouldn't be rejected, he remained anonymous, making multiple small bets at kiosks instead of with a clerk at a counter. He even went so far as to disguise himself with sunglasses or hiding his hair. Over the course of a single week, McPeek says he bet around $30,000 and won $350,000. A month later, he traveled across state lines to employ the same strategies at another Caesars property — the Isle Casino in Bettendorf, Iowa. This time, he says his tickets totaled about $450,000 in winnings. But McPeek says when he tried to cash in, both casinos voided his tickets, citing house rules and anti-money-laundering policies. He says he's willing to sue to get his winnings. McPeek maintains that he played by the rules but Caesars says he tried to circumvent them, particularly by crossing state lines — something that can violate betting regulations. Scott Morrow, a former casino executive who now teaches gaming at the University of Nevada—Las Vegas, says Caesars was justified in voiding his tickets on those grounds. 'I have a tough time finding sympathy for his case,' Morrow said. Read more: This hedge fund legend warns US stock market will crash a stunning 80% — claims 'Armageddon' is coming. Don't believe him? He earned 4,144% during COVID. Here's 3 ways to protect yourself But Eli Feustel, a seasoned betting expert and author, sides with McPeek — not because of how the bets were made, but because of Caesars' timing in voiding his wins. He argues that the casinos only acted after realizing McPeek might actually win. 'The clear answer is Caesars owes this,' he told CBS News. The Indiana Gaming Commission says Caesars followed the rules. Now, regulators in Iowa are reviewing McPeek's complaint. Caesars has banned McPeek from playing at their casinos but is willing to pay back the money McPeek used to place the bets. Blue Chip Casino in Michigan City, Indiana, also banned McPeek from playing at their casino after he won $127,000, but at least Blue Chip paid him out first. With Americans spending more than $60.4 billion on commercial casino gaming and sports betting in 2022 — up 14% from 2021 — some wonder if the house plays fair when the odds shift in the bettor's favor. For gamblers navigating the high-stakes world of sports betting, McPeek's case is a cautionary tale. Here are three ways to ensure you can cash in on your sports bets. Read the fine print before you place any bets. Sportsbooks include detailed rules in their terms and conditions — including the right to void wagers. Knowing those rules ahead of time can keep you from betting into a gray area. Keep your bets to one jurisdiction to avoid raising red flags and accusations of gaming the system. Document everything as you game, from screenshots to transaction receipts. Keeping a trail could make or break your case if things get contested. Even if the odds are in your favor, the rulebook — and how it's enforced — might not be. Want an extra $1,300,000 when you retire? Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan 'works every single time' to kill debt, get rich in America — and that 'anyone' can do it Rich, young Americans are ditching the stormy stock market — here are the alternative assets they're banking on instead Here are 5 'must have' items that Americans (almost) always overpay for — and very quickly regret. How many are hurting you? This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. Sign in to access your portfolio
