The @ChurchillDowns turf course was fairly criticized in its early years but credit where it’s due: the rain started Thursday and the turf was 'good' by Saturday. It played fair and was safe. Fewer "Will you be on the turf?" texts a secondary, future benefit too!

Everyone was supposed to beat the Knicks until you had to beat the Knicks! YESSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!

I’m almost done with replay work for the @KentuckyDerby and one thing is jumping off the page: the deep closer/closer columns are just about standing room only.

After a childhood full of Wood Day’s at the @capitalotb Teletheater with Dad, I finally made it to one in person!

Tumbarumba was never comfortable but still gutted it out for third. He’s such a cool horse - never stops trying.

Happy Festivus!!! See you all at the Feats of Strength. “How ‘bout George?” “Good thinking ‘Kooger’!”

There’s a $451,000 carryover in the Derby City 6 at @ChurchillDowns. It’s closing day tomorrow - mandatory payout! The last race winner today (Cannoneer) galloped-out all the way to the 4-1/2 furlong pole. If you finish the year off like he did, I promise you’ll win. Good luck!

A special guest joining us on the top floor today @ChurchillDowns…

The 3yo’s haven’t exactly stacked-up so far against the elders. Fierceness cruised against Journalism and both Hit Show and Rattle N Roll handled Gosger and Bracket Buster today. Obviously some circumstances at play but perhaps some signal there too.

Englishman was by far the most impressive 2yo this meet. His debut Beyer of 97 is the 3rd highest this year (Brant's debut was a 101 & Ted Noffey's Hopeful a 98). His dam sprinted, so we'll see how far he'll go. @reredevaux hinted a one turn mile to @HR_Nation might be next.

Jockeys @Tyler_Gaff and @iradortiz dominated the standings this month at @ChurchillDowns. Tyler edged-out Irad for leading rider (26 vs. 23 wins) but if you blindly bet all of their mounts, you would have turned a profit! $2 ROI: Tyler: $2.36 (104 starts) Irad: $2.21 (84 starts)

It’s great to be back in the booth as we head into my favorite three months of racing every year in Kentucky. I’m also a proponent of higher minimums so please check out the $3 Late Pick starting today in Race 6! Good luck to all!

We are sitting at the 16th pole today and the stride on Ted Noffey was jaw-dropping as he ripped away from some very talented rivals. And then he galloped back as if he hadn’t even run yet. Wow!