Ed McNamara, Author at US Racing

Sword Dancer Stakes Odds: Far Bridge Seeks to Repeat

After Christophe Clement upset the 2014 Belmont Stakes (G1) with Tonalist, he was no longer pigeon-holed as a turf trainer. But it was with grass runners that the Frenchman made his mark in America, and two-time Eclipse champion Gio Ponti was his best. Clement died May 25 of a rare eye cancer, and t...

Posted on August 6, 2025

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Saratoga Derby Invitational Odds, Picks, Post Positions, Analysis

By Ed McNamara

Before the first Breeders' Cup in 1984, not many grass horses shipped across the Atlantic for big races in America. Now it's commonplace to see European turf runners come to the States throughout the year. The New York Racing Association began staging the 1 3/16-mile Saratoga Derby Invitation...

Posted on July 31, 2025

International Races | Latest Racing News | Racing Analysis | US Racing Features

Nassau Stakes Betting: Whirl Seeks Breeders’ Cup Berth

By Ed McNamara

If it's a Group 1 stakes in Europe, Aidan O'Brien will saddle the favorite. Well, not always, but most of the time. The latest example occurs Thursday (Jul 31), when O'Brien's three-time stakes winner Whirl leads a field of five in the 1 1/4-mile Nassau Stakes (G1) for fillies and mares at Goodwood....

Posted on July 29, 2025

Breeders' Cup News | International Races | Latest Racing News | Racing Analysis

Bet on Sussex Stakes: Horse-by-Horse Analysis, Odds, Picks

By Ed McNamara

The most revered European horses are the ones who excel at 1 1/2 miles. Then come the top milers, and at Royal Ascot, the 3-year-old colt Field of Gold emerged as the current king of that division. His electric burst of acceleration in the stretch blew apart the St. James's Palace Stakes (G1), lea...

Posted on July 28, 2025

Latest Racing News | Racing Analysis | US Racing Features

Haskell Stakes Betting: Horse-by-Horse Analysis

By Ed McNamara

Even if you lost money when he fell short in the Kentucky Derby (G1) and Belmont Stakes (G1), you have to admire Journalism. He ran his heart out in all three classics, and his courageous rally to win the Preakness Stakes (G1) was unimaginably dramatic. He has speed, courage, and class, wi...

Posted on July 16, 2025

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Diana Stakes Betting: Is She Feels Pretty Beatable? Odds, Picks

By Ed McNamara

She Feels Pretty has looked terrific throughout her career, taking seven of 10 grass races, all but one a stakes. She’s never been out of the money and brings a four-race winning streak, all Grade 1s, into Saturday’s $500,000 Diana Stakes (G1) at Saratoga. The 4-year-old daughter of 2014 Breeder...

Posted on July 9, 2025

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Saratoga Odds: Sanford, Kelso, Belmont Oaks Top Saturday’s Card

By Ed McNamara

Among Saratoga’s many charms is the unveiling of so many promising young horses. There’s always a chance to see the next Kentucky Derby (G1) winner in a field of well-bred, expensive juveniles. Saturday’s Sanford Stakes (G3) is the Spa’s first added-money race featuring 2-year-old colts. The...

Posted on July 3, 2025

Latest Racing News | US Racing Features

Saratoga Betting: Tips and Trends for the Spa Summer Season

By Ed McNamara

Thoroughbreds and summer go together like pizza and beer, and first-class racetracks are vacation destinations all over the globe. The French adore seaside Deauville, the English gush over Glorious Goodwood, and Germans flock to Baden-Baden. Californians love Del Mar, where they can swim in the Paci...

Posted on July 1, 2025

Latest Racing News | US Racing Features

Horse Racing News: D. Wayne Lukas Appreciation

By Ed McNamara

He was a farm boy with a relentless work ethic and a passion for horses. D. Wayne Lukas, the kid from Antigo, Wisconsin, a tiny town in the middle of nowhere, went on to transform racing. On Sunday (June 29), the Lukas family announced that the Hall of Fame trainer died the night before after [&hell...

Posted on June 29, 2025

Latest Racing News | Racing Analysis | US Racing Features

Stephen Foster Stakes Odds: Is Mindframe in the Mood for Victory?

By Ed McNamara

Stephen Foster, one of America’s greatest songwriters, born on July 4, 1826, became quite familiar with this country’s first national sport, horse racing. In 1850, he produced “Camptown Races,” whose catchy melody and clever lyrics made it wildly popular. It still is, because, according to G...

Posted on June 26, 2025

Author: Ed McNamara