Today, Larry goes one-on-one with Horse Racing Alberta CEO Kent Verlik, who joins Ponies 24-7 for the first time to discuss the organization’s newly released two thousand twenty-six to two thousand twenty-eight business plan. The plan outlines a strategic roadmap aimed at strengthening, modernizing, and growing Alberta’s horse racing and breeding industry over the next three years. Kent explains the role Horse Racing Alberta plays within the province’s racing ecosystem, including its regulatory responsibilities, support of racetrack operations, and involvement in breeding and education initiatives such as partnerships with Olds College. He also discusses the current state of racing in Alberta, the challenges facing the industry, and whether the recent shutdown of racing in British Columbia has led to an influx of horses and horsepeople relocating to Alberta. Kent reflects on his own background in the industry and shares his perspective on the future of horse racing in the province.

Also today, respected North American handicapper Peter Lurie returns to Ponies 24-7 to preview a major stakes day at Santa Anita Park. Peter breaks down the Grade two San Felipe Stakes, a key Kentucky Derby prep race that awards fifty Derby points to the winner and features a competitive field of three-year-olds looking to secure their place in the starting gate on the first Saturday in May. He also analyzes the historic three hundred thousand dollar Santa Anita Handicap for older horses and discusses how the Santa Anita meet has unfolded so far this season. Peter reflects on how he first became interested in horse racing and handicapping, describes the angles he looks for when making selections, and shares thoughts on which Derby prep races so far have produced the most impressive performances.

Then, Tampa Bay Downs handicapper Luis Ocasio joins the show to preview a big afternoon of racing highlighted by the Grade three four hundred thousand dollar Tampa Bay Derby. The race is one of the most important late-season Kentucky Derby preps, awarding fifty Derby points to the winner and often producing contenders who go on to compete on racing’s biggest stage. Luis discusses the field for this year’s Tampa Bay Derby, the horses he believes have the best chance to win, and why this race has historically played an important role on the road to Churchill Downs. He also breaks down several other stakes races on Tampa Bay’s card and talks about his background in racing, how he became the track’s handicapper, and the approach he uses when preparing his popular “Tip Sheets by Luis.”

In our feature “In Case You Missed It,” Larry recaps the biggest racing headlines from the past week across North America. Later, he delivers his Ponies Picks of the Day, sponsored by Rocket Ship Racing, highlighting potential wagering opportunities at Woodbine Mohawk Park and several other tracks racing today. And in this week’s Road Trip, Larry heads to Tampa Bay Downs for the four hundred thousand dollar Grade three Tampa Bay Derby, a mile-and-a-sixteenth test for three-year-olds and a key stepping stone on the road to the Kentucky Derby.