Today, Larry goes one-on-one with Flavien Prat, Kentucky Derby-winning jockey and reigning Eclipse Award winner. Flavien previews his rides in today’s Grade 1 Woodbine Mile, Natalma, and Summer Stakes, reflects on last year’s Breeders’ Cup Classic victory with Sierra Leone, and talks about his career milestones including more than two thousand wins and seven Breeders’ Cup triumphs.

Larry also goes one-on-one with Jeff Bratt, Woodbine host, commentator, and handicapper, who breaks down Turf Champions Day. Jeff highlights the trio of Breeders’ Cup “Win and You’re In” events at Woodbine — the Mile, Summer, and Natalma — and discusses some of the other notable horses and stakes races on today’s card.

In addition, Larry goes one-on-one with Dave Briggs, award-winning journalist and recent Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame inductee. Dave shares storylines leading into the Ontario Sires Stakes Grassroots and Gold Finals at Woodbine Mohawk Park, and reflects on his more than 30 years covering the sport as one of Canadian racing’s most decorated writers.

Plus, Larry reviews the week in racing in In Case You Missed It, takes us on a Road Trip to the $1 million Woodbine Mile, spotlights excellence in our Performance of the Week, and closes with his Ponies Picks of the Day for Woodbine, Mohawk Park, and other North American tracks.

Bullet Points of Key Topics & Guests

● Flavien Prat (Kentucky Derby-Winning Jockey) – Previews his Woodbine rides in the Mile, Natalma, and Summer Stakes, reflects on Breeders’ Cup Classic win aboard Sierra Leone, and talks about his career milestones.
● Jeff Bratt (Woodbine Handicapper & Commentator) – Breaks down Turf Champions Day, analyzes the three Grade 1 “Win and You’re In” races, and highlights other key stakes on the card.
● Dave Briggs (Canadian Horse Racing Hall of Fame Inductee) – Discusses the Ontario Sires Stakes Grassroots and Gold Finals, previews top contenders, and reflects on his journalism career and Hall of Fame induction.
● In Case You Missed It – Larry recaps the week’s horse racing headlines.
● Road Trip – Spotlight on the $1 million Woodbine Mile.
● Performance of the Week – Honoring standout efforts in racing.
● Ponies Picks of the Day – Larry’s betting selections for Woodbine, Mohawk Park, and other tracks.

Today, Larry goes one-on-one with top handicapper Ashley Mailloux, who previews Tuesday’s Prince of Wales Stakes at Fort Erie, the second jewel in Canada’s Triple Crown. Ashley breaks down the compact seven-horse field, including King’s Plate winner Mansetti, discusses the impact of switching surfaces from synthetic to dirt, and shares insights into her handicapping career and work with major racetracks.

Larry also goes one-on-one with Gord Thain, Executive Director of Ontario Racing, who explains the “Fairness for Farmers” initiative. Gord highlights how Section 31 of the Income Tax Act, an outdated law from the 1950s, restricts farm losses that can be deducted and hurts growth in the horse racing industry. He outlines why this change is critical to attracting new owners and ensuring a strong future for Canadian racing.

In addition, Larry goes one-on-one with Dale Desruisseaux, a Woodbine trainer enjoying a breakout 2025 season. Dale recently scored a Toronto Cup victory with bargain buy Church and State, and he talks about the horse’s future, his career goals, and the mentors who helped shape his training journey.

Plus, Larry reviews the week in racing in In Case You Missed It, takes us on a Road Trip to Kentucky Downs for the Nashville Derby, spotlights excellence in our Performance of the Week, and closes with his Ponies Picks of the Day for Woodbine, Mohawk Park, and other North American tracks.

Bullet Points of Key Topics & Guests

● Ashley Mailloux (Handicapper) – Breaks down the Prince of Wales Stakes at Fort Erie, analyzes Mansetti and other contenders, explains the importance of the surface change, and shares her perspective on handicapping as a career.

● Gord Thain (Ontario Racing) – Discusses Section 31 of the Income Tax Act, why it hurts farmers and horse racing, and how the Fairness for Farmers initiative is pushing for reform to attract new owners and strengthen the industry.

● Dale Desruisseaux (Woodbine Trainer) – Talks about his career year, training Toronto Cup winner Church and State, the bargain purchase story, future goals, and the owners and mentors who have supported his success.

● In Case You Missed It – Larry recaps the week’s horse racing headlines.

● Road Trip – Spotlight on Kentucky Downs and the $3.5 Million Nashville Derby.

● Performance of the Week – Honoring standout efforts in racing.

● Ponies Picks of the Day – Larry’s betting selections for Woodbine, Mohawk Park, and other tracks.

Today, Larry goes one-on-one with harness driving superstar Dexter Dunn, who has become one of the most successful drivers in North America after starting his career in New Zealand. Dexter previews tonight’s Simcoe Stakes at Woodbine Mohawk Park where he drives millionaire trotter Maryland, and also reflects on the races that have defined his career and the victories still on his wish list.

Larry also goes one-on-one with Harlan Malter of Ironhorse Racing Stables, whose horse Tomasello will compete in today’s $3.5 Million Nashville Derby at Kentucky Downs. Harlan discusses Tomasello’s chances, the stable’s past stars like Get Stormy and Bucchero, and his Toronto Cup starter Cyclonite.

In addition, Larry goes one-on-one with Kelly MacMillan, President of Harness Racing British Columbia, about the shocking announcement that Fraser Downs will be closing. Kelly explains the impact this decision will have on the province’s racing industry and outlines the “call to action” aimed at saving harness racing in B.C.

Plus, Larry recaps the week in racing in In Case You Missed It, takes us on a Road Trip to Kentucky Downs, highlights a standout effort in our new Performance of the Week, and gives his Ponies Picks of the Day for Woodbine, Mohawk Park, and other North American tracks.

Brief summary of show:
Today, Brook Smith, part of the ownership group behind Sierra Leone, joins us to talk about the colt’s impressive Whitney Stakes win at Saratoga, his path toward the Breeders’ Cup Classic, and the work Brook continues to do across the racing industry, including his involvement with the Churchill Downs backstretch community. We are also joined for the first time by Standardbred owner and businessman Frank Brundle, who discusses his family’s Orangeville-based Tire Discounter Group, his successful pacer Crack Shot, and his company’s presenting sponsorship role at this year’s Breeders Crown at Woodbine Mohawk Park. Returning to the show is jockey Pietro Moran, fresh off his wire-to-wire King’s Plate victory aboard Mansetti, who reflects on the win, his partnership with trainer Kevin Attard, and what could be next in Canada’s Triple Crown trail. As always, Larry Simpson provides his handicapping insights and Ponies Picks of the Day, sponsored by Rocket Ship Racing.

Bullet points of key topics, guests (who they are) & time stamps:

● Brook discusses Sierra Leone’s Whitney Stakes victory at Saratoga, his progression from last season, and the horse’s potential path toward the Breeders’ Cup Classic. He also reflects on his involvement in yearling sales, his broader industry roles, and his charitable work with the Churchill Downs backstretch community.

● Frank talks about his lifelong passion for harness racing, how he became an owner, and highlights his star pacer Crack Shot, who has already banked over $439,000. He also explains the connection between his Tire Discounter Group, TreadXperts, Toyo Tires, and their partnership as presenting sponsors of the 2025 Breeders Crown.

● Pietro reflects on his first King’s Plate victory with Mansetti, breaking down the wire-to-wire ride and strategy with trainer Kevin Attard. He shares what it meant to ride against his father, his outlook on the Triple Crown trail, and his growing confidence in the saddle this season.

● Larry wraps up the show with his Ponies Picks of the Day, analyzing betting opportunities at Woodbine, Mohawk, and other North American tracks.

List of resources mentioned in episode, suggested reading & social media handles:
● Woodbine Racetrack

● Woodbine Mohawk Park

● Ontario Racing

● Rocket Ship Racing

Today, Larry talks with Woodbine Entertainment CEO and friend of the show, Michael Copeland, who previews the day’s King’s Plate festivities and reflects on what the race means to Canadian Thoroughbred racing. Michael also discusses ongoing upgrades at the E.P. Taylor Turf Course, Woodbine’s continued partnership with Helmets to Hardhats, the new OLG betting integration, and upcoming events at Woodbine Mohawk Park, including the Breeders Crown and the Mohawk Million. He also provides updates on Woodbine’s sports betting partnerships and shares his most memorable Queen’s or King’s Plate moment; Mike Renfro, former NFL player and co-owner of King’s Plate contender Tom’s Magic, talks about his horse’s journey to today’s race, how he entered the Thoroughbred industry, his time with CJ Thoroughbreds, and what winning Canada’s most prestigious race would mean to him; Kevin Attard, Woodbine trainer and long-time friend of the show, discusses his three King’s Plate entrants—Mansetti, DeWolf, and Faber—as well as the return of Caitlinhergreatness in the $750,000 E.P. Taylor Stakes. Kevin also reflects on similarities between Caitlinhergreatness and past star Moira, his season so far, and the races he still hopes to win.

In our feature “In Case You Missed It”, Larry reviews the past week in horse racing news, and in “Road Trip”, we head to Woodbine for today’s $1 million King’s Plate. Plus, in “Ponies Picks of the Day” presented by Rocket Ship Racing, Larry shares potential betting gems at Woodbine, Woodbine Mohawk Park, and other North American tracks.

Bullet points of key topics, guests & time stamps:

• Michael Copeland: Talks about the significance of the King’s Plate, first Plate memories, turf course changes, Helmets to Hardhats partnership, OLG app betting integration, Breeders Crown preparations, Mohawk Million oversubscription, sports betting agreements, and the importance of Woodbine’s success to the industry. Shares most memorable Queen’s/King’s Plate moment.
• Mike Renfro: Discusses Tom’s Magic’s pedigree, progression, and potential in today’s race. Shares how he became involved in racing, the story behind Doctor Death, his role with CJ Thoroughbreds, and the transition from an 11-year NFL career to horse ownership. Talks about the move from turf to synthetic and family lineage suited to the Plate distance.
• Kevin Attard: Breaks down his King’s Plate starters—Mansetti, DeWolf, and Faber—plus Caitlinhergreatness’s bid for the E.P. Taylor Stakes. Talks about training approach, possible retirement plans, comparisons to Moira, goals for the season, and races still on his bucket list. Ends with his answer to “If I didn’t become a trainer, I would probably be a…”.

Today, Larry goes one-on-one withWoodbine’s Senior Manager of Product and Design Jake Jackson, whojoins us for the first time to discuss the launch of the new HPIbet app. Jake explains what’s new for bettors, the testing process, and how the rollout ties in with next weekend’s King’s Plate. He also talks about his career path to Woodbine and shares a look at future projects in the works.

We’re also joined by leading U.S. Thoroughbred jockey Brian Hernandez Jr., fresh off a career year in 2024 that included his first Kentucky Derby victory aboard Mystik Dan. Brian reflects on that win, his history in racing, and his success at Kentucky Downs. He previews riding Mystik Dan in today’s $1 million Arlington Million at Colonial Downs—his first try on the grass—and talks about his connection with trainer Ken McPeek.

Friend of the show Garnet Barnsdale returns to recap last weekend’s Hambletonian Day at the Meadowlands, including surprise results in the Hambletonian and Oaks. Garnet also looks ahead to the heart of the Grand Circuit season at Woodbine Mohawk Park and offers insight into handicapping angles he uses across different track sizes. He finishes with his picks for tonight’s card at Mohawk.

In our feature, In Case You Missed It, Larry covers the week in horse racing news. In Road Trip, we spotlight the Grade 1 Arlington Million. And as always, we wrap up with Larry’s Ponies Picks of the Day, presented by Rocket Ship Racing.

Today, Larry goes one on onewith the ‘Ubercapper’ Thoroughbred Handicapper Elllis Star, who breaks down several of the stakes events at Saratoga today, including the $1 Million Whitney Stakes. He also mentions how he received the name ‘Ubbercapper’ and talks about the methodology behind his handicapping decisions. He also talks about when surface handicapping does he prefer dirt, synthetic or turf races and why.; Meadowlands’ CEO Jason Settlemoir, who talks about today’s stakes filled card which includes the 100thrunning of the Hambletonian Stakes. He also talks about why the Hambletonian is such an important Harness Race and some of the history behind it. From a personal standpoint, Jason also discusses how he became so deeply involved in Harness Racing and the path he took to becoming CEO at the Meadowlands.;Woodbine Trainer Lorne Richards, who first discusses where his Training career began and where he actually won his first race. He also mentions some of his better horses that he has had an opportunity to train and in particular a horse by the name of FINANCINGAVAILABLE, who won over $1.1 Million in her career. Lorne also talks about his current ‘stable star’ Dresden Row and how he has been training up to today’s Seagram Stakes and what he is expecting from the horse in todays stakes event. He also mentions the influence Jockey Ryan Munger and his wife have had on Dresden Row’s career so far.

In our feature, ‘In Case You Missed It’ A Look At The Way It Was In Horse Racing News , Larry talks aboutthe last living offspring of the great Secretariat passing away and also that Woodbine has announced the official wagering menu for King’s Plate Day. He also provides his ‘Ponies Picks of the Day’ selections for several North AmericanRacetracks, later on in the show and in our ‘Road Trip’feature, Larry visits Saratoga again and home today to the $1 Million Whitney Stakes. In our new feature, ‘The Performance of the Week’, Larry discusses Sovereignty’s impressive win in last Saturday’s Jim Dandy Stakes at Saratoga.

Bullet points of key topics, guests (who they are) & time stamps:

● Ellis initially talks about how the name ‘Ubercapper’came about and then talks about todays’s stakes laden card at Saratoga and handicaps the Whitney Stakes and who he believes the race goes through and if he believes the race goes through Sierra Leone today, He also breaks down several of the other stakes races today and who he has his eye on and also expands on his handicapping technique and the methods that he uses to eventually come up with a winning play. He also discusses how he handicaps races on different surfaces, dirt , turf and synthetic and whether he has a preference.

● Jason initially talks about todays Hambletonian Stakes and the tremendous history that the race enjoys. He also breaks down today’s field and who he likes to win the classic event and also discusses some of the other events that will be happening durng today’s Meadowlands racing card. Jason also mentions how he became so attached to the Harness Racing industry and how he eventually ended up at the Meadowlands and also mentions a couple of previous Hambletonian Trots that he watched and that they still resonate with him.

● Lorne initially discusses where it all started for him as a Trainer and whether there was a Trainer that helped him become established in the industry. He also talks about one of his better horses that he trained, FINANCINGAVAILABLE , who made over $1.1 Million in her career and whether she was the best horse that he has had an opportunity to train so far in his career. He also discusses his horse Dresden Row and how he has been so consistent in his career so far and the influence that Jockey Ryan Munger and his wife have had on the horse. He also mentions whether it is too early to compare Dresden Row to some of his better horses and how the name Dresden Row came about.

Today, Larry goes one on one with Jockey Katie Davis, who discusses her recent invite to participate in the 2025 Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup, which is a unique Jockey competition that will take place at Royal Ascot in England. She also discusses her career to date and also what it is like to be part of the Jockey filled Davis family. She also mentions her first win as a Jockey and what advice her father, also a Jockey gave her when she decided to become a rider.; Molly D’Agostino, who owns MMXX Standardbreds and trains them to successful careers on the Show Circuit. She also discusses how she was always involved in Standardbreds and talks abut one horse in particular, Homicide Hunter, who was the world’s fastest Trotter when he retired from racing and was also a Breeders Crown winner. Molly also talks about the story behind how her farm ended up with the Champion Trotter.; Woodbine Apprentice Jockey Xarel Forde, who is a native of Barbados and moved his tack to Woodbine at the beginning of the 2025 season. He also discusses some of the differences in riding in Barbados to riding at Woodbine and whether he found it difficult riding on the Tapeta surface at the beginning of the meet. He also talks about some of the Jockey’s that have helped him get more adjusted to riding at Woodbine and also how influential his Agent Mike Luider has been on his career in Canada so far. Xarel also talks about his recent success at Woodbine and what he believes are the reasons behind this success.

In our feature, ‘In Case You Missed It’ A Look At The Way It Was In Horse Racing News , Larry talks about how and why Churchill Downs will be running the Kentucky Oaks next year during primetime and the reasons behind this decision. He also provides his ‘Ponies Picks of the Day’ selections for several North American Racetracks, later on in the show and in our ‘Road Trip’ feature, Larry visits Saratoga and home today to the $500,000 Grade 2 Jim Dandy Stakes. In our new feature, ‘The Performance of the Week’, Larry discusses the week that Yonker’s Harness Driver Jason Bartlett had and also a recent special win by former Canadian Harness Horse of the Year, Sylvia Hanover.

Bullet points of key topics, guests (who they are) & time stamps:

● Katie initially talks about being invited to compete in the 2025 Dubai Duty Free Shergar Cup, which will feature Jockey’s from 10 different countries and takes place at Royal Ascot in England. Katie also discusses how horse racing, especially becoming a Jockey has become the ‘family business’ and whether her father, Robbie, ever gave

her any advice when she decided to become a Jockey. Katie also discusses one of the tracks that she has had the opportunity to ride at and mentions whether she remembers her first win and talks about where it took place. She also mentions about what the dinner table is like when a group of Jockey’s from the same family get together and how sometime the ‘Dinner Talk’ could become heated.

● Molly initially talks about how she had family ties that made her passionate about the Standardbred industry which resulted in her opening up MMXX Standardbreds. She also discusses whether there were naysayers, who didn’t believe that you could train a retired Standardbred to become a Show Horse . She also talks about a horse by the name of Homicide Hunter and how his career as a Champion Trotter helped to kickstart the company and also mentions why they have a Show Team. Molly also talks about how they acquire new horses to train for the Show Ring and what are the plans for expanding MMXX in the future.

● Xarel Forde initially talks about the path to becoming a rider at Woodbine this year and where it all began for him as a Jockey. He also discusses riding at Woodbine and whether riding on the Synthetic track was challenging and talks about the two turf courses at Woodine and whether he has felt comfortable riding on both of them. He also talks about his agent Mike Luider and how he has been very influential in him becoming established at Woodbine as a Jockey and also discusses some of the Woodbine Jockey’s who have also helped him out on his way in 2023 and whether he set any goals for himself . Xarel also talks about the difference in riding in Barbados and Woodbine and what races are on his bucket list that he would like to win going forward.