When Canonero II won the 1971 Kentucky Derby, he generated a rather modest return for a $2 win ticket. Yet that $19.40 winning ticket on the "Caracas Cannonball" had nothing to do with the Venezuelan shipper’s merits and everything to do with his inclusion in a gargantuan six-horse mutuel field. Based on his form and a star-crossed trip to the United States, Canonero probably would have been dismissed at 100-1 odds in the 97th Kentucky Derby. Maybe even 200-1, but nothing even remotely close to his 8-1 odds.
Author: News
Noel’s Weekend Winners: Betting the Right Way Saturday at the Big A
Welcome to Noel Michaels’ Weekend Winners, the place to go for weekend best bets and spot plays from veteran handicapper and tournament-play pioneer Noel Michaels. Check back every week for a couple of highlighted selections designed to help you cash a few bets and make some money.
An Early Look at the Probable Field for the 2026 Preakness Stakes
The opening leg of the 2026 Triple Crown delivered an unforgettable finish and a historic moment as 23-1 longshot Golden Tempo surged to victory in the closing strides of the 1 ¼-mile Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve, making trainer Cherie DeVaux the first woman to train a Derby winner.
Born to Run (Fast): Tips and Trends for Betting Monmouth Park in 2026
The 2026 Monmouth Park season is here, and the focus will be on quality racing and wagering when fast times return to the Jersey Shore starting on opening day May 9. If you are not familiar with handicapping Monmouth on a day-to-day basis, there is still plenty of time to brush up on what it takes to pick winners now through Sept. 13.
