Gulfstream Park On-site Broadcast Handicapper - Brian Nadeau / Rideau Carleton Raceway Trainer John MacMillan / Mark McKelvie - Woodbine’s Communication Manager

Ann and  Larry  interview Gulfstream Park On-site Broadcast Handicapper, Brian Nadeau, who discusses the stakes filled racing card at the Florida track and in particular the Fountain of Youth Stakes, which is a major prep for the upcoming Kentucky Derby. He also talks about the reasons behind the great wagering numbers at Gulfstream Park this Winter and the path he took during his career to end up working at Gulfstream. He also gives a handicapping selection on one of the stakes races at Gulfstream today. Rideau Carleton Raceway Trainer John MacMillan, who brings the readers up to speed on the recent fire in the racetrack’s paddock and whether the restructuring will be done in time for the track’s season opener on March 19th.  John also discusses his 2022 racing season as a Trainer and why more than ever, he is looking forward to the 2023 season opening shortly. John also mentions why he is so passionate about harness racing and where he got his start in the business. Mark McKelvie, Woodbine’s Communication Manager, who discusses the current Woodbine Mohawk Park race meet and in particular dealing with inclement weather which at certain times has caused the cancellation of some race nights, including last night. Mark also discusses the significance of the Mohawk Million that will be contested September 23rd and the unique process to entering a horse for the race itself. Finally, Mark talks abot the fact that the Woodbine backstretch is now open with over 100 horses already on site and a race that he is most looking forward to watching as a fan this year at Woodbine Mohawk Park.  Larry  provides  his ‘Ponies Picks of the Day’ selections for several North American Racetracks. 

Key Points: 

Brian talks about the tremendous betting numbers at Gulfstream Park and what he attributes the influx of betting to. He also talks about how he became so passionate  about horse racing and the career path that he took to end up at Gulfstream Park as part of the Handicapping Broadcast Team. Brian discusses todays Fountain of Youth Stakes at Gulfstream and whether pre-race favourite Forte may be vulnerable today after coming off a layoff since early November and he also handicaps another stakes race on the card and provides  a horse that he believes is his ‘Best Bet’ of the day. Brian  also mentions a couple of  his favourite racetracks growing up  and why he liked them and mentions that even though he grew up in the Saratoga area, he was actually a late bloomer to the Thoroughbred racing industry. John initially talks about the recent fire in the Paddock at Rideau Carleton Raceway in Ottawa, On. and the reconstruction process that is going on in order for the racetrack to make their season opener on March 19th. John also talks about his career as a Standardbred Trainer and Part -time Race Announcer and why 2022 was not a successful racing season for him. He also discusses why Rideau Carleton plays such a major role in the harness racing industry and how it has become a major institution in the province of Ontario, and also where it all began for him as both a Trainer and a Race Broadcaster. Finally John shares with the listeners a favourite horse that he enjoyed watching on a regular basis.Mark discusses the current Woodbine Mohawk Park meet and the challenges winter weather poses and the fact that racing was cancelled on Friday night because of the snow storm. He also talks about the recent announcement regarding the Mohawk Million Stakes race that will be raced on September 23rd and the importance of such a race and also discusses the unique entry strategy to the race itself. Mark also mentions a race that he is most looking forward to watching this year on the Standardbred side  and that the Thoroughbred Stakes Schedule side, should be released  in the next week or so. He also discusses  the opening of the Woodbine backstretch and that everyday more horses are shipping in  with probably over 100 currently stabled on the Woodbine grounds.