Horse Racing Handicapper and West Point Thoroughbred’s Partner Account Representative Jason Blewitt / Woodbine Digital Host - Alanna Nolan / Ajax Down’s General Manager Emilio Trotta /

Ann and Larry interview Horse Racing Handicapper and West Point Thoroughbred’s Partner Account Representative Jason Blewitt, who breaks down todays Kentucky Derby and some of  the entrants and also discusses some of the Kentucky Derby prep races and which one was the most impressive. Jason also talks about a couple of the Derby undercard stakes races and a possible winner and discusses West Point Thoroughbreds and his role with the company. Jason also discusses the fact that this is the 50th anniversary of Secretariat’s Triple Crown and whether it is possible that we may see a Triple Crown this year, with the current  three-year-old crop.  Alanna Nolan, one of Woodbine’s Digital Hosts, who discusses her career to date which included working with both the CFL’s  Calgary Stampeder’s and the NHL’s Calgary Flames and how she became involved in horse racing. Alanna  also talks about today’s Kentucky Derby Party at Woodbine and how it has some extra significance with Woodbine leading rider Kazushi Kimura having the mount on Mandarin Hero and also talks about the upcoming King’s Plate and how to obtain tickets for the August Classic race. Ajax Down’s General Manager Emilio Trotta, who discusses Wednesday’s curtain raiser on the 2023 Quarter Horse meet and how this year will be different from other race meets. Emilio also discusses the impact that Norm Picov, who passed away in February, had on Ajax Downs and also Quarter Horse racing and if he has any major goals for the track in 2023.  In our new feature, ‘ In Case You Missed It’ A Look At The Way It Was In Horse Racing News, Larry  discusses the fact that Kazushi Kimura will be riding in todays Kentucky Derby, Woodbine’s newly relauched Johnnie Walker Owners’ Lounge and Mark and Mike Romeo of Terra Racing Stable being the first receipeint of the “Owners’ Spotlight’ Award for their families long-time dedication to the sport. Finally, Larry mentions the addition of two new members to the Woodbine Board, Thoroughbred breeder Yvonne Schwabe and Standardbred owner, Brad Grant. Larry also  provides  his ‘Ponies Picks of the Day’ selections for several North American Racetracks. 

Key Points:

Jason discusses the Kentucky Derby and how it is a strange year with so many scratches before the race itself. He also talks about some of the Derby Entrants and who has impressed him the most and if there was a Kentucky Derby prep race that he thought was more impressive than the others.  Jason also talks about some of the other races on the Kentucky Derby undercard and discusses his role with West Point Thoroughbreds and some of the horses that they have owned and also mentions how people can become involved in the stable by going to the company web site.

Alanna, initially talks about how she originally worked for both the Calgary Stampeders and the Calgary Flames hockey team and how having a background in horses helped direct her to her position with Woodbine Entertainment. She also talks about her current role with Woodbine  as. Digital Host and also mentions about the Kentucky Derby party at Woodbine today and how the race will have more of a Canadian feel to it with Kazushi Kimura riding in the Derby. Alanna also discusses the upcoming King’s Plate and how the public can purchase tickets for the event and how the Plate ranks against other Canadian sports as a major event. She also mentions about some of the other races coming up at Woodbine including the Canadian International , which is back this year, and how it is the 50th Anniversary of Secretariat’s win in the race itself. 

Emilio, first talks about Opening Day for Ajax Downs next Wednesday and how they are looking forward to a very successful meet, now that COVID is in the rear view mirror. He also discusses the importance of the late Norm Picov was to both Quarter Horse racing and Ajax Downs and how the track will be honoring him throughout 2023. Emilio also mentions about how the popularity of Quarter Horse racing has grown in Ontario and that last year Ajax Downs saw a record betting handle for the season and how he believes that some  longer races helped to contribute to this growth. Emilio also mentions what would be his overall goal for Ajax Downs for the 2023 Quarter Horse racing season.