Woodbine CEO - Jim Lawson / Woodbine Thoroughbred Track Handicapper and Daily Simulcast Host Jeff Bratt / Harness Racing Analyst and Handicapper Garnet Barnsdale

In this special King’s Plate Show, Ann and Larry interview Woodbine CEO Jim Lawson who discusses the recent announcement with a Global Sports betting leader, Bet 365 and why it is a landmark deal for Ontario horse racing. Jim also discusses the potential robust betting numbers that the Canadian horse racing industry can expect to see and talks about tomorrow’s King’s Plate and the many reasons why it is sold out. Jim also talks about himself going forward and how he will still be connected to the horse racing industry after stepping down as Woodbine CEO in October. Woodbine’s Thoroughbred Track Handicapper and Daily Simulcast Host Jeff Bratt, who disucsses why this year’s Plate is one of the most competitive fields and breaks down the field and makes his potential winning selection. Jeff also discusses the stakes undercard races, especially the Dance Smartly which features last years Queen’s Plate winner Moira and talks about his favorite go to handicapping angle. Harness Racing analyst and handicapper Garnet Barnsdale who discusses tonight’s Woodbine Mohawk Park race card and gives a couple of possible winning selections. He also discusses the importance of Grand Circuit Racing and whether he handicaps stakes races differently than overnight ones. Garnet also gives his selection for tomorrow’s Kings Plate at Woodbine. In our feature, ‘In Case You Missed It’ A Look At The Way It Was In Horse Racing News, Larry  discusses the  recent passing of Thoroughbred horse owner Jerry Moss, who was the ‘M’ in ‘A & M’ records, and the owner of champion horses like Kentucky Derby winner Giacomo and Breeders’ Cup Classic winner  Zenyatta. He also reports on Wednesday’s King’s Plate Post Position Draw, breakfast. Larry also provides his ‘Ponies Picks of the Day’ selections for several North American Racetracks  and adds a King’s Plate selection for Sunday. 

Key Points:

Jim discusses the importance of the recent announcement with a global sports leader, bet 365 and why it is a landmark deal for horse racing. He also mentions why it was important to horse racing to secure this deal and the potential volume of betting dollars the arrangement could add to the provice of Ontario. Jim mentions the time it took to secure the deal and why it was important to announce the agreement with Bet 365 just prior to King’s Plate Day. He also discusses some of the other inititiatives that are in the works to help sustain horse racing in the province and talks about how his role with Woodbine will change after he steps down as CEO in October. Jim also discusses tomorrow’s Kings Plate and the fact that it is a sell out is a testament to the hard work of Woodbine’s Marketing team.

Jeff discusses why tomorrow’s King’s Plate is one of the most competivie fields in recent years and breaks down the entries to produce a potential winner. He also talks about the stakes undercard, which includes the Dance Smartly Stakes and features last years Queen’s Plate winner Moira. Jeff also discusses his path that led to him working full time with Woodbine and how his interest in horse racing was piqued during the days of Greenwood. He also provides listeners with his favorite ‘go to’ handicapping angle and mentions what it is that makes him want to go to work everyday.

Garnet discusses tonight’s stakes filled card at Woodbine Mohawk Park and why winning next week’s William Wellwood Memorial Trot is so important. Garnet also gives his selections for tonight’s Mohawk card and with so many stakes races being offered now, does he change his handicapping technique. Garnet also talks about why the Grand Circuit Stakes races are so important and as an avid Thoroughbred bettor, gives his selection for tomorrows King’s Plate. Garnet also mentions the early day of Greenwood Raceway and why it was one of his favorite racetracks and remembers how the track came with its own unique atmosphere.