Today, Larry goes one-on-one with Woodbine clocker and morning line oddsmaker Ernie Perri, who returns to Ponies 24-7 to provide listeners with a behind-the-scenes look at two of the most important handicapping roles in horse racing. Ernie explains what goes into clocking workouts, how he distinguishes strong works from ordinary ones, and why workout patterns can provide valuable insight when evaluating a horse’s chances. He also discusses the role of a morning line oddsmaker, how morning lines are created, and how bettors can use them as a handicapping tool. In addition, Ernie breaks down several horses he likes on today’s Woodbine card and shares his thoughts on the Grade one Belmont Stakes at Saratoga, including the contenders he believes have the best chance to win one of the sport’s most prestigious races.
Also today, jockey Carol Cedeno joins Ponies 24-7 for the first time following a remarkable comeback from a devastating riding accident that sidelined her for nearly eight months. A six-time leading rider at Delaware Park with more than thirty-five million dollars in career purse earnings, Cedeno discusses the injuries she suffered, the lengthy rehabilitation process, and the determination required to return to the saddle. She reflects on winning her first race back at Delaware Park, explains why she chose riding as a career, and shares stories from a career that includes becoming the first jockey in Delaware Park history to ride seven winners on a single card. Carol also talks about the goals she has set for herself moving forward and the races she still hopes to win.
Then, Hanover Raceway General Manager Scott Price returns to the show as the popular Ontario harness track opens its twenty twenty-six racing season. Scott previews opening day festivities and outlines many of the fan-friendly events planned throughout the summer, including the always-popular Wiener Dog Races, Harness the Hope Day, and the Drivers Coming Home celebration. He discusses Hanover Raceway’s long history, including more than one hundred sixty years of harness racing tradition, and explains the important role the track continues to play within Ontario’s Standardbred racing landscape. Scott also shares his thoughts on what has made Hanover one of the province’s most successful half-mile tracks and what fans can look forward to during the upcoming season.
In our feature “In Case You Missed It,” Larry recaps the biggest racing headlines from the past week across North America. Later, he delivers his Ponies Picks of the Day, sponsored by Rocket Ship Racing, highlighting potential wagering opportunities at Woodbine, Woodbine Mohawk Park, and several other tracks racing today. And in this week’s Road Trip, Larry heads to Saratoga Race Course for the Grade one two million dollar Belmont Stakes, a mile-and-a-quarter test for three-year-olds and the final jewel of Thoroughbred racing’s Triple Crown.