There’s an art to picking winners at the track—and it takes more than just hunches to stay ahead of the odds. Horse racing is rich in tradition, but getting results in today's marketplace takes discipline and in-depth analysis. My recent performance speaks for itself: 

🧲 Since 2024, I've finished "in the money" with 43 of the 50 (86%) races I've entered, including 21 first-place finishes.

Where Tradition Meets Precision 

I've been covering the sport's marquee events for years, with winning picks at the Derby, Preakness, Belmont Stakes, and Breeders' Cup — helping bettors turn knowledge into profit through a proven, data-driven approach.

Whether you’re backing a favorite or chasing a longshot, my analysis takes the guesswork out of the equation. My approach blends sharp analytics with a lifelong passion for the sport. 

πŸ‡ In 2025, I called eight outright winners in the Triple Crown races, finishing "in the money" with 25 horses out of 44, including nine of ten at the Belmont Stakes.

My Free Premium Horse Pick of the Day
Today's Premium Horse Picks

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Thursday May 26

Dallas Mavericks vs. Golden State Warriors

Golden State seems to do this every round, that is give the opponent a win in an otherwise lopsided series before putting them away the next time out with relative ease. Look for that trend to continue as the Warriors go for another Gentleman's Sweep after losing 119-109 on Tuesday when Luke Doncic scored 30 points for the desperate Mavericks.

It snapped a nine-game winning streak in Western Conference finals games for Golden State and now it goes home where the Warriors have covered nine of their past 11 games. Dallas is 1-5 ATS its last six road games and 9-4 OVER its past 13 on the road and 12-5 OVER overall against teams with winning records.

Game 4 went OVER by 12 points as the teams combined to shoot nearly 50-percent overall. 14 of the past 20 meetings have soared OVER. Golden State lost to Memphis by 39 points in Game 5 when leading 3-1 in the conference semifinals and then blew out the Grizzlies in Game 6.

Look for a similar result tonight. Play the Warriors to cover, and take the OVER.

My Pick: Golden State -7 (-105)

In Focus: The Crown Jewels of Racing

Here's how I break down each of the sport's biggest races. 

Kentucky Derby Picks

The most exciting two minutes in sports — and one of the toughest races to cap. My Kentucky Derby picks highlight horses built to handle the distance, pace, and pressure of Churchill Downs, using decades of data and trip analysis to separate contenders from pretenders.

Preakness Stakes Picks 

Two weeks later, the field tightens, and fatigue becomes the great equalizer. At the Preakness, my Preakness Stakes picks focus on recovery, stamina, and trainer intent — the key angles that often determine who still has gas left in the tank.

Belmont Stakes Picks 

The ‘Test of the Champion’ demands stamina, pedigree, and tactical patience. My Belmont Stakes picks highlight horses bred to thrive at 1½ miles and jockeys who know when to conserve and when to challenge. 

Breeders’ Cup Picks 

With world-class fields and multiple divisions, the Breeders’ Cup is all about spotting value. My package covers multiple races, identifying where international form, track bias, and class drops create the biggest paydays. 

Want expert advice? Sign up for my free picks or purchase one of my horse racing pick packages.

Prefer to DIY your betting strategy? Check out my free How to Win Series.

Horse Racing Betting Philosophy

How I Handicap the Majors

Each of these events demands more than casual observation — it takes disciplined, multi-angle research. My process combines:

  • Pace & Position Analysis: Identifying who can control the tempo or stalk the right trip.

  • Trainer Patterns & Layoff Data: Understanding how connections prepare for major stakes.

  • Breeding & Distance Profiles: Matching bloodlines to race demands and conditions.

  • Track Bias & Weather Effects: Factoring in surface trends and race-day variables.

  • Value-Driven Odds Modeling: Finding overlays where the public underestimates potential.

Every premium sheet includes my top 3–4 horses in 5–10 races per major event, each backed by trusted horse handicapping analysis. 

The same disciplined approach fuels the free picks I share for every major event. 

Wunderdog Free Horse Racing Picks

For every Triple Crown race and the Breeders’ Cup, I send out a free newsletter pick with a full write-up on one race, featuring three horses I'm backing. 

Here's a recent example from Race 7 at the Belmont Stakes. These three horses finished first, second, and third, paying back winning tickets on the Exacta (5-6) and Trifecta (5-6-2). 

True North Stakes (6 1/2 furlongs, 2:37 PM EST)  

Top Pick: #2 Crazy Mason (9-2) - Crazy Mason has raced exclusively in sprint events since returning to action in November. This 4-year-old colt has won three straight at six and seven furlongs. Crazy Mason won the Grade 2 Carter with a dynamic last-to-first charge with Manuel Franco aboard for the first time, who will be atop again. 

2nd Pick: #6 Mullikiin (2-1) - Mullikiin had the last post (11th) that contributed to a poor run the last time out at the Churchill Downs Stakes. This is a far less crowded field, and Mullikiin had run first, second, or third in the previous six races. 

3rd Pick: #5 Book'em Danno (5-2) - This horse looks to bounce back from finishing fourth at the Grade 1 Churchill Downs Stakes. It was a packed race on a sloppy track. Previously, he won the  Boston Handicap by 2 1/2 lengths over Repo Rocks. Book'em Danno ran twice at Saratoga in 2024, finishing third in the H. Allen Jerkens Memorial while winning the Grade 1 Woody Stephens, both at 7 furlongs. 

Why use free horse racing picks from a pro handicapper?

When the best horses in the world line up at Churchill, Pimlico, or Belmont Park, you want more than a hunch — you want informed insight. My free horse racing picks are built using the same process that drives my premium selections: deep statistical research, pace projection, and pedigree analysis.

I’ve spent years fine-tuning how to spot value in the Triple Crown and Breeders’ Cup, helping bettors make smarter, more confident decisions. Whether you’re new to wagering or a seasoned player looking for an edge, my free picks show you how a pro handicapper breaks down every angle.

Is there any betting value in free picks? 

Absolutely — when they come from a trusted source. Each of my free picks comes directly from my premium race-day card, featuring three live horses with detailed reasoning behind every choice. These aren’t random opinions or recycled public tips — they’re legitimate insights that have helped subscribers cash big on the sport’s biggest days. Even if you’re not buying a package, these free horse racing picks offer genuine betting value by helping you understand why certain horses fit the conditions, pace setup, or distance better than others. Smart bettors use them to test strategies, track performance, and build confidence before diving into premium plays.

Why do I give horse racing picks for free? 

Because I believe in proving performance, not just promising it. Free horse racing picks let you experience exactly how I handicap the Triple Crown and Breeders’ Cup before spending a dime. I want you to see the quality, depth, and logic behind my analysis—and decide for yourself whether it’s worth joining the complete package.

It’s simple: if my free picks help you cash, you’ll know my premium selections are even stronger. And if you just enjoy reading them and learning more about the game, that’s fine too. My goal is to help horse racing bettors of all levels win more and enjoy the sport’s biggest races. 

If you like the depth you see in my free picks, the full packages give you the complete race-day edge. 

Ready to take the next step?

When you’re ready to move beyond casual wagering and start betting like a pro, my premium Horse Racing packages deliver full-card coverage for every premier event — the Kentucky Derby, Preakness, Belmont Stakes, and Breeders’ Cup. Each package includes my top three or four horses from multiple races, complete with betting strategies designed to help you maximize value. Whether you’re betting to win, place, or build exotic tickets, you’ll have everything you need to play with confidence and make the most of racing’s biggest days. 

Horse Predictions Track Record

If you're like most bettors, you might find it hard to resist the urge to get a bet or two down when the first Saturday in May rolls around. Of course, I'm talking about the Kentucky Derby, otherwise known as the first leg of the Triple Crown, and getting you set for Churchill Downs is my top priority for the racing season each year. 

2025 Kentucky Derby Highlights

I finished “in the money” with 10 of my 19 horses at the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, including a second-place finish in the main event with my top pick, Journalism ($4.94, $3.70), who lit up like a spark in the final turn and put on a fantastic show against Sovereignty. 

Five of my six races paid with at least one runner in the Top 3, and I called first, second, and third in two races (Churchill Downs Stakes & American Turf Stakes), cashing the Trifecta in Race 8 at 15-to-1 odds for those who play exotics. 

I release picks for each leg of the Triple Crown, with selections from multiple races leading up to the main event. No matter how you like to bet the ponies—be it Win-Place-Show or exotic wagering with exacta and trifectas—I have the horses to build your card around. 

2025 Preakness: Another Big Score 

In a thrilling finish, Journalism ($4, $2.80, $2.40), my top pick, burst from the pack and tracked down the leader to capture first place in the 150th running of the Preakness Stakes. It was an incredible performance by the runner-up at the Derby, and one of my six horses to place at Pimlico on Saturday.

I also called the winner in Race 11, Reagan’s Wit ($3, $2.20, $2.10). My top horse after Clock Tower was scratched, Reagan’s Wit spent most of the race lurking in fifth, but when it came time to turn on the jets, the three-year-old colt pulled away, and after an eventful stretch run, finished first by four lengths. 

2025 Belmont Stakes: Saratoga Sweetness 

Saturday at Saratoga was a huge winning day to cap off my 2025 Triple Crown package, highlighted by my 2-7-6 Trifecta in the Belmont Stakes, paying $13.80. I enjoyed two first-place finishes in Race #6 (Nitrogen) and Race #10 (A.P. Kid), and in Race #7, I grabbed a 5-6-2 Trifecta, paying $37.50. 

*I also finished in the money with five out of five races at Saratoga in 2024, including two first-place finishes with my top picks in Races #6 and #9, also nailing the 8-2 Exacta in the Jaipur Stakes, paying +$18.80. FWIW, I think they should permanently move the Belmont Stakes to Saratoga Raceway!

2025 Breeders' Cup Recap 

Day 1 concluded with a notable win for Ted Noffey in Race 9, with a win payout of $3.60. The other races on my card saw Mohaven take second in Race 2 ($3.20 payout) and Cy Fair do the same in Race 6, paying $9.60. Brussels showed in Race 6 with a $4.00 payout; Brant also showed in Race 9, paying $2.40; and Explore showed in Race 7, paying $2.60. 

My premium picks delivered again on Day 2 of the Breeders' Cup, as Sierra Leone ($4.60, $2.80) battled to a second-place finish behind Forever Young in the Classic. I also nailed Fierceness ($3.40) in the Classic, who ran a close third. I was “in the money” with all five races on the day, highlighted by a win with Special Wan ($5.20, $3.40, $2.40) in Race 3, and four runner-up finishes overall, capping an epic season at the track.  

Past HORSE Premium Picks

Race 9: Breeders' Cup Classic

November 1, 2025
img6:25 PM ET
Premium Pick
Top Pick: #9 Journalism (8-1) - New jockey Jose Ortiz gets a shot at this talented horse that has finished first or second in nine straight races stretching back two years. This season: second in the Kentucky Derby in a close one, winning the Preaknes...

Race 7: Longines Breeders' Cup Distaff

November 1, 2025
img5:01 PM ET
Premium Pick
Top Pick: #1 Nitrogen (4-1) - It's been a consistent and winning year for this 3-year-old filly: Eight races in 2025, six wins, along with two second-place finishes. She won the Grade 1 Alabama two outings ago with Jose Ortiz, who will ride again. Ortiz was careful not to mak...

Race 6: Cygames Breeders' Cup Sprint

November 1, 2025
img4:21 PM ET
Premium Pick
Top Pick: #7 Imagination (6-1) - This Bob Baffert horse won the Santa Anita Sprint Championship four weeks ago at 6 furlongs. And it was impressive, bursting down the center of the track to overta...

Race 4: PNC Bank Breeders' Cup Filly & Mare Sprint

November 1, 2025
img3:00 PM ET
Premium Pick
Top Pick: #6 Sweet Azteca (2-1) - This dynamic sprinter has won two in a row and six of her last seven. The 5-year-old mare won the Rancho Bernardo Handicap the last time out, leading at eve...

Race 3: Goldikova Stakes

November 1, 2025
img2:15 PM ET
Premium Pick
Top Pick: #3 Special Wan (2-1) - Joel Rosario has an excellent post position riding this 5-year-old mare. Special Wan has won two of its last three, all at one mile. Special Wan won the Kentucky Downs Ladies Turf the last time out on turf, flying ...

Race 3: Golden State Juvenile Fillies Stakes

October 31, 2025
img3:45 PM ET
Premium Pick
Top Pick: #7 Too Sassy (9-2) - Too Sassy has won two straight, both at Del Mar. She won the Generous Portion Stakes as a long shot, stalking early, taking command at the top of the stretch, before going on to a thre...

Free Horse picks I provide

Here are the types of horse racing picks you can expect from me throughout the Triple Crown and Breeders' Cup. 

Free Kentucky Derby Picks

We all know this is “the most exciting two minutes in sports”, but if you're placing a bet, take it to a new level with my complete Kentucky Derby Picks Package! It will make that Mint Julep so much fresher when you have my expertise on your side. I make this available a couple of weeks before the event, so check for my current pricing as the date approaches. It's also your best chance to grab my complete Triple Crown package. 

Free Preakness Picks

The Preakness is the middle race of the Triple Crown, so I can compile the data from the Kentucky Derby and make tweaks to refine my picks for the Preakness. I share some of my betting strategies and expertise with every pick, so be sure to sign up for my newsletter. You'll get notified of any sales or deals & get first dibs on my Preakness package before race day. 

Free Belmont Stakes Picks

The third and final race in the Triple Crown usually takes place in the first or second week of June. At 1.5 miles, pedigree and patience matter most. My Belmont package includes my top selections, sent straight to your inbox in time to place your bets. Check my stats for prior years in the past picks, and then get yourself the Belmont picks package here.

Free Breeder's Cup Picks

In the middle of football season, this two-day event takes center stage for the sport's elite thoroughbreds. These World Championships are unforgettable, with a $7 million purse for the top race. The past few years, I've been playing with house money from my profitable runs in the Triple Crown series, which adds even more excitement to the weekend. After finishing in the money in 9 of 10 races in 2025, that excitement turned into profit. 

Horse Racing Resources

Horse Racing Handicapping Philosophy

Everyone needs a system when betting horses and I've outlined for you my winning horse racing system.

Successful Horse Racing Handicapping

Here is the ultimate horse racing handicappers guide: a detailed review of all elements that go into horse racing handicapping.

The Rules of Horse Racing

This is horse racing 101, information that will allow you to better understand the types of bets and how to win betting them. Get familiar with general horse racing terms and then take that knowledge to the track.

Guide to Betting Horse Racing

I've given you the tools to familiarize yourself with horse racing, now read up on my tactics to horse racing picks and betting strategies.

Horse Racing: Reading the Menu

With so many horse racing options available it can be hard to choose, here is a breakdown of the horse racing betting menu to help you with your horse racing decisions.

Watch Out for Bouncing Horses

The Bouncing Horse Theory and how you can use it to your advantage when betting the races.

The Dog Pound

Thirsty for more sports betting information? Check out the Dog Pound, an extensive resource for all my sports gambling articles and advice.

Past Horse Racing Picks (2006-present)

Access to all of my archived predictions from the track. Win or lose - I give you visibility to all past picks, including my in-depth analysis.

Premium Horse Racing Picks

Purchase a premium horse racing package and get exclusive access to my picks and analysis for all three Triple Crown races, along with the Breeders' Cup.

How to Win at Sports Betting

My free video series, "How to Win at Sports Betting," is the ultimate guide for bettors of all experience levels. Learn about bankroll management, how to find winning picks, and other vital factors to help you become a winning Horse Racing bettor.

Success Stories

Don’t just take my word for it, check out the hundreds of Wunderdog success stories.

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β€œI was a horseplayer for over 55 years​ and during those years​, I​'ve seen a lot of players come and go. I was one of the fortunate ones when the R​ag​ozin and ​Jerry ​Brown computer sheets started showing up at the New York tracks​. I was one of their early customers when the single shaft sulkys showed up at freehold raceway. We jumped all over them but the biggest and best way to stay ahead of the horse racing game was REBATES​. β€‹Vegas and off shore sportsbooks gave you up to 15% of y​our total handle back the following day​. β€‹The key was breaking even​. β€‹It made for winning days​. β€‹Now I am 80 years old and on a fixed income​. I truly believe you & ​McMordie are the cream of the crop & look foward to your selections every single day I would say to all the rookies out their they should buy your products​. β€‹Money management and over 60% winners is the key to staying afloat in the long run​. DOG you are in a league of your own​. β€‹Warmest regards​. β€‹Mike ​Oakes”

Mike Oakes - New York
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β€œYou are the only and most honest gamer I have ever seen.  Thank you for all the winners you have given me over time. Since I only do Horses, I have to wait on your picks for Belmont-Preakness and all the great money makers... Thank you, Wunderdog. PS. I have been with you since the beginning. I am #49. β€

Linda Johnson
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In it for the long haul

β€œMr. Dog, I have tried so many handicappers it is unbelievable. I have never been happy with them because they lie about their records and take your money. You are the first handicapper who has been honest, proven your winning record by posting results daily, not lying about how many winners you had, and getting the picks out in a timely manner. I am sure there will be losing streaks, but I believe I have found the only handicapper that can produce winners and profit over the long haul. Thanks. β€

Ted F. - Knoxville, TN
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β€œNice picks. You are unbelievable when handicapping fast dirt tracks. Another observation: In many of your races, I noticed that the winner is invariably one of your first two picks. How you do it is beyond me. Best regards.”

Paul R. - Pawtucket, RI
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Value play

β€œI have to tell you that the vast majority of the sports touts that sell their picks would not really care if one of their packages was a loser. You, on the other hand, truly care about your customers and also your reputation. I want to commend you on your high values and would like to say that you are the only person that I would buy picks from. Keep up the excellent work!”

Raj B. - Boston, MA
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β€œYour horse bet tips have been top shelf....Thank you.... I am retired on a fixed income...So I am not a big bettor.....My wife would Elain Bobbitt me if I did...But just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate you....Sincerely....Jim Thompson”

Jim Thompson - Sanford, FL
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β€œI mistakenly tried another company for picks just for the weekend. It was awful. Not good. All wrong. Same with this other company I subscribed to. It’s been a massive waste. But your plays come with the “why” and full transparency the day of/after. Long story short, yours is the only one I’m gonna use.”

Austin Hansen
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