Best of Hanson: 2022 Anthology
An annual tradition for me in this space is to provide a compilation of what I deem were the more interesting features (mostly of an historical bent) that I’ve written during the course of the […]
Features
Politely: Often second best, but always first class
They say one should never settle for second best. For the filly Politely, that would prove unavoidable from birth in one respect. In another, it was simply the way things shook out at the height […]
Carry that weight: Notable achievements in American handicaps
While handicaps have become passé in America during the past half-century, in England (and elsewhere) they generally form the backbone of day-to-day racing. Although the most important races are all run under weight-for-age conditions, many […]
2022 Royal Ascot: Top 10 takeaways
Another sensational Royal Ascot is in the books. With sunny skies making for good-to-firm going, the tricky soft-ground variable was eliminated, and the results were generally logical. […]
A tribute to Lester Piggott
In our collaborative tribute to the late Lester Piggott, Vance Hanson highlights the great jockey’s forays to North America, and Kellie Reilly commemorates several of his brightest European stars. […]
Three points to ponder: 2022 Santa Anita Derby, Blue Grass, Wood Memorial
Pondering whether Santa Anita Derby favorite Messier is a more natural router than Forbidden Kingdom, if Smile Happy is the best rebound candidate in the Blue Grass, and if Mo Donegal’s points gamble will pay off in the Wood Memorial […]
Three points to ponder: 2022 Louisiana Derby, UAE, Sunland Park
Epicenter’s trip in the Louisiana Derby, Rattle N Roll’s improvement, and possible Kentucky Derby implications from Sunland and Dubai […]
Three points to ponder: 2022 Fountain of Youth, San Felipe, Gotham
The Fountain of Youth (G2) is the likeliest of the quartet to have a major impact on the trail, while the utility of the San Felipe (G2) arguably depends on how the race plays out. The Gotham (G3) has a few smart types, but more of the one-turn variety. […]
Three points to ponder: 2022 Rebel Stakes
The field for Saturday’s $1 million Rebel (G2) gives a sense of déjà vu, with the top five from the Southwest (G3) reuniting over the same 1 1/16-mile circuit at Oaklawn Park. But the result might not be the same. […]
Three points to ponder: 2022 Risen Star Stakes
It’s apropos that the Risen Star (G2) ushers in the Kentucky Derby Championship Series, because the $400,000 prize at Fair Grounds could hardly have drawn a better cast. […]