In The Money Players' Podcast

PTF catches up with Lawrence (of Arabia) Roman who is on hand in Riyadh to watch his stable star Banishing compete in the Saudi Cup.

Nick is joined by Oli Bell to look ahead to a wonderful weekend of racing across the globe, headlined by the Saudi Cup, the world's richest horserace. Also today, Michelle Yu pays tribute to trainer John Shirreffs, who died last night. Plus, George Boughey on his Neom Turf fancy Survie, and Ed Walker on his recent purple patch in Dubai. From Australia, Vicky Leonard updates her on her impending court date with Peter V'Landys.

PTF is joined by horseplayer Frank McGoey to analyze the stakes races for 2026 Risen Star Stakes Day, a major day on the road to Kentucky Derby 2026, at Fair Grounds on Saturday (Feb. 14). Alongside the Risen Star are the 2026 Rachel Alexandra Stakes, a major prep on the road to the 2026 Kentucky Oaks, as well as the Fair Grounds Stakes on the Turf and the Mineshaft Stakes for older horses on the dirt.

PTF is joined by Kali Francois from the Maryland Jockey Club to analyze the big day of racing slated at Laurel Park for Saturday (Feb. 14) highlighted by the $200,000 General George Stakes. The 10-race stakes card will also be a part of the Laurel Park February First Chance, Last Chance Handicapping Challenge, a hybrid on-site and online handicapping contest with a $30,000 (est.) prize pool and opportunities to win seats to the 2026 BCBC and 2026 NHC.Find more information on the First Chance, Last Chance Handicapping Challenge here: https://www.laurelpark.com/news/laurel-park-to-host-february-first-chance-last-chance-handicapping-challenge/

Nick is in Riyadh ahead of this weekend's Saudi Cup. The city also plays host this week to the Asian Racing Conference, where Nick catches up with NYRA CEO David O'Rourke, alongside Total Performance Data supremo Will Duff-Gordon. At the track, trainer Tom Clover talks about his quartet of runners across 4 Middle Eastern venues over the next fortnight, while Toshi Onikubo runs the rule over the Japanese contingent. David Yates is in Closutton, drawing out the thoughts of Willie `Mullins on his key Cheltenham contenders.

Nick is in Riyadh ahead of the 2026 Saudi Cup, where he catches up with Kyoto Maekawa, the first woman to be licensed in Japan by the JRA and trainer of Cup contender Sunrise Zipangu. Plus, broadcast colleague Michelle Yu runs down the US contingent across the card. Also on today's show, Cornelius Lysgaht joins Nick to wrap up all the latest from around the racing world, with contributions today from trainers Joe Tizzard and Alan King, both of whom are well represented this weekend. Eddie Harty Jr pays tribute to his father, a towering figure of jump racing and equestrianism who died yesterday aged 88, just a week after his wife Patricia.

Nick brings you today's edition from Riyadh ahead of this weekend's Saudi Cup, the world's richest horserace. In Riyadh, Nick talks to Bob Baffert, who stands in the way of Forever Young's repeat bid with Nysos and Nevada Beach. He also catches up with JCSA's Chief Racing Officer David McKinnon. Meanwhile - in Ireland - Daily Mirror journalist David Yates sits down with Gordon Elliott to spin through his massive Festival squad, while Dan Barber adds the Timeform perspective. Plus, in association with Weatherbys, Jessica Rummel from Norton Grove Stud has news on a high profile recent acquisition.

PTF and JK are back with a show that kicks off with a $33,000+ carryover in Friday's Sunset Six - an exciting new wager that combines the last three races at Gulfstream with the last three at Santa Anita.Next up they review the latest In the Money Media Kentucky Derby Top 10 list.Last but not least, they give their thoughts on this weekend's key Kentucky Derby prep, the Risen Star Stakes at Fair Grounds in New Orleans.

This week John Gaspar grabs rising star Matt McJunkin, who won the Oaklawn Championship this past weekend playing on TwinSpires.com. Matt is a live bankroll tournament force. He's part of the new wave of handicappers, a young, aggressive and math oriented player!

Nick is joined by Racing Post senior writer Lee Mottershead to canter through the day's racing headlines. `Reviewing all the action from Newbury, Nick and Lee are joined by Timeform's Dan Barber too ask whether Tutti Quanti can really make up into a Champion Hurdle horse. Plus, Connor King rejoins the show to reflect on Oscar's Brother's barnstorming performance at Navan, trainer Nick Gifford mulls over whether to run stable star Aworkinprogress at Haydock this weekend, while Joseph O'Brien has all points of the compass covered with runners in Ireland, Britain, Qatar and Saudi Arabis this weekend, plus news on his Cheltenham hopefuls, including Talk the Talk. Nick and Lee also discuss Friday Night Live, as well as the perennial mares hurdle debate, stoked over the weekend by leading owner Max McNeill.

PTF hosts Clay Sanders as they go over some spot plays on the Saturday card at Oaklawn Park. Make sure to check out the lineup of Twinspires contests over on their website.

Nick is joined by RTE and Racing TV analyst Jane Mangan for a canter through today's worldwide racing news. They lead with the fallout from the Philip Byrnes verdict, acquitting the jockey of deliberately jumping off his mount at Wexford last summer. They ask why the case against him was so thinly constructed and what role the contracted BHA betting integrity monitors played in the case. Also today, updates on the BHA's own governance issues and the latest in the Parkin/Foley/Sands of Mali case. Plus, with an eye to the weekend, young trainer Connor King looks forward to Oscar's Brother taking another step towards the Grand National in the Ten Up Chase at Navan, while rookie trainer Dan Horsford seeks a milestone win at Newbury, agent and owner Dan Astbury chronicles the tale of Aisling Oscar, now an eight time consecutive handicap winner, and Bren O'Brien from The Straight on unregulated and black market share in Australia and Japan.

PTF is joined by horseplayers Nick Tammaro and Dean Keppler to analyze horse racing action from Gulfstream Park and Santa Anita for Friday (Feb. 6). The three break down the Sunset Six sequence for Friday, which covers the last three races from Gulfstream and Santa Anita, is a retail-only wager, features a takeout of just 15 percent and has a carryover of nearly $50,000. They also discuss the $2 Pick 6 sequence for Friday at Santa Anita which also features a near $50,000 carryover.

Nick is joined by Mirror man David Yates to discuss the latest from around the racing world. First today, Nicky Henderson talks us through his decision to run Lulamba in the Game Spirit, Sir Gino's challenging road to recovery, and Constitution Hill's busy fortnight. Also today, Ben Pauling on how he split two grid novices on Saturday, Ciaran Gethings on his best ever season and his big race ride on Saint Segal, Paul Nolan on his Festival hopefuls and targets, plus Vincent Ho on a new star in Hong Kong.

John Gaspar grabs 16x NHC qualifier and known top tourney player Ken Jordan this week. Ken is a 2026 NHC Hall of Fame nominee.

Nick is joined by Rishi Persad for the latest from around the racing world. They lead today with the fallout from the ailing Racing Digital project, designed to modernise the administration of the sport, which has led to the departure of Chair Chris Batterham. Joining the show, National Trainers' Federation President Nick Alexander has his say, and also has words on the ongoing stalemate between the BHA Chair Lord Allen and the Racecourses over Raceday data rights. Also today, Nick talks to Stewart Andrew the owner of defending Grand National hero Nick Rockett about plans for his star and some of his exciting young horses, while Paul Nicholls reflects on a productive spell for his stable and looks ahead to this weekend's big target for Tutti Quanti as well as to what lies ahead for No Drama This End, Minella Yoga and more. JA McGrath has the latest from Hong Kong.

Carl Spackler (IRE), by top European sire Lope de Vega (IRE), is best known for his dominant performances at both Keeneland and Saratoga.He broke his maiden in his second start by nearly nine lengths and was named a TDN Rising Star for the performance.The summer of 2024 began his proclivity for Saratoga, taking his first of what would become four wins at the Spa in the G2 National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame S.. He would later add to his resume wins in the G3 Sarnac S., during the 2024 meet, and wins in the G3 Kelso S. and G1 Fourstardave H. the following season. In the G1 Fourstardave H. he earned his top Beyer Speed Figure of 106, one of 5 triple-digit figures he would accumulate in his career.At Keeneland, Carl Spackler added two more Grade 1 victories to his resume in back-to-back years. His first Keeneland G1 win came in a thrilling edition of the Turf Mile Stakes during the 2024 Fall Meet and returned in the Spring of 2025 to take the Grade 1 Maker's Mark Mile, clearing the field by over four lengths earning a 104 Beyer Speed Figure. He retires with eight wins - three at the Grade 1 level, seven graded stakes wins overall, and earnings of nearly $2,000,000.“Carl Spackler is unquestionably the best male turf miler I've ever trained. Not only is he fast, sound, and perfectly made, he also has an incredibly calm temperament that trainers dream of,” said trainer Chad Brown, “I will definitely be in the marketplace buying his best looking offspring.”A son of Lope de Vega, the sire of 21 G1 winners and a top five European sire in 2025, Carl Spackler is out of the G2 Goldikova S. winner Zindaya, by More Than Ready. Zindaya is a half sister to G1 Jamaica H. winner Western Aristocrat. Carl Spackler's full sister Sandtrap, is already G3 placed at two.“Lope de Vega has been a dominant force in racing since he was named European Champion First-Crop Sire and has made a global impact. Carl Spackler had such an impressive turn of foot, consistently performed at an elite level, and with his sire line he brings exciting diversity to the Lane's End roster,” said Bill Farish.

Eric DeCoster, In the Money's dedicated "Listorian," joins PTF as they go over the latest ITM Derby Top 10 list.

Tom in for Nick and joined by Newsboy from the Mirror Dave Yates. We start with more DRF reflection with particular emphasis on the weekend exploits of jockey Mark Walsh after his four Grade 1 victories. Dave also picks out some of the other key stories from the two days. Lee Mottershead joins us from Brazil to talk of Frankie Dettori's final ride as the Italian finally brings the curtain down on a sensational career. Yesterday Aamilah Aswat became the first black female jump jockey to ride a winner in Britain and we get reaction from Matt Nicholls who trained the winner Guchen. Plus Dan Barber joins to give the Timeform perspective on Monday's DRF action and we go to India with Weatherbys and to Ameeta Mehra's Usha Stud.

Multiple G1 winner Raging Torrent retired from racing with seven wins and earnings of almost $1.8 million dollars with four triple-digit Beyers including an impressive win on the international stage in the G2 Godolphin Mile at Meydan. Bred by Rodney J. Winkler and Alfonso Mazetti, Raging Torrent won at first asking in his two-year-old debut at Del Mar with a troubled trip including the jockey losing his crop in the stretch, but still drew off by over two lengths. He went on to be graded stakes placed at two.At three, he came into his own winning an allowance at Churchill Downs, where he dominated the field with an 8 1/4 length victory. This began a streak of races where he won six of his next seven starts. During that span, Raging Torrent won his first stakes in the Maxfield S. at Churchill Downs and won his graded stakes debut in the G2 Pat O'Brien at Del Mar against older horses with a 104 Beyer. He fought back in the stretch to defeat a talented field of runners, including G1 winners The Chosen Vron and Senor Buscador. He capped his three-year-old season with his first grade one victory in the G1 Malibu S. at Santa Anita defeating G1 Kentucky Derby winner Mystik Dan.An international field in the $1,000,000 G2 Godolphin Mile set the stage for Raging Torrent's four-year-old campaign for new owners Yuesheng Zhang and Craig Dado. He was never in doubt, jumping out to an early lead and drawing away for an easy 3 ½ length victory. Returning to the U.S., he led the entire way yet again in his G1 Metropolitan Handicap victory, making easy work of a field that included champion two-year-old Fierceness and G1 Breeder's Cup Classic winner White Abarrio with a career best 106 Beyer.

Bred in Kentucky by Joe R. Peacock, Sr. and Joe R. Peacock, Jr., Senor Buscador retires from racing with $12,944,427 in earnings and was trained by Todd Fincher.Breaking his maiden at two on debut by 2 1/2 lengths, Senor Buscador then jumped straight into stakes company winning the $220,000 Remington Springboard Mile by 5 3/4 lengths. That effort garnered him a 93 Beyer as a two-year-old, the second highest Beyer of any two-year-old colt at a mile in 2020.The black type success continued at 4, with a win in the G3 Ack Ack S. at Churchill Downs. In his first start of 2023 he returned to the winner's circle in the Curribot H., defeating the field by 4 lengths. His success continued with a win in the G2 San Diego at Del Mar earning a 101 Beyer, defeating G1 winners Slow Down Andy, Defunded, Royal Ship and Tripoli. Senor Buscador earned a G1 placing in the Awesome Again and closed out the year with second place in the G2 Cigar Mile.He got off to fast start in 2024 with a close second in the G1 Pegasus World Cup, before traveling to Saudi Arabia where he made splash winning the $20 million G1 Saudi Cup. Defeating a deep field including G1 winners National Treasure, White Abarrio, Saudi Crown, Lemon Pop, and Ushba Tesoro (JPN), Senor Buscador set a new stakes record - 1:49.50. His next start was in the UAE, where he finished third in the G1 Dubai World Cup, contributing to his being the leading North American earner in 2024. He retires with four triple-digit Beyers to his credit - 105, 103, 101, 101.Out of multiple stakes winner Rose's Desert, Senor Buscador is half to graded stakes winner and multiple stakes winner Runaway Ghost. Rose's Desert also produced stakes winners Our Iris Rose and Sheriff Brown. His sire, Mineshaft, has produced 8 G1 winners including Dialed In, himself a sire of 3 G1 winners and 29 black type winners. Mineshaft closed out 2024 as a top 5 sire.

The 4-year-old son of More Than Ready, campaigned by Victory Racing Partners, broke his maiden on second asking in an $84,000 Gulfstream Park MSW at 3. After his win in a $127,000 allowance at Ellis Park, he would only compete at the stakes level. His first black type start was in graded stakes company winning the G3 Manila S. at Belmont Park, defeating a deep field consisting entirely of graded stakes winners and stakes winners. He followed up that victory with a third in the G2 National Museum Racing Hall of Fame S., behind eventual G1 winner Carl Spackler (IRE). More Than Looks followed that race up with a win in the $200,000 Jefferson Cup S. at Churchill Downs by 2 3/4 lengths. He earned the first of his four triple-digit Beyer -101- in this win.Returning to the races at four, More Than Looks ran exclusively in G1 company. His first two starts of 2024 resulted in game second place finishes in the G1 Fourstardave H. at Saratoga and G1 Turf Mile S. at Keeneland, earning a 100 Beyer for his effort in the Turf Mile. Those two races set him up perfectly for an impressive run in the G1 Breeders' Cup Mile, where he defeated a competitive international field consisting of 8 G1 winners. With the Breeders' Cup victory he earned his highest career Beyer speed figure of 105 and brought his earnings to a total of $1,870,715.“He's an eye-catching horse that showed elite ability from day one,” said trainer Cherie DeVaux of More Than Looks. “His explosive turn of foot and competitive nature led to consistency at the highest level, and ultimately resulted in him becoming a Breeders' Cup Champion.”Bred by Hinkle Farms, More Than Looks hails from the female family of multiple G1 winner Critical Eye. His black type winning dam, Ladies' Privilege - a $575,000 Keeneland November purchase, by Harlan's Holiday, is a full sister to multiple graded stakes winner Takeover Target.More Than Looks' sire More Than Ready is a leading sire of Breeders' Cup winners and wins, with 7 individual winners accumulating 8 wins. An international success, More Than Ready has sired nearly a 120 black type winners, almost 50 graded stakes winners and 13 G1 winners.

A special Dublin Racing Festival review podcast. Gordon Elliott joins us to reflect on standout performances from Romeo Coolio and Brighterdaysahead, with the KTDA syndicate sharing their thoughts on Romeo Coolio's next target. There's expert analysis from Lydia Hislop, Daryl Jacob gives his thoughts on Talk The Talk, and Mark Boylan rounds things off with his take on the key talking points from a brilliant weekend at Leopardstown.

Nick is joined by the Irish Field's Mark Boylan to look at the latest from around the racing world, focusing primarily on whether this weekend's prestigious Dublin Racing Festival will take place as scheduled. Leopardstown's Peter Roe gives us the latest. Nick and Mark are then joined by Joe Chambers for more DRF chat, and a discussion of how the Ricci-owned horses may fare in the big races. Plus, Dam Barber's final DRF thoughts from a Timeform perspective. Also in this episode, and with news that Ted Noffey will miss the Triple Crown this year, Nick catches up with Brad Cox as he is set to unleash one of his Derby Colts in the Holy Bull at Gulfstream Park this weekend. Plus., Entain PR Director Simon Clare on the company's decision to end sponsorship of the Coral Cup at Cheltenham.

The show kicks off with PTF and Nick Tammaro going over Saturday's Sunset Six, featuring the last three races at Gulfstream Park and the last three at Santa Anita. In the process, they'll cover a quartet of stakes including the Holy Bull, an important Kentucky Derby prep race.Next up, Jerry Bailey and Randy Moss are here with their thoughts on the three big stakes at Gulfstream.The In the Money Players' Podcast is the the place for free horse racing tips and analysis.

Nick is joined by RTE and Racing TV's Jane Mangan to gallop through today's racing news from around the globe. With the Dublin Racing Festival occupying pole position this weekend, they discuss the latest news out of the Irish Gold Cup and catch up with Spindleberry's owner Fearghal Eastwood. Meanwhile, Charlie McCarthy and Rebecca Curtis explain the eleventh hour defections of high profile intended runners Kopek des Bordes and Haiti Couleurs. Also on today's show, Naohiro Goda discusses the significance of Coolmore ownership in Japan, CEO Tansy Challis celebrates a notable milestone for the Racing Foundation, and Sandown Clerk Andrew Cooper outlines a dilemma facing the track should further rain fall this week.

Nick is joined by Mirror man David Yates to discuss the latest from around the racing world. They lead with the unusual and emotionally charged case of retired champion Sprinter Sacre and the GoFundMe page that had been set up to finance his veterinary care. Also today, a positive bulletin on the Leopardstown going conditions from Peter Roe, while owner Neil Sands looks forward to another DRF with Dublin Chase title holder Solness. Plus, Sam Thomas on why Steel Ally may not be a certain starter in the Scilly Isles Chase at Sandown this weekend, JETS Manager Rachel Jones on training day to build jockeys' media profiles, and JA McGrath with the latest from Hong Kong.

This week John Gaspar grabs 2021 NHC Champion Justin Mustari for episode 26. Justin won the Sam Houston Betting Championship this past weekend.

Nick is joined today by ITV and Sky Sports presenter Matt Chapman to discuss the latest from around the racing world. First today, trainer Noel Meade on whether his star Affordale Fury can further enhance his Gold Cup claims this weekend. Also on the show, Sam Curling on his three potential runners in this year's Cheltenham Hunters' Chase, Cornelius Lysaght on the pitfalls of late start times and fading light, and Timeform's Dan Barber with reviews of the juvenile hurdle and bumper divisions plus some international perspective. Our Weatherbys guest this week is Philip Prevost-Baratte, the co-breeder of star staying hurdler Teahupoo.

John sits down with Brett Weiner this week. Brett is a 16x NHC qualifier and the reigning NHC Tour Champion.

Nick is joined by Lydia Hislop to discuss the latest from around the racing world. After a tense day at Cheltenham on Saturday, they assess the events leading up to the controversial running of the final race after a hole was found in the track, and consider what is likely to happen now. Also on today's show, further reflections on that story and his many Trials Day runners from Dan Skelton. Around the globe, the show takes in Pegasus winner Skippylongstocking's win with TPD's Adam Mills, while Michael Guerin put the much lauded victory of New Zealand Star Well Written into context, and trainer Danny Shum revels in another record for the heroic Romantic Warrior.

Special Sunday Show - ITM staple Chris Cupples won the Pegasus Challenge on Saturday, and he joins PTF and Mikee P. to recap his huge win. The guys recap GP races for Saturday and look at the Carryovers on Sunday in the Coast to Coast Pick 5, and Sunset Six.

PTF is joined by horseplayer and frequent ITM contributor Dean Keppler to analyze the sequence for the Sunset Six, which covers the last three races from Gulfstream Park and Santa Anita, for Sunday (Jan. 25).

With his stable star Banishing making his return to the races in the Grade 1 Pegasus, Owner/Gambler Larry Roman returns to the In the Money airwaves, along with PTF and DD, for a detailed look at the race as well as his longshot to key in Race 8, the Grade 3 Fred Hooper.

PTF hosts NBC's Randy Moss for a look at the two Grade 1's on Pegasus Day 2026 at Gulfstream Park on Saturday, January 24. Mikee P. welcomes accomplished horseplayer Chris Cupples to the In the Money Media Podcast for a full breakdown of the Sunset Six for Saturday, January 24th.

PTF and Sean B are back in a show that covers a wide range of topics including the utility of making your own speed figures, his decisions to leave and come back to horse racing, and his idea of who might win the Super Bowl.

Jake Ballis joins Billy and Michelle in between his Eclipse Awards and Middle East travel.

PTF & JK are back for a January update to the Top 10 prospects list on the trail to Kentucky Derby 2026. Later in the show they break down the Pick 5 sequence for the Pegasus World Cup card this Saturday (Jan. 24) at Gulfstream Park.

JK and John talk about the new and old Belmont Park, Barber Road, working with his brother, plane habits, and the Jose Ortiz confusion!

PTF is joined by Duke Matties to break down horse racing action from Santa Anita and Gulfstream Park for Sunday (Jan. 18). They tackle the $1 Sunset Six sequence, which covers the last three races from each track and features a takeout of just 15 percent.Best Bets:PTF - Gulfstream Park Race 8 #2 Expensive QueenDuke Matties - Santa Anita Race 9 #8 Angelica Bay

PTF is joined by Maryland Jockey Club's Dan Illman to analyze an approach to horse racing betting action this Saturday (Jan. 17) at Laurel Park, focusing on the Pick 5 sequence.

Mikee P. subs for the vacationing Ryan Anderson on The Gallop Out this week to cover the Late Pick 5 with an $83,239 Carryover. The sequence covers the last 5 races on Friday, January 16th. Jackson's Ticket - 3,7,10/3,6/4,6/6/1,2,6Mikee P.'s Ticket 3,5,7/12 (b) 13/ 2,4 (b) 10/ 4,6/ 2,9

John Gaspar grabs Evan Trommer this week. Evan is a prolific contest player who seems to win a prize every week. He is based in Sarasota, FL. Evan recently finished 2nd on the 2025 HT Tour.

Nick is bringing you the podcast this week from the Gold Coast for Magic Millions, the racing, sales and entertainment extravaganza that is the envy of the racing world. On today's show, Nick talks to MM ambassadors Mike Tindall and Ally Mosley, Widden Stud owner and leading consignor Anthony Thompson, Coolmore's Tom Magnier, and agents Sam Haggas and James Harron. Plus, Jane Mangan joins the show to have her say about the McManus/Cobden tie up, the creation of a 40k Flat race for Constitution Hill, and goings on at HRI. This week's Weatherbys Guest is Capital Stud Proprietor Ger O'Neill.

The show begins with PTF and Sean Clancy playing tribute to Leo O'Brien, a trainer for whom Sean worked and whom PTF admired tremendously.Next up, JK joins PTF and they go over the 2026 Lecomte Stakes with 20 Kentucky Derby points on the line.