Race Caller Ed Meyer, DRF Handicappers Marty McGee and Dan Illman

April 1, 2021
Hosted by John Engelhardt

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Guest Information

Episode Description

This week our cup runneth over with graded stakes galore from coast to coast. A triumvirate of respected handicappers are stepping up to the microphone to give their insights on Saturday’s best offerings in a barrage of 100-40-20-10 Derby and Oaks preps. Writer, race caller, odds-maker, community volunteer and all-round good guy, Ed Meyer, is between racing meets and can join us again. He will be tackling the Gr. 1 $750,000 Santa Anita Derby and the Gr. 2 $400,000 Santa Anita Oaks. Then he will time travel to Oaklawn Park to the ladies in a highly competitive Gr. 3 $600,000 Fantasy. Eclipse Award winning writer and handicapper Marty McGee from the DRF will select his best bets from three of the top graded races that will be part of six graded races on an excellent betting program. Undefeated champion Essential Quality will compete in the Gr. 2 $800,000 Blue Grass Stakes; a tough group of fillies will go to post in the Gr. 1 $400,000 Ashland and we will round out his picks for the quality laden Gr. 1 $300,000 Madison Stakes. The “smooth as silk” on-air handicapper at the DRF, Dan Illman will take a bite out of the Big Apple feature races. Derby hopefuls will match strides in the historic Gr.2 $750,000 Wood Memorial, while one or two fillies will punch their ticket to the Ky. Oaks in the Gr. 3 $400,000 Gazelle. Since 1895 many greats have broken from the gates in the now Gr. 1 $250,000 Carter Handicap at 7 furlongs. After the race we will know whose name will be etched alongside racing greats Tom Fool; In Reality; King’s Bishop; Forego and Bold Ruler.

Winning Ponies

Thursday at 5 PM Pacific Time on VoiceAmerica Variety Channel

On the show we will talk about the Sport of Kings. We will delve into the different features of the WinningPonies.com website. John Engelhardt will talk about the issues of the day that affect horse racing, such as synthetic surfaces, medication rule changes, the fate of the industry as a whole, VLTs and Casinos, and human interest stories of triumph and defeat. You will also hear our spot play of the week, where John will handicap the feature races for the upcoming weekend, and will give out his best plays. We will keep you abreast racing’s big events. Featured on the show will be guests (trainers, jockeys, owners, celebrity handicappers and industry insiders). Promotional giveaways will be featured, such as brand merchandise and free WinningCredits.

"Winning Ponies" is broadcast live every Thursday at 8 PM Eastern/5 PM Pacific on the VoiceAmerica Variety Channel.

John Engelhardt

You may recognize him as "Racing's Regular Guy." For ten years, John Engelhardt hosted the informative and sometimes irreverent handicapping show from his base at River Downs in Cincinnati, Ohio. He developed a passion for thoroughbred racing as a youngster at Saratoga, and has been able to make his love of the sport his life's calling.

Engelhardt, a native of Syracuse, New York is a graduate of the University of Dayton. His professional career in racing began as the track photographer at Beulah Park in 1983 and he has worked in racing ever since. John produced "The Stretch Run" for eight years, which aired on the CBS affiliate WCPO-TV in Cincinnati. For four years Engelhardt co-hosted "The Regular Guy Handicapping Show on HOMER 1530-AM in Cincinnati with former "Winning Ponies" host Ed Meyer.

John served as the President of the Turf Publicists of America in 2009 and 2010, after serving several years as the Midwest Vice-President of that organization. He is currently a consultant for Pinnacle Entertainment handling publicity, public relations, marketing, advertising and special events for River Downs. Under the "nom-de-course" of Heart of an Angel Stable, he has bred and owned thoroughbreds for 18 years.

"Racing's Regular Guy" has been exposed to racing on many levels and greets the sport with enthusiasm and well-rounded knowledge. Tune in Thursdays at 5PM PT, as he welcomes nationally recognized guests, who will help you find those "Winning Ponies.”



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