2021 Travers Preview with Dan Illman and Ed Meyer at the Spa
August 26, 2021
Hosted by John Engelhardt
[Download MP3] [itunes] [Bookmark Episode]
Guest Information
Episode Description
This Saturday's Saratoga racing program is so talent heavy, we brought in two of our favorite guest handicappers, to help us lift some winners from a card that features six consecutive Grade 1 races. Up first will Brooklyn's own Dan Illman, the DRF.com Handicapping Editor. Ed Meyer, a man who sleeps with a Daily Racing Form under his pillow, will handle the second segment. We are banking on his experience as an odds-maker and contest player to help grow our bankroll. "The Midsummer Derby" serves as the highlight of the star-studded afternoon. Champion Essential Quality has been tabbed as the pre-race odds-on favorite. His lone defeat in his eight-race career came in a troubled trip in the Kentucky Derby. The 1 1/4 mile Travers Stakes carries a hefty $1,250,000 purse. The Grade 1 races start in the 7th with the $500,000 Ballerina Handicap for fillies and mares and will feature Bob Baffert trainee Gamine, a brilliant speedster who drew the rail in the 7-furlong test. The following Forego for $600,000 is the seven-panel test for males. 3-year-olds will try the 7-furlong $500,000 Allen Jerkens' Memorial, highlighted by a rematch between Jackie's Warrior and Drain the Clock and the return of undefeated Life Is Good. The $600,000 1 1/8 mile Personal Ensign is highlighted by the presence of Letruska, who has experienced a $1 million season so far and comes to the race sporting three straight impressive wins. At Saratoga, there is no such thing as a sure thing, and the field of eight includes the accomplished multi-millionaire Swiss Skydiver, $1,218,740 earner Dunbar Road and Baffert-trained As Time Goes By, who brings Mike Smith to town for the race. Join John and his guests Dan and Ed for their insights into this spectacular day of racing.
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.”
