Mike Curry
@michaelcurry.bsky.social
Philly sports enthusiast, horse racing/sports writer and editor
Former Thoroughbred Times (RIP), current America's Best Racing
https://www.americasbestracing.net/contributors/mike-curry
Former Thoroughbred Times (RIP), current America's Best Racing
https://www.americasbestracing.net/contributors/mike-curry
Pinned
Mike Curry
@michaelcurry.bsky.social
· Apr 25
2025 Kentucky Oaks Cheat Sheet
The $1.5 million Longines Kentucky Oaks is the premier dirt race for 3-year-old fillies in North America, a 1 1/8-mile test that goes a long way toward determining the Eclipse Award in the division a...
www.americasbestracing.net
I feel like I say this every year about the Kentucky Oaks, but this year it really feels like a strong group of 3-year-old fillies. Good Cheer is terrific but not a standout on figs and there and quite a few other really talented fillies. My Oaks Cheat Sheet at @americasbestracing.bsky.social 👇
One of my favorite @americasbestracing.bsky.social features every year for the Kentucky Derby is Keeler Johnson's Derby Data blog on how fast the Derby contenders finished. Always a useful tool when handicapping. www.americasbestracing.net/gambling/202...
2025 Kentucky Derby Data: How Fast This Year’s Contenders Finished
All the prep races have been completed, and the field is close to finalized for the Grade 1 Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve May 3 at Churchill Downs. Determining which horses will appreci...
www.americasbestracing.net
May 3, 2025 at 4:43 PM
One of my favorite @americasbestracing.bsky.social features every year for the Kentucky Derby is Keeler Johnson's Derby Data blog on how fast the Derby contenders finished. Always a useful tool when handicapping. www.americasbestracing.net/gambling/202...
If you are wondering which fillies might handle an "off" (or wet) track best in the Kentucky Oaks, I wrote a story for @americasbestracing.bsky.social with my insights ... and that scenario has played today out at Churchill Downs. www.americasbestracing.net/gambling/202...
Which 2025 Kentucky Oaks Entrants Should Excel on a Wet Track?
The $1.5 million Longines Kentucky Oaks May 2 at Churchill Downs is the most important dirt race of the year that is restricted to 3-year-old fillies and typically goes a long way toward determining t...
www.americasbestracing.net
May 2, 2025 at 8:53 PM
If you are wondering which fillies might handle an "off" (or wet) track best in the Kentucky Oaks, I wrote a story for @americasbestracing.bsky.social with my insights ... and that scenario has played today out at Churchill Downs. www.americasbestracing.net/gambling/202...
I put together a story for @americasbestracing.bsky.social on Sandman last week taking a closer look at his pedigree and career development with comments from Terry Finley and Mark Casse and also some fun tidbits about his personality and a few video embeds.
Get to Know Griffin Johnson’s ‘A Stake in Stardom’ Kentucky Derby Contender Sandman
Striking gray 3-year-old racehorse Sandman will be one of the favorites for the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve May 3 at Churchill Downs. That alone means Sandman will be the subject of i...
www.americasbestracing.net
April 29, 2025 at 4:58 PM
I put together a story for @americasbestracing.bsky.social on Sandman last week taking a closer look at his pedigree and career development with comments from Terry Finley and Mark Casse and also some fun tidbits about his personality and a few video embeds.
This was a fun little feature to put together for @americasbestracing.bsky.social on auction prices and how they relate (or, more accurately, don't) to success in the Kentucky Derby ... plus charting the auction prices of this year's contenders. Chunk of Gold was a heckuva find at $2,500!
Bargain Shopping: A Big Auction Price is Rarely Predictive of Kentucky Derby Success
Horse racing is often referred to as “The Sport of Kings,” creating the impression that only those with incredible wealth can participate … and it is, no doubt, very expensive to own a horse much less...
www.americasbestracing.net
April 27, 2025 at 4:33 PM
This was a fun little feature to put together for @americasbestracing.bsky.social on auction prices and how they relate (or, more accurately, don't) to success in the Kentucky Derby ... plus charting the auction prices of this year's contenders. Chunk of Gold was a heckuva find at $2,500!
I feel like I say this every year about the Kentucky Oaks, but this year it really feels like a strong group of 3-year-old fillies. Good Cheer is terrific but not a standout on figs and there and quite a few other really talented fillies. My Oaks Cheat Sheet at @americasbestracing.bsky.social 👇
2025 Kentucky Oaks Cheat Sheet
The $1.5 million Longines Kentucky Oaks is the premier dirt race for 3-year-old fillies in North America, a 1 1/8-mile test that goes a long way toward determining the Eclipse Award in the division a...
www.americasbestracing.net
April 25, 2025 at 3:04 AM
I feel like I say this every year about the Kentucky Oaks, but this year it really feels like a strong group of 3-year-old fillies. Good Cheer is terrific but not a standout on figs and there and quite a few other really talented fillies. My Oaks Cheat Sheet at @americasbestracing.bsky.social 👇
I put together an early look at the probable field (before defections) for the 2025 Kentucky Derby for @americasbestracing.bsky.social with the top contenders, international runners, wild cards, bubble horses, and more ... www.americasbestracing.net/the-sport/20...
An Early Look at the Probable Field for the 2025 Kentucky Derby
With the final round of prep races for the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve that awarded 100 points to the winner now in the books, the time has come to take a look at the cast of 3-year-o...
www.americasbestracing.net
April 10, 2025 at 6:42 PM
I put together an early look at the probable field (before defections) for the 2025 Kentucky Derby for @americasbestracing.bsky.social with the top contenders, international runners, wild cards, bubble horses, and more ... www.americasbestracing.net/the-sport/20...
Reposted by Mike Curry
Jockey Calvin Borel was no stranger to upsets, but one in particular ranks right up there with the biggest shockers ever on the #KentuckyDerby trail.
@michaelcurry.bsky.social told the story of the $218 upset in the 1993 Arkansas Derby below.
www.americasbestracing.net/the-sport/20...
@michaelcurry.bsky.social told the story of the $218 upset in the 1993 Arkansas Derby below.
www.americasbestracing.net/the-sport/20...
Bombs Away With Borel: A $218 Shocker in 1993 Arkansas Derby
Hall of Fame jockey Calvin Borel has engineered his share of upsets on the big stage, perhaps most famously guiding Mine That Bird to a stunning, rail-skimming 50.60-1 score in the slop in the 2009 Ke...
www.americasbestracing.net
March 27, 2025 at 4:21 PM
Jockey Calvin Borel was no stranger to upsets, but one in particular ranks right up there with the biggest shockers ever on the #KentuckyDerby trail.
@michaelcurry.bsky.social told the story of the $218 upset in the 1993 Arkansas Derby below.
www.americasbestracing.net/the-sport/20...
@michaelcurry.bsky.social told the story of the $218 upset in the 1993 Arkansas Derby below.
www.americasbestracing.net/the-sport/20...
Sovereignty looks like the one to beat, but outside post and new jockey could hurt his chances. Still looks like the most likely winner to me, but Tappan Street is eligible to take a big step forward. Get the scoop on all runners in my @americasbestracing.bsky.social Florida Derby Cheat Sheet ...
A record 25 3-year-olds prepped in the Florida Derby have gone on to win the roses! Could we see another this year? 🌹
Presented by Gulfstream Park, meet the field in Saturday's Florida Derby and find out everything you need to know in our Cheat Sheet. loom.ly/0wc3cbQ
Presented by Gulfstream Park, meet the field in Saturday's Florida Derby and find out everything you need to know in our Cheat Sheet. loom.ly/0wc3cbQ
2025 Florida Derby Cheat Sheet
The Florida Derby has historically been the most important steppingstone to the Kentucky Derby with 25 3-year-olds who competed in the race going on to glory in the first jewel of the Triple Crown. Ma...
loom.ly
March 27, 2025 at 4:04 PM
Sovereignty looks like the one to beat, but outside post and new jockey could hurt his chances. Still looks like the most likely winner to me, but Tappan Street is eligible to take a big step forward. Get the scoop on all runners in my @americasbestracing.bsky.social Florida Derby Cheat Sheet ...
Glad to hear that Owen Almighty will get a shot to stretch out. I think he's a terrific 3-year-old with a big-time future. The 1 1/4 miles is a big question for all 3YOs, but his TB Derby was legit IMO.
Triple Crown Trail Update 🏇🌹
Who's heating up and who's cooling down? Catch up on the latest list of #KentuckyDerby hopefuls with @michaelcurry.bsky.social. loom.ly/62JuPs4
Who's heating up and who's cooling down? Catch up on the latest list of #KentuckyDerby hopefuls with @michaelcurry.bsky.social. loom.ly/62JuPs4
2025 Kentucky Derby Trail: Three Heating Up, Three Cooling Down for March 18
This feature provides a capsule look at three horses who are heating up on the Triple Crown trail and three horses whose chances for the 2025 Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve are not quite...
loom.ly
March 18, 2025 at 4:47 PM
Glad to hear that Owen Almighty will get a shot to stretch out. I think he's a terrific 3-year-old with a big-time future. The 1 1/4 miles is a big question for all 3YOs, but his TB Derby was legit IMO.
I feel pretty strongly that we saw the 2025 Kentucky Derby winner last weekend. My Derby Top 2 right now are 1) Journalism and 2) Sovereignty. Latest three heating up, three cooling down at @americasbestracing.bsky.social
2025 Kentucky Derby Trail: Three Heating Up, Three Cooling Down for March 4
This feature provides a capsule look at three horses who are heating up on the Triple Crown trail and three horses whose chances for the 2025 Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve are not quite...
www.americasbestracing.net
March 4, 2025 at 7:09 PM
I feel pretty strongly that we saw the 2025 Kentucky Derby winner last weekend. My Derby Top 2 right now are 1) Journalism and 2) Sovereignty. Latest three heating up, three cooling down at @americasbestracing.bsky.social
Reposted by Mike Curry
Do you remember when Un Ojo shocked fans in the Rebel Stakes, winning at odds of 75-1? 🤯
Having just one eye certainly didn't hold him back. Relive his unforgettable upset with @michaelcurry.bsky.social. loom.ly/dD7kbmE
Having just one eye certainly didn't hold him back. Relive his unforgettable upset with @michaelcurry.bsky.social. loom.ly/dD7kbmE
An Eye-Opening $152 Upset Winner in the Rebel Stakes
The Rebel Stakes at Oaklawn Park has produced its share of shocking results this century. A $2 win bet on Crowned King paid supporters $75.60 in 2003, Win Willy’s backers made a tidy $115.60 for a cou...
loom.ly
February 20, 2025 at 7:23 PM
Do you remember when Un Ojo shocked fans in the Rebel Stakes, winning at odds of 75-1? 🤯
Having just one eye certainly didn't hold him back. Relive his unforgettable upset with @michaelcurry.bsky.social. loom.ly/dD7kbmE
Having just one eye certainly didn't hold him back. Relive his unforgettable upset with @michaelcurry.bsky.social. loom.ly/dD7kbmE
Reposted by Mike Curry
Wondering who is trending upward on the Derby trail? 🏇
@michaelcurry.bsky.social took a look at three horses gaining momentum on the Triple Crown trail—and three whose Derby hopes are cooling off. Check it out!
loom.ly/pR9bLf8
@michaelcurry.bsky.social took a look at three horses gaining momentum on the Triple Crown trail—and three whose Derby hopes are cooling off. Check it out!
loom.ly/pR9bLf8
2025 Kentucky Derby Trail: Three Heating Up, Three Cooling Down for Feb. 18
This feature provides a capsule look at three horses who are heating up on the Triple Crown trail and three horses whose chances for the 2025 Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve are not quite...
loom.ly
February 19, 2025 at 1:35 PM
Wondering who is trending upward on the Derby trail? 🏇
@michaelcurry.bsky.social took a look at three horses gaining momentum on the Triple Crown trail—and three whose Derby hopes are cooling off. Check it out!
loom.ly/pR9bLf8
@michaelcurry.bsky.social took a look at three horses gaining momentum on the Triple Crown trail—and three whose Derby hopes are cooling off. Check it out!
loom.ly/pR9bLf8
I considered strongly taking a 20-1 shot on the morning line to win. Wound up selecting him third. Fun race and a better field than I had expected.
The stakes are high in the Sunland Park Derby this Sunday! A $400,000 purse and points towards a spot in the Run for the Roses are on the line. 🌹
Meet the contenders with @michaelcurry.bsky.social. loom.ly/7BgwLI0
Meet the contenders with @michaelcurry.bsky.social. loom.ly/7BgwLI0
2025 Sunland Park Derby at a Glance
The Road to the 2025 Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve makes a stop this weekend in New Mexico for the Sunland Park Derby.
loom.ly
February 12, 2025 at 5:40 PM
I considered strongly taking a 20-1 shot on the morning line to win. Wound up selecting him third. Fun race and a better field than I had expected.
My latest on who is 🔥 up on the Kentucky Derby trail @americasbestracing.bsky.social and which 3-year-olds are cooling down. Finally saw some faster Derby preps last week.
2025 Kentucky Derby Trail: Three Heating Up, Three Cooling Down for Feb. 4
This feature provides a capsule look at three horses who are heating up on the Triple Crown trail and three horses whose chances for the 2025 Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve are not quite...
www.americasbestracing.net
February 4, 2025 at 6:50 PM
My latest on who is 🔥 up on the Kentucky Derby trail @americasbestracing.bsky.social and which 3-year-olds are cooling down. Finally saw some faster Derby preps last week.
Plenty of movement over the last three weeks on the road to the 2025 Kentucky Derby and we have a big Saturday on tap this weekend. So which 3YOs are heating up and which ones are cooling down on the Derby trail heading into the big weekend?
2025 Kentucky Derby Trail: Three Heating Up, Three Cooling Down for Jan. 28
This feature provides a capsule look at three horses who are heating up on the Triple Crown trail and three horses whose chances for the 2025 Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve are not quite...
www.americasbestracing.net
January 29, 2025 at 6:12 PM
Plenty of movement over the last three weeks on the road to the 2025 Kentucky Derby and we have a big Saturday on tap this weekend. So which 3YOs are heating up and which ones are cooling down on the Derby trail heading into the big weekend?
If you are going to take a shot on big-race days, swing big. I found a spot I really like on the Pegasus World Cup card in the Filly and Mare Turf with a 20-1 shot on the morning line. So many great races ...
The Best Way to Burn Twenty Bucks on the Pegasus Filly and Mare Turf
On big race days my philosophy is to swing for the fences. The Jan. 25 Pegasus World Cup card at Gulfstream Park is the marquee day of racing in the winter months. With eight stakes among 13 races and...
www.americasbestracing.net
January 23, 2025 at 9:02 PM
If you are going to take a shot on big-race days, swing big. I found a spot I really like on the Pegasus World Cup card in the Filly and Mare Turf with a 20-1 shot on the morning line. So many great races ...
Reposted by Mike Curry
2025 NHL prospect pool rankings: No. 18 Philadelphia Flyers:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/606...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/606...
January 22, 2025 at 11:23 AM
2025 NHL prospect pool rankings: No. 18 Philadelphia Flyers:
www.nytimes.com/athletic/606...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/606...
Reposted by Mike Curry
Who’s climbing the Triple Crown ranks, and who’s cooling off?
@michaelcurry.bsky.social's Heating Up, Cooling Down feature takes a closer look at the 3-year-old male division as the Road to the Kentucky Derby begins to take shape.
loom.ly/WehW3ys
@michaelcurry.bsky.social's Heating Up, Cooling Down feature takes a closer look at the 3-year-old male division as the Road to the Kentucky Derby begins to take shape.
loom.ly/WehW3ys
2025 Kentucky Derby Trail: Three Heating Up, Three Cooling Down for Jan. 9
This feature provides a capsule look at three horses who are heating up on the Triple Crown trail and three horses whose chances for the 2025 Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve are not quite...
loom.ly
January 9, 2025 at 10:08 PM
Who’s climbing the Triple Crown ranks, and who’s cooling off?
@michaelcurry.bsky.social's Heating Up, Cooling Down feature takes a closer look at the 3-year-old male division as the Road to the Kentucky Derby begins to take shape.
loom.ly/WehW3ys
@michaelcurry.bsky.social's Heating Up, Cooling Down feature takes a closer look at the 3-year-old male division as the Road to the Kentucky Derby begins to take shape.
loom.ly/WehW3ys
Reposted by Mike Curry
Smarty Jones, the Pennsylvania-bred sensation, captured hearts and mesmerized sports fans with a story almost too far-fetched to be true.
Murder, health issues, and unlikely heroes all played a role in Smarty's rise to fame. @michaelcurry.bsky.social told his story 👇
loom.ly/Envtpqw
Murder, health issues, and unlikely heroes all played a role in Smarty's rise to fame. @michaelcurry.bsky.social told his story 👇
loom.ly/Envtpqw
January 3, 2025 at 7:17 PM
Smarty Jones, the Pennsylvania-bred sensation, captured hearts and mesmerized sports fans with a story almost too far-fetched to be true.
Murder, health issues, and unlikely heroes all played a role in Smarty's rise to fame. @michaelcurry.bsky.social told his story 👇
loom.ly/Envtpqw
Murder, health issues, and unlikely heroes all played a role in Smarty's rise to fame. @michaelcurry.bsky.social told his story 👇
loom.ly/Envtpqw
Reposted by Mike Curry
New year, new chances to win big and make memories at the races!
As we kick off 2025, here’s a list of New Year’s resolutions every horseplayer and fan should consider to make the most of the year ⬇️
www.americasbestracing.net/lifestyle/20...
As we kick off 2025, here’s a list of New Year’s resolutions every horseplayer and fan should consider to make the most of the year ⬇️
www.americasbestracing.net/lifestyle/20...
Eight Horse Racing New Year’s Resolutions for 2025
Each new year in horse racing brings with it the hopes for a newly emerging group of star horses, anticipation for all the stakes races to come in the year ahead, and of course, the hopes of plenty of...
www.americasbestracing.net
January 2, 2025 at 2:31 PM
New year, new chances to win big and make memories at the races!
As we kick off 2025, here’s a list of New Year’s resolutions every horseplayer and fan should consider to make the most of the year ⬇️
www.americasbestracing.net/lifestyle/20...
As we kick off 2025, here’s a list of New Year’s resolutions every horseplayer and fan should consider to make the most of the year ⬇️
www.americasbestracing.net/lifestyle/20...
Reposted by Mike Curry
With Thorpedo Anna looking like a very heavy favorite to take home Horse of the Year honors, I wrote a story for @americasbestracing.bsky.social and @bloodhorse.com on the six previous female HoYs of the Eclipse Award era.
The Sensational Six Female Horses of the Year: Will Thorpedo Anna Join Exclusive Club?
“The Horse of the Year has to do something extraordinary.”
www.americasbestracing.net
December 30, 2024 at 6:35 PM
With Thorpedo Anna looking like a very heavy favorite to take home Horse of the Year honors, I wrote a story for @americasbestracing.bsky.social and @bloodhorse.com on the six previous female HoYs of the Eclipse Award era.
With Thorpedo Anna looking like a very heavy favorite to take home Horse of the Year honors, I wrote a story for @americasbestracing.bsky.social and @bloodhorse.com on the six previous female HoYs of the Eclipse Award era.
The Sensational Six Female Horses of the Year: Will Thorpedo Anna Join Exclusive Club?
“The Horse of the Year has to do something extraordinary.”
www.americasbestracing.net
December 30, 2024 at 6:35 PM
With Thorpedo Anna looking like a very heavy favorite to take home Horse of the Year honors, I wrote a story for @americasbestracing.bsky.social and @bloodhorse.com on the six previous female HoYs of the Eclipse Award era.
Reposted by Mike Curry
From setbacks to stardom, Bricks and Mortar’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. Discover how this incredible horse overcame adversity to become a champion. Read more at @americasbestracing.bsky.social!
www.americasbestracing.net/the-sport/20...
www.americasbestracing.net/the-sport/20...
Bricks and Mortar: From Adversity Emerged a Champion
The Thoroughbred is known for its athletic prowess and tenacious spirit, qualities that the humblest of claimers or the grandest of champions can show when put to the test. When an injury sends a hors...
www.americasbestracing.net
December 18, 2024 at 4:26 PM
From setbacks to stardom, Bricks and Mortar’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. Discover how this incredible horse overcame adversity to become a champion. Read more at @americasbestracing.bsky.social!
www.americasbestracing.net/the-sport/20...
www.americasbestracing.net/the-sport/20...
Had fun pulling old BloodHorse editions to research 1983 Horse of the Year All Along for new Legends feature for @americasbestracing.bsky.social. Some great Biancone quotes on first female HoY of Eclipse Awards era (since 1971) as well as first foreign-based and first to race exclusively on grass.
A Horse of the Year in 42 Days: All Along’s Magical Run to the Record Books
At the start of autumn in 1983, All Along was not remotely a candidate for any type of year-end award in North American Thoroughbred racing or her native France. She had not won a race all year. Every...
www.americasbestracing.net
December 16, 2024 at 5:16 PM
Had fun pulling old BloodHorse editions to research 1983 Horse of the Year All Along for new Legends feature for @americasbestracing.bsky.social. Some great Biancone quotes on first female HoY of Eclipse Awards era (since 1971) as well as first foreign-based and first to race exclusively on grass.
The Remington Springboard Mile is always a fun #horseracing handicapping exercise with local runners facing shippers from California, Kentucky, etc. Big purse and #KentuckyDerby points on the line lured 12 entrants. My betting strategy at @americasbestracing.bsky.social:
Exacta Betting Strategy for 2024 Remington Springboard Mile
The $300,000 Remington Springboard Mile at Remington Park has produced some memorable results in recent years, including $30-plus winners Long Range Toddy ($39.20) in 2018 and Wildatlanticstorm in 202...
www.americasbestracing.net
December 11, 2024 at 5:31 PM
The Remington Springboard Mile is always a fun #horseracing handicapping exercise with local runners facing shippers from California, Kentucky, etc. Big purse and #KentuckyDerby points on the line lured 12 entrants. My betting strategy at @americasbestracing.bsky.social: