Episode Details

Today, Larry goes one on one with Professional Handicapper Ray Arsenault, who discusses how he became involved in Handicapping Tournament play and talks about some of his successes in the National Handicapping Championship, which included a win in 2017. He also talks about how he originally became interested ih handicapping and gives some betting selections on some of the races today at Gulfstream Park.; Standardbred Driver Todd Ratchford, who discusses his initial hockey career and how he eventually moved into the ‘family business’ of Harness Racing. Todd also talks about his Driving Career to date and the help that Trainer Matt Bax has given and mentions why last season was so much better than 2023. He also talks about where he plans to be on the night of February 8th.; Woodbine Trainer Kevin Attard, who talks about Thursday night’s Eclipse Awards which saw his Moira win for ‘Female Turf Mare’. He also talks about whether he had an opportunity to reflect on the 2024 racing season and if he has any goals set for the 2025 season. Kevin also talks about what are some of the benefits of training in Florida during the Winter months compared to staying locally.

In our feature, ‘In Case You Missed It’ A Look At The Way It Was In Horse Racing News, Larry talks about the recent Eclipse Awards held this past Thursday night and some of the more well recognized winners. In our regular feature,‘Road Trip’, Larry talks about todays Pegasus World Cup Invitational and mentions about some of the history behind the race itself and who he believes the race ‘goes through’ today. He also provides his ‘Ponies Picks of the Day’ selections for several North American Racetracks, later on in the show.

Bullet points of key topics, guests (who they are) & time stamps:

● Ray initially discusses how he came interested in horse racing and in particular the art of handicapping. He also talks about how he became involved in tournament play and talks about his career to date as a professional handicapping tournament player, which included winning the Championship in 2017. Ray also talks about how people can become involved in tournament play and mentions that there is also a mentor program that the National Thoroughbred Racing Association provides to help people become better skilled when playing in their handicapping tournaments. He also is asked what advice he would give someone wanting to join the tour and also handicaps a couple of races on today’s Gulfstream Park card .

● Todd initially talks about his hockey career and the various leagues and Countries where he played and mentions what prompted him to retire from hockey and move into the ‘family business’ of Standardbred racing. Todd also talks about his first shortened year of driving in 2023 and why he had much better luck last year, which was also his first full time season. Todd also mention the influence Trainer Matt Bax has had on his career last season and mentions one race in particular that saw Todd win a stakes event and defeating Dexter Dunn , who finished second in the race. He also mentions if he has any goals set for the current 2025 racing season and discusses the upcoming night of February 8th and what he intends to be doing that evening.

● Kevin discusses Thursday nights Eclipse win by Moira and what it meant to him and mentions whether there is any chance that we may see Moira race here in Canada later this season. He also says whether he was surprised that Moira was a unanimous selection for the Eclipse and talks about his 2024 season and some of the highlights and whether he has any goals set for the 2025 racing season. Kevi also discusses how many horses he anticipates having in training at Woodbine this season and also talks about the benefits of training in Florida compared to Ontario. He is also asked to finish the following question ‘ If I didn’t become a Thoroughbred Trainer, I would probably be ---- ? Tune in for Kevin’s answer, you may be sur