Players' Podcast - Saturday 4/4/26 | Blue Grass Stakes Late Pick 5, Santa Anita & Laurel Pick 5s

In The Money Media Network54mApril 3, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

The In The Money Players podcast delivers a comprehensive preview of Saturday's major racing cards at Keeneland, Santa Anita, and Laurel Park, focusing on late pick fives and player-friendly wagering opportunities. Host Peter Thomas Fornital is joined by Keeneland morning line maker Nick Tamaro, who highlights Keeneland's innovative $3 late pick three with a 15% takeout and increased minimums, arguing that higher minimums benefit recreational players. The duo analyzes key races including the Bluegrass Stakes, Madison Stakes, and Shaker Town, with Storm's Wake and Further Ado emerging as top picks. Duke Matisse then joins to discuss Santa Anita's Derby Day card, advocating for Cherokee Nation in the Santa Anita Derby while noting potential value in Robusta and So Happy. At Laurel Park, Kelly Francois provides insights on the Heavenly Cause, Frank Whiteley, and Native Dancer stakes, with Take the Money Honey named as the clear best bet. The episode concludes with a strong emphasis on player-friendly bets like the Sunset Six and all-turf pick threes, and promotes upcoming handicapping contests and subscription services like DukesPicks.com and In The Money Plus.

Key Takeaways
1

Keeneland's new $3 late pick three with 15% takeout is a player-friendly bet worth targeting.

2

Storm's Wake is a top pick in the Appalachian Stakes due to her strong form and favorable trip potential.

3

Further Ado is the top choice in the Bluegrass Stakes, with improved form expected after a layoff.

4

Cherokee Nation is the preferred pick in the Santa Anita Derby, despite Lasix concerns.

5

Take the Money Honey is the clear best bet in the Heavenly Cause at Laurel Park.

…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus

Chapters
0:00
10 min

Keeneland Opening Day & New Wagering Innovations

Higher minimums are good for the rank-and-file horse player. So hopefully we'll see tracks continue to push this direction.

Highlight
10:00
10 min

Bluegrass Stakes & Madison Stakes Analysis

I think he's better than the balance of this field, especially with class president out.

Highlight
20:00
10 min

Santa Anita Derby & Late Pick Five Preview

I got to go with the one Cherokee Nation, the big speed figure. We got that race extremely fast.

Highlight
30:00
10 min

Laurel Park Stakes & Best Bet Announcement

Take the money, honey. This is her race to win or lose whatever she wants to do in this race, the end result is going to be the same.

Highlight
40:00
15 min

Player-Friendly Bets & Subscription Promotions

The hosts emphasize the value of the Sunset Six, all-turf pick threes, and late pick threes at Santa Anita and Keeneland. They promote DukesPicks.com, In The Money Plus, and the upcoming Preakness preview handicapping challenge.

High-Impact Quotes
Take the money, honey. This is her race to win or lose whatever she wants to do in this race, the end result is going to be the same.
Kelly Francois39:57
Viral: 90.0
Higher minimums are good for the rank-and-file horse player. So hopefully we'll see tracks continue to push this direction.
Nick Tamaro2:46
Viral: 85.0
I got to go with the one Cherokee Nation, the big speed figure. We got that race extremely fast.
Duke Matisse24:51
Viral: 82.0
Speakers

Host

Peter Thomas Fornital

Guests

Nick TamaroDuke MatisseKelly Francois
Topics Discussed
player-friendly wagering95%keeneland racing90%santa anita derby88%late pick five85%handicapping strategy80%turf racing75%morning line analysis70%horse racing handicapping65%
People & Brands

Keeneland

other

25xPositive

Santa Anita

other

20xPositive

Laurel Park

other

18xPositive

In The Money Media

media

16xPositive

Duke Matisse

person

15xPositive

Nick Tamaro

person

12xPositive

Santa Anita Derby

other

10xPositive

DukesPicks.com

product

10xPositive

Kelly Francois

person

8xPositive

Bluegrass Stakes

other

8xPositive

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