Handicapping and horses 🐎
01/28/2026
Illinois Racing Board Suspends Suburban Downs License The Illinois Racing Board has suspended the license of Suburban Downs, operator of harness racing at Hawthorne Racecourse, casting into doubt the fate of the Thoroughbred meeting set to start in March.
There was something extraordinary about Saturdays at the track - the intoxicating scent of fresh grass, the vibrant flash of jockey silks, and the thunderous roar as horses thundered towards the finish line. Arlington Park wasn't just a venue, it was an unforgettable experience. Walking through its gates was like entering a world of timeless elegance, a true crown jewel that sparkled for a reason. Holding onto the memories of sun-kissed afternoons beneath the grandstands, reliving the magic was effortless. A treasured Illinois gem, though the finish line may be gone, its legacy endures. Recalling the deafening cheers and the pounding hooves on dirt brings back memories, proving some places forever etched in your heart. Chasing memories on the home stretch, Arlington's unique enchantment lingered long after you left its hallowed grounds.
-D.L.& E.P.
Arlington Park
12/19/2025
Sovereignty Wins Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes — A Triple Crown Dream That Nearly Was🇺🇲
In a season filled with dominance and brilliance, Sovereignty has firmly established himself as the standout of his generation. With victories in both the Kentucky Derby and the Belmont Stakes, run this year at Saratoga due to renovations at Belmont Park, the powerful c**t has captivated the racing world — and left fans asking, what if?
Sovereignty took the Kentucky Derby by storm in early May, displaying a perfect combination of speed, poise, and tactical brilliance. Then, after skipping the Preakness Stakes, he returned in early June to conquer the grueling 1½-mile Belmont Stakes, defeating a strong field that once again included his rival, Journalism.
His back-to-back Grade 1 wins bookending the Triple Crown season were nothing short of spectacular. But his absence from the Preakness Stakes has sparked debate and speculation across the racing world.
Had Sovereignty run at Pimlico, many believe he would have swept the series — becoming just the 14th horse in history to win the Triple Crown. His performances in the Derby and Belmont suggest he had the stamina, talent, and maturity to pull it off.
“We made the best decisions for the horse at the time,” said his trainer. “But of course, when you see how he’s performed, it’s natural to think about what might have been. He’s a Triple Crown-caliber horse — no doubt.”
Even without the middle jewel, Sovereignty’s 2025 campaign has been one for the ages. Now considered the top 3-year-old in America.
He may not have officially won the Triple Crown — but Sovereignty has won the hearts of racing fans everywhere. 🏇👑