S9E28: 'Twas the week before Derby

S9E28: 'Twas the week before Derby

From The Ron Flatter Racing Pod by Horse Racing Nation

April 24, 2026 · 1h 16m · Season 9 · Episode 28

About this episode

This episode discusses the upcoming Kentucky Derby 2026, featuring insights from trainers and betting experts.

The field for Kentucky Derby 2026 will be drawn this weekend, when final breezes will show up on the Churchill Downs work tab. That is the setting for this episode of the Ron Flatter Racing Pod. Riley Mott, the son of Hall of Fame trainer Bill Mott, is preparing his first two Derby horses for next Saturday's big date. He talks about Virginia Derby winner Incredibolt and Grade 2 Wood Memorial victor Albus as well as his relationship with their owner Pin Oak Stable. In a nod to bettors, National Thoroughbred Racing Association chief operating officer Keith Chamblin discusses the growth of handicapping contests in the blush of the most exciting renewal of the National Horseplayers Championship. He talks about the formats of these competitions as well as his concerns about the future of money-troubled Hawthorne, which has been a breeding ground for NHC winners from Chicagoland. Super Screener creator Mike Shutty looks at early handicapping angles on the Derby and areas where he may be aiming his money. He also has tips for the Roxelana Stakes on opening day Saturday at Churchill Downs. Co-hosts John Cherwa of the Los Angeles Times and Keith Nelson of Fairmount Park have their popular…

People in this episode

Hosts: John Cherwa, Keith Nelson

Guests: Riley Mott, Keith Chamblin, Mike Shutty

Topics covered

  • Kentucky Derby
  • horse racing
  • handicapping contests
  • betting tips
  • trainer insights

Keywords

  • Kentucky Derby
  • handicapping
  • horse racing
  • Riley Mott
  • Keith Chamblin
  • Mike Shutty
  • betting tips
  • Roxelana Stakes

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Pin Oak Stable, National Thoroughbred Racing Association

Books & works: Ron Flatter Racing Pod

Places: Hawthorne

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