BC Racebook Newsletter - April 29, 2025
Live Racing Returns to Hastings Racecourse on Saturday, May 3 to kick off the 2025 Season
Hastings Racecourse is thrilled to announce the return of live thoroughbred racing on Saturday, May 3 starting at 2:30 PM PT / 5:30 PM ET. The opening card of racing will be running alongside the prestigious 151st running of the Kentucky Derby from Churchill Downs.
The 2025 racing calendar features 45 programs headlined by signature events such as The Cup on July 19, the BC Cup on August 4, and the BC Derby on September 13.
Win Up To A $100 Racing Voucher This Saturday at Hastings Racecourse!
Western Canadian Derby Series Returns in 2025
Western Canadian Derby Series Returns in 2025 with $100,000 Derby Bonus and $25,000 Owner-Trainer Bonus
With Western Canadian race meets launching in May, the 2025 Western Canadian Derby Series promises to elevate an already thrilling season of Thoroughbred racing across Western Canada. The $100,000 Derby Bonus awaits any 3-year-old daring enough to sweep all three races, bolstered by the Manitoba Derby’s return to the series alongside the Canadian Derby and BC Derby. A $25,000 Owner-Trainer Bonus will further stoke the competition.
Join Us For Fraser Downs Spring Meet Closing Day!
Pro Tips for 151st Kentucky Derby
by Dawn Lupul
Kentucky Derby preps are completed and now the world waits for the first Saturday in May. From now until the gate opens, there will be lots of news to sift through about who will and won’t run. Once the field is set, we can get to work.
There is no reason to make up your mind on who you want to back until the post positions are decided. You might think you have found the best horse going in, but what if he draws post 20? That may change your mind as to his chances.
It’s best not to fall in love with a horse; instead, fall in love with the right horse under the right circumstances.
When it comes time to bet, it can be profitable to look at the Derby in relation to the races that surround it. The horizontal bets usually pay above fair value with the large pools. You don’t have to hit a Pick 6 to make money. Doubles or Pick 3’s can be a good hedge to give you a chance to have a positive return at the end of the day.
One takeaway is not to play outside of your strengths just because it’s a big event. If you do well with exactas, take that edge into the Derby. It’s always tempting to try to secure a life-changing score by hitting the Pick 6 on a marquee day, but spending too much in the pursuit of that goal can put a crimp in your bankroll.
Bankroll management is the key. Set the amount that you have to play with and look to optimize it by planning ahead. That is what professional players do, and it’s the key to success.
Above all, have fun and enjoy the day. The Kentucky Derby is the greatest two-minute show and it’s why we enjoy the game. The big days are fun for horseplayers, but they are even more enjoyable if you make money.
