Flatter Pod: New Ky. Derby prep, new challenges, new tips

A new Kentucky Derby 2025 prep, how racing is reacting to tariffs and decoupling and the National Horseplayers Championship are the subjects in the spotlight on the Ron Flatter Racing Pod.

Colonial Downs hosts this weekend’s $500,000 Virginia Derby, a qualifier for the run for the roses May 3. Churchill Downs Inc. vice president of racing Gary Palmisano Jr. talks about the race, the ongoing rise of the sport in Virginia and his family legacy that continues to drive him.

From federal tariffs to the proposed decoupling of racing and slot machines at Gulfstream Park, National Thoroughbred Racing Association CEO Tom Rooney provides an update. He also previews this weekend’s 26th annual NHC in Las Vegas, where an $800,000 first prize and an Eclipse Award will go to the winner.

Super Screener creator Mike Shutty handicaps the Virginia Derby and the Virginia Oaks at Colonial Downs and the Whitmore Stakes (G3) at Oaklawn.

John Cherwa joins in the conversation generated by listener and reader feedback from the past week, including reaction to the retirement of Del Mar announcer Trevor Denman.

The Ron Flatter Racing Pod via Horse Racing Nation is available via free subscription from Apple, Firefox, iHeart and Spotify as well as HorseRacingNation.com.