Flatter Pod: Prat, Hamelback, DeRosa on Derby, decoupling

On the track, off the track and at the window. They are the three stages for this week’s Ron Flatter Racing Pod.

The biggest preps for Kentucky Derby 2025 begin Saturday. Reigning champion jockey Flavien Prat has the ride on John Hancock, the undefeated colt who is the morning-line favorite for the Grade 2 Louisiana Derby. Prat discusses that race and his assignment on Eclipse Award winner Sierra Leone in the New Orleans Classic (G2).

This week’s vote in a legislative committee to advance the potential decoupling of Gulfstream Park’s racing and slot-machine licenses is discussed by National Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association CEO Eric Hamelback. He explains why every horse-racing state should be concerned about what happens in Florida.

Handicapper Ed DeRosa offers tips for this weekend’s Louisiana Derby and Muniz Memorial Classic presented by Horse Racing Nation (G2) at Fair Grounds and the Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3), Turfway Park’s win-and-you’re-in qualifier for the Kentucky Derby.

Co-host John Cherwa joins in the analysis of listener and reader feedback on the Florida decoupling controversy.

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.