Flatter Pod: Thayer on Florida; Asmussen, Levitch on Churchill

The long holiday weekend of stakes action at Churchill Downs and what could be another long winter in the Florida decoupling drama are the main topics this week on the Ron Flatter Racing Pod.

Former Kentucky state senator Damon Thayer provides his updated point of view from his role in the fight to keep Gulfstream Park from splitting its racing and gaming licenses. He also responds to what the Florida Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Association said about who was most responsible for defeating a decoupling bill this year in the state legislature.

Hall of Fame trainer Steve Asmussen discusses Magnitude’s run Friday in the Grade 2 Clark and his 2-year-olds who are going in Saturday stakes at Churchill. He also reflects on the recent achievement of his 11,000th victory, raising his high-water mark among North America trainers.

Paddock Prince handicapper David Levitch has tips for the Clark and Mrs. Revere (G2) on Friday and the Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) and Golden Rod (G2) on Saturday at Churchill Downs.

Co-hosts John Cherwa of the Los Angeles Times and Keith Nelson of Fairmount Park offer their thoughts on listener and reader feedback about who should be horse of the year.

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.