The field is penciled into place for Kentucky Derby 2026 in three weeks at Churchill Downs. It also is set for Saturday's Grade 1, $1.25 million Apple Blossom Handicap at Oaklawn. Both races come into focus this week on the Ron Flatter Racing Pod.

U.S. and Canada hall-of-fame trainer Mark Casse discusses Eclipse Award winner Nitrogen's bid to win the Apple Blossom. He also has Oaklawn stakes winner Nerazurri in the race. Casse also discusses his Kentucky Derby contender Silent Tactic and Kentucky Oaks (G1) hopes Counting Stars and Search Party.

Horseplayers advocate Chris Larmey talks about his book Betting On Horse$ in an interview at the National Horseplayers Championship in Las Vegas.

Paddock Prince handicapper David Levitch offers some early thoughts about the Derby as well as weekend tips for Oaklawn.

Co-hosts John Cherwa of the Los Angeles Times and Keith Nelson of Fairmount Park have their popular host chat, and feedback offers listener and reader reaction to last week's interview with former FanDuel TV host Todd Schrupp.

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.