On this week’s Ron Flatter Racing Pod, whiskey entrepreneur Amir Peay is joined in Lexington, Ky., by Leon Nichols of the Project to Preserve African American Turf History and Allen Carter from Silver Springs Farm to talk about the legacy of long-ago horse owner and distiller James E. Pepper and his role in diversifying sports like racing and boxing more than a century ago.

From Las Vegas, National Thoroughbred Racing Association CEO Tom Rooney discusses the rise in popularity of handicapping contests like the National Horseplayers Championship as well as the rollout of the Horseracing Integrity and Safety Act.

Horse Racing Nation’s Ed DeRosa handicaps weekend races, including graded stakes at Oaklawn and the start of a Pick 6 with a mandatory payout at Charles Town.

There also is listener feedback from comments on Twitter about recent HRN stories.

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

From Las Vegas, the National Horseplayers Championship is center stage on the Ron Flatter Racing Pod. Former NHC winners David Harrison and Paul Matties join economics professor and horseplayer Marshall Gramm to discuss betting matters and a study that Gramm did that quantifies the impact of computer players at the racetrack. Trainer Robertino Diodoro talks about Lovely Ride’s bid to pull off the upset this weekend in the Azeri Stakes (G2) at Oaklawn. Paddock Prince David Levitch handicaps weekend races at Tampa Bay Downs and Gulfstream Park. There also is reader and listener feedback. The Ron Flatter Racing Pod via Horse Racing Nation is available via free subscription from Apple, Google, Spotify and Stitcher as well as HorseRacingNation.com.

Kentucky Derby 2023 preps at four tracks this weekend are the focus of this week’s Ron Flatter Racing Pod.

Hall of Fame trainer Todd Pletcher talks about the return of Eclipse Award winner Forte in the Fountain of Youth Stakes (G2) at Gulfstream Park.

Longtime Tennessee turf talker Danny Brewer offers his unique perspective on the move of Bob Baffert’s Derby prospects to other trainers as well as his thoughts about this weekend’s points races.

Super Screener creator Mike Shutty has weekend handicapping advice on the Davona Dale, the Mac Diarmida and the Fountain of Youth.

There is listener and reader feedback, too.

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

Another virtual win-and-you’re-in qualifier for the Kentucky Derby is front and center on the Ron Flatter Racing Pod.

FanDuel TV’s Christina Blacker previews the Rebel Stakes (G2) at Oaklawn.

Spendthrift Farm general manager Ned Toffey discusses Derby prospects and the recent foal produced by Into Mischief out of Monomoy Girl.

Mark Midland of Horse Racing Nation handicaps the Rebel and the Honeybee (G3), an Oaklawn qualifier for the Kentucky Oaks (G1).

There also is listener and reader feedback about Bob Baffert’s transfer of Derby prospects and Steve Asmussen’s 10,000th win.

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

The Risen Star Stakes is the first virtual win-and-you’re-in qualifier for Kentucky Derby 2023. On this week’s Ron Flatter Racing Pod, trainer Tom Amoss talks about Curly Jack, who is his horse in the race. He also discusses Hoosier Philly, the Rachel Alexandra favorite who might yet have a go at the boys in the Derby.

TV analyst Scott Shapiro also previews the Risen Star card. Horse Racing Nation’s Ed DeRosa handicaps the Fair Grounds feature and other weekend races.

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

On this week’s Ron Flatter Racing Pod, breeder-owner Bruce Lunsford discusses the immediate past and future for Pegasus World Cup winner Art Collector as well as his Kentucky Derby 2023 prospect Classic Legacy who races in this weekend’s Sam F. Davis Stakes (G3), a points prep at Tampa Bay Downs.

Maggie Wolfendale-Morley of Fox Sports and the New York Racing Association is at Aqueduct to preview this weekend’s Withers Stakes (G3), another Derby points prep.

Paddock Prince handicapper David Levitch handicaps weekend races at Aqueduct, Gulfstream Park and Tampa Bay Downs.

There also is listener and reader feedback on the Bob Baffert vs. Churchill Downs Inc. federal case that was argued in a Kentucky courtroom last week.

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

On this week’s Ron Flatter Racing Pod, hear legendary jockey Frankie Dettori look ahead to the rest of his last year of riding. Gulfstream Park TV analyst Ron Nicoletti handicaps the Holy Bull Stakes, a points prep for the Kentucky Derby. There is another one of those with the Robert B. Lewis at Santa Anita, and handicapper Ed DeRosa of Horse Racing Nation preview both of them. The Ron Flatter Racing Pod via Horse Racing Nation is available via free subscription from Apple, Google, Spotify and Stitcher as well as HorseRacingNation.com.

The Pegasus World Cup and the Eclipse Awards are the focus of this week’s Florida road trip for the Ron Flatter Racing Pod. Trainers Brad Cox of Cyberknife and Michael Stidham of Proxy discuss their thoughts about this weekend’s $3 million Pegasus World Cup Invitational at Gulfstream Park. That is where former jockey Samantha Perry talks about her path to becoming a TV analyst. She and Super Screener creator Mike Shutty offer their handicapping thoughts about the Pegasus card. There also is a wrap-up of who won the Eclipse Awards, a cameo from Flightline’s trainer John Sadler and a comment about something that racing got terribly wrong last week in Florida. The Ron Flatter Racing Pod via Horse Racing Nation is available via free subscription from Apple, Google, Spotify and Stitcher as well as HorseRacingNation.com.

A look ahead to this weekend’s Kentucky Derby 2023 prep and this year’s plans for the 2022 Derby winner are the focus of the Ron Flatter Racing Pod. Eclipse Award-winning horseplayer Michael Beychok checks in from Louisiana to discuss the Grade 3 Lecomte Stakes, a better-than-advertised allowance race and recent trends at Fair Grounds. He also talks about Derby futures betting and even his day job as a political consultant in Baton Rouge. Trainer Eric Reed outlines 2023 plans for 80-1 Derby winner Rich Strike, who returned from the farm to resume training this month. Charting Horse Value creator Jeff Bessa has handicapping advice that zeroes in on the late, all-stakes Pick 4 on Saturday at Fair Grounds with emphasis on the Lecomte, the Silverbulletday and the Louisiana. There also is listener feedback. The Ron Flatter Racing Pod via Horse Racing Nation is available via free subscription from Apple, Google, Spotify and Stitcher as well as HorseRacingNation.com.

Where to find good food and drink at or around racetracks. That is the topic for a special panel this week on the Ron Flatter Racing Pod. At the Races host Steve Byk, award-winning turf writer Alicia Hughes, trainer Neil Pessin and sports writer Matt Stahl compare notes on the best restaurants for horseplayers and fans nationwide, including destination restaurants during visits to the Triple Crown. Paddock Prince handicapper David Levitch has tips for weekend races at Aqueduct and Gulfstream Park. The Ron Flatter Racing Pod via Horse Racing Nation is available via free subscription from Apple, Google, Spotify and Stitcher as well as HorseRacingNation.com.

Restaurants in this episode shown in order of mention:

New Orleans: Liuzza's, Brigtsen's, Mares Pesca, Central Grocery, Fausto's, Mosca (Westwego), Angelo Brocato, Venezia.

Saratoga Springs, N.Y.: Pennell's, Osteria Danny, De Fazio's (Troy).

Louisville, Ky.: Four Pegs, Saints Pizza.

Lexington, Ky.: girlsgirlsgirls burritos, Torttilleria & Taqueria Ramirez, Nathan's Taqueria, Epping's on Eastside, Carson's, OBC Kitchen, Malone's, Jeff Ruby's, Merrick Danno, Wallace Station, Ramsey's Diner, Crank & Boom.

Louisville, Ky.: Le Moo, Suburban Social Club.

Baltimore: Pioneer Pit Beef, G&M (Linthicum Heights), G&M (Linthicum Heights).

Elmont, N.Y.: King Umberto, Filomena's (Franklin Square).

Louisville, Ky.: Granville Pub, At the Italian Table (closed).

Baltimore: Vito Ristorante (Timonium), Nautilus Diner (Timonium).

Elmont, N.Y.: Morning Line (Belmont Park backstretch).

Louisville, Ky.: Jack Fry's, The Fish House.

Baltimore: A-1 Crab Haven (Essex, closed).

New York: La Gioconda (Ron said E. 44 St.; it is E. 53 St.), Smith & Wollensky.

Baltimore: Johnny's.

Tampa, Fla.: Columbia Restaurant.

Louisville, Ky.: Ramen House, Bunz Burgerz, Payne Street Bake House.

Track kitchens and concessions: Keeneland, Fair Grounds, Oaklawn.

New Orleans: Ye Olde College Inn, Mandina's.

El Reno, Okla.: Robert's, Johnnie's, Sid's (the third one Steve may have meant).

Oklahoma City: Nick's Cafe.

Tucson, Ariz.: Zinburger.

New Orleans: Lakeview Harbor.

Nashville: Brown's Diner.

Louisville, Ky.: Six Forks, Toasty's Tavern, Bandido Taqueria Mexicana, Cottage Inn.

Clearwater, Fla.: Christina's Coal Oven Pizza.

Los Angeles: Monty's (Woodland Hills), Musso & Frank Grill (Hollywood), Dal Rae Steakhouse (Pico Rivera), Fosselman's Ice Cream Co. (Alhambra), Philippe The Original.

Louisville, Ky.: Black Jockeys Lounge.

Lexington, Ky.: Minglewood, Rock House Brewing, Pivot Brewing Company, Ethereal Brewing.

Louisville, Ky.: Marma Dukes.

Bowling Green, Ky.: Donna's.

Lexington, Ky.: The Grove.

Oceanport, N.J.: Marandola's (Bradley Beach), Del Ponte's Bakery (Bradley Beach).

Bensalem, Pa.: Non Solo Pasta (Morrisville), The Franklin Fountain (Philadelphia).