Show Notes
More than 40 years ago, famed sportscaster Jim McKay and others had a big idea -- maybe even a preposterous one. Why not have a day of racing, modeled on the Breeders' Cup but dedicated to Maryland, featuring the progeny of Maryland stallions and celebrating Maryland breeding and racing? Where would the purses come from? Who would show up? Would breeders support it? Could it possibly work? Now, as we approach the 41st running of the Maryland Million, we know Maryland Million as one of the best days on the Maryland racing calendar. Cricket Goodall was there at the inception, and this year will be her final one as the executive director of the Maryland Horse Breeders Association and Maryland Million Ltd. She is our guest on Midlantic Racing Today, powered by The Racing Biz. Goodall has seen racing's fortunes wax and wane while plans for the future came and went. But through it all, Maryland Million continued to thrive as Maryland's day at the races. Learn how that happened -- and how she's approaching her final Maryland Million as the event's head -- in this exclusive interview. This episode of Midlantic Racing Today, Maryland Racing Today, is presented by the Maryland Jockey Club.
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With Maryland Million upon us - it takes place Oct. 24 at Laurel Park - we wanted to see what this celebration of Maryland stallions means to those who stand studs in the Free State. Maryland Million is a day where the biggest races are restricted to the offspring of Maryland stallions, helping to promote the stallions and create demand for their offspring. Country Life Farm, in Bel Air, MD, has four stallions currently, and their roster over the years has included such stalwarts as Allen's Prospect, Citidancer, and Malibu Moon. Country Life's Mike Pons and Christy Holden are the guests on today's episode if Midlantic Racing Today, powered by The Racing Biz. They tell us what Maryland Million means to them, as Country Life breeds horses, stands stallions, and runs partnerships, too. And they share their favorite memories of Maryland's Day at the Races!
With Maryland Million 2026 nearly upon us -- it takes place Saturday, Oct. 24 at Laurel Park -- it's time to open those past performances and get to handicapping! Mackenzie Pfeiffer of the Maryland Jockey Club and our own John Piassek are the guests on today's episode of Midlantic Racing Today, powered by The Racing Biz! Saturday's card as a 12-race brain-buster featuring eight stakes races and four challenging starter handicaps. The stakes feature such popular regional runners as Barbadian Runner, Slewperstitus, Witty, and Celtic Contender. Where to spread and where to single? Which favorites are vulnerable and which look too good? Mack and John have the answers. Today's episode of Midlantic Racing Today is presented by the Maryland Jockey Club.
Fasig-Tipton's annual fall yearling sale in Timonium is upon us -- well, almost. It takes place Tuesday, Oct. 27. And this year's edition comes with a couple of significant changes: a new format designed to highlight the Mid-Atlantic region's breeding programs and a Preakness bonus that could significantly sweeten the pot if a graduate of the sale wins the Middle Jewel. Frank Alosa from Fasig-Tipton joins us to discuss all of this and more on today's episode of Midlantic Racing Today, powered by The Racing Biz. Just three days prior to the sale, one of its top recent grads will try to defend his title in the Maryland Million Classic. That's now-4-year-old Barbadian Runner, who cost just $5,000 as a yearling but has now surpassed $1 million in career earnings. A horse like Barbadian Runner might just be the sale's best advertisement of all. Don't forget to like and subscribe to Midlantic Racing Today -- anywhere you get your podcasts!
Arnaldo Bocachica has been the longtime king of Charles Town riders, and if he wins this year's local riding title -- he has a 15-win advantage -- will secure his ninth consecutive leading rider title. Arnaldo Bocachica is our guest on this episode of Midlantic Racing Today, powered by The Racing Biz. Bocachica has often saved his best for the biggest days, once winning eight WV Breeders Classics races on a single card. This year he won two, including with the ultra-impressive Ryan's Run and with Zip Start in the Cavada. Bocachica's success has been built on a foundation of his own talent and hard work, his longtime partnership with top trainer Jeff Runco, and his success at staying healthy. In recent years, he's also had the chance to ride with brother Orlando and son Abnel. This episode of Midlantic Racing Today, Charles Town Races Today, is presented by Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races.
Delaware Park racing analyst Stan Salter joins us on Midlantic Racing Today as closing weekend looms. Midlantic Racing Today is powered by The Racing Biz. Delaware concludes its 2026 season with a 10-race program on Oct. 17, but if the season is ending, it's ending with a bang. There are full fields everywhere and two stakes top the card. Those two are the $100,000 Wilmington for older runners and the $200,000 Endine for fillies and mares, both at six furlongs -- and both with plenty of intriguing handicapping questions. Get the jump on your handicapping with today's episode featuring Stan Salter! This episode of Midlantic Racing Today, Delaware Park Today, is presented by Delaware Park Racing and Casino.