National Turf writer Gary West will be joining us in the first segment. He recently penned an article about the growth of the racing and breeding program in his current home state in the Lonestar State. Through his years of writing about racing, he has always kept an eye on Kentucky Derby hopefuls and we will have him weigh in on this year's top contenders. We will also ask Gary about the ‘Baffert Boondoggle” created by his participation in the Derby points races and what the future path of his stable may be. HorseTourney’s Eric Wing will join us to share his experiences at the National Handicapping Championship in Las Vegas this year. He will also update us on this week’s Handicapping Contests offered (a great opportunity for finding hidden winners with our E-Z Win Forms.) Eric and John will join forces to find the contenders and pretenders in two graded stakes at Oaklawn Park. First up in the newly named $200,000 Whitmore, named for the local legend himself. Appropriately, the top contenders have a fondness for the Hot Springs oval headed by recent winner of the $150,000 King Cotton Stakes at the 6-panel distance – Bob’s Edge. The $500,000 Essex at 1 1/16 miles brought together a highly competitive field, and a local hopeful heads the field. Brad Cox-trainee Plainsman made his seasonal debut in the Grade 3 Razorback and proved he was ready to roll with a determined neck victory. “Horse for Course?” Plainsman has a 10-3-2-1 record at Oaklawn and has walked away with $521,992.