Eddie Olczyk, Analyst, Handicapper, and Former Toronto Maple Leaf / Mike Smith, Kentucky Derby Jockey / Jim Gillespie, Standardbred Race Secretary at Woodbine

Today, Larry goes one-on-one with handicapper and former NHL player Eddie Olczyk, who returns to Ponies 24-7 on Kentucky Derby Day to break down the biggest race in North American Thoroughbred racing. Known for his work on national television broadcasts and his deep knowledge of the sport, Olczyk analyzes this year’s Kentucky Derby field, discusses the key prep races that shaped the lineup, and shares his thoughts on which horses have the best chance to win on the first Saturday in May. He also provides insight into his handicapping approach, reflects on his long-standing passion for horse racing, and touches on his parallel career in hockey, including his time as a Stanley Cup champion player and coach, and his current role covering the National Hockey League playoffs.Also today, Hall of Fame jockey Mike Smith joins the show to discuss his legendary career and his opportunity to make history once again in the Kentucky Derby. With more than five thousand wins and over three hundred fifty million dollars in purse earnings, Smith remains one of the most accomplished riders in the sport’s history. He talks about what continues to motivate him at this stage of his career, reflects on his most memorable victories including a Triple Crown win aboard Justify, and previews his mount So Happy in this year’s Derby. Mike shares his thoughts on the colt’s progression, his chances at the mile-and-a-quarter distance, and what it would mean to capture a fifth Kentucky Derby victory and become the oldest jockey ever to win the race.Then, Woodbine Mohawk Park Standardbred Race Secretary Jim Gillespie returns to Ponies 24-7 to discuss his role overseeing race conditions and entries at one of North America’s premier harness racing venues. Now well into his tenure as race secretary, Gillespie reflects on his transition into the role, the mentorship he received from industry veterans, and the challenges of maintaining strong and competitive race cards. He also looks ahead to the upcoming stakes season at Woodbine Mohawk Park, discusses the importance of attracting quality horses to the circuit, and shares his perspective on some of the top performers currently in the Standardbred ranks, including standout names expected to compete throughout the season.In our feature “In Case You Missed It,” Larry recaps the biggest racing headlines from the past week across North America. Later, he delivers his Ponies Picks of the Day, sponsored by Rocket Ship Racing, highlighting potential wagering opportunities at Woodbine, Woodbine Mohawk Park, and several other tracks racing today. And in this week’s Road Trip, Larry heads to Churchill Downs for the Grade one five million dollar Kentucky Derby, a mile-and-a-quarter test for three-year-olds and the most iconic race in Thoroughbred racing.