For the ninth consecutive year, America’s Best Racing (ABR) brings back one of its most exciting traditions—the Big-Race Showdown. This electrifying series challenges some of the brightest minds in horse racing and betting to showcase their skills by picking winners in major stakes races every weekend. Running all the way to the 2025 Triple Crown season and culminating in the Breeders’ Cup World Championships, the Big-Race Showdown has become a fan favorite, combining expert handicapping, competitive spirit, and high-stakes racing drama.
The format is simple yet thrilling: each week, leading horse racing personalities submit their top three picks for select graded stakes races. Their success is tracked through a running bankroll based on $2 exacta and $2 trifecta box bets. This ensures not only accuracy in selecting winners but also rewards strategic thinking in predicting multiple placings. In addition, ABR keeps count of how many outright winners each participant selects across the season.
The stakes are high—both on the racetrack and in the showdown leaderboard. Fans can follow along, compare their own picks, and watch as some of the industry’s sharpest handicappers battle for bragging rights.
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Weekend TV Schedule
For fans eager to tune in, this weekend’s coverage is extensive across multiple channels:
- Friday, Sept. 26: 1–5:30 p.m. on FS2; additional coverage on FanDuel TV (post times vary).
- Saturday, Sept. 27: 12:30–6:30 p.m. on FS2; additional live racing on FanDuel TV.
- Sunday, Sept. 28: 1–1:30 p.m. on FS1, followed by 1:30–5:30 p.m. on FS2; ongoing coverage on FanDuel TV.
With such widespread broadcast access, fans across the country can immerse themselves in every thrilling moment.
Meet the Handicappers
The Big-Race Showdown wouldn’t be complete without its diverse lineup of handicappers, all of whom bring unique insights, professional expertise, and years of racing knowledge. This year’s roster includes:
- Edison Hatter – In The Money Media podcast host and track announcer.
- Thomas Kearney – Track announcer at Shenandoah Downs.
- Ashley Mailloux – Freelance racing analyst and well-known industry voice.
- Jessica Paquette – Racecaller for Parx Racing and advocate with the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation.
- John Piassek – Assistant Racing Secretary at Yonkers Raceway.
- Roberto Rodriguez – “El Potro Roberto,” representing DRF en Español.
- Mike Somich – VSiN host and co-host of The Magic Mike Show with The Racing Dudes.
- Darwin Vizcaya – Handicapper and racing show host.
- Rowan Ward – Chartcaller at Hawthorne Race Track and freelance racing writer.
- Alexa Zepp – Veteran handicapper and contributor at America’s Best Racing.
Each expert brings a mix of on-the-ground racecalling, analytical sharpness, and media experience, giving fans plenty of perspectives to follow. Whether you prefer the statistical edge, the insider’s take, or the passionate gut instincts of longtime fans, this lineup guarantees compelling content every week.
Spotlight on This Week’s Stakes
The 2025 Big-Race Showdown weekend is highlighted by three major races that serve as critical prep events for the Breeders’ Cup.
$400,000 Ack Ack Stakes – Churchill Downs
A Grade 3 one-mile test, the Ack Ack Stakes is not only prestigious on its own but also a key prep for the Big Ass Fans Breeders’ Cup Dirt Mile. Traditionally, this race attracts seasoned older horses with proven speed and stamina, making it a must-watch for handicappers and fans.
$200,000 City of Hope Mile Stakes – Santa Anita Park
Part of the Breeders’ Cup Challenge “Win and You’re In” Series, the City of Hope Mile offers the winner an automatic berth into the FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Mile (presented by PDJF). With turf specialists and versatile milers clashing, this race promises tactical brilliance and explosive finishes.
$300,000 Goodwood Stakes – Santa Anita Park
Formerly known as the Awesome Again Stakes, the Goodwood Stakes is one of the most important preps for the Longines Breeders’ Cup Classic. Contested at a mile and an eighth, it routinely showcases top contenders aiming for racing’s richest prize. The winner here often stamps themselves as a legitimate Classic threat.
All three races will be contested on Saturday, Sept. 27, making it one of the most action-packed days on the fall racing calendar.
Why the Big-Race Showdown Matters
Beyond the entertainment factor, the Big-Race Showdown adds an extra layer of engagement for racing fans. By following expert picks and bankroll updates, fans can:
- Learn handicapping strategies by studying how professionals evaluate pace, form, class, and track conditions.
- Stay connected to the road to the Breeders’ Cup, watching how prep races shape the championship fields.
- Join the conversation on social media, comparing their own picks with the experts and celebrating victories (or agonizing over near misses).
- Deepen appreciation for the sport, understanding not just which horses win, but why they win.
In many ways, the showdown bridges the gap between casual fans and hardcore handicappers, making the sport more approachable while still respecting its complexity.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the Big-Race Showdown?
The Big-Race Showdown is an annual handicapping challenge by America’s Best Racing where top experts share their race picks leading up to the Triple Crown and the Breeders’ Cup.
Who are the handicappers featured in the 2025 Big-Race Showdown?
The lineup includes Edison Hatter, Thomas Kearney, Ashley Mailloux, Jessica Paquette, John Piassek, Roberto Rodriguez, Mike Somich, Darwin Vizcaya, Rowan Ward, and Alexa Zepp.
How are the handicappers’ picks scored?
Selections are tracked using a running bankroll based on $2 exacta and $2 trifecta box bets. The number of correct winners is also tallied throughout the season.
Which stakes races are part of this week’s showdown?
This week features the $400,000 Ack Ack Stakes at Churchill Downs, the $200,000 City of Hope Mile Stakes at Santa Anita Park, and the $300,000 Goodwood Stakes at Santa Anita Park.
Why are these races important for the Breeders’ Cup?
All three races act as key prep events for Breeders’ Cup divisions, with the City of Hope Mile offering a “Win and You’re In” berth.
Where can fans watch the Big-Race Showdown races?
Coverage is available on FS1, FS2, and FanDuel TV across the weekend, with specific time slots listed in the broadcast schedule.
Can fans make their own picks alongside the experts?
Yes, many fans enjoy comparing their predictions with the experts’ selections, making the Big-Race Showdown an interactive and educational experience.
Conclusion
The Big-Race Showdown 2025 is more than just a handicapping contest—it’s a celebration of horse racing’s competitive spirit, expert insight, and the electrifying path toward the Breeders’ Cup. With top handicappers showcasing their bold picks, fans get to experience the thrill of strategy, analysis, and pure racing excitement every weekend. As Kentucky and Southern California light up with marquee stakes action, the showdown continues to unite seasoned bettors and new fans alike. One thing is certain: the road to the Breeders’ Cup is going to be as thrilling as the races themselves.