Hot 2 Trot

In this special Hot 2 Trot episode, Ashley is joined by Parx Racing announcer Jessica Paquette and Breeders’ Cup Commentator Dick Jerardi to preview the seven Breeders' Cup turf races at Keeneland. Hear their thoughts on each day’s race cards, including wagering picks for Friday's All-Turf Pick 3 and Saturday's Pick 4 (Races 9–12).

For harness racing fans, it all comes down to the Breeders Crown. For the first time in its history, Eldorado Scioto Downs in Columbus, Ohio, is hosting the full Breeders Crown weekend. Ten Grade 1 finals, two nights, and $6.4 million in purses. Ashley Wood and guest co-host Kevin Plowcha are here with their thoughts and predictions so you know what to expect.

Timestamps:

00:00 — Introduction to Breeders Crown

03:27 — 2-Year-Old Filly Trot: Favorites & Value Picks

11:02 — 2-Year-Old Filly Pace: A Wide-Open $700K Final

19:16 — How to Handicap Harness Racing: Class, Drivers & Post Positions

24:59 — 2-Year-Old Colt Trot & Pace: Breaking Down the Contenders

40:40 — 3-Year-Old Filly Pace: Saturday's Top Contenders

45:45 — 3-Year-Old Filly Trot: Little Road & the Contenders

54:55 — 3-Year-Old Colt Trot & Gelding Pace: Big Ranger & Brandon Boulevard

01:04:17 — Breeders Crown Best Bets & Long Shots

01:08:38 — Pick 4 Tickets, Final Predictions & Closing

Since starting in June, Nathan Klein has made waves as the youngest full-time thoroughbred track announcer. By sharing his passion for the sport and being open about his life with autism, Nathan has amassed quite a following on social media. Host Ashley Wood sat down with him to talk about his journey, from connecting with horse racing at an early age despite not having a home track to getting started as an announcer right out of college.

Timestamps:

00:00 — Intro & Meet Penn National's New Voice

09:30 — Nathan's Life Beyond Horse Racing

15:00 — How Nathan Discovered Horse Racing

24:18 — The Racing Symposium & 50 Ideas in 50 Minutes

27:24 — From "Sketchy the Horse Guy" to Viral Race Caller

35:16 — The Wildest Horse Names He's Ever Heard

39:25 — Autism, Adversity & Finding Your Path

50:28 — The Power of Networking & Being Yourself

56:59 — Life in the Race Calling Booth

01:02:32 — Nathan's Favorites, Travel & Penn National's Return

Right before the biggest weekend in Pennsylvania horse racing, Ashley Wood sat trackside at Parx Racing with guest co-host Jessica Paquette for a live episode of Hot 2 Trot! They were joined by special guest Matt Scull, Founder and President of First Rodeo Racing. Catch up on Ashley, Jess, and Matt’s discussion on PA-bred stakes, cross-track wagers, and their picks for all the big races. Plus, see what they had to say when Chickie's & Pete's stopped by with some iconic Philly foods to try!

00:00:00 — Welcome to Hot to Trot

00:07:30 — Pennsylvania Racing Weekend Preview

00:18:00 — First Rodeo Racing: Building a Racing Stable

00:28:00 — Presque Isle Downs & The Presque Isle Mile

00:37:00 — Weekend Stakes & Handicapping Strategies

00:45:00 — Meet Jody MacDonald: Mac at the Track

00:49:00 — Pennsylvania Derby Field Breakdown

00:58:00 — Pennsylvania Pick 4 & Presque Isle Mile Picks

01:03:00 — The Masters Stakes Picks

01:06:00 — Cotillion Stakes & Million-Dollar Races

01:10:00 — Pennsylvania Derby Picks

01:14:00 — Final Picks, Trackside Fun & Season Wrap-Up

Sun Stakes Saturday brought the heat this year! Host Ashley Wood sat trackside at Mohegan Pennsylvania with guest co-host Derick Giwner, Editor of DRF Harness for Daily Racing Form, to talk about handicapping, wagering, and the day’s big races, including the Earl Beal Jr. Memorial and the Delmonica Hanover. Throughout the show, Ashley and Derick interviewed Dr. Ian Moore, a legendary standardbred trainer and veterinarian, and Pocono Racing Secretary Rick Kane.

Timestamps:

00:00 — Welcome to Sun Stakes Saturday at Pocono Downs

04:00 — Handicapping, Wagering & the Day’s Big Races

08:34 — Dr. Moore: Flying In, Shalom Hanover & His Stable

14:24 — Bojangles, Four-Year-Olds & Dr. Moore’s Career

17:01 — From Veterinarian to Hall of Fame Trainer

20:00 — Life in the Air: Dr. Moore’s Pilot Journey

22:00 — The Future of Training, Family & Retirement

30:14 — Racing Secretary Rick Kane on Building Big Race Days

39:19 — Late Pick 4: Lynch, Trot, Pace & Earl Beal Picks

46:12 — Max Hempt Memorial & the Best Three-Year-Old Pacers

49:39 — Earl Beal Memorial, Final Tickets & Sign-Off

There’s a real need in our industry to invest in youth education and showcase all of the job opportunities horse racing can provide — and Don Johnson wants to do something about it. Ashley Wood and guest co-host Jessica Paquette sit down with Don, the previous manager of Philadelphia Park (now Parx Casino & Racing), to discuss PTHA Charities and its mission to expose middle schoolers to the dozens of careers in the racing industry.

To learn more about PTHA Charities, visit https://patha.org/charities/.

Timestamps:

00:00 — Welcome to Hot to Trot & Meet Don Johnson
06:45 — Horse Racing Regulation, Safety & Industry Governance
10:08 — The Future of Horse Racing Wagering & Computer-Assisted Players
16:12 — Bringing Youth Into Horse Racing Through Education & Mentoring
27:04 — Building Local Racing Programs & Industry Partnerships
32:49 — Making Horse Racing Relevant to a New Generation
40:11 — Reaching Students, Changing Perceptions & Racing Safety
47:14 — Hot Seat: Coffee, Cruises, Pizza & More
53:50 — Jockey Life, Marathons & Life Beyond Racing
59:10 — Final Thoughts, Youth Education & How to Get Involved

It’s the Pace for the Orchids, and who will come out on top? In this special live episode of Hot 2 Trot, host Ashley Wood sat trackside with Kevin Plowcha, the track handicapper for The Meadows, to talk about all things Adios. They are joined by special guests including Mike Carter, the Director of Racing at The Meadows, and Ron Burke, a Hall of Fame horse trainer. Plus, previous co-host Meadow Twaddle makes a guest return to Hot 2 Trot!

Timestamps:

0:00 – Welcome to Hot to Trot Live

3:56 – Director of Racing Mike Carter Previews Adios Day

6:54 – Handicapping Tournaments & New Betting Opportunities

14:59 – National TV Coverage & Final Preparations

17:34 – Ron Burke on His Powerful Adios Stable

28:0 – Race Day Mindset with Ron Burke

30:38 – Meadow Twaddle Returns & Weekend Preview

33:43 – Handicapping the First Adios Volo Division

38:00 – Handicapping the Second Adios Volo Division

42:52 – Breaking Down the 60th Adios Pace

52:37 – Final Picks & Closing Thoughts

Join Ashley Wood and Jessica Paquette as they discuss the latest in horse racing, including Pennsylvania's Day of the Races, harness racing, and the impact of stallions like Smarty Jones. Catch their insights, personal stories, and tips for racing enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro & Welcome with Jessica Paquette

02:03 – Summer Heat, Horse Racing & Life on the Road

08:47 – Pennsylvania Day at the Races Preview

12:18 – First 2-Year-Old Race & Stakes Race Handicapping

20:20 – Uncle Heavy, Bartlett & Pennsylvania Stakes Contenders

26:22 – Fillies, Stallions & Pennsylvania Breeding Spotlight

30:05 – Smarty Jones Memories & Racing Legacy

33:44 – Summer Rapid Fire: Ice Cream, Beaches & Boardwalks

39:19 – Final Thoughts & Pennsylvania Day at the Races

What’s it like when your job involves flying around a dirt track at 30 mph? Guest co-host Jessica Paquette joins Ashley as they sit down with harness racing driver Jeremy Indof to find out! Jeremy races at Hollywood Casino at The Meadows in Washington, PA, and has achieved some great milestones throughout his career, including driving Keg Stand to an awesome Open Handicap Trot win down at Oak Grove and days at The Meadows where he casually pulls off four or five wins on a single card. Ashley and Jessica learn about how Jeremy became a harness racing driver, his family ties in the industry, and what the view is like from the seat of the race bike.

Timestamps:

0:00 – Welcome & Meet Harness Driver Jeremy Indof

1:43 – Growing Up in Racing & Becoming a Driver

6:07 – Career Highlights, Big Wins & Lessons from the Horses

10:53 – Life Behind the Bike: Weather, Equipment & Daily Routine

16:14 – Horse Care, Racing Misconceptions & Growing New Fans

19:34 – The Hot Seat: Music, Coffee, TV & Gas Station Snacks

23:23 – Final Thoughts & Farewell

Find out why Pennsylvania is one of the absolute top racehorse breeding hubs in the entire country on this episode of Hot 2 Trot. Host Ashley Wood sits down with Dr. Deanna Manfredi, a third-generation horsewoman, a Princeton PhD in Cognitive Psychology, a stakes-winning breeder, and the history-making, first-ever female President of the Pennsylvania Horse Breeders Association (PHBA). They cover everything from Dr. Manfredi’s early interactions with horse racing to her appearance on reality TV in the American Dream Derby and what it means to be the first female president of the PHBA, since its inception in 1948. And if, after this episode, you want to see some PA-bred horses in action, join us for Pennsylvania Day at the Races at Parx Racing on July 18, 2026!

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro & Meet Deanna Manfredi

01:33 – Growing Up in Pennsylvania Racing & Breeding

03:36 – The Horse Industry’s Impact on Agriculture & Open Space

10:14 – Winning a Reality Show and Launching a Breeding Farm

17:29 – The State of Pennsylvania Thoroughbred Breeding Today

24:13 – Life Beyond Racing: Second Careers for Thoroughbreds

30:13 – Protecting Pennsylvania Racing & Breeding’s Future

34:33 – PA Day at the Races, Yearling Show & Industry Events

42:26 – The Hot Seat: Ghosts, Horses & Rapid-Fire Questions

46:43 – Final Thoughts & Closing Remarks

Join us for a Hot 2 Trot episode recorded LIVE trackside at Penn National Race Course! Host Ashley Wood and guest co-host Jessica Paquette discussed this year’s Penn Mile race and the PA-bred stakes races that were held on Friday, May 29. Plus, hear from guests inlcuding Chris McErlean, the Vice President of Racing at Penn Entertainment; Larry Collmus, the voice of the Kentucky Derby; and Nathan Klein, the new announcer at Penn National Race Course.

Timestamps:

00:00:00 – Welcome to Hot to Trot Live at Penn National

00:01:53 – Pennsylvania Racing, Breeding & Penn Mile Preview

00:10:31 – Chris McErlean on Penn Mile History & Race Day

00:17:55 – Penn Mile Trivia, Records & Racing Stories

00:25:26 – Larry Collmus on Calling Racing's Greatest Moments

00:43:54 – Meet Nathan Klein: Penn National's New Announcer

00:59:20 – Penn Mile Night Stakes Race Analysis & Betting Picks

01:14:14 – Penn Mile Selections & Final Thoughts

Join us for a thoroughbred/harness racing crossover episode with driver Ridge Warren and jockey Jorge Vargas, Jr. Despite being athletes in the same industry, Ridge and Warren have vastly different experiences when it’s time to race. Ashley talks with them about the demands of the sport, how drivers and jockeys differ, and how they got started in the horse racing industry. Find out who has the harder job, their tips for making it in this industry, and how they balance work and family on this episode of Hot 2 Trot!

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro & Jockey vs. Driver Debate

02:17 – Growing Up in Horse Racing Families

04:34 – Life on the Road & Racing Grind

12:37 – Understanding the Horses

18:31 – Risks, Injuries & Mental Toughness

27:00 – Family Life Outside the Track

31:34 – Career Highlights & Defining Success

37:37 – Funny Rapid Fire Questions & Outro

Grab your fancy hats and mint juleps because horse racing’s biggest event is here: the Kentucky Derby! Ashley sits down with Jessica Paquette and Dick Jerardi, two big names in the Parx Racing circuit, to take an in-depth look at the Kentucky Derby field. Hear this trio break down their thoughts on who will take the crown as we get ready to head down the road to the roses!

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Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro & 2026 Kentucky Derby Preview Begins

00:45 – Kentucky Oaks 2026: Top Fillies & Early Favorites

03:42 – Best Oaks Bets: Sleeper Picks & Race Strategy

09:32 – Horse Racing Betting Tips: How to Bet the Oaks

13:34 – Final Kentucky Oaks Picks (Best Bets & Tickets)

16:09 – Kentucky Derby 2026 Favorites Breakdown

24:10 – Derby Longshots & International Horses to Watch

39:44 – Final Derby Picks + Where to Watch & Events

What will the next generation of horse racing trainers be like? Ashley sat down with John Kirby, a young and respected name on the Parx Racing circuit and a third-generation horse trainer, to find out. Join Ashley and John as they dive into the world of thoroughbred racing and discuss John’s years of experience developing racehorses and navigating the highs and lows of the sport.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro & Welcome

00:20 – Meet Trainer John Kirby

01:18 – Life Outside Racing & Farm Talk

03:37 – How John Got Into Horse Racing

06:17 – Young Trainer Journey & Early Success

09:21 – Career Highlights & Churchill Downs Win

13:17 – Mentors, Favorite Horse & Barn Life

18:42 – Running a Barn & Industry Insights

27:14 – Goals, Industry Future & Hot Seat Q&A

Where are our horse girls at? In this episode, Ashley sits down with Jessica Paquette to talk about handicapping, finding your people, and learning life lessons from the horses in our lives. In this, the year of the horse, big things are on the horizon — including the Kentucky Derby, the Florida Derby, and PA Derby Day.

Jessica is the track announcer and director of public relations at Parx Racing. She also hosts the Amateur Hour Podcast, an inclusive and open space for horse professionals and amateurs to discuss current events and the equestrian experience.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro & Welcome

00:34 – Horse Racing Connections

02:15 – Learning the Game: Handicapping Stories

04:05 – Jessica’s Life Update & Horses

06:18 – Life Lessons from Horses

07:27 – Tough Winter & Race Calling Challenges

10:01 – Behind the Scenes: Race Calling & Handicapping Style

12:22 – Awards, Industry Recognition & Competition

14:33 – Kentucky Derby Trail & Top Horses

27:00 – Personal Life, Community & Industry Culture

What does it take to run a horse racing track? In this episode, Ashley catches up with one of her former co-workers, Scott Lishia, to find out. Scott recently became the new Director of Racing at Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course in Grantville, Pennsylvania, but has held many roles throughout the thoroughbred and harness horse racing industries. Their conversation covers everything from their time together working at the Maryland Jockey Club to Scott’s new role and some of his goals for Penn National this year!

Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction

00:36 – Scott’s Racing Roots & Career Journey

03:57 – From Operations to Regulation

08:19 – Different Perspectives in Racing

10:35 – Maryland Jockey Club and Triple Crown

18:40 – Favorite Racing Moments

23:23 – Harness vs. Thoroughbred Racing

32:13 – New Role at Penn National

37:22 – Industry Challenges & The Future of Racing

47:39 – Events, Fan Experience & What’s Next

50:49 – Hot Seat Questions

We’re back! Season 4 of Hot 2 Trot kicks off with a behind-the-scenes look at Foal Cam season. We are joined by Samantha Wilton and Rhiannon Swimelar, college students in Delaware Valley University’s equine program who are gaining real-world, hands-on experience. While balancing classes and campus life, they’re also taking on the responsibility of watching mares around the clock during one of the most important times of the breeding season. This episode offers a unique look at the dedication, learning opportunities, and excitement that come with being a student at DelVal University!

We’re kicking off a special Hot 2 Trot mini-series in partnership with Parx Racing and On The Rail! Meadow and Ashley sit down with Parx announcer and host of On The Rail, Jessica Paquette, to talk track vibes, standout storylines, and what’s coming next behind the scenes. If you love racing culture, insider moments, and the energy you only get when you’re trackside, this episode sets the tone for the entire series. Dive in and get the first look at what’s happening at Parx right now.

Welcome to the Hot 2 Trot 2025 Year-In-Review! In this episode, Meadow, Ashley, and Jaylin take you through every major moment that shaped Pennsylvania racing this year — Super Sunday at Harrah’s Philly, Sun Stakes at Pocono, the Penn Mile, the Adios, PA Day at the Races, the PA Derby, the Presque Isle Mile, the Masters, and more. We dive into standout performances, the storylines fans couldn’t stop talking about, and our own top memories. We also look ahead to 2026 with predictions, goals, and a New Year lightning round. Don’t miss it!

This week on Hot 2 Trot, Meadow and Ashley sit down with Averie Levanti, Executive Coordinator for the Pennsylvania Breeders Association, for a deep dive into the 2025 breeding season. We discuss what’s new in the PA stallion roster, what makes Pennsylvania’s breeding incentives so strong, and what breeders should be thinking about as the season approaches. Whether you’re a breeder, owner, fan, or just curious how the PA program works, this is a must-watch episode!