Week 27 of the Night School national online fan education program features a long-form video presentation of “Physicality/Visual Handicapping” as horseplayers are taken into the paddock with the experts. The 50-minute presentation includes on-the-scene analysis from Night School’s Caton Bredar, as the veteran television commentator and horsewoman explain what to look for in real time. Video insights from NYRA paddock handicapper Maggie Wolfendale also are featured, as well as harness tips from Balmoral Park’s Tom Kelley and simulcast players’ viewpoints from Night School’s Joe Kristufek and Jeremy Plonk.
The free, weekly study materials includes commentary on the subject from past Night School guest instructors on the topic, Hall of Fame jockey Gary Stevens and retired jockey and NBC Sports analyst Donna Brothers. (See the link below to download.)
Following the premiere of the “Physicality/Visual Handicapping Video” a Q&A with the fans will commence, hosted by Plonk and Churchill Downs’ paddock handicapper Jill Byrne. The session also will include a preview of the all-new September racing season at Churchill Downs.
Fans can take part in the class free by visiting any one of the 40-plus websites that provides the Night School lessons each week. For those who cannot attend live, the Night School archives always are available free, immediately following the session and beyond. Videos used in all lessons also can be seen at www.youtube.com/horseplayernow.
Presenting title sponsors for Night School are the National Thoroughbred Racing Association, American Quarter Horse Association, Keeneland, Churchill Downs, Inc., and the United States Trotting Association.
Night School is offered every Tuesday for 40 consecutive weeks through Dec. 3. Topics change weekly, and fans are eligible for prizes and rewards for registering. Registration is optional and free. There is never a charge for taking part in Night School. The weekly program is offered in three media: live chat via the Cover It Live blogging/chat forum, audio/radio streaming and full video lesson plans. The media of delivery is based on the subject matter and alternates throughout the season.
This week’s Night School will be followed at 10:00 p.m. ET by the “After Night School Special,” featuring live racing from Mountaineer Park. The segment will cover the evening’s final race in real time with free, live-streaming video. Fans wishing to take part in the Mountaineer action simply need to remain in the Night School chat after class. Complimentary past performances are available, courtesy of BRIS.
The Night School Tour, fresh off an on-track seminar this past Labor Day at Parx, will make its second stop in five days when it rolls into Kentucky Downs, located in Franklin, Ky., for the opening of their boutique meet this Saturday.
Updated Night School Tour schedule: http://horseplayernow.com/10-night-school/5-night-school-tour.
Study Materials: http://horseplayernow.com/images/STUDY090313.pdf
Video preview this week’s lesson: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u6a1G-gsjgE
Pod 4 Lesson Schedule: http://horseplayernow.com/images/2013NSCALENDAR4.pdf