from Horse Player Now

Chicago, IL — Night School, the racing industry’s free national online fan education program, celebrates its 100th lesson Tuesday night (July 16) when the topic of discussion will be “Boutique Meets” at 8:30 p.m. (EDT) at www.ustrotting.com.

The in-depth analysis of the short, high-quality racing meets that dot the racing calendar takes on added importance this week with the openings of Del Mar on Wednesday and Saratoga on Friday.

Night School’s 40-week seasons of fan education began in 2011 with the Tuesday night edition marking the historic 100th lesson since its inception. To celebrate the occasion, Night School co-founders Jeremy Plonk and Joe Kristufek are joined by original Night School cast member Caton Bredar for a video reflection of the program’s favorite moments.

The 90-minute live chat will feature video input on handicapping “Boutique Meets” from Bob Neumeier of NBC Sports and Horse Player NOW, Maggie Wolfendale of NYRA, Jay Privman of Daily Racing Form, trainers Doug O’Neill and Bob Baffert, prominent horse owner Mike Pegram and Del Mar’s Chris Bahr.

Horse Player NOW’s Brian Nadeau also weighs in on his home track of Saratoga in the latest installment of “Nadeau’s Minutes.” Interacting with the fans in the live chat and Q&A will be Kristufek and Plonk, along with special guests Jason Blewitt, television host at Saratoga as part of NYRA’s highly acclaimed broadcast team and TVG’s Simon Bray, a former trainer on the Southern California circuit.

The Tuesday night presentation also will include a look ahead at Del Mar’s opening day card on Wednesday, and as a “thank you” to the fans for reaching 100 Night School lessons, everyone in attendance will receive a free copy of Plonk’s full-card selections for the opener “Where the Turf Meets the Surf” and complimentary BRIS past performances for the featured Oceanside Stakes.

Fans can take part in the class free by visiting any one of the 40-plus websites that provide 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 United States Trotting Association, National Thoroughbred Racing Association, American Quarter Horse Association, Keeneland, and Churchill Downs, Inc.

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.

This week’s Night School will be followed at 10 p.m. (EDT) 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. Free past performances are available, courtesy of BRIS.

The Night School Tour of on-track handicapping and wagering seminars will be on hand at Del Mar on Wednesday for opening day as part of the America’s Best Racing Fan Hub. At the Racing 101 area, fans can learn and meet Night School’s Jill Byrne, along with fan educators Tim Brannan and Brandi Goode. Here is the updated Night School tour schedule.

Study Materials are available at this link.

Caton Bredar, Joe Kristufek and Jeremy Plonk preview this week’s lesson on video.

Here is the Pod 3 lesson schedule.