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Going In Circles

Going In Circles

By Charles Simon

We cover horseracing from a different point of view than the typical racing podcast. Looking at both the business and sporting aspects of the game, you are gonna get straight forward, no-nonsense views and opinions as well as a deep dive into various issues that allows the listener to have a greater understanding of the topics of the day. We don’t make picks but we may aren’t afraid to take a stance either!

You can reach us at:
Goingincirclespodcast@gmail.com
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Currently playing episode

Going in Circle’s Big Monday Show with Barry Spears

Going In Circles Mar 14, 2023

00:00
02:08:27
Going in Circles Big Monday show w/Barry Spears 3-25-24

Going in Circles Big Monday show w/Barry Spears 3-25-24

On tonight’s Going in Circles Big Monday show Barry and I speak about why it’s actually a great time to own horses, why people aren’t getting involved, the folly of contraction, preview the FL Derby and Arkansas Derby, review the Jeff Ruby and Louisiana derby and a whole lot more #jockey #kentuckyderby
Mar 26, 202401:48:01
Going in Circles Big Monday show w/Barry Spears 3-18-24

Going in Circles Big Monday show w/Barry Spears 3-18-24

On tonight’s Going in Circles Big Monday show Barry and I talk about the unspectacular group of 3 year olds we have this season as we hit the 100 point Kentucky Derby preps this weekend. We go over the two fields of the LA Derby and Jeff Ruby and talk about how trainers are racing even less in preparation for the first Saturday in May despite virtually all the evidence showing that more and recent racing is vitally important.
Mar 19, 202402:21:09
Going in Circles Big Monday show w/Barry Spears 3-11-24

Going in Circles Big Monday show w/Barry Spears 3-11-24

On tonight’s Going in Circles Big Monday show Barry and I discuss the massive tote meltdown that crippled the end of the Tampa Bay Derby card and calls into question what exactly we would see if you pealed the curtain back on the ‘antiquated’ system that processes our bets. Plus the latest case of HISA overreaching for no good reason, a plea for common sense and a whole lot more!
Mar 12, 202401:56:19
Going in Circles Big Monday Show w/Barry Spears 3-4-24

Going in Circles Big Monday Show w/Barry Spears 3-4-24

On tonight’s Going in Circles Big Monday show Barry and I discuss Saturdays action from GP, the plethora of scratches that drastically watered down the Fountain of Youth, the Nysos defection from the San Vincente and the Gotham and is Deterministic really a Kentucky Derby contender with his pedigree and lack of experience? Plus what we want to hear from the commissioner and a whole lot more!
Mar 05, 202402:03:02
Going in Circles Big Monday show w/Barry Spears 2-26-24

Going in Circles Big Monday show w/Barry Spears 2-26-24

On tonight’s Going in Circles Big Monday Show Barry and I talk about the unintended consequence of reckless speculation by regulatory, ask if Timberlake is a real contender for the Kentucky Derby, praise DWL for his willingness to race his horses, shout out Senor Buscador for getting better with racing unlike some others in the handicap division, talk the mental side of racing and how perception is hurting the game in terms of CAW play, late odds changes and why the explanations aren’t going to ever be near enough to make a large portion of players keep playing.
Feb 27, 202401:39:01
Going in Circles Big Monday w/Barry Spears 2-19-24

Going in Circles Big Monday w/Barry Spears 2-19-24

On tonight’s Going in Circles Big Monday show Barry and I discuss the plague of late odds changes, why it’s unsustainable and why it feel so much like the tracks don’t care to even acknowledge the issue let alone try mitigation tactics. We talk about the Risen Star, this weekends Rebel and a bunch of other stuff.
Feb 20, 202402:13:04
Going in Circles Big Monday Show w/Barry Spears 2-12-24

Going in Circles Big Monday Show w/Barry Spears 2-12-24

On tonight’s Going in Circles Big Monday show Barry and I discuss Saturdays Sam Davis stakes (a nominal Kentucky Derby prep) and the undercard events. After the first break we are joined by our So Cal guy Aaron Hesz to talk about racing on the west coast, issues and potential fixes and a lot of reminiscing about some of the great days that we have seen. It’s a long pod but filled with a lot of good stuff!
Feb 13, 202402:40:33
Going in Circles Big Monday Show w/Barry Spears 2-5-24

Going in Circles Big Monday Show w/Barry Spears 2-5-24

On this weeks Big Monday Show Barry and I recap last Saturday’s Kentucky Derby preps from Aqueduct, Oaklawn Park, Santa Anita and Gulfstream Park. Plus discuss the silly talk about the Kentucky Derby and its status, the strange reasoning behind why tracks hold onto the old scale of weights and bunch more! Check it out! #horseracing #horses #betting #gambling #Kentuckyderby #Baffert #triplecrown #jockey
Feb 06, 202402:03:37
Going in Circles Big Monday show w/Barry Spears. 1-29-24

Going in Circles Big Monday show w/Barry Spears. 1-29-24

On tonight’s Going in Circles Big Monday Show Barry and I were joined by Boston radio legend Mike ‘Mut’ Mutnansky to recap the Pegasus day card including the debuts of Speak Easy and Victory Avenue, the role of influencers and why regulars may not be enthused by them, a look ahead to the four Derby preps this weekend, Saratoga ‘shock and awe’ lodging pricing, a couple takes on the Baffert-CDI situation and a quick homage to Bill Belichick. Check it out for all your horse racing needs!
Jan 30, 202401:59:42
Going in Circles Big Monday Show w/Barry Spears 1-22-24

Going in Circles Big Monday Show w/Barry Spears 1-22-24

On tonight’s Big Monday show we talk about the absurd Bob Baffert lawsuit saga finally coming to and end, why Churchill will probably not relent and let him participate in this years Kentucky Derby and a whole lot more!
Jan 23, 202402:01:05
Going in Circles Big Monday show w/Barry Spears 1-15

Going in Circles Big Monday show w/Barry Spears 1-15

On tonight’s Big Monday Show Barry and I discuss the latest in racing including an exciting Derby prospect emerging, the nice card Saturday at the Fair Grounds, why the Pegasus needs a makeover, Neil Diamond, Barry’s Saratoga announcement and a bunch more!
Jan 16, 202401:52:12
Going in Circles Big Monday Show w/Barry Spears 1-8-2024

Going in Circles Big Monday Show w/Barry Spears 1-8-2024

On tonight’s Big Monday show we are joined by Game of Silks/Tropical Racing’s Troy Levy to talk about racing in general, the good old days, the lost cow story, what he’d do if made Deputy Commissioner by Captain Mike, some handicapping discussion with the Sniper and more.
Jan 09, 202401:59:54
Going in Circles Big Monday w/Barry Spears (Season 5) 1-1-24

Going in Circles Big Monday w/Barry Spears (Season 5) 1-1-24

On tonight’s Going in Circles Big Monday Show Barry and I look back at the 4 previous seasons as we winter our 5th year of doing the show. Plus a couple stories about stewards and racing officials, we give feed back on the Bloodhorse series which asked various industry people their view on timely subjects (todays wagering segment was 😳) and a quick recap of todays dubious KentuckyDerby preps.
Jan 02, 202401:58:21
Going in Circles Big Monday show w/Barry Spears 12-18-23

Going in Circles Big Monday show w/Barry Spears 12-18-23

On tonight’s Going in Circles Big Monday show we are joined by special guest Craig Milkowski (aka - the Time Lord) to discuss terrible stewards decisions, ridiculous graded stakes assignments and a whole lot more!
Dec 19, 202302:01:20
Going in Circles Big Monday w/Barry Spears 12-11-23

Going in Circles Big Monday w/Barry Spears 12-11-23

On tonight’s Going in Circles Big Monday we discuss the latest in racing news in an unusually short show.
Dec 12, 202301:08:09
Going in Circles Big Monday w/Barry Spears - 12-4-23

Going in Circles Big Monday w/Barry Spears - 12-4-23

On tonight’s Going in Circles Big Monday show Barry and I discuss why racing needs to start opening up the playbook and thinking out of the box before it’s too late. Also touch on last weekends stakes and a bunch of other stuff! Check it out!
Dec 05, 202301:44:08
Going in Circles Big Monday w/Barry Spears 11-27-23

Going in Circles Big Monday w/Barry Spears 11-27-23

On tonight’s Going in Circles Big Monday Show Barry and I discuss the holiday weekend that included a serious health scare, some two year old actions and football! We also discuss the winter meets kicking off this coming week at Turfway and Gulfstream. Check it out!
Nov 28, 202301:47:33
Going in Circles w/Barry Spears Big Monday Thanksgiving Special 11-20

Going in Circles w/Barry Spears Big Monday Thanksgiving Special 11-20

On tonight’s Big Monday show we discuss a wide variety of topics ranging from Chief’s Crown prepping for the Breeders Cup Classic in a grass allowance race to why TOBA is wrong for not throwing out the silly formulas and reworking the graded stakes schedule. Plus bizarre racing awards and why Pumpkin Spice might be illegal
Nov 21, 202302:31:34
Going in Circles Big Monday Show w/Barry Spears - 11-13-23

Going in Circles Big Monday Show w/Barry Spears - 11-13-23

On tonight’s Going in Circles Big Monday Show Barry and I discuss the 60 Minutes segment on racing which turned out to be a pretty bland piece with nothing new at all. Plus what Mike Repole is going to have to do if he really wants to make substantial changes in the industry.
Nov 14, 202301:42:41
Going in Circles Big Monday show with Barry Spears -sponsored by RCNGhub.com (11-6-2023)

Going in Circles Big Monday show with Barry Spears -sponsored by RCNGhub.com (11-6-2023)

On tonight’s show Barry and I recap all 14 of last weekends Breeders Cup races.
Nov 07, 202302:07:20
Going in Circles Breeders Cup Special w/Barry Spears and Jason Beides - sponsored by RCNGhub.com

Going in Circles Breeders Cup Special w/Barry Spears and Jason Beides - sponsored by RCNGhub.com

The Going in Circles crew is joined by special guest handicapper Jay Beides as we take a close look at all the Breeders Cup events on Saturdays card at Santa Anita.
Nov 02, 202301:35:38
Going in Circles Big Monday show w/Barry Speers - brought to you by RCNGhub.com - 10/30/2023
Oct 31, 202301:58:57
Going in Circles Big Monday show w/Barry Spears

Going in Circles Big Monday show w/Barry Spears

On tonight’s Going in Circles Big Monday Show Barry and I talk about the latest developments concerning the Breeders Cup which is less than 2 weeks away. Plus the madness that is horse racing social media and the wasteland that it’s become.
Oct 24, 202301:30:53
Going in Circles Big Monday Show w/Barry Spears

Going in Circles Big Monday Show w/Barry Spears

On tonight’s Going in Circles Big Monday show Barry and I talk about the mess in CA with the latest wagering debacle and ask who regulates the regulators after it’s found out that the CHRB doesn’t actually record or look at the pre-work vetting reports. Plus we run through some of the BC fields with who we know or think is running and a whole lot more
Oct 17, 202301:33:31
Going in Circles Big Monday Show w/Barry Spears

Going in Circles Big Monday Show w/Barry Spears

On tonight’s Going in Circles Big Monday show we talk about the weekends Breeders Cup Prep action, Mike Repole’s proposed ‘association’ of big owners and trainers that seems big on hype but short on details. Check it out! 🎤
Oct 10, 202301:59:14
Going in Circles Big Monday Show w/Barry Spears

Going in Circles Big Monday Show w/Barry Spears

On tonight’s Going in Circles Big Monday Show we discuss the Breeders Cup preps from last weekend, talk opening of Keeneland Friday, the graded stakes from Aqueduct this Wednesday’s and a couple of stories from the old days! Check it out! 🏇🏽
Oct 03, 202301:40:44
Going in Circles Big Monday Show w/ Barry Spears

Going in Circles Big Monday Show w/ Barry Spears

On tonight’s Going in Circles Big Monday show Barry and I recap the sparse action from last weekend, the Pa Derby and the fact that the winners connections are waffling at racing in the Breeders Cup despite its status as a championship event.
Sep 26, 202301:58:41
Going in Circle’s Big Monday w/Barry Spears

Going in Circle’s Big Monday w/Barry Spears

On tonight’s Going in Circles Big Monday show we discuss some of the fallacies that pass for critical analysis in racing. Plus take a glimpse back at the Woodbine Mile and the 2yo stakes at CD from this past weekend and a suggestion on how to prevent hopeless maidens from entering into graded stakes races.
Sep 19, 202301:54:43
Going in Circles Big Monday w/Barry Spears

Going in Circles Big Monday w/Barry Spears

On tonight‘s Big Monday show Barry and I talk the end of the summer racing season with Del Mar and Colonial Downs finishing up and Kentucky Downs with just one last card.
Sep 12, 202301:32:24
Going in Circles Big Monday show w/Barry Spears

Going in Circles Big Monday show w/Barry Spears

In tonight’s Going in Circles Big Monday show we wrap up the often traumatic Saratoga meet, discuss the new reality of not having fouls occur at the gate, talk Pacific Classic and a whole lot more!
Sep 05, 202301:43:07
Going in Circles Big Monday Show w/Barry Spears

Going in Circles Big Monday Show w/Barry Spears

On tonight’s show we talk about dealing with fallout from Saturdays disastrous Travers day and how we already have seen typical industry bandaid ideas tossed into the ring. Plus more tone deafness from a racing exec and why it probably won’t matter in the end anyway.
Aug 29, 202301:58:15
Going in Circles Big Monday show w/Barry Spears

Going in Circles Big Monday show w/Barry Spears

On the Travers week edition of the big Monday show Barry and I talk about the Big Race Saturday and some of the weeks other races including Race 2 on Thursday which is the Silks Race of the Week. We also talked about the Smarty Jones at Parx on Tuesday and some of the undercard races on a nice Tuesday program. Reviewed the Alabama and Lake Placid and how trips and pace can be the difference and between winning and losing. Plus some explaining of what we do what we do and why we’d hope that people can respect our goals even if they don’t always agree with our takes.
Aug 22, 202302:29:39
Going in Circles Big Monday show w/Barry Spears

Going in Circles Big Monday show w/Barry Spears

On tonight’s episode of the Big Monday Show we talk about a wide range of topics including horseracing social media madness, how factual coverage of racing is unjustly criticized, rebutting forcefully the absolute false narrative that changing the Triple Crown is a good idea and why looking at it from a racing standpoint only is just plain dumb, not to mention the negative impact that a move makes on a whole host of other races and meets…because a floundering racing company keeps making ill-advised decisions. Asking why Del Mar vs Santa Anita isn’t the question as opposed to DM vs Sar? Plus other assorted stuff…
Aug 15, 202302:16:33
Going in Circles Big Monday Show w/Barry Spears

Going in Circles Big Monday Show w/Barry Spears

On tonight’s Big Monday show Barry and I talk about the sad events of Saturday at Saratoga, plus a conversation about the older horse division versus the 3 year olds in terms of end of year awards and the BC Classic and a variety of other pertinent topics.
Aug 08, 202301:46:18
Going in Circles Big Monday Show w/ Barry Spears

Going in Circles Big Monday Show w/ Barry Spears

On tonight’s Looooooong Going in Circles Big Monday show Barry and I spend a lot of time discussing the Jim Dandy, the caller no call on the DQ, how the lack of any explanation to the public feeds into racing’s already dire issue of transparency which unfortunately isn’t even surprising. We also talk about steps to alleviate some of the long standing problems that could be the focus of racing leadership yet isn’t. Take a look ahead to the Travers and BC Classic and how the three year olds will play a pivotal role in that year end championship race this season. Plus Barry does Doc Rivers and Magic Johnson impersonations and brings up Willie Mays Hayes!
Aug 01, 202302:24:03
Going in Circles Big Monday with Barry Spears

Going in Circles Big Monday with Barry Spears

On tonight’s Big Monday show Barry and I discuss the Haskell, CCA Oaks, Shuvee and the rest of the racing action from around the country. Also talk why HISA is jackpot wagers for trainers, impressions of Saratoga, weak racing content and more…
Jul 25, 202301:48:23
Going in Circles Big Monday w/Barry Spears

Going in Circles Big Monday w/Barry Spears

On this weeks Big Monday Show Barry and I talk about the distressing news out of California that broke last Sunday afternoon that without any warning, TSG was closing Golden Gate Fields at the end of the year. We have some strong thoughts on that and the TSG and it’s leader. We also review Saratoga’s opening week, upsets galore in both two year old stakes and again in the Diana, uncertain weather, smoke again and remind everyone that we will be doing a Twitter Spaces at noon every Wednesday with the Game of Silks crew, previewing the race of the week and taking questions too. Check it out!
Jul 18, 202301:43:25
Going in Circles Big Monday w/Barry Spears

Going in Circles Big Monday w/Barry Spears

On the weeks Going in Circles Big Monday Show Barry and I discuss last weekends plethora of stakes races from around the country before we preview opening day at the Spa and the rest of the upcoming meet. Plus announce a weekly Twitter Spaces at noon on Wednesdays throughout the meet.
Jul 11, 202301:43:25
Going in Circles Big Monday w/Barry Spears

Going in Circles Big Monday w/Barry Spears

In tonight’s Big Monday show we discuss the latest salvo from Churchill Downs towards its chief nemesis Bob Baffert with the announcement that the Hall of Fame conditioner will be suspended from the track once again in 2024. It is tedious at this point but we have thoughts. We also look ahead to the Saturday card at Belmont and several of the excellent stakes including Red Carpet Ready vs Maple Leaf Mel and a couple of turf marathons for three year olds. Check it out ✔️
Jul 04, 202301:45:59
Going in Circles Big Monday w/Barry Spears

Going in Circles Big Monday w/Barry Spears

On this weeks Going in Circles Big Monday we talk about Two Phil’s and the extreme highs and lows of the game…and why Barry and I were anxious to bet against him in his next race that doesn’t seem like it’s gonna happen. Plus some commentary on why horse racing social media often misunderstands various industry roles and why not having an independent media is hurting racing in more than a few ways. Plus Barry and I make a wager on a bag!
Jun 27, 202301:46:53
Going in Circles Big Monday with Barry Spears

Going in Circles Big Monday with Barry Spears

On tonight’s Going in Circles Big Monday show we are joined by special guest Mark Paul, author of the book “The Greatest Gambling Story Ever Told” which centers on the great filly Winning Colors and her emphatic Kentucky Derby win in 1987 and the huge score that was made on her in the future book wagers. Plus we talk some racing issues and a little hoops on Draft week.
Jun 20, 202302:07:03
Going in Circles Big Monday Show w/Barry Spears

Going in Circles Big Monday Show w/Barry Spears

On tonight’s Going in Circles Big Monday show we wrap up the Triple Crown season, recap the strange week that was culminating with a historic win in the Belmont for Arcangelo. We also discuss the inane Synthetic track mandate proposal, why it’s another racing folly, for the millionth time explain why a commissioner is close to impossible to establish and news on some Going in Circles swag on the horizon!
Jun 13, 202301:36:55
Going in Circles Big Monday Show w/Barry Spears

Going in Circles Big Monday Show w/Barry Spears

On this weeks show we talk about last weeks debacle at Churchill Downs, how magic bullet ideas never work as intended yet that doesn’t stop industry people from desiring more of them and a little bit of Belmont Stakes talk!
Jun 06, 202301:42:44
Going in Circles Big Monday Show w/Barry Spears

Going in Circles Big Monday Show w/Barry Spears

On tonight’s Going in Circles Big Monday show Barry and I talk about current events in racing, why we talk about the negative issues, why the HISA veterinarian summit won’t find any smoking gun re:CD breakdown issue, why allowing trainers to run 3 horses in overnight races is a terrible idea, comments about the latest Going in Circles Digest piece about racing’s future and speaking truth about some of todays stakes races.
May 30, 202301:43:30
Going in Circles Big Monday w/Barry Spears Post Preakness show

Going in Circles Big Monday w/Barry Spears Post Preakness show

On tonight’s delayed due to technical difficulties show Barry and I kick around the Preakness weekend and talk about how we each came away with similar emotions about the entire couple of days. We also discuss the bizarre notion that asking questions and pointing out flaws is a forbidden exercise when it comes to horse racing regulation in the eyes of some on the day that HISA went into effect. We reveal why many Derby horses wouldn’t be coming back to race in the Preakness with a 4 week gap that you won’t hear discussed anywhere else (it’s a real thing too). Plus news that we might get a horse! Check it out!
May 23, 202301:53:53
Going in Circles Big Monday Show w/Barry Spears 🏇🏻

Going in Circles Big Monday Show w/Barry Spears 🏇🏻

On tonight’s Going in Circles Big Monday show Barry and I discuss a plethora of current topics including why changing the dates of the Triple Crown races is folly and will have negative repercussions for a bunch of divisions beyond the Three year old dirt horses. We also delve into the not so shocking news that lawyers are acting like lawyers, why regulation is a perception problem more than anything and a frank conversation on how the business of racing is just sucking the enjoyment right out of so many.
May 16, 202301:55:34
Going in Circles Big Monday Show w/Barry Spears

Going in Circles Big Monday Show w/Barry Spears

On tonight’s episode we talked about the wild Kentucky Derby weekend that was just brimming with controversy and too bad vibes outside of the big win by Mage whose story is really a great one. Barry and I talk the issues plus recap the big race plus we still don’t know why Talk of the Nation was scratched…
May 09, 202301:57:10
Going in Circles Big Monday show w/Barry Spears

Going in Circles Big Monday show w/Barry Spears

On tonight’s Going in Circles Big Monday show Barry and I discuss the two huge cards of racing coming up on Kentucky Oaks and Derby days. We glance over the races and point out some interesting names on the overnight, talk about how little buzz this years Oaks has (almost none), take a quick look at some of the undercard races including what might be the best race run this year (not the Derby btw) before we tackle some glaring issues (again). Check it out!
May 02, 202302:01:60
Going in Circles Big Monday Show w/Barry Spears

Going in Circles Big Monday Show w/Barry Spears

On tonight’s Going in Circles Big Monday show we discuss a wide range of topics including the actual viability of racing beyond the near future and how the lack of action on behalf of the tracks in regards to horsemen and bettors grave concerns might be telling. Plus somehow we talk the Republic of Moldova, the last race at Santa Anita Sunday, Finger Lakes opening day and pro wrestlers of the 80’s into the conversation as well.
Apr 25, 202301:58:06
Going in Circles Big Monday w/Barry Spears brought to you by the Going in Circles Digest 🏇🏻

Going in Circles Big Monday w/Barry Spears brought to you by the Going in Circles Digest 🏇🏻

On tonight’s Big Monday show Barry and I talk about the Lexington Stakes from last Saturday, Irad doing Irad things, the Parx DQ from today and how it might be better adjudicated. How HISA is dropping the ball by not revamping and standardizing on track rules of racing, the Makers Mark and how the perception issue that late odds drop is killing any chance for growth, why single wallet is not gonna be a huge boost, and why we need to fix the actual racing product more than anything. Check it out!
Apr 18, 202301:59:37