Does a ‘Yankee’ bet have anything to do with the song ‘Yankee Doodle’?

The origin of the term ‘Yankee’ is unknown, but is believed to have its origins ined the Dutch word ‘Janke’, the dimunitive form of Jan or, in English, ‘John’. It was recorded as a derogatory nickname for natives of New England, specifically those in the army of Major-General James Wolfe during the Seven Years’ War, and later popularised by the song ‘Yankee Doodle’ during the Revolutionary War, in the late seventeenth century.

Even the ‘modern’ lyrics of song ‘Yankee Doodle’, which first appeared in ‘The Nursery Rhymes of England’ by James Halliwell in 1842, have nothing to do with horse racing or betting. Any such connection may be the result of a later, but different, song, ‘The Yankee Doodle Boy’, written by George M. Cohan for the Broadway musical ‘Little Johnny Jones’, which tells the tale of a fictitious American jockey – based on James Forman ‘Tod’ Sloan – who travels to England to ride in the Derby. The later song, which is set, in part, to the same tune as ‘Yankee Doodle’, was famously performed by James Cagney in the film ‘Yankee Doodle Dandy’ in 1942.

Even so, any connection with the popular ‘Yankee’ bet – which combines four selections in six doubles, four trebles and an accumulator – is tenuous at best. Interestingly, in Australia, the term ‘Yankee tournament’, which first appeared in 1961, is used to describe what is known elsewhere as a ’round robin’ or, in other words, a tournament, or part of it, in which every player or team competes against each of the others in turn. Likewise, a ‘Yankee’ bet couples every selection with each of the others, so it is not difficult to see how its name could have been derived in similar fashion, without any direct connection to America.

Do you prefer a day at the races or a night at the casino?

A strange question to pose perhaps, but these are essentially my main two experiences of ‘having a flutter’ in life. From a relatively young age it’s been something of a family tradition for us to go to the races at Great Yarmouth and make a bit of a day of it. Essentially the day and afternoon would be taken up by a thrilling day at the races, having a punt on whatever horses stood out for us (sometimes a big odds selection in hope of an equally big win) and seeing what fate and fortunate would bring. On one or two occasions we certainly had wins to remember, other times broke even, and sometimes of course we lost. The ups and downs of it all are as much part of the fun as anything. We of course all had an ice cream too (as Great Yarmouth is on the coast!) and spent some time on the beach. It’s important to seek a balance!

The night aspect comes into play in that there is also a national chain casino in the town and after a long day, we’d often go there too. It’s of course a different vibe to the races as there’s no cheering crowds, but there is still that feeling of taking a risk, having a bet and of it sometimes being ‘your lucky day’. With so many games on offer too from slots, roulette, blackjack, poker and more, there’s something for everyone wanting a gamble. It’s sometimes possible to lose track of time in a casino, as there are frequently no clocks and the moody lighting remains the same night and day. Between the two, a day at the races, or time in a casino, to be honest I find it hard to pick a winner.

Of course in the internet age, life gets easier in that regard and you can gamble in the comfort of your own home, day or night. Plus the likes of online casino poker take a bit of stress out of knowing the ins and out of it (rules, decorum) in person and allow you to instantly get on with playing. It’s also a handy environment in which to improve your poker skills, see how you get on playing numerous variations of the game (such as Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Seven Card Stud, Five Card Draw and the like) and understanding both odds and knowing the poker hand hierarchy inside out. On poker websites there are often competitions to join, sometimes free entry, bonuses for new members and the like. Live Poker can also be fun as that takes the virtual aspect out of it as is then essentially little different to playing in person.

Some would say that real world gambling beats online, but really it’s all down to personal preference, time constraints and doesn’t have to be an either/or’ situation. Online casino worries about safety needn’t be an issue either, because if you’re playing on a trusted and well known site, that box is firmly ticked.

From Racing to Dice Games – adventures of gambling and chance!

The thrill of racing is something that every gambler interested in the sport of kings will acknowledge. Placing a bet and having your horse take the lead in the final furlong or two is a certainly feeling to remember. This is especially true if it’s a horse you’ve been following for a while, whose form you have analysed, and hold a belief that it’s got what it takes. That and a touch of luck of course, because from time to time we all need a bit of that!

Looking back surely many of us can relate to when we first appreciated either a gamble or game of chance? For some it will have been slot machines, an informal bet with a friend, a sports prediction etc. Or it can even be something as straight forward as rolling dice. Who, when young didn’t do that and hope to get two sixes for instance?

Of course in the gambling world, dice games are present to. Many fans of casinos will be familiar with the dice game Sic Bo. A game of Chinese origin – often played in Macau, Hong Kong, that means ‘Precious Dice’. The game is popular in other Asian countries too, and in more recent years, the US, UK and beyond.

As with any casino game there are rules that need to be followed. Sic Bo has similarities to roulette in that you’re essentially betting on the odds that an event will take place. The dealer shakes a chest containing 3 dice, and players either win or lose depending on their bet with regards to the resulting combination within. Players can wager on one, two or all three dice. For instance if you bet that a six will appear, then the player would win varying amounts if the number came up on the die (winning more if it comes up on multiple dice).

Another dice game of note and popularity is Craps. From the US, but played worldwde, this differs in that it can require a series of results over multiple rolls. One player rolls two dice and other players bet on the outcome, which depending on what combination is rolled can result in winning, losing, or further rolls taking place (the point phase). It’s an exciting game that can have many twists and turns.

Of course when playing casino games online, a lot of the thinking is taken out of it compared to bricks and mortar casinos, and it’s as straightforward to play as can be. Some websites also offer you a online dice games welcome bonus too, so you’re already ahead before you’ve even started playing. It’s a great way to unwind after a hard day at the office and a bonus is always just that, a bonus!

Whether dice sat at home, or a day at the races, a little bit of me time where you can zone out of the day to day or worries and focus on something that offers a little bit of excitement or escape is always nice. As long as you gamble within your means and enjoy yourself it’s all good fun!

Spotlight on the 2025 Belmont Stakes Contenders: Form, Style, and Expectations

The Belmont Stakes, the last leg of the Triple Crown, is heading back to Saratoga Race Course on 7 June 2025. While Belmont Park continues its extensive renovation, Saratoga plays host for the second straight year. And with the distance shortened to 1¼ miles, this year’s race promises to be faster—and potentially more competitive—than ever.

All eyes are on a high-stakes showdown between two standout contenders: Kentucky Derby champion Sovereignty and Preakness winner Journalism. With the two yet to meet on the track, anticipation is building for their long-awaited head-to-head clash.

What Makes the 2025 Belmont Stakes Unique?

 – Venue: Change from Belmont Park to Saratoga Race Course (for the second year),

 – Distance: 1¼ miles instead of 1½,

 – Purse: $2 million, Grade 1,

 – Date & Time: Saturday, 7 June 2025, post time ~6:50 p.m. ET,

– Broadcast: FOX (4–7:30 p.m. ET).

This year’s race is set to shake up tradition, and bettors are watching closely. The field is impressive and the reduced distance could favour different running styles compared to past races.

If you’re exploring options for Belmont Stakes betting, this year’s matchup is shaping up to be especially intriguing with at least seven competitive horses in the mix.

Contender Breakdown: Meet the Probables

Let’s go through the names, stats, and most recent form of the horses likely to line up at the gate.

Sovereignty (Trainer: Bill Mott | Jockey: Junior Alvarado)

 – Sire: Into Mischief

– Record: 3 wins, 2 seconds in 6 starts

 – Last race: 1st, Grade 1 Kentucky Derby (3 May)

Fresh off a commanding Derby win, Sovereignty is skipping the Preakness and heading straight for Saratoga. The 3-year-old colt has a tactical edge and should thrive at the shorter distance. His team is confident, though Alvarado’s Derby ride did draw a suspension, which he’s appealing.

Journalism (Trainer: Michael McCarthy | Jockey: Umberto Rispoli)

 -Sire: Curlin

– Record: 5 wins, 1 second in 7 starts

– Last race: 1st, Grade 1 Preakness Stakes (17 May)

Preakness champion Journalism was originally the favourite for the Derby but skipped it entirely. With a powerful close and proven stamina, he’s a true threat at 10 furlongs. Co-owner Aron Wellman says the Belmont remains under consideration—pending the horse’s condition.

Baeza (Trainer: John Shirreffs | Jockey: Flavien Prat)

 – Sire: McKinzie

– Record: 1 win, 2 seconds, 1 third in 5 starts

– Last race: 3rd, Grade 1 Kentucky Derby (3 May)

 – Odds: 12-1 (projected)

Baeza put in a gritty performance in the Derby to grab third. While he’s not the flashiest colt in the field, consistency and a proven ability to close in big races make him a live outsider.

Rodriguez (Trainer: Bob Baffert | Jockey: Mike Smith)

 – Sire: Authentic

 – Record: 2 wins, 2 seconds in 5 starts

 – Last race: 1st, Grade 2 Wood Memorial (5 April)

Courtesy of a powerhouse trainer and an elite jockey, Rodriguez offers strength and tactical speed. His Wood Memorial win showed solid pace-setting ability. One to watch if the track favours front-runners.

Grande (Trainer: Todd Pletcher | Jockey: Dylan Davis)

 – Sire: Curlin

–  Record: 2 wins, 1 second in 3 starts

– Last race: 2nd, Grade 2 Wood Memorial (5 April)

Grande has run sparingly but impressed in every outing. Light on experience, yes—but he’s bred for this level. A sharp run in the Wood makes him an interesting wildcard.

Heart of Honor (Trainer: Jamie Osborne | Jockey: Saffie Osborne)

– Sire: Honor A. P.

 – Record: 2 wins, 4 seconds in 7 starts

– Last race: 5th, Grade 1 Preakness (17 May)

Heart of Honor is one of the more seasoned colts in the lineup, and although he was fifth in the Preakness, his performance was noteworthy. Heart of Honor hasn’t had a standout victory yet, but has a record making him worth following.

Storylines Worth Watching

– Triple Crown twist: With different winners in the Derby and Preakness, there’s no Triple Crown bid—but a Sovereignty vs. Journalism face-off is just as good,

– Redemption arcs: Alvarado’s Derby ride drew heat. A win at Saratoga could shift the narrative,

– Young contenders rising: Horses like Grande and Hill Road have lower mileage but high potential.

What’s Next?

The official draw for post positions takes place on Monday, 2 June. Until then, all eyes remain on the training barns. Fitness updates, jockey confirmations, and track conditions will shape how the odds move.

For those tracking developments, the landscape for Belmont Stakes betting is already buzzing. It’s not just about picking a name—it’s about understanding which horse best fits this unique version of the race.

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