3 weeks from now we will know who won the Arkansas Derby and be looking over the Apple Blossom card. Good luck today, let’s build that bankroll!
Best Bet: Race 6, #10
Longshot: Race 4, #1
Race 1: Arky bred maiden claimers start this Sunday, and Lieutenant Power has a huge early speed advantage over this bunch, guns and tries to hold on. No Debate has a very nice gate work on Feb 26th. Gone Dancing makes the big drop and has the red hot Jon Court. Selections R1: 10-8-2
Race 2: Lookie Lou drops into conditional claimers for the first time after banging heads with OC types last year in SoCal. Lord Simba has a similar history. Aquamarine just missed at this level last time out at OP. Selections R2: 5-7-8
Race 3: Jimbo’s Biz has been right there at this level before, will need to gun from the rail. Tapifyn has shown good early speed vs better. Quicksilver cuts back and drops. Selections R3: 1-12-2
Race 4: El Venue’ best performance was his first which happened to be at Oaklawn Park, returns today and gets in light. Pop Culture drops to his lowest claiming level of his career in an attempt to get that elusive 2nd lifetime win. Fareeq ran a good 2nd last time out and is 2nd time Broberg. Selections R4: 1-3-9
Race 5: Captain Scotty comes in from SoCal for Peter Miller and has been running some fast races, will be tough. Double Tuff has a rough trip last time out, Indiana bred fits with these. Data Driven arrives from Delta following a late running 4th place effort there. Selections R5: 1-6-3
Race 6: Babadoook runs first time for Cox (30% angle), best bet. It’s Bellamy Time has good tactical speed, will need to use it with his post. Caddo Daddo brings a couple 2nd place finishes at this level. Selections R6: 10-12-5
Race 7: Hammerin Aamer is the horse to beat off his last race at Aqu, form needs to translate to OP. Catadaddy has been knocking at the door in his last 2. Exemplar will be closing and should enjoy the extra half panel. Selections R7: 8-4-2
Race 8: Bourbon County chased Mitole, who might be the best sprinter in training, last time out. Majestic Affair wins a lot. Calculator brings SoCal early speed into the mix. Selections R8: 2-5-7
Race 9: Shilah Baby showed early speed in her debut and appeared to get tired, followed that race with a bullet 5 furlong drill, should improve and graduate. Annie and Caroline debuted in the mud and still ran 2nd in a spread out field. She Beast will be tough if ready off the layoff. Selections R9: 8-4-1A