st: 8-1-6
Gary and Mary West gave up on Call West but he ran a promising race against the grain of the track. Faces a field of professional losers today for new connections.
Hello Holiday is 1 for 15 but gets a significant rider switch to Santana and draws the rail.
Determinant drops to the claiming ranks for the first time. His best races have been on turf or in the mud.
2nd: 10-2-3
Contentious Arkansas-bred N3L race in which almost every horse has a shot.
Got Mojo was pinched at the break and should benefit from a cleaner start with an outside post. Will be closing.
Burtnjoe and Haus both flashed speed before giving way in their first race at Oaklawn this season and could show better stamina with a race under their belt.
3rd: 4-3-2
Backseat Promises was overmatched in Oaklawn debut but fits with these.
Unprovoked has been in the exacta 4 out of 5 Oaklawn starts and is in good form.
Although she’s been routing, Desha’s one sprint try at Oaklawn last year wasn’t that bad and faces a field that will be desperate for the wire. Late factor.
4th: 5-8-2
Most of these Arkansas-bred maidens exit either the Silverado Road maiden claimer on February 7 or the Souixper Charter maiden special weight race on opening day. If you have an opinion that one of those races was stronger than the other that would help narrow this one down. I don’t, so it looks wide open.
Going with Ri Ri French Fry, who had a big lead in the slop before stopping down the lane, which he has done every time. Sticking with him one more time because none of these look like strong stretch horses, and hoping for a better price than the 2-1 last time.
Babadoook showed good speed in his debut. His dam Missippi Martini won at Oaklawn.
Gone Dancing moves to the Fires barn and is eligible to improve.
5th: 1-9-2
Sure Thing Sheila has won five in a row, fits the race and is a logical selection.
Norman McKnight has an outsize influence on this race. He claimed Redeal, one of the likely pacesetters. Boathouse View, another pace presence, was claimed from McKnight. Going with her as my second choice because the price is better and she faced much better horses at Woodbine.
6th: 2-1A-3
One of my least favored horse profiles is that of an expensive horse who can’t really run. That applies to most of the horses in this race. Lukewarm lean to Rickhouse, who gets the rail and didn’t have much chance last out after a poor break.
Zito has had a good Oaklawn meet so far, getting some run out of horses that didn’t look much better than Everado.
Lifesbeengoodsofar should be fit as this is already his third start at the meet.
7th: 2-4-10
C C’s Baby Girl raced wide versus multiple winners, now draws inside vs. N2L. My top longshot of the day.
Point Streak was an easy winner at the meet and figures to contend again.
Peachy is in line for yet another minor placing.
8th: 7-8-4
Can’t get around Carrizo, a fast, game and well-connected filly.
Sheza Handfull made a big move in the Martha Washington. Despite her 15-1 morning line I see her in single digits today.
Midnight Karma is worth a look as the other Asmussen horse.
9th: 1-8-9
New Colossus went to the front and improved his position last time in fast time. Today’s field looks more contentious early. If he can fight off pace pressure and still run fast, the race is his. At 7/5, I’m betting it isn’t.
Gray Sky is a perennial bridesmaid but he’s in form and most likely to benefit from the hot pace I envision.
Mo’s Mojo had an unfortunate wide trip last time but draws outside again.
Golden Bullet beat softer easily and could handle the class rise if he is content to relax behind the spedsters.