Oaklawn Park will continue its winter meet with the American Beauty Stakes on Saturday. Run at 6 furlongs on the dirt, older fillies and mares will run for a share of the $150,000 purse.
National Park
Oaklawn is a unique track nestled in the heart of Hot Springs, Arkansas. One thing that is unique for a major circuit is that the oval lacks a turf course. However, perhaps the most unique aspect of the track is the fact that it sits within the limits of a national park. This means that deicing chemicals cannot be used. This often means big impacts when moisture is in the surface
Sunny Skies Ahead
While the area is projected to get rain on Wednesday, the remainder of the week looks to be free and clear of any precipitation. This should leave a fast and fair track for Saturday’s stakes action.
American Beauty Stakes Preview
Oaklawn Park Race 8
Post: 3:46 PM CT; Purse: $150,000 American Beauty S., 6 Furlongs on Dirt; Entries: 9
#8 WILDWOOD'S BEAUTY (5-1) is with a great chance based on the horse's stamina & pace numbers. #3 AIN'T NO ELMERS (12-1) should be competitive today based on the horse's speed & form. #6 SARAH HARPER (5-1) wouldn't be a huge surprise in the winner's circle. #1 LI'L TOOTSIE (5-2) is a logical player based on speed figures and overall power rating.
Selections: 8-3-6-1
Saturday Full Card Analysis
Oaklawn Park Race 1
Post: 12:30 PM CT; Purse: $30,000 Maiden Claiming, 6 Furlongs on Dirt; Entries: 14
#13 ALLO ENRY (5-2) is a major player in today's race edging the field in several key handicapping factors including speed & form. #9 ONEIGHTHUNDREDCASH (5-1) has the foundation of previous races and may get the best of the pace scenario in this one. #3 NORTHERN WOODS (3-1) should be competitive based on the blood lines which has it tops in the group of maiden claimers. #10 MOONSHINE VISION (10-1) is proven as a good bet to at least hit the board under today's distance and surface conditions.
Selections: 13-9-3-10
Oaklawn Park Race 2
Post: 12:58 PM CT; Purse: $26,000 Claiming, 6 Furlongs on Dirt; Entries: 14
#13 ENCHANTERA (15-1) is a major player in today's race edging the field in several key handicapping factors including speed & form. The Oaklawn morning line can be a bit goofy and I would be shocked to get 15-1 on this runner. #3 MINE MY TIME (4-1) should be in the right spot early to give this horse a chance to get the job done. #2 BEBOP SHOES (5-1) should be at least a fringe contender in this spot. #7 CABOT (9-2) is worth a look here given edges in record at the distance & power rating.
Selections: 13-3-2-7
Oaklawn Park Race 3
Post: 1:26 PM CT; Purse: $30,000 Maiden Claiming, 1 Mile on Dirt; Entries: 14
#11 WESLEYAN (5-2) makes a lot of sense in this field given the edge in a number of key categories including form & class. #2 PURE ROCKET (6-1) has to be respected based on the connections. #13 CHEROKEE LEGACY (5-1) is a definite player given the speed figures this one has run thus far. #14 PRINCE DARE (8-1) is an interesting outsider with a chance to do some damage in this field.
Selections: 11-2-13-14
Oaklawn Park Race 4
Post: 1:55 PM CT; Purse: $100,000 Allowance, 6 Furlongs on Dirt; Entries: 10
#9 MACRON (5-2) has a great shot in the race given the speed & power rating. #7 EMPERADOR (8-1) is a major player based on speed figures. #1 BELFAST BOY (12-1) is competitive in a lot of numbers with runners at more than half the price. This one definitely presents value if he can overcome the rail draw. #5 FASTLY (4-1) makes some sense, but wouldn’t present enough value at the current price to jump on my tickets.
Selections: 9-7-1-5
Oaklawn Park Race 5
Post: 2:21 PM CT; Purse: $45,000 Starter Optional Claiming, 1 Mile on Dirt; Entries: 10
#5 WARRIOR'S BATTLE (3-1) merits consideration in this spot given edges in speed & form. #10 DARE ME (6-1) looks just a cut below the top selection, but at twice the price, the risk is compensated. #1 CANT BE TOUCHED (4-1) could get a perfect pace scenario today. #2 COST A FORTUNE (8-1) should be at a price and could very easily find a way to factor into the results.
Selections: 5-10-1-2
Oaklawn Park Race 6
Post: 2:51 PM CT; Purse: $84,000 Maiden Special Weight, 6 Furlongs on Dirt; Entries: 14
#1 FORSAKEN (3-1) is with a great chance based on the horse's connections & power rating. #8 TOPF ROAD RULES (5-2) is favored and has the best speed figures in the group, albeit over a small sample size. #13 BELLAMYS ROAN (6-1) and #12 LOUD BOY (30-1) are longer shots that could figure to at least hit the board in this spot.
Selections: 1-8-13-12
Oaklawn Park Race 7
Post: 3:19 PM CT; Purse: $101,000 Allowance Optional Claiming, 1 1/16 Miles on Dirt; Entries: 10
#10 CANDY TYCOON (7-2) is a major player in today's race edging the field in several key handicapping factors including speed & power rating. #3 BRICE (5-1) should be in the right spot early to give this horse a chance to get the job done. #4 CADDO RIVER (2-1) returns for Brad Cox, but will likely be crushed on the board because the horse was once a prominent Kentucky Derby hopeful. #9 GOALIE (8-1) merits consideration in this spot given edges in stamina & class.
Selections: 10-3-4-9 (Best Bet: #10 CANDY TYCOON)
Oaklawn Park Race 8
Post: 3:46 PM CT; Purse: $150,000 American Beauty S., 6 Furlongs on Dirt; Entries: 9
Stakes Preview featured above.
Selections: 8-3-6-1
Oaklawn Park Race 9
Post: 4:13 PM CT; Purse: $29,000 Starter Allowance, 1 1/16 Miles on Dirt; Entries: 13
#4 HOME RUN TRICK (3-1) has to be respected based on the connections. #11 EXULTING (9-2) should be competitive today based on the horse's speed & form. #8 BOTSWANA (8-1) wouldn't be a huge surprise in the winner's circle. #9 ORIGINAL INTENT (9-2) is worth a look here given edges in record at the distance & power rating.
Selections: 4-11-8-9
Continued Weekend Coverage
Betting News will have continued coverage of racing from around the country this weekend. Other features ahead of Saturday racing will include a preview of the Sunshine Millions Turf at Gulfstream and the Lecomte Stakes from Fair Grounds. The latter being a Kentucky Derby prep race.
Along with detailed narrative analysis Betting News’ handicapping tools are always available and free of charge to help you finalize selections at many of the top tracks around the country.
