Get more in-depth analysis, expert picks, handicapper reports, AI picks, handicapping tools, in-article data tooltips, NO ADVERTISEMENTS, and other membership perks with a Pick Pony subscription!
Don’t forget Pick Pony’s Expert Picks, AI Picks, and Past Performance Sheets/Racing Forms!
The Pick Pony Handicapper’s Report is published daily and provides analysis of all races on the card. A Pick Pony analyst prepares the report, so selections may differ from the Pick Pony Expert Picks, which are based on the consensus of all Pick Pony analysts.
Will Rogers Downs presents a nine-race card this Monday, February 9, featuring a mix of claiming, allowance, and maiden events, headlined by a $30,000 Handicap contest in the eighth race. The card showcases several accredited Oklahoma-bred races, highlighting the local breeding program. With a standard 1:15 PM post time, the program offers competitive fields, particularly in the mid-level allowance races where established local connections like Scott Young, Kari Craddock, and Joe Offolter have entered prime contenders. The feature race, a one-mile Handicap, has drawn a diverse field of older horses, including the class-dropping Ben Diesel and the consistent Classy Empire, making for an intriguing betting puzzle.
Weather and Track Conditions
The forecast for Claremore, Oklahoma, calls for typical early February conditions. Expect cool temperatures hovering in the mid-40s to low-50s with partly cloudy skies. The track surface at Will Rogers Downs is a traditional dirt oval known for drying out quickly. Unless significant precipitation occurs overnight, the track should be listed as Fast. The surface tends to be sandy and can tighten up in cooler weather, often promoting decent times.
Track Bias Analysis
Will Rogers Downs typically exhibits a distinct profile that favors speed, especially in sprint races at 6 furlongs. The track configuration features tight turns, which often disadvantages deep closers who have to check momentum or travel wide. The rail is historically the golden path here; horses who can save ground on the inside and pop out at the top of the lane—or stay on the rail—often outperform their odds. In route races (1 mile), the bias is slightly less pronounced, but tactical speed remains king. Horses capable of securing position within two lengths of the lead by the first turn generally control the outcome.
1st Race – Will Rogers Downs – Monday, February 9th, 2026
Post Time
1:15 PM CST
Pace Analysis
In this low-level maiden claiming sprint, the pace scenario appears murky with few confirmed front-runners. Tin Top, carrying the light weight of 118 lbs, may attempt to send from the middle, but Major League has shown flashes of early foot in previous works. Expect a moderate opening quarter, which should keep the field bunched up turning for home.
Key Contenders
Major League looks like the horse to beat in this opener. Trained by Lane Johnston and ridden by Alfredo Triana Jr., this four-year-old gelding finds a soft spot to arguably break his maiden. The drop to the $7,500 claiming level is a significant move, often signaling the stable’s intent to get a win on the ledger. Pea Eye, drawing the rail, gets the services of Curtis Kimes. While the rail is advantageous, the break will be crucial. If he can avoid getting shuffled back early, he fits well with these on speed figures.
Secondary Choices
Myth Conception enters for trainer Mark Buehrer. This four-year-old has been inconsistent but fits this class level. Travis Cunningham will need to work out a trip from the inside. Tough Teddy is the wildcard as a three-year-old facing older horses. The weight break is significant, and Belen Quinonez is a crafty veteran rider who can exploit the mistakes of less experienced rivals.
Longshots
Diamonds R Lucky is a six-year-old maiden, which is generally a negative handicapping angle. However, in a field this light on proven talent, experience counts for something. If the pace collapses entirely, he might plod into a share of the trifecta.
Betting Strategy
Focus on Major League to win, but protect with an exacta box including Pea Eye. The rail bias makes Pea Eye a necessary inclusion in defensive wagers.
Selections
Win: Major League (5) – 35% confidence Place: Pea Eye (1) – 25% confidence Show: Tough Teddy (6) – 20% confidence Alternative: Myth Conception (2) – 10% confidence
2nd Race – Will Rogers Downs – Monday, February 9th, 2026
Post Time
1:47 PM CST
Pace Analysis
This 6-furlong claiming event features more legitimate speed than the opener. Cabo Mischief and Order of Merit both possess gate speed. Slick Country Boy, drawn outside of them, will likely be forced to engage early to avoid being hung wide, ensuring an honest pace.
Key Contenders
Order of Merit looks formidable here. The seven-year-old veteran is trained by Mark Buehrer and keeps Alfredo Triana Jr. in the irons. His back class is superior to most of this field, and he projects to sit a perfect stalking trip just off the lead. Soul Sacrifice is another major player for the James Victor Hale barn. With Leandro Goncalves aboard, this horse has the tactical versatility to win from the lead or just off the pace. His recent form suggests he is sitting on a top effort.
Secondary Choices
Multiple Opinions draws the rail for Boyd Caster. While the post is good, he needs to show more early zip to hold his position. If the leaders duel themselves into submission, he could pick up the pieces. Cabo Mischief has speed but sometimes lacks the stamina for the final furlong. Alberto Pusac will try to nurse his speed, but the pressure from Order of Merit might be too much.
Longshots
Awesome Outlaw is the stablemate to Soul Sacrifice. While the “A” entry usually attracts more money, sometimes the “B” stringer pops at a price. At six years old, he is a grinder who could clunk up for third or fourth.
Betting Strategy
A win bet on Order of Merit is the primary play. An exacta box with Soul Sacrifice is the logical structure, as these two appear to have a class edge over the rest.
Selections
Win: Order of Merit (2) – 30% confidence Place: Soul Sacrifice (4) – 28% confidence Show: Multiple Opinions (1) – 15% confidence Alternative: Cabo Mischief (6) – 12% confidence
3rd Race – Will Rogers Downs – Monday, February 9th, 2026
Post Time
2:14 PM CST
Pace Analysis
This one-mile allowance for Oklahoma-bred fillies and mares should feature a deliberate pace. Easter Gift and Elegant Okie are stretched out sprinters who might find themselves on the lead by default. The slow tempo will favor horses near the front, making it difficult for deep closers to make up ground.
Key Contenders
Tizabellarina stands out as a strong favorite. Trained by Scott Young, who excels with Oklahoma-breds, and ridden by top jockey David Cabrera, this four-year-old filly has arguably the best form in the race. She should relish the distance and has the class to handle this condition. Easter Gift, from the Kari Craddock barn, is the main danger. Craddock is astute at placing her horses, and getting Leandro Goncalves is a positive sign. Being a three-year-old against older mares, she gets a weight break that could prove decisive in the final furlong.
Secondary Choices
Lil Miss Brisket is another Craddock entry. While she may be the second stringer, Richard Eramia is a patient rider who suits this horse well. If the pace is hotter than expected, she will be the beneficiary. Fancy Freida represents the Steve Williams barn. She is a consistent check-earner and should be included in vertical exotics like the trifecta and superfecta.
Longshots
Let’sgojlo has shown little recently to suggest a win is imminent, but in a small field, strange things happen. Her best races would make her competitive, but her current form is a question mark.
Betting Strategy
Tizabellarina looks like a potential single in multi-race wagers. For single-race bets, a cold exacta of Tizabellarina over Easter Gift is the play.
Selections
Win: Tizabellarina (5) – 40% confidence Place: Easter Gift (1) – 25% confidence Show: Lil Miss Brisket (7) – 15% confidence Alternative: Fancy Freida (4) – 10% confidence
4th Race – Will Rogers Downs – Monday, February 9th, 2026
Post Time
2:46 PM CST
Pace Analysis
A competitive claiming sprint for state-bred fillies. Everyone Nos Wendy has speed from the rail and will likely be sent hard by David Cabrera. Misses Millie on the outside also has early foot. This sets up for a potential duel, which could set the table for a stalker.
Key Contenders
Outtaherway is the selection. The Scott Young/Floyd Wethey Jr. combination is deadly at Will Rogers Downs. This three-year-old filly has upside and should get a perfect trip sitting just behind the speed battle. She is conditioned to finish strong. Everyone Nos Wendy is the one to catch. If she clears the field from the rail without expending too much energy, she could wire this group. The concern is the pressure she might face from the outside.
Secondary Choices
La Camelia is a steady performer who rarely runs a bad race. She doesn’t win often, but she hits the board with regularity. Angel Ortega Stanley will likely keep her mid-pack and make one run. Caman Up adds depth to the field but needs to improve on speed figures to challenge the top two.
Longshots
Amarona Sioux is a five-year-old mare who has seen better days, but she drops into a claiming spot where she fits on class. If the track is playing kindly to closers, she becomes interesting at a price.
Betting Strategy
Bet Outtaherway to win. Use Everyone Nos Wendy and La Camelia in trifectas. The pace scenario favors the stalker here.
Selections
Win: Outtaherway (5) – 32% confidence Place: Everyone Nos Wendy (1) – 28% confidence Show: La Camelia (2) – 18% confidence Alternative: Misses Millie (6) – 10% confidence
5th Race – Will Rogers Downs – Monday, February 9th, 2026
Post Time
3:18 PM CST
Pace Analysis
This allowance sprint features several horses with early speed. Grace the Kingdom and Ship of Dreams both want the lead. The presence of Ninia creates a scenario where the first quarter-mile will be run in rapid splits, testing the stamina of the front-runners.
Key Contenders
Ship of Dreams is the class of the field. Trained by Joe Offolter, this six-year-old mare has faced tougher company and held her own. David Cabrera is an aggressive rider who fits her style perfectly. Even if she gets engaged in a duel, she has the heart to fight it out. Grace the Kingdom draws the rail, which forces the jockey’s hand to send her. If she breaks cleanly, she is a serious threat to take them all the way.
Secondary Choices
Raspberry Martini is an intriguing cutter. She likely won’t be on the lead but will be tracking the top two. If the leaders falter, she will get the first jump on the closers. Ninia is a consistent sort who fits well at this allowance level.
Longshots
Xyngin Spitfire is a capable mare on her day. She often gets overlooked in the betting but runs competitive speed figures. At 5 years old, she is fully mature and can handle the dirt kickback if she gets stuck behind horses.
Betting Strategy
Ship of Dreams is a solid win bet. A trifecta keying Ship of Dreams over Grace the Kingdom and Raspberry Martini offers good value.
Selections
Win: Ship of Dreams (3) – 35% confidence Place: Grace the Kingdom (1) – 25% confidence Show: Raspberry Martini (4) – 20% confidence Alternative: Ninia (2) – 12% confidence
6th Race – Will Rogers Downs – Monday, February 9th, 2026
Post Time
3:45 PM CST
Pace Analysis
A 5 1/2 furlong dash is almost always a scramble. Sweet Devotion and High Spark are likely to show speed. Smackdown, from the outside, has to commit early or risk a wide trip. The short run into the turn at this distance amplifies the importance of the break.
Key Contenders
Madethedean’slist is a standout for trainer Lynn Chleborad. This six-year-old gelding has back class and consistency that the others lack. Alfredo Triana Jr. stays aboard, signaling confidence. He can stalk and pounce or close from mid-pack. High Spark is a danger if he clears early. Mark Buehrer has him spotting well, and if the track is playing speed-biased, he might not look back.
Secondary Choices
Sweet Devotion has speed and the rail (or near it). Alberto Pusac will likely send, and in these low-level claimers, speed is dangerous. Stunning Bruno is a plodder who will be running on late. He needs a pace meltdown to win but is a reliable board hitter.
Longshots
Mitole’s Limit is a wildcard. The breeding suggests speed, but the form has been erratic. If he wakes up, he has the pedigree to crush this field, but he is hard to trust.
Betting Strategy
Madethedean’slist is the most likely winner. Exactas with High Spark and Sweet Devotion are the recommended play.
Selections
Win: Madethedean’slist (6) – 30% confidence Place: High Spark (5) – 22% confidence Show: Sweet Devotion (2) – 18% confidence Alternative: Stunning Bruno (4) – 15% confidence
7th Race – Will Rogers Downs – Monday, February 9th, 2026
Post Time
4:12 PM CST
Pace Analysis
A full field of 10 going a mile in a low-level claimer guarantees traffic trouble. There is plenty of speed with Aspiring Comedian and Passthecat likely to vie for the front. The large field size suggests a contested pace, which should set up well for a horse that can save ground and close.
Key Contenders
That’s Something is the veteran of the group at age nine. Lynn Chleborad keeps him in good form, and he knows where the finish line is. He should find a comfortable spot mid-pack and grind down the leaders. Aspiring Comedian, trained by Scott Young, will try to steal it. Floyd Wethey Jr. is a master of pace, and if he can slow down the fractions on the lead, he might have enough left to hold off the closers.
Secondary Choices
Absaroka is another old timer (10 years old) who still has some run left. David Cabrera riding for Guillermo Flores is a notable jockey upgrade. He will likely be coming from far back. Hamazing Wisdom is a consistent runner who fits the class level perfectly.
Longshots
Just Plain Ornery draws the far outside, which is tough at a mile, but he often outruns his odds. If he can clear the field and get over before the first turn, he has a shot at a massive price.
Betting Strategy
This is a spread race in Pick 5s. Win bet on That’s Something, but box him with Aspiring Comedian and Absaroka in exotic wagers.
Selections
Win: That’s Something (2) – 25% confidence Place: Aspiring Comedian (1) – 22% confidence Show: Absaroka (9) – 18% confidence Alternative: Hamazing Wisdom (8) – 10% confidence
8th Race – Will Rogers Downs – Monday, February 9th, 2026
Post Time
4:39 PM CST
Pace Analysis
The feature Handicap race has drawn a quality field. Lemon Drop Shot and No Trouble have speed, but Ben Diesel has shown tactical ability in higher-class races. The pace should be honest but not suicidal, allowing class to prevail.
Key Contenders
Ben Diesel is the class of the field. A seven-year-old with a graded stakes background (or at least high-level allowance company in his past), he finds a very winnable spot here. Obed Sanchez takes the mount for George Blatchford. He carries 118 lbs, which is a manageable weight given his size and stride. Classy Empire carries the high weight of 124 lbs, a testament to his recent form. Trained by Michael Biehler, he is a winning machine at this level and cannot be dismissed despite the weight concession.
Secondary Choices
Without a Trace also carries 124 lbs and partners with Floyd Wethey Jr. He is a hard-knocking gelding who loves a dogfight in the lane. Lemon Drop Shot is the deep closer who will be flying late if the leaders tire. At 8 years old, he knows his job well.
Longshots
No Trouble is the lightweight of the contenders at 119 lbs. Scott Young trains, and David Cabrera rides. This is a dangerous combination to overlook. If he gets loose on the lead, he could upset the apple cart.
Betting Strategy
Ben Diesel offers the best value if he goes off near his morning line. He is the superior animal on paper. Box him with Classy Empire in exactas.
Selections
Win: Ben Diesel (2) – 35% confidence Place: Classy Empire (3) – 25% confidence Show: No Trouble (1) – 15% confidence Alternative: Without a Trace (4) – 12% confidence
9th Race – Will Rogers Downs – Monday, February 9th, 2026
Post Time
5:11 PM CST
Pace Analysis
The nightcap is a Maiden Special Weight for 3-year-old fillies. These races are often chaotic. Expect frantic speed from the gate as young horses try to establish position. First-time starters and lightly raced fillies often run erratically.
Key Contenders
Mystic Grace draws the rail for the potent Scott Young barn. With Belen Quinonez up, she will likely be asked for speed early. Her works suggest she is ready to fire. Gift of Grace is trained by C.R. Trout, a legendary figure in Oklahoma racing. When Trout unveils a well-bred filly, you pay attention. David Cabrera taking the mount is a huge vote of confidence.
Secondary Choices
Bridie’s Legacy runs for Michael Biehler and gets Alfredo Triana Jr. She has shown improvement in morning drills and fits well here. Forbidden Lover is a logical contender for Scott Corderman. Leandro Goncalves is a strong finisher who can guide a young horse through traffic.
Longshots
Brielle starts from the outside post 10. While the post is tough, Floyd Wethey Jr. is the right pilot to navigate it. If she has any ability, the odds will be generous.
Betting Strategy
Gift of Grace is the pick based on connections and potential. A Win bet on her and an Exacta box with Mystic Grace is the smart way to end the card.
Selections
Win: Gift of Grace (8) – 30% confidence Place: Mystic Grace (1) – 25% confidence Show: Bridie’s Legacy (6) – 15% confidence Alternative: Forbidden Lover (7) – 12% confidence
Jockey Notes and Insights
David Cabrera: One of the most dominant riders in the region, Cabrera is booked on several live mounts today, including key contenders Tizabellarina (Race 3), Ship of Dreams (Race 5), and Gift of Grace (Race 9). His aggressive style fits the WRD profile perfectly. When he teams up with top trainers, the win percentage is exceptionally high.
Floyd Wethey Jr.: A tactical master, Wethey excels at saving ground and timing his move. His partnership with Scott Young is arguably the strongest on the grounds. Look for him to be dangerous on Outtaherway (Race 4) and Aspiring Comedian (Race 7).
Alfredo Triana Jr.: A veteran who knows every inch of this track. He is on live horses like Order of Merit (Race 2) and Madethedean’slist (Race 6). Triana often brings home prices and is excellent at getting horses out of the gate quickly.
Trainer Notes and Insights
Scott Young: Young has a loaded lineup today with entries in multiple races (Elegant Okie, Tizabellarina, Outtaherway, Aspiring Comedian, No Trouble, Mystic Grace). His horses are almost always well-meant and spotted correctly. Expect him to have a multi-win day.
Kari Craddock: Known for her patience and success with Oklahoma-breds, Craddock sends out Easter Gift and Lil Miss Brisket in Race 3. Her horses often improve significantly from their first to second start of a cycle.
Joe Offolter: Sends out Ship of Dreams in Race 5 and Freebie West in Race 9. Offolter is a high-percentage trainer who rarely enters a horse just to fill a race.
Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays
The “Scott Young” Pick 3: A strong wagering angle today is to lean heavily on the Scott Young stable in the middle of the card. A Pick 3 covering Races 3, 4, and 5 could be anchored by Tizabellarina (Race 3) and Outtaherway (Race 4), while spreading slightly in Race 5.
Value Play of the Day: Major League (Race 1). In the opener, the drop to claiming $7,500 combined with the Johnston/Triana connection signals a “now or never” attempt. The morning line might overlook him slightly due to inconsistent form, offering value.
Exotic Key: Ben Diesel (Race 8). In the feature, Ben Diesel’s class edge makes him a prime candidate to key in trifectas. Playing him on top of Classy Empire and Without a Trace creates a solid, logical payout structure.
