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Oaklawn Park opens its 2025-26 racing season on Friday, December 12, 2025, marking the beginning of a 64-day split meet that runs through April 18, 2026. This opening card, designated as part of the Holiday Meet, features 10 races including the featured $150,000 Advent Stakes for two-year-olds. The meet offers a record 62 stakes races worth more than $16 million in total purses, making it one of the premier winter racing destinations.
The opening day card has drawn strong competition with 109 horses entered across the 10 races, featuring several overflow fields. Top jockeys Luis Saez and Joel Rosario, along with trainers Brad Cox, Steve Asmussen, and Thomas Amoss, headline the human connections for this season opener.
Weather and Track Conditions
Opening day weather forecasts call for highs in the low 50s with ideal racing conditions expected. Hot Springs, Arkansas typically experiences temperatures around 51-54 degrees Fahrenheit in mid-December with minimal precipitation expected.
The track surface should be listed as fast for the dirt-only racing surface. Oaklawn features a one-mile dirt oval with an auxiliary finish line at the sixteenth pole to accommodate one-mile races, providing a fair run into the first turn for those distances.
Track conditions remain favorable for racing with no significant weather concerns anticipated. The forecast calls for approximately 5 hours of sunshine with only a 5% chance of precipitation, ensuring optimal racing conditions for the season opener.
Track Bias and Post Position Notes
Oaklawn Park has demonstrated a fair racing surface over recent meets, though some notable tendencies have emerged. The track historically favored inside posts, but recent data shows a shift toward outside paths being more effective.
In sprint races at six furlongs, outside posts seven and outward won 40% of races during the 2024-25 meet, with an average field size of 9.54 horses per race. This represents a significant advantage compared to inside posts one through three, which won 30% of sprints, and middle posts four through six, also at 30%.
For route races at one mile and 1 1/16 miles, post position bias is less pronounced. At the distance of 1 1/16 miles, horses from posts one through three won 39% of races, middle posts four through six won 33%, and outside posts seven and outward won 27%. One-mile races showed slightly more inside bias with posts one through three winning 40% of races, middle posts 36%, and outside posts 24%.
Running style preferences favor early speed and stalkers at Oaklawn. In sprints, horses on or close to the pace won 40% of races, stalkers won 38%, and closers from four or more lengths back won only 22%. In route races, the short stretch run created by the auxiliary finish line benefits front-runners and stalkers over deep closers.
Race 1: Maiden Special Weight Fillies – 1 1/16 Miles
Post Time: 12:30 PM CST
The opening race features a competitive field of eight two-year-old fillies competing for a $100,000 purse in a maiden special weight event at the challenging distance of 1 1/16 miles.
Pace Analysis
This appears to be a moderate pace scenario with several fillies expected to show interest in the early positions. My Glenda Faye and Rockin Robin both possess tactical speed that could see them establish forward positions. The two-turn route configuration should allow stalkers and closers to be involved in the finish, though the short Oaklawn stretch favors horses positioned within striking distance.
Key Contenders
My Glenda Faye draws significant attention as a Gun Runner filly trained by Dallas Stewart and ridden by Joel Rosario. This well-bred daughter of Gun Runner from the Dallas Stewart barn represents quality connections for a debut route effort. Stewart has a strong history with fillies making their route debuts, and the pairing with Rosario indicates confidence from the barn.
Rockin Robin enters for the powerhouse Mark Casse stable as one of two Casse runners in the race. The five post position provides tactical flexibility, and Casse’s recent success at Oaklawn with nine wins during the 2024-25 meet demonstrates the barn is firing on all cylinders for the season opener.
Cold Case represents Ron Moquett from the outside eight post with Evin Roman aboard. Moquett is a solid local trainer who understands the Oaklawn surface well, and the outside post in a route race is less concerning than in sprints.
Secondary Choices
Sissy Sox ships in from Fair Grounds for trainer Michael Maker with Luis Saez riding from post one. Recent form shows a fourth-place finish in her most recent start, and the Maker-Saez combination brings championship credentials to this assignment.
Quality Ami represents Thomas Amoss with Rafael Bejarano aboard. Amoss has demonstrated excellent touch with two-year-olds at this meet, having already struck with three maiden winners through the early racing.
Jackie Blue and Rockin Robin both represent the Mark Casse stable, giving the Hall of Fame trainer multiple win opportunities in the opener.
Selections
Win: My Glenda Faye
Place: Rockin Robin
Show: Cold Case
Race 2: Maiden Claiming Fillies and Mares – 6 Furlongs
Post Time: 12:58 PM CST
This Arkansas-bred maiden claiming sprint for fillies and mares three years old and upward attracted a full field of 14 runners competing for a $32,000 purse at the $20,000 claiming level.
Pace Analysis
This race sets up as a contentious early pace with multiple speed horses likely to engage from the break. The six-furlong distance leaves little room for tactical maneuvering, and horses with natural early speed or the ability to secure good stalking positions should have an advantage. The large field size benefits outside posts based on recent Oaklawn sprint trends.
Key Contenders
Devlish Gal represents Rodolphe Brisset with Cristian Torres aboard from the rail post. Torres finished second in the 2024-25 Oaklawn standings and understands the track’s nuances. The rail post in sprints traditionally held more negative connotations, but recent data shows all post positions relatively equal in effectiveness.
Air Castle draws post six for trainer John Henry Prather Jr. with Assael Espinoza riding. The mid-pack post position provides tactical flexibility, and this combination received support from multiple handicapping sources as a live contender.
Ghost Money represents Jonas Gibson with Luis Saez from post two. The presence of Saez, one of the leading riders in North America, indicates connections view this as a competitive spot despite the modest claiming level.
Secondary Choices
Paris Accord, Holly Springs, and Charmit all bring competitive form patterns that could factor in the outcome with the proper trip.
Y City represents Juan Sanchez with Jaime Torres riding from post nine. The outside draw aligns with favorable sprint post position trends at Oaklawn.
Selections
Win: Devlish Gal
Place: Air Castle
Show: Ghost Money
Race 3: Starter Allowance – 1 Mile
Post Time: 1:25 PM CST
This starter allowance for horses that have run for $50,000 or less offers a $60,000 purse and drew a field of 10 at the one-mile distance.
Pace Analysis
Gun Runner Charlie appears to be the likely pace setter with tactical speed that could see him establish an early advantage. First Player and Determinedly both possess enough speed to apply pressure if jockey tactics dictate. The one-mile configuration at Oaklawn uses the auxiliary finish line, creating a longer run to the first turn that mitigates inside post bias while potentially favoring the short stretch for horses positioned near the lead.
Key Contenders
Gun Runner Charlie makes his Oaklawn debut for trainer Peter Miller with Luis Saez riding from post eight. This son of Gun Runner won impressively in his most recent start at Del Mar, defeating his field by six lengths while demonstrating strong early speed and tactical versatility. The combination of Miller shipping from California and securing Saez indicates confidence in this spot.
Determinedly represents Mark Casse with Cristian Torres aboard from post seven. Casse’s strong Oaklawn presence and Torres’ track familiarity make this a formidable combination. The outside post positions have shown effectiveness in Oaklawn routes.
First Player brings Steve Asmussen’s championship stable credentials with Joel Rosario riding from post two. Asmussen’s record 14 Oaklawn training titles and Rosario’s Hall of Fame riding ability create a powerful team.
Secondary Choices
Stoke the Fire and Gettysburg Address both represent Cipriano Contreras with Emmanuel Esquivel, providing the barn with multiple chances in the event.
Fireball Birdie adds another Asmussen runner to the mix with Johan Rosado riding, giving the all-time winningest Oaklawn trainer two legitimate chances.
Selections
Win: Gun Runner Charlie
Place: Determinedly
Show: First Player
Race 4: Claiming – 6 Furlongs
Post Time: 1:55 PM CST
A contentious $31,000 claiming sprint for three-year-olds and upward drew a maximum field of 14 at the $10,000 claiming price.
Pace Analysis
This race appears extremely contentious with multiple speed horses likely to create a hot early pace. Suncroft, Ben Franklin, and Easy Fast all possess early speed that could see them engaged in a speed duel through quick fractions. The claiming level and large field size create unpredictability, but horses with tactical versatility or closing kick could capitalize on a pace meltdown.
Key Contenders
Suncroft represents David Jacobson with Ricardo Santana Jr. riding from post 13. Santana won six consecutive Oaklawn riding titles from 2013-2018 and possesses deep knowledge of the racing surface. The outside post aligns with favorable sprint post position data showing outside draws winning 40% of sprints.
Ben Franklin ships from Chris Hartman’s barn with Rafael Bejarano aboard from post two. The inside post provides a ground-saving trip opportunity, and Bejarano’s experience could prove valuable in navigating traffic in a large field.
Face Value represents Cipriano Contreras with Emmanuel Esquivel riding from post 10. The combination has shown solid chemistry throughout recent meets.
Secondary Choices
Jackman brings Steve Asmussen’s winning stable behind him with Ramon Vazquez aboard. Asmussen’s record of success at Oaklawn makes any horse from his barn dangerous regardless of claiming level.
Easy Fast, Palace Kitten, and Mighty Message all bring competitive form lines that could produce upsets at this claiming level with the right trip scenario.
Selections
Win: Suncroft
Place: Ben Franklin
Show: Face Value
Race 5: Maiden Claiming Two-Year-Olds – 6 Furlongs
Post Time: 2:24 PM CST
Juvenile males compete in this $55,000 maiden claiming sprint at the $50,000 price level with a field of 14 entered.
Pace Analysis
Multiple first-time starters and lightly raced juveniles create uncertainty in establishing pace scenarios. Paired, Awesome Magic, and Miskell all bring enough credentials to show speed, but inexperience could lead to uneven fractions. The six-furlong distance provides sufficient time for horses with tactical speed to overcome positional disadvantages.
Key Contenders
Paired represents David Jacobson with Luis Saez riding from post six. The Saez booking on a juvenile maiden claimer indicates connections view this as a winning opportunity. Jacobson-trained horses have shown consistent form at Oaklawn.
Awesome Magic enters for trainer Chasey Deville Pomier with Ricardo Santana Jr. aboard from post 11. Santana’s presence elevates any horse’s chances at Oaklawn given his track record and intimate knowledge of the racing surface.
Miskell makes his third career start for Mark Casse with Jaime Torres from post 12. Casse drops this son of Tapit into maiden claiming company after a dull two-turn effort at Churchill Downs. The return to one turn and addition of a claiming tag could spark improvement.
Secondary Choices
September Silver represents Dallas Stewart with Cristian Torres from post 10. Stewart’s barn has been competitive, and Torres’ consistency at Oaklawn makes this a dangerous combination.
Little Krush gives Coty Rosin two chances in the event with Emmanuel Esquivel riding from the outside 14 post.
Selections
Win: Paired
Place: Awesome Magic
Show: Miskell
Race 6: Starter Allowance – 1 1/8 Miles
Post Time: 2:53 PM CST
This $45,000 starter allowance at the marathon distance of 1 1/8 miles for horses that started for $12,500 or less drew a field of 14.
Pace Analysis
The extended distance suggests a measured early pace with jockeys more conservative in establishing position. My Noble Knight and Keen Cat both possess tactical speed that could see them secure favorable stalking positions. The 1 1/8-mile distance at Oaklawn creates opportunities for horses with stamina and late pace, though the short stretch still benefits those positioned within striking range entering the final furlong.
Key Contenders
My Noble Knight returns to Oaklawn where he won back-to-back route races earlier this year for Thomas Amoss. The combination with Luis Saez from post four creates a powerful team, and recent form shows consistency with an eight-for-three record since April while racing once monthly. Amoss has demonstrated excellent touch with routers at Oaklawn.
Keen Cat draws post two for Randy Morse with Francisco Arrieta aboard. The inside post in routes can provide ground-saving opportunities, and Arrieta ranks among Oaklawn’s leading riders with 65 wins and an 18% strike rate during the meet.
Hoodlum represents David Jacobson with Ricardo Santana Jr. from post six. The middle post position offers tactical flexibility, and Santana’s six consecutive Oaklawn riding titles demonstrate his effectiveness at this track.
Secondary Choices
Money Run ships from Peter Miller’s California barn with Ramon Vazquez riding. Miller’s presence at Oaklawn’s opener with multiple runners indicates serious intent.
Metatron’s Muse adds Chris Hartman barn representation with Rafael Bejarano, though recent scratches raise questions about consistency.
Swiss Guard brings quality bloodlines but draws the outside 14 post in a route, creating potential traffic concerns.
Selections
Win: My Noble Knight
Place: Keen Cat
Show: Hoodlum
Race 7: Maiden Special Weight Fillies – 6 Furlongs
Post Time: 3:22 PM CST
Two-year-old fillies compete for a $100,000 purse in this maiden special weight sprint that attracted a field of 14.
Pace Analysis
Eagle Dance and Cognizant both draw inside posts and possess tactical speed that could see them engaged early. Winning Matters brings speed from post seven, creating a scenario where multiple fillies battle for position in the opening furlongs. The six-furlong distance and large field size favor fillies with tactical versatility or strong closing kicks.
Key Contenders
Winning Matters represents Dallas Stewart with Joel Rosario from post seven. This daughter of Game Winner finished second by less than a length in her debut at Churchill Downs, demonstrating quality despite defeat. Stewart’s expertise with juvenile fillies and Rosario’s Hall of Fame credentials create a powerful combination. The outside post aligns with favorable sprint post position trends showing posts seven and beyond winning 40% of Oaklawn sprints.
Eagle Dance enters for Brad Cox with Luis Saez from the rail post. Cox’s dominance at Churchill Downs translated to strong performance at Oaklawn with quality juveniles. The Cox-Saez partnership won the Kentucky Oaks and multiple graded stakes in 2025, demonstrating their elite-level chemistry.
Cognizant represents Steve Asmussen with Johan Rosado from post two. Asmussen’s record 14 Oaklawn training titles and extensive juvenile success make any first-time starter from his barn dangerous.
Secondary Choices
Stir It Up gives Norm Casse representation with Ricardo Santana Jr. from the outside 14 post. The Casse family training operation has shown consistent quality, and Santana’s Oaklawn mastery elevates any mount’s chances.
Rift ships from John Ortiz with Emmanuel Esquivel, while American Missy represents Robert Cline with Kelsi Harr aboard.
Selections
Win: Winning Matters
Place: Eagle Dance
Show: Cognizant
Race 8: Advent Stakes – 5 1/2 Furlongs
Post Time: 3:52 PM CST
The $150,000 Advent Stakes for two-year-olds headlines opening day at Oaklawn Park, featuring a competitive field of seven sprinting at 5 1/2 furlongs.
Pace Analysis
Dirty Rich and Walter the Mason both possess natural early speed that could see them establish forward positions from the break. Spun DMC brings tactical versatility with the ability to stalk or press the pace. The relatively short 5 1/2-furlong distance leaves little margin for error, and horses with gate speed or early tactical positioning possess distinct advantages.
Key Contenders
Spun DMC draws post six as the 5/2 morning line favorite for trainer Randy Morse with Luis Saez riding. This son of Spun to Run won his debut impressively at Churchill Downs before finishing second in the Bowman Mill Stakes at Keeneland. Recent workouts show sharpness with a bullet work from the gate on December 4th. The Morse-Saez combination and favorable outside post position create optimal conditions for a winning performance.
Dirty Rich represents Peter Miller’s barn with Ramon Vazquez from post two. This California shipper won impressively on dirt at Del Mar after showing versatility on synthetic surfaces. Miller’s willingness to ship across country indicates serious intent, and the colt’s tactical speed fits Oaklawn’s racing surface preferences.
Ganaas enters unbeaten in two sprint starts for Shadwell Stable with Edgar Morales riding from post five. The perfect record and graded stakes experience create intrigue, though the 124-pound highweight assignment presents a challenge.
Secondary Choices
Boca Beach Club brings undefeated credentials with Ricardo Santana Jr. aboard from post four. Santana’s Oaklawn mastery makes him dangerous on any mount.
Strong Potential gives Hall of Famer Steve Asmussen representation with Joel Rosario from the outside seven post. The Asmussen-Rosario combination brings championship credentials.
Chad Allan and Walter the Mason complete the field with live chances if pace scenarios develop favorably.
Selections
Win: Spun DMC
Place: Dirty Rich
Show: Ganaas
Race 9: Allowance – 1 1/16 Miles
Post Time: 4:20 PM CST
This $115,000 allowance for three-year-olds and upward that have never won $24,000 other than maiden, claiming, starter, or state bred conditions drew a field of 14.
Pace Analysis
Natural Rights and Heavenville could show tactical speed from their inside posts, while Midnight West brings closing ability from his outside draw. The 1 1/16-mile distance creates opportunities for various running styles, though Oaklawn’s short stretch still benefits horses positioned within striking distance entering the final quarter mile.
Key Contenders
Uncle Caesar ships from Brad Cox’s barn with Luis Saez riding from post 10. Cox’s championship stable credentials and Saez’s elite riding ability create a formidable combination. The middle post position provides tactical flexibility for the Kentucky-based operation.
Crisis Manager represents Thomas Amoss with Ricardo Santana Jr. from post eight. Recent gelding has sparked improvement with two strong Churchill Downs performances, including a maiden victory by over two lengths. Amoss’s excellent touch with improvers and Santana’s track mastery make this combination dangerous.
First Division enters for Kenneth McPeek with Emmanuel Esquivel from post two. McPeek’s operation brings quality horses to Oaklawn, and the inside post in routes can provide ground-saving opportunities.
Secondary Choices
Heavenville adds another Steve Asmussen runner with Johan Rosado, giving the all-time Oaklawn wins leader multiple chances.
Natural Rights, Super Cruise, and Caught Off Guard all bring competitive credentials that could produce upsets with favorable trip scenarios.
Selections
Win: Uncle Caesar
Place: Crisis Manager
Show: First Division
Race 10: Maiden Special Weight Arkansas-Bred Fillies – 6 Furlongs
Post Time: 4:47 PM CST
The season opener concludes with a $100,000 maiden special weight sprint restricted to Arkansas-bred two-year-old fillies.
Pace Analysis
Appealing Mischief and Rockin the Lane both bring tactical speed that could see them establish forward positions. The Arkansas-bred restriction creates uncertainty in handicapping, as limited public information exists on many of these first-time starters. The six-furlong distance provides sufficient time for horses with closing ability to overcome early positional disadvantages.
Key Contenders
Appealing Mischief represents Randy Morse with Luis Saez from post three. Morse also saddles the Advent Stakes favorite Spun DMC earlier on the card, and securing Saez for this assignment indicates confidence. Recent scratches from Churchill Downs suggest connections waited for optimal conditions at Oaklawn’s opener.
Rockin the Lane enters for Chris Hartman with Tyler Bacon from post two. Hartman maintains solid statistics at Oaklawn, and Bacon ranks among the meet’s leading riders with 49 wins.
Caroom’s Croupier brings Chasey Deville Pomier training with Ricardo Santana Jr. aboard from post six. Santana’s presence on an Arkansas-bred maiden indicates connections view this as a competitive opportunity.
Secondary Choices
Tallahassee represents Ron Moquett with Evin Roman from post eight. Moquett’s local presence and understanding of Arkansas-bred stock create advantages.
Hot Springs Music adds another contender with Ricardo Santana Jr. splitting riding duties, indicating connections view multiple horses as live chances.
Miss Chocolatte and Secret Slew complete the main contenders with quality connections behind them.
Selections
Win: Appealing Mischief
Place: Rockin the Lane
Show: Caroom’s Croupier
Jockey Notes and Insights
Luis Saez headlines the jockey colony for Oaklawn’s season opener after announcing plans to winter at the Arkansas track. Saez ranks fourth nationally in mount earnings for 2025 with over $26 million won and maintains a 16% win rate with 43% in-the-money percentage. His presence elevates any horse’s chances, particularly when paired with quality trainers like Brad Cox, Peter Miller, and Randy Morse. Saez has eight mounts on opening day, including key assignments on Spun DMC in the Advent Stakes and Uncle Caesar in Race 9.
Joel Rosario brings Hall of Fame credentials to Oaklawn with six mounts on the card. The Dominican jockey has won 15 Breeders’ Cup races and was inducted into the Racing Hall of Fame in 2024. His partnerships with top trainers Brad Cox, Dallas Stewart, and Steve Asmussen create multiple winning opportunities. Key mounts include My Glenda Faye in Race 1, First Player in Race 3, Winning Matters in Race 7, and Strong Potential in the Advent Stakes.
Ricardo Santana Jr. returns to Oaklawn where he won six consecutive riding titles from 2013-2018. Santana finished second in the 2024-25 standings with 73 victories and $4.3 million in purse earnings. His intimate knowledge of the racing surface and strong relationships with local trainers make him particularly effective at this venue. Santana has nine mounts on opening day with assignments spread across quality trainers including David Jacobson, Norm Casse, and Chasey Deville Pomier.
Emmanuel Esquivel ranked 10th in the 2024-25 Oaklawn standings with 37 wins from 298 starts, demonstrating a 12% win rate and 34% in-the-money percentage. His seven mounts on opening day include partnerships with trainers Cipriano Contreras and Kenneth McPeek.
Cristian Torres finished second in the 2024-25 Oaklawn standings with 62 wins from 425 starts, earning over $5 million in purses. His consistency and track knowledge make him effective across all class levels at Oaklawn. Torres has eight mounts spread throughout the card.
Rafael Bejarano brings championship credentials with multiple Oaklawn stakes victories. His partnership with quality trainers Chris Hartman and Thomas Amoss creates winning opportunities throughout the season. Bejarano ranked third in the 2024-25 standings with 54 wins and a 19% strike rate.
Trainer Notes and Insights
Brad Cox brings championship stable credentials to Oaklawn’s opener after winning consecutive Eclipse Awards as Outstanding Trainer. Cox ranked sixth in the 2019 Oaklawn standings with 20 victories and has since elevated his operation to elite status. His seven Breeders’ Cup victories in 2020-2021 demonstrated his ability to prepare horses for major stakes, and that success has translated to consistent Oaklawn performance. Cox has multiple runners on opening day including Eagle Dance in Race 7 and Uncle Caesar in Race 9.
Steve Asmussen holds every major Oaklawn career record including 993 victories, 123 stakes wins, and $63.9 million in purse earnings. His 14 Oaklawn training titles from 2007-2025 demonstrate sustained excellence over nearly two decades. Asmussen became the first trainer to reach 10,000 career North American victories at Oaklawn in February 2023. His presence across multiple races on opening day creates opportunities throughout the card, with particular strength in the Advent Stakes with Strong Potential and Race 7 with Cognizant.
Mark Casse returned to Oaklawn in 2024-25 and won nine races, a single-season personal best in Hot Springs. The Hall of Fame trainer received 25 stalls for the 2025-26 season and plans to ship several top horses including Arkansas Derby winner Sandman and Grade 1 winners Nitrogen and La Cara. Casse has multiple entries on opening day across several races, demonstrating serious commitment to the meet.
Thomas Amoss has demonstrated excellent touch with two-year-olds at Oaklawn, striking with three winners of maiden special weight races through the early portion of the season. His 20-horse division under assistant trainer Chris Richard creates multiple opportunities throughout the meet. Amoss maintains leading trainer titles at Fair Grounds, Churchill Downs, and Ellis Park, bringing championship credentials to Hot Springs. Key runners include Quality Ami in Race 1, My Noble Knight in Race 6, and Crisis Manager in Race 9.
Dallas Stewart brings expertise developed through 12 years working under Hall of Famer D. Wayne Lukas. Stewart won the 2006 Kentucky Oaks with Lemons Forever and maintains consistent performance at major tracks nationwide. His presence on opening day with My Glenda Faye in Race 1, September Silver in Race 5, and Winning Matters in Race 7 indicates quality stock targeting the Oaklawn meet.
Peter Miller ships multiple horses from California for Oaklawn’s season opener, including Gun Runner Charlie in Race 3 and Advent Stakes contender Dirty Rich. Miller’s willingness to incur shipping expenses indicates confidence in his runners’ abilities to compete at this level. His operation maintains a 13% win rate nationally with over $3.2 million earned in 2025.
Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays
Opening day at Oaklawn presents excellent multi-race wagering opportunities across the 10-race card. Focus on horizontal wagers like Pick 3, Pick 4, and Pick 5 sequences that include races with favorites vulnerable to upsets paired with races featuring standout contenders.
The early Pick 4 (Races 1-4) offers value with potential chalk in Race 3 (Gun Runner Charlie) offset by competitive maiden races in Races 1, 2, and 4. Consider spreading in Races 1 and 2 while keying Gun Runner Charlie in Race 3, then spreading wider in the contentious Race 4 claiming sprint.
The Middle Pick 4 (Races 4-7) crosses the competitive claiming sprint in Race 4 with the juvenile maiden claiming in Race 5 before landing on the starter allowance route in Race 6 and maiden special weight fillies in Race 7. This sequence offers opportunities to separate with My Noble Knight in Race 6 and Winning Matters in Race 7.
The Late Pick 4 (Races 7-10) includes the featured Advent Stakes in Race 8. Consider keying Spun DMC in the stakes race while spreading in the surrounding maiden and allowance events to create tickets with solid value.
For players seeking single-race opportunities, the Advent Stakes exacta and trifecta offer value with Spun DMC and Dirty Rich appearing logical win candidates while Ganaas, Boca Beach Club, and Strong Potential complete competitive exotics. Consider exacta boxes with the top three and trifecta wheels keying the top two over all.
Daily Double opportunities exist throughout the card. The Race 3-4 daily double pairs Gun Runner Charlie with the wide-open claiming sprint, creating value if the Peter Miller shipper delivers. The Race 7-8 daily double crossing Winning Matters into Spun DMC offers attractive odds if both favorites deliver.
Vertical wagers in individual races should focus on races with clear class or form standouts like Gun Runner Charlie in Race 3, My Noble Knight in Race 6, Spun DMC in Race 8, and Uncle Caesar in Race 9. These horses represent value in win pools while serving as single in multi-race wagers.
Live longshot opportunities include Sissy Sox in Race 1 (8-1 morning line) with connections indicating improvement, Cold Case in Race 1 from the Ron Moquett barn at 8-1, and Dirty Rich in the Advent Stakes at 4-1 given Peter Miller’s serious intent shipping from California.
For risk-averse players, consider win-place betting on horses with strong win probability like Spun DMC in Race 8, Gun Runner Charlie in Race 3, and My Noble Knight in Race 6. These horses offer reasonable value in place pools while maintaining solid win chances.
Consider saver tickets in multi-race wagers including Determinedly in Race 3 for Mark Casse, Crisis Manager in Race 9 with improving form, and Appealing Mischief in Race 10 with Luis Saez aboard. These horses offer value at morning line odds while bringing competitive credentials.
The season opener creates optimal wagering conditions with fresh horses, sharp trainers, and competitive fields. Focus on jockey-trainer combinations with proven Oaklawn success like Saez-Cox, Santana-Jacobson, and Torres-Casse while respecting the track’s tendency to favor early speed and outside posts in sprints.
