Pick Pony Mini Tip Sheet for Oaklawn Park – Racing News and Analysis for March 28, 2026


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Arkansas Derby Day at Oaklawn Park on Saturday, March 28, 2026 features a 14 race card highlighted by the $1,500,000 Arkansas Derby for three year olds at 1 1/8 miles in race 13 and the $500,000 Oaklawn Mile for older horses in race 11. The undercard includes multiple high value allowance and stakes events along with several Arkansas bred maiden races, offering strong horizontal wagering opportunities throughout the day.

Oaklawn's dirt-only configuration, short stretch in many two turn races, and typically honest but pace-favoring surface place a premium on tactical speed and position into the far turn, especially in large fields. Historically, Oaklawn has played relatively fair by post, though outside posts in sprints can be slightly more profitable than expected when combined with good gate speed.

Given the depth of the connections on this card, including leading trainers such as Steven Asmussen, Todd Pletcher, Norm Casse, and top riders like Irad Ortiz Jr., Luis Saez, Francisco Arrieta, and Ricardo Santana Jr., trip and pace dynamics will likely separate contenders more than raw figures.

Weather and Track Conditions

Regional March climatology for Arkansas and forecast indications point to mild spring conditions around March 28 with daytime highs in the low 70s Fahrenheit and overnight lows in the low to mid 50s, with scattered clouds but low rain risk. That pattern supports a fast main track with minimal moisture retention issues, particularly given Oaklawn's established drainage and maintenance program.

In this kind of spring setup, Oaklawn's surface typically plays on the quick side but not excessively speed biased, allowing both front runners and stalkers to be effective while making it difficult for deep closers who leave themselves too much to do. There is no credible indication in advance of a sealed or sloppy surface for this card, so all pace projections and bias comments assume a fast dirt track.

Track Bias and Post Position Notes

Oaklawn's one mile dirt oval with a relatively short stretch and single surface has shown a consistent tendency to reward horses who secure position in the front three or four into the turn rather than deep ralliers. Data from recent seasons shows a reasonably even distribution of sprint winners across posts, with the most profitable stalls often being mid to outside gates such as 3, 7, and 9 in six furlong races, provided the horses have some tactical speed.

At one mile, the auxiliary finish line creates a shorter stretch and longer run to the first turn, slightly dampening the usual inside draw advantage and making outside tactical types more competitive than many players assume. At 1 1/16 and 1 1/8 miles, the standard short run from the far turn to the wire still makes saving ground and launching a move before the quarter pole advantageous, so riders who secure inside or second flight stalking trips tend to overperform.

Given the likely fast main track and no obvious off-track conditions, today's races can be approached under the assumption of a mild, pace-and-position oriented bias rather than a strong rail, outside, or extreme style bias.

Race 1 – Starter Allowance – 6 Furlongs

This starter allowance sprint for fillies and mares has several capable pace elements but no absolute need-the-lead ball of speed, suggesting an honest but not suicidal pace. Balls In Ur Court (8) and Jet Pack (3) project as primary speed types, with Miranda's Rocky (6) and Talkin In Cursive (7) capable of pressing from just off them.

Key Contenders: Jet Pack (3) is a four year old with natural early foot and a strong sprint profile for this level, pairing well with Ramon Vazquez. Talkin In Cursive (7) offers a dangerous pace-pressing style with five year old mare maturity. Miranda's Rocky (6) is another pace-adjacent mare who has shown consistency at this starter level.

Secondary Choices: One Way Or Another (2) gets weight off and draws inside for a ground saving stalking trip. Adiva (5) gets Rafael Bejarano and carries a light assignment under the allowances.

Longshots: Laura Branigan (1) must work out a trip from the rail. Tell Me When (4) has some back figures but would need a clear form reversal. Balls In Ur Court (8) figures to show speed from the outside but her prior claiming form suggests she may get caught late.

Race 2 – Maiden Claiming Arkansas Bred – 6 Furlongs

This Arkansas bred maiden claiming sprint with a large field of eleven likely produces a chaotic pace scenario. Polar Wolf (6), Perfectly Harvey (1), and Gimme A Chance (4) figure to show some speed, while Flat Out Blessed (7) and Viney (8) could be close up tracking types.

Key Contenders: Mr Fahrenheit (11) draws outside with Rafael Bejarano for Ron Moquett and figures as a key late running contender. Gimme A Chance (4) carries the Asmussen name both as trainer and rider. Perfectly Harvey (1) has the rail and Ramon Vazquez, who is very effective sending from the inside in these lower level sprints.

Secondary Choices: King Nique (9) has enough tactical foot to secure a stalking trip from the outside. Viney (8) under Israel Hernandez also fits as a mid pack stalker. Free Of Frost (5) and Polar Wolf (6) are lightly exposed Arkansas breds with potential to improve.

Longshots: Denali Lightning (10) shows on the scratch watch with a prior trainer scratch line. Flat Out Blessed (7), Jonesboogie (3), and Bernardi (2) need moves forward to win.

Race 3 – Arkansas Bred Maiden Special Weight Fillies – 6 Furlongs

This Arkansas bred maiden special for fillies and mares features several first time starters or lightly raced types including Stevie Kicks (1), Peaceful Dreams (3), Vekoma's Diva (6), and Secret Slew (9). Runaway Roxy (5) and Rebecca Jo (7) appear to have some natural speed.

Key Contenders: Vekoma's Diva (6) with Luis Saez riding for George Weaver projects as a key filly, combining a win early pedigree with a top dirt sprint rider. Peaceful Dreams (3), with Erik Asmussen riding for Terry Eoff, also fits the profile of a live first or second time starter. Secret Slew (9) offers upside with Donnie Von Hemel and Luis Quinonez.

Secondary Choices: Rebecca Jo (7) for Tammy Hornsby and Francisco Arrieta looks like a pace-adjacent filly. Bolivia (2) and Runaway Roxy (5) are mid pack to pace-pressing candidates. Roots Tootn (8) and Grayrock Lady (10) represent outside posts with some potential to pick up pieces late.

Longshots: Stevie Kicks (1) draws the rail with bug rider Amir Mendoza and is somewhat pace dependent. Trump's Diamonds (4) shows multiple prior scratches, including trainer and steward decisions, which adds uncertainty.

Race 4 – Temperence Hill Stakes – 1 1/2 Miles

This $200,000 marathon stakes for older horses attracts a small field of six. Forged Steel (1) with Irad Ortiz Jr. and Jokestar (6) both have enough speed to ensure an honest early pace, while Tracking Error (3) and Compton (4) can sit just behind. Marathon races at Oaklawn often favor horses who relax early and make a steady, sustained move.

Key Contenders: Forged Steel (1) ships in from Gulfstream connections with Saffie Joseph Jr. and Irad Ortiz Jr., a potent combination for staying types. Parchment Party (5) from the Bill Mott barn with Luis Saez is another top contender, as Mott excels with route and marathon horses.

Secondary Choices: Jokestar (6) has to shoulder the high weight of 124 but brings competitive back class. Tracking Error (3) and Compton (4) are logical underneath players. Happy Strike (2) is more of an outsider but could improve with the added ground.

Race 5 – Allowance Optional Claiming 3 Year Olds – 6 Furlongs

This high quality allowance optional claiming sprint for three year olds has several lightly raced colts with upside. Rooster J (1), Two Seven O (2), Special Ops (3), Swung (4), Violence In Red (5), Mcfasty (6), Noble Affair (7), and Canned Heat (8) all have some tactical foot, creating a pace rich race.

Key Contenders: Violence In Red (5) from the Steven Asmussen barn, ridden by Keith Asmussen, shapes as a major contender given his likely forward stalking trip. Noble Affair (7), also for Steven Asmussen but ridden by Irad Ortiz Jr., offers a high ceiling as a lightly raced colt. Special Ops (3) under Ramon Vazquez for Rob Atras figures to secure a ground saving stalking trip.

Secondary Choices: Rooster J (1) for Danny Pish with Erik Asmussen could leverage the rail to secure inside position. Swung (4) and Canned Heat (8) are improving types who can sit just off the leaders. Mcfasty (6) and Two Seven O (2) deserve inclusion on deeper tickets.

Race 6 – Maiden Special Weight – 6 Furlongs

This open maiden special has eight runners and a mix of well bred three year olds and older maidens. Pharaohs Ghost (1), Super Happy (2), Trapianto Tom (3), Biloba (5), Prime Power (6), Tan Chulo (7), and Rip Cord (8) all either have or could show early speed, with Dawn At Normandy (4) likely to be more of a mid pack grinder.

Key Contenders: Biloba (5) for Ron Moquett with Irad Ortiz Jr. is a standout on paper, uniting a live local barn with a top national rider. Prime Power (6) from Steven Asmussen with Keith Asmussen aboard has the profile of a well meant maiden. Rip Cord (8) under Erik Asmussen for Steven Asmussen is another capable runner.

Secondary Choices: Trapianto Tom (3) from John Sadler with Antonio Fresu is a dangerous shipper. Tan Chulo (7) has prior vet scratch lines but could be live if healthy. Pharaohs Ghost (1) from the rail with Francisco Arrieta may also be live given his scratch watch history.

Longshots: Super Happy (2) and Dawn At Normandy (4) look like longer shots in this competitive field and may need significant improvement to threaten for the win.

Race 7 – Allowance – 6 Furlongs

This allowance for older horses features several runners with established sprint form. Practically Dark (1), Osbourne (2), Mish (3), Hola Joey (4), Run Classic (5), Perfect Force (6), and Devil's Tower (7) all possess some level of early speed or tactical pace.

Key Contenders: Run Classic (5) has been identified by handicappers as a key play on this card and fits the profile of a class and figure standout who can track and finish. Practically Dark (1) for Saffie Joseph Jr. with Irad Ortiz Jr. is another major contender. Perfect Force (6) with Keith Asmussen riding for Steven Asmussen offers an improving four year old profile.

Secondary Choices: Osbourne (2) and Devil's Tower (7) are reliable allowance performers who can sit close and pounce. Mish (3) and Hola Joey (4) may be better suited for chasing and picking up pieces.

Race 8 – Allowance – 6 Furlongs

This strong six furlong allowance has nine entrants. Risk It (1), Dancin For Gold (4), Q B Nine (6), Perfect Magic (7), Itsinmyblood (8), and Shape Note (9) bring various degrees of early speed, while Aaron (2), Miracle Worker (3), and Heart N Soul (5) may be more mid pack.

Key Contenders: Shape Note (9) with Irad Ortiz Jr. for Mike Maker stands out as a capable late running or stalking type from an outside post. Risk It (1) for Steven Asmussen with Keith Asmussen is another key contender, with rail speed that can be dangerous. Perfect Magic (7), also from Asmussen's barn with Erik Asmussen riding, offers an outside pressing profile.

Secondary Choices: Itsinmyblood (8) with Rafael Bejarano and Dancin For Gold (4) with Cristian Torres have the talent and pace to be in the mix. Q B Nine (6) and Heart N Soul (5) offer value as mid price horses. Miracle Worker (3) and Aaron (2) are more fringe exotics candidates.

Race 9 – American Pharoah Overnight Stakes – 1 1/16 Miles

This $135,000 overnight stakes for older horses at 1 1/16 miles has eight entrants. Winnemac Avenue (1), Tonka Warrior (2), Echo Again (3), Publisher (4), Woodcourt (5), and Classic Car Wash (8) all have enough pace to be within a few lengths early, while Timeout (6) and Prince Of Power (7) may sit a bit farther back.

Key Contenders: Echo Again (3) for Norm Casse with Cristian Torres is a key pace-pressing contender with back class. Classic Car Wash (8) with Irad Ortiz Jr. for Mark Casse is another major player. Timeout (6) under Kendrick Carmouche for Bill Mott has a grinding style suited to this distance.

Secondary Choices: Winnemac Avenue (1) for James DiVito with Luis Saez has rail speed. Tonka Warrior (2) and Publisher (4) are reliable types who can sit mid pack. Woodcourt (5) and Prince Of Power (7) are useful horses who may find this company a bit stiff for the win.

Race 10 – Allowance – 1 1/16 Miles

This two turn allowance has nine entrants. Moe Eighty Eight (1), Render Judgment (2), Dr. Storm (3), Mena (4), Viking (6), Dance Some Mo (7), B Sudd (8), and Couperin (9) all have varying degrees of tactical speed, while Dual Monarchy (5) may sit more mid pack or slightly off the pace.

Key Contenders: Couperin (9) with Luis Saez for Jason Cook looks like a logical favorite, combining a strong rider with a horse who can sit outside stalking. Mena (4) with Irad Ortiz Jr. for Ron Moquett carries a live profile. Moe Eighty Eight (1) with Ricardo Santana Jr. for John Ortiz offers rail tactical speed.

Secondary Choices: Dr. Storm (3) from Edgar Espinoza has some ability and the right stalker style. Dual Monarchy (5) and Viking (6) are grinders who could be moving best late. Dance Some Mo (7) and B Sudd (8) are usable on deeper tickets.

Longshots: Render Judgment (2) may need to step up significantly to beat this group.

Race 11 – Oaklawn Mile Stakes – 1 Mile

The $500,000 Oaklawn Mile brings together eight quality older horses. Will Take It (1), Neoequos (2), Gun Party (3), East Avenue (4), Full Serrano (5), Coal Battle (6), Nu What's New (7), and Awesome Aaron (8) all have varying degrees of speed or tactical pace. Given the one mile configuration with the auxiliary finish line and shorter stretch, position into the far turn is crucial.

Key Contenders: Nu What's New (7) with Luis Saez for James DiVito looks like a major contender, as he can sit just off the pace from a mid outside gate. East Avenue (4) with Cristian Torres for Brendan Walsh is another logical win candidate. Will Take It (1) with Ricardo Santana Jr. for Dallas Stewart will likely use the rail to secure prominent position.

Secondary Choices: Gun Party (3) for Steven Asmussen with Erik Asmussen has the class and style to be a factor. Awesome Aaron (8) with Ramon Vazquez and Coal Battle (6) with Corey Lanerie are capable of making late runs. Neoequos (2) for Saffie Joseph Jr. with Irad Ortiz Jr. merits respect simply on connections.

Longshots: Full Serrano (5) from John Sadler with Antonio Fresu may be slightly behind the top few on current form.

Race 12 – Maiden Special Weight – 1 1/8 Miles

This 1 1/8 mile maiden special for three year olds is a key stepping stone for late developing route types. Bedeviled (1), Banksy's (2), Fleek (3), Mr Fancy Pants (4), Slobberknocker (5), Kelz (6), Silver Shot (7), Wild Cat Curlin (8), Rockfest (9), Rocky Raccoon (10), and Baby Vino (11) create a field with multiple possible pace players.

Key Contenders: Silver Shot (7) for Steven Asmussen with Irad Ortiz Jr. profiles as the horse to beat, combining elite connections with a likely forward stalking trip. Wild Cat Curlin (8) with Luis Saez and Dallas Stewart is another key contender. Bedeviled (1) also from Asmussen, with Keith Asmussen riding, offers rail tactical speed.

Secondary Choices: Fleek (3) with Rafael Bejarano for Chris Hartman is a logical contender. Kelz (6) with Brian Hernandez Jr. for Kenny McPeek is a classic improving type. Banksy's (2), Slobberknocker (5), Rockfest (9), Rocky Raccoon (10), and Baby Vino (11) are mid pack or late runners.

Longshots: Mr Fancy Pants (4) from Norm Casse with Cristian Torres may be more of a later developing type. Baby Vino (11) has an outside draw and must work out a trip.

Race 13 – Arkansas Derby – 1 1/8 Miles

The $1,500,000 Arkansas Derby features nine three year olds with classic aspirations. Redland Rebels (1), Silent Tactic (2), Blackout Time (3), Bricklin (4), Taptastic (5), Renegade (6), Napoleon Solo (7), Exosome (8), and Litmus Test (9) form a field where Silent Tactic (2), Taptastic (5), Renegade (6), and Litmus Test (9) especially project early speed.

Key Contenders: Renegade (6) for Todd Pletcher with Irad Ortiz Jr. is a standout, bringing high class connections and a profile suited to the Derby trail. Litmus Test (9) for Bob Baffert with Francisco Arrieta is another key contender, likely to be prominent early from the outside. Taptastic (5) with Erik Asmussen for Steven Asmussen is also a major player.

Secondary Choices: Silent Tactic (2) for Mark Casse with Cristian Torres may be the pace setter. Exosome (8) and Napoleon Solo (7) are mid pack types who can benefit if the leaders go too fast early. Redland Rebels (1) and Blackout Time (3) must negotiate inside posts. Bricklin (4) is another mid price contender.

Race 14 – Arkansas Bred Maiden Special Weight – 6 Furlongs

The nightcap is an Arkansas bred maiden special at six furlongs with eleven entrants. Best Flat Out (1), Whitley (2), Own My Destiny (3), Wolf Tooth (4), Our Vekoma Ride (5), Seventies Music (6), Amore (7), Pistol Padre (8), Sedalia Trail (9), Instamania (10), and Bemis (11) form a field with several likely pace elements.

Key Contenders: Whitley (2) with Irad Ortiz Jr. for Ron Moquett looks like a major win threat, combining inside speed with a top rider. Our Vekoma Ride (5) with Luis Saez for Matt Shirer is another key contender with natural speed. Bemis (11) with Ramon Vazquez for John Ortiz is a strong outside stalking candidate.

Secondary Choices: Wolf Tooth (4) for Terry Eoff with Erik Asmussen has prior also eligible scratch lines but possesses a pace pressing style. Instamania (10) with Francisco Arrieta for Tom Van Berg is another live runner from the outside. Best Flat Out (1), Own My Destiny (3), Seventies Music (6), Pistol Padre (8), and Sedalia Trail (9) are all usable in exotics.

Longshots: Amore (7) with bug rider Amir Mendoza and prior also eligible scratches may need more experience. Sedalia Trail (9) with Joseph Bealmear for Melton Wilson is another longshot possibility.

Jockey and Trainer Notes

Irad Ortiz Jr. has multiple live mounts throughout the card, including Forged Steel (1) in race 4, Noble Affair (7) in race 5, Biloba (5) in race 6, Practically Dark (1) in race 7, Shape Note (9) in race 8, Classic Car Wash (8) in race 9, Mena (4) in race 10, Neoequos (2) in race 11, Silver Shot (7) in race 12, Renegade (6) in race 13, and Whitley (2) in race 14. Luis Saez also has a strong book with Vekoma's Diva (6) in race 3, Parchment Party (5) in race 4, Winnemac Avenue (1) in race 9, Couperin (9) in race 10, Nu What's New (7) in race 11, Wild Cat Curlin (8) in race 12, and Our Vekoma Ride (5) in race 14.

Steven Asmussen has a major presence across the card, with Violence In Red (5) and Noble Affair (7) in race 5, Biloba (5), Prime Power (6), and Rip Cord (8) in race 6, Perfect Force (6) in race 7, Risk It (1) and Perfect Magic (7) in race 8, Publisher (4) in race 9, Silver Shot (7) and Bedeviled (1) in race 12, and Taptastic (5) in race 13. Other key trainers include Todd Pletcher with Renegade (6) in race 13, Norm Casse with Echo Again (3) in race 9, Mark Casse with Silent Tactic (2) in race 13 and Classic Car Wash (8) in race 9, and Bill Mott with Parchment Party (5) in race 4 and Timeout (6) in race 9.

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