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Remington Park presents a solid 9-race card for this Friday evening, headlined by an allowance mile event in Race 8. The card features a mix of claiming, maiden special weight, and allowance contests, with large fields in the juvenile events providing excellent betting opportunities. The “Asmussen/Elliott” combination is in full force tonight, with several key entries that will likely take money at the windows.
Weather and Track Conditions
Forecast: Clear and Cold. High near 51°F, dropping into the low 30s/high 20s after dark.
Track Condition: Fast.
Track Bias: Remington’s dirt surface has been playing fair, though inside speed is often dangerous in the 5 1/2 and 6-furlong sprints. For the two-turn routes (1 Mile and 1 Mile 70 Yards), be wary of outside posts (7+), as the short run to the first turn can force horses wide, causing significant ground loss.
Jockey Notes and Insights
- Stewart Elliott: The perennial leading rider at Remington Park is the key man to watch, particularly when paired with trainer Steve Asmussen. In races where Asmussen has multiple entries (Races 6, 8), Elliott’s presence often signals the “A” string runner.
- Ramon Vazquez: A high-percentage rider who excels with speed horses. His booking on Gustafson runners (e.g., Wolfberry in Race 2) is a strong positive signal.
- Erik Asmussen: The apprentice/son of Steve Asmussen gets plenty of mounts but often on the stable’s secondary contenders when Elliott is also entered. However, in races where he is the sole rider for the barn (like Race 1), his mounts are live.
- David Cabrera: Always a threat on the Oklahoma circuit, particularly with tactical runners in routes.
Trainer Notes and Insights
- Steven M. Asmussen: The dominant force at Remington. Pay close attention to his 2-year-olds in the Maiden Special Weight events (Races 2, 6, 9).
- Robertino Diodoro: Boasts a massive win percentage (often hovering near 30-37% at this meet). His entries are “must-use” in multi-race wagers, particularly Om Sassy in Race 7.
- Austin Gustafson: consistently strikes at around 18-20%. His 2-year-old fillies in Race 2 and 6 deserve respect.
- Veterinarian Scratches: Several horses on today’s card (e.g., Wrinkle Road, Wartime Hero, Lottery Ticket) are returning from recent vet scratches. Check the tote board for signs of fitness; these can be risky propositions.
Detailed Race Analysis
Race 1
Post Time: 06:00 PM | Distance: 1 Mile 70 Yards | Level: Maiden Claiming $10,000
Pace Analysis
A lack of pure speed in this maiden claiming route suggests a moderate to slow tempo. Code Eleven may inherit the lead by default, but Falcon Quest has the pedigree to show initiative stretching out.
Key Contenders
#9 Falcon Quest (Asmussen / Asmussen)
Despite the outside post, this Asmussen trainee takes a significant class drop into maiden claiming company. In a field devoid of depth, the barn’s class advantage should be enough to overcome the draw. The distance suits him better than the sprints.
#1 Crab Crunch (Silva / Rivera)
Draws the rail and should save all the ground. Silva is a shrewd trainer at this level, and if the pace is slow, this horse will be in the garden spot on the rail to strike.
Secondary Choices
#2 Code Eleven (Davis / Zabala)
Likely to be forwardly placed. Steve Davis runners are often durable, and if the fractions are soft, he could steal it on the front end.
Longshots
#4 Bishop Creek (Cappellucci / Wethey)
Coming off the Also-Eligible list from late October. The layoff is a slight concern, but Wethey is a solid distance rider.
Betting Strategy
The #9 is the class, but the post is tricky. Use #9 and #1 as the core of the Daily Double.
Selections:
Win: 9
Place: 1
Show: 2
Race 2
Post Time: 06:28 PM | Distance: 5 1/2 Furlongs | Level: Maiden Special Weight
Pace Analysis
A sprint for juvenile fillies usually ensures a hot pace. Wolfberry and Iona McKinzie look quick on paper.
Key Contenders
#4 Wolfberry (Gustafson / Vazquez)
Gustafson and Vazquez are a lethal combo with 2-year-olds. Drawn perfectly in the middle, she should sit just off the speed and pounce. Her works have likely been sharp leading into this.
#6 Easy Kiss (Asmussen / Asmussen)
Never discount an Asmussen 2-year-old in a maiden special weight. Erik Asmussen takes the mount, suggesting she might be learning, but the talent is there.
Secondary Choices
#1 Iona McKinzie (Williams / Triana)
Rail draw for a speed horse can be “send or nothing.” If she breaks clean, she could wire them, but she faces pressure from the outside.
Longshots
#3 Fantasy Girl (Offolter / De La Cruz)
Getting in from the AE list. Offolter is capable of popping a price with fresh juveniles.
Betting Strategy
Box the 4 and 6 in exactas. The 4 looks like the most professional runner here.
Selections:
Win: 4
Place: 6
Show: 1
Race 3
Post Time: 07:02 PM | Distance: 1 Mile | Level: Claiming $10,000
Pace Analysis
Life At Sea (Post 1) and Riding Double (Post 6) show speed potential. The short run to the first turn at the mile distance makes the break critical.
Key Contenders
#4 Inacssofmyown (Asmussen / Asmussen)
Fits this level perfectly. Asmussen’s claimers in the 3-year-old restricted races are often hard to beat. The 118 lb weight is an advantage over the older horses.
#2 Deposit Insurance (Williams Valdez-Jiminez)
A steady grinder who picks up checks. Should benefit if the pace heats up up front.
Secondary Choices
#1 Life At Sea (Roberts / Alvarez)
The rail is a huge advantage at this distance. If he holds the inside, he can dictate terms.
Betting Strategy
Stand against the #6 if the odds are short due to the wide post. Lean on the #4.
Selections:
Win: 4
Place: 2
Show: 1
Race 4
Post Time: 07:30 PM | Distance: 1 1/16 Miles | Level: Claiming $10,000 (OK-Bred)
Pace Analysis
Code Jorgie and Grandsonsam are familiar rivals. The pace should be honest.
Key Contenders
#3 Grandsons (Offolter / Alvarez)
A consistent veteran who loves Remington Park. He fits these conditions well and Offolter has him spotting properly.
#4 Code Jorgie (Offolter / De La Cruz)
The “other” Offolter entry. Often runs well when Grandsonsam runs; they are a potent 1-2 punch for the stable.
Secondary Choices
#1 Leviathan Axe (Baldillez / Hamilton)
Good post for a ground-saving trip. Can pick up the pieces if the Offolter pair duel each other.
Longshots
#5 Wrinkleoad (Davidson / Valdez-Jiminez)
Note: Listed with a recent “Veterinarian” scratch on Nov 14. This is a red flag. Watch the warm-up closely; if he looks stiff, toss him. If he looks loose, he could be a value play on the drop.
Betting Strategy
An Offolter exacta key (3 with 4).
Selections:
Win: 3
Place: 4
Show: 1
Race 5
Post Time: 07:58 PM | Distance: 7 Furlongs | Level: Starter Allowance
Pace Analysis
7 furlongs is a specialist’s distance. Go West (Rail) has to send. Cawkab has tactical speed.
Key Contenders
#7 Cawkab (Asmussen / Asmussen)
Class of the field. The 7-furlong distance is perfect for his closing kick. Even with Erik aboard, this horse figures to be much the best on paper.
#3 Ben Diesel (Blatchford / Zabala)
A classy veteran with back class. If he can find his old form, he fits here, but he can be inconsistent.
Secondary Choices
#1 Go West (Young / Wethey)
Scott Young is having a solid meet. From the rail, he will try to wire them, but 7 furlongs is a long way to hold on at Remington.
Longshots
Wartime Hero (Padilla / Diego)
Note: Vet scratch on Nov 21. Proceed with caution.
Betting Strategy
Cawkab is a likely single in horizontal wagers.
Selections:
Win: 7
Place: 1
Show: 3
Race 6
Post Time: 08:32 PM | Distance: 1 Mile 70 Yards | Level: Maiden Special Weight
Pace Analysis
Routes for 2-year-old fillies are often slow-paced.
Key Contenders
#7attie Jane (Asmussen / Elliott)
THE PICK. This is the “A” team. Stewart Elliott takes the mount for Asmussen over the stablemate #4 (ridden by Erik). Drawn outside, but she should have the speed to clear or stalk. This jockey assignment is the strongest signal on the card.
#1 Free to Be Me (Gustafson / Vazquez)
The main danger. Vazquez/Gustafson are excellent with young horses, and the rail helps save ground on the first turn.
Secondary Choices
#5 Depencier (Calhoun / Alvarez)
Bret Calhoun doesn’t send them out unless they are ready. A logical underneath contender.
Betting Strategy
Heavy Win bet on #7. Exacta 7-1.
Selections:
Win: 7
Place: 1
Show: 5
Race 7
Post Time: 09:06 PM | Distance: 5 Furlongs | Level: Claiming $10,000
Pace Analysis
A 5-furlong dash requires pure speed. Om Sassy and Happy N Smiling will be flying.
Key Contenders
Om Sassy (Diodoro / Elliott)
BEST BET. Diodoro wins at a 30%+ clip at Remington, and he teams up with top rider Stewart Elliott here. A massive trainer/jockey upgrade. This 3-year-old filly should blitz this field.
Happy N Smiling (Gustafson / Vazquez)
The clear alternative. Has the speed to challenge, but Diodoro’s filly likely has more class.
Longshots
#8 Lottery Ticket (Crosser / Sanchez)
Note: Multiple scratches recently (Vet/Stewards). Hard to trust, but the outside post is good for a sprint.
Betting Strategy
Single #7 in all Pick 3/Pick 4 tickets.
Selections:
Win: 7
Place: 2
Show: 1
Race 8
Post Time: 09:40 PM | Distance: 1 Mile | Level: Allowance
Pace Analysis
Imperial Gun and Edified will ensure an honest pace.
Key Contenders
#1 Edified (Asmussen / Elliott)
Stewart Elliott stays on this one while Erik rides the other Asmussen (#3). That is the tell. From the rail, Elliott can work out a trip. The horse has back class.
#7 Bricklayer (Young / Wethey)
Scott Young’s horses get better as the meet goes on. A strong closer who will appreciate it if the Asmussen pair duel early.
Secondary Choices
#3 Imperial Gun (Asmussen / Asmussen)
Talented but likely the second stringer today. Will be part of the pace scenario.
#2 Mazuma (Young / Quinonez)
Consistent check-getter.
Betting Strategy
Trifecta Key: 1 over 7, 3, 2.
Selections:
Win: 1
Place: 7
Show: 3
Race 9
Post Time: 10:14 PM | Distance: 6 Furlongs | Level: Maiden Claiming $30,000
Pace Analysis
Chaos often reigns in the nightcap maiden claimers. Complete Overhaul looks to have the speed.
Key Contenders
#9 Complete Overhaul (Asmussen / Vazquez)
Asmussen drops this one in for a tag, and Ramon Vazquez takes the mount. The outside post in a 6-furlong sprint is excellent (avoids traffic). A strong way to close the card.
#1 Game Time Decision (Silva / Alvarez)
Silva’s runners are live in claimers. The rail is tricky for a young horse, but if he breaks, he’s a contender.
Secondary Choices
#7 Preacherman (Caldwell / Diaz)
Caldwell has a decent 16% strike rate. A value play.
#8 Tims (Asmsen / Asmussen)
The “B” entry for the barn.
Betting Strategy
Win bet on #9.
Selections:
Win: 9
Place: 1
Show: 7
Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays
The “Lock” of the Night
Race 7: #7 Om Sassy
Trainer Robertino Diodoro hits at an elite percentage at Remington, and adding leading rider Stewart Elliott signals maximum intent. She should dominate this claiming field.
The “Insider” Angle
Race 6: #7 Hattie Jane
The classic Asmussen “Jockey tells.” With two entries in the race, top rider Stewart Elliott is named on Hattie Jane, while apprentice Erik Asmussen is on the stablemate. Bet the Elliott mount with confidence.
Value Play
Race 4: #3 Grandsonsam
In a race full of question marks and vet scratches, this reliable veteran for Joe Offolter offers stability. He might drift up in odds due to the presence of flashier connections, offering value on the Win end.
Suggested Pick 4 Ticket (Races 6-9)
Race 6: 7
Race 7: 7
Race 8: 1, 7
Race 9: 1, 9
Cost: $2.00 Base = $8.00 Ticket (Adjust base wager as desired)
