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Will Rogers Downs presents a nine-race card on Monday, February 2, 2026, featuring the $50,000 Highland Ice Stakes as the centerpiece eighth race. The thoroughbred meet, which opened January 12, continues through Kentucky Derby Day on May 2. The Claremore, Oklahoma facility hosts a competitive card with maiden races, claiming events, and allowance conditions alongside the featured stakes contest.
The Highland Ice Stakes was originally scheduled for January 19 but was rescheduled due to weather conditions. The race returns as a competitive sprint stakes for three-year-olds and upward at six furlongs, with Lasix administration prohibited within 48 hours of race time, adding another dimension to the handicapping puzzle.
Weather and Track Conditions
The forecast for Claremore, Oklahoma on February 2 calls for mostly cloudy skies with a high near 66 degrees Fahrenheit. Temperatures are expected to be mild compared to normal February conditions, which typically range from 42 to 58 degrees. No precipitation is anticipated, and the dirt track is expected to be listed as FAST for all nine races.
The favorable weather conditions should allow the track to play to its typical characteristics. Will Rogers Downs features a one-mile dirt oval with a half-mile training track. The surface generally drains well, and the expected fast condition favors horses with proven form on conventional dirt surfaces.
Historical weather patterns in Claremore show February typically experiences 52mm of rainfall spread across the month, but Monday’s forecast shows no moisture concerns. The mild temperatures should create ideal racing conditions, allowing horses to perform at their best without the complications of off-track surfaces or extreme cold that has affected racing in recent weeks.
Track Bias and Post Position Statistics
Will Rogers Downs exhibits distinct post position advantages depending on distance. Handicappers benefit from understanding these tendencies when evaluating contenders across the nine-race card.
In six-furlong sprint races, inside posts 1-3 demonstrate measurable edges in win percentage. This advantage stems from the ability to secure favorable early positioning into the first turn, particularly important in larger fields where outside horses must expend additional energy to avoid being shuffled back. However, traffic concerns can negate this advantage when horses become trapped along the rail. Races 1, 2, 4, 6, 7, and 8 on today’s card are contested at six furlongs, making post position analysis critical.
For five and one-half furlong sprints, inside posts provide even more pronounced ground-saving opportunities. The shorter distance emphasizes gate speed and early positioning, making the break absolutely critical to race outcomes. Races 5, 7, and 9 fit this distance profile, and handicappers should favor horses with tactical speed drawn inside.
Route races at the one-mile distance present an entirely different scenario. Outside posts numbered 8-10 have historically performed well at this trip, allowing horses to avoid early kickback while positioning themselves for sustained rallies. The track configuration provides closers with fair opportunities when early fractions become contested. Race 3, the maiden claiming event at one mile, should favor horses with late-running styles drawn outside.
The track plays relatively fairly for all running styles when properly maintained, but certain tendencies emerge based on distance and field size. Pace analysis becomes essential, as the track rewards horses positioned appropriately for the expected pace scenario in each race.
Race 1 – Maiden Special Weight
Post Time
1:15 PM CST
Pace Analysis
This seven-horse maiden special weight at six furlongs features several first-time starters, creating uncertainty around the pace scenario. Moneymilitia has shown late-running tendencies in previous efforts, suggesting the race could develop with moderate early fractions. Maximum Power and Cool Okie are making their debuts for powerful connections, indicating they likely possess tactical speed based on their breeding and training patterns. Expected fractions should develop around :22.1 for the opening quarter and :45.2 at the half-mile, setting up horses with stalking or closing ability.
Key Contenders
Moneymilitia emerges as the morning line favorite at 8-5 based on experience and connections. Trained by C.R. Trout, who boasts a 33% win rate and 48% in-the-money percentage at Will Rogers Downs, this gelding brings valuable race experience to a field populated by first-time starters. The David Cabrera mount finished a strong second in higher company last time, showing improved form in his most recent outing. With $41,800 in career earnings over four starts, Moneymilitia has demonstrated ability while searching for his maiden victory. The fastest closer designation suggests he benefits from pace pressure ahead, though his inside post could present traffic concerns if unable to secure clear running room.
Cool Okie represents a formidable challenge despite his first-time-starter status. The Scott E. Young trainee pairs with jockey Floyd Wethey Jr., one of the most potent combinations at the current meet. Young maintains an 18% win rate and 44% in-the-money percentage at Will Rogers Downs, while Wethey posts an exceptional 25% win rate with 56% ITM statistics. First-time starters from this barn typically show readiness, and the 7-2 morning line odds suggest significant confidence. The post 3 draw provides tactical flexibility, allowing Wethey to assess early pace development before committing to a position.
Passed Promise brings the benefit of trainer Joe S. Offolter’s stellar 27% win rate and 58% in-the-money percentage. Richard Eramia takes the mount, a competent rider with an 11% win rate and 34% ITM statistics. The gelding has raced three times without hitting the board but earned $16,200, suggesting competitive efforts against quality. His fast closer running style fits if the race develops with contested early fractions.
Secondary Choices
Maximum Power debuts for the Young stable with Leandro Goncalves aboard. As a first-time starter from a barn that readies horses effectively, this gelding merits respect at 4-1 morning line odds. The lack of published workouts or past performances creates uncertainty, but the connections inspire confidence.
Uniter makes his third career start after showing deep-closing tendencies in two previous efforts. Alberto Pusac takes the mount, bringing his patient riding style and 11-16% win rate. First-time blinkers equipment change could spark improvement.
Selections
Win: Cool Okie
Place: Moneymilitia
Show: Passed Promise
The Wethey/Young combination with Cool Okie represents the most compelling play in this maiden sprint. While Moneymilitia possesses experience, first-time starters from top barns often win maiden special weight races when facing horses still searching for their maiden breakthrough. Cool Okie’s post 3 draw provides the tactical flexibility to work out an ideal trip, while Wethey’s 25% win rate demonstrates his ability to win with live mounts. Moneymilitia fits as the logical place horse, with Passed Promise offering value in the show position given Offolter’s exceptional training statistics.
Race 2 – Starter Allowance
Post Time
1:47 PM CST
Pace Analysis
This starter allowance for horses that have run for $7,500 or less brings together eight seasoned veterans at six furlongs. The conditions create competitive balance, as all entrants meet the baseline requirement. Ben Diesel and Big Muckity bring tactical speed that could establish early position, with expected fractions around :22.0 for the quarter and :45.1 at the half-mile. The pace setup favors horses that can secure stalking or pressing positions behind the speed without expending excessive energy.
Key Contenders
Big Muckity stands as the 5-2 morning line favorite following a narrow defeat in his most recent start. The Ronnie Huckaby mount brings proven form at the Will Rogers Downs course and distance, with a rating of 97 suggesting competitive ability at this level. Huckaby maintains solid statistics despite a lower win rate, showing consistency in placing horses in the money. The gelding draws post 8 in the outside, which historically performs adequately in six-furlong races when traffic develops along the rail.
Outlier represents the primary danger at 3-1 morning line odds. This Floyd Wethey Jr. mount brings the powerful jockey/trainer combination with Scott E. Young that has proven effective throughout the meet. The gelding won impressively at this course and distance recently, showing his affinity for the Will Rogers surface. The rating of 81 places him competitive with Big Muckity, and Wethey’s exceptional 25% win rate suggests he can extract maximum effort.
Ben Diesel offers value consideration at 4-1 morning line odds. Obed Sanchez takes the mount for trainer George Blatchford, bringing a 13% win rate and 38% ITM percentage. The inside post 1 draw provides the advantage at six furlongs, allowing early positioning into the first turn.
Secondary Choices
R Doc enters with consistent form for trainer Steve F. Williams, who maintains an 11-12% win rate at Will Rogers Downs. Curtis Kimes aboard brings solid ITM percentages. Go West represents Brad’s Equine Adventure with a rating of 90, making him competitive with the top selections.
Selections
Win: Outlier
Place: Big Muckity
Show: Ben Diesel
The Wethey/Young combination with Outlier presents the strongest play after his recent course and distance victory. While Big Muckity ran well last time in defeat, Outlier’s winning form carries more weight. The outside post could prove problematic, but Wethey’s skill navigating traffic overcomes that concern. Big Muckity fits logically for place money after his narrow loss, while Ben Diesel’s inside draw provides value in the show position.
Race 3 – Maiden Claiming
Post Time
2:14 PM CST
Pace Analysis
This nine-horse maiden claiming event at one mile creates complex pace dynamics. The extended distance favors closers, and several entrants show late-running tendencies. Gospel Don and Crab Crunch could provide early tempo, with fractions likely developing around :23.1 for the opening quarter, :47.2 at the half-mile, and 1:12.1 at three-quarters. The pace setup strongly favors horses with closing kicks, particularly those drawn outside who can avoid the early kickback.
Key Contenders
Major League commands favoritism at 8-5 morning line odds despite limited experience. The Alfredo Triana Jr. mount brings the jockey’s exceptional 15% win rate and 53% ITM percentage to a horse showing the fastest closer designation. With a top speed figure rating of 39-67-94, Major League demonstrates significant ability compared to this maiden claiming field. Triana’s aggressive style suits front-running and pressing types typically, but his overall effectiveness makes him dangerous with any running style. The post 8 draw provides the ideal setup for a deep closer at one mile, allowing the gelding to avoid early pace battles while maintaining striking position.
Cowboy Cade represents the secondary choice at 3-1 morning line odds. Belen Quinonez takes the mount, bringing a 17% win rate and 47% ITM percentage. The gelding has finished in the exacta once from nine starts, showing some ability while earning $42,240. Post 4 provides adequate position for his mid-pack stalking style. The combination of Quinonez and trainer Mark C. Lee, though limited in sample size, shows promise.
Code Eleven enters with substantial earnings of $115,218 despite never winning in 23 starts. Alberto Pusac’s patient closing style fits the gelding’s fast closer designation. The veteran campaigner drops into maiden claiming after facing tougher competition, suggesting trainer Steve H. Davis seeks an easier spot. Post 6 provides flexibility for Pusac to navigate traffic.
Secondary Choices
Gospel Don and Gospel Up represent the Steve F. Williams stable, creating a coupled entry scenario. Gospel Don has earned $86,862 over 16 starts with two place finishes and three show efforts, demonstrating consistency without breakthrough ability. Country Rider makes just his second start after a disappointing debut, making him difficult to support despite the Young/Goncalves combination.
Selections
Win: Major League
Place: Code Eleven
Show: Cowboy Cade
Major League’s speed figures dwarf this maiden claiming field, and the Triana mount brings winning rider statistics. The one-mile distance and outside post 8 draw create the ideal scenario for a deep closer. Code Eleven’s substantial earnings suggest ability, and the class relief should help. Cowboy Cade fits for the show position based on moderate consistency.
Race 4 – Claiming
Post Time
2:46 PM CST
Pace Analysis
This six-furlong claiming sprint for Oklahoma-bred fillies and mares brings together eight competitors with varying running styles. Little Iris possesses the fastest leader designation, suggesting she’ll try to establish early command. Expected fractions around :22.2 for the quarter and :45.3 at the half-mile should develop with Little Iris pressured by other speed types. The pace scenario favors horses with stalking tactics or closing ability positioned to capitalize on any pace collapse.
Key Contenders
Little Iris emerges as the 2-1 morning line favorite based on recent form and tactical speed. The Richard Eramia mount brings an 11% win rate and 34% ITM percentage to a filly trained by Kari Craddock, who maintains an 11% win rate and 33% ITM statistics. With $65,020 in career earnings and the fastest leader designation, Little Iris profiles to control the pace from her post 7 draw. The six-furlong distance suits her speed-oriented style, though the outside post requires rating her appropriately to avoid burning out on an uncontested lead.
Gospel Cozy represents formidable opposition at 3-1 morning line odds. Angel Ortega Stanley takes the mount for trainer Steve F. Williams, the leading barn at Will Rogers Downs. The mare won her last start at six furlongs, demonstrating her affinity for the distance. Her fast closer running style positions her ideally if Little Iris establishes honest fractions. With $39,396 in career earnings and a 10% win rate, Gospel Cozy shows improvement at the right time. Post 8 on the outside provides clear sailing for a closing kick.
Mystical Code offers value at 4-1 morning line odds with $110,577 in career earnings suggesting substantial ability. Weston Hamilton takes the mount, bringing an 8% win rate and 32-35% ITM percentage. The fast stalker designation fits the expected pace scenario perfectly, allowing her to track Little Iris’s early speed before launching her stretch rally. Post 4 provides ideal position for her stalking tactics.
Secondary Choices
Aunt Lottie brings $96,566 in earnings and a mid-pack leader style that could prove effective if positioned properly. Alberto Pusac’s 11-16% win rate makes any mount competitive. Presleys Volley represents trainer George Blatchford from post 1, providing the inside advantage though her form appears inferior to the top selections.
Selections
Win: Gospel Cozy
Place: Mystical Code
Show: Little Iris
Gospel Cozy’s recent winning form and ideal running style for the expected pace scenario make her the selection. The Williams barn’s dominance at the meet adds confidence, and her closing kick should prove effective if Little Iris establishes honest fractions. Mystical Code fits perfectly as the stalker type who can sit just off the pace before rallying. Little Iris makes logical sense for the show position despite favoritism, as her speed could flatten out in the stretch after pressing a contested pace.
Race 5 – Maiden Claiming
Post Time
3:13 PM CST
Pace Analysis
This nine-horse maiden claiming sprint at five and one-half furlongs for Oklahoma-bred fillies creates uncertain pace dynamics given the inexperience level. Becky Is Sexy has placed in higher class races, suggesting tactical speed. Expected fractions around :21.4 for the quarter and :44.0 at the half-mile should develop, with the shorter distance emphasizing gate speed and early positioning. The large field size creates significant traffic concerns where post position and break become paramount.
Key Contenders
Becky Is Sexy commands favoritism at 8-5 morning line odds based on recent placings in higher-class races. The Alfredo Triana Jr. mount brings the jockey’s exceptional 15% win rate and 53% ITM percentage. Training by Guillermo Flores, the filly has shown ability without breaking through for her maiden victory. Post 1 provides the crucial inside advantage at five and one-half furlongs, allowing early positioning without expending excessive energy. Her form suggests readiness to break through against this maiden claiming field.
Eurpurdy represents the secondary choice at 4-1 morning line odds. Floyd Wethey Jr. takes the mount, bringing his exceptional 25% win rate and 56% ITM statistics. The filly showed promise finishing third in a stronger race, indicating improving form. Trainer Victor Hanson sends her out from post 2, maintaining the inside advantage critical at this distance. The Wethey factor alone makes Eurpurdy dangerous against this field.
Ruby’s Posse offers value at 5-1 morning line odds. Isaiah Wiseman rides for trainer Victor Hanson from post 7. The filly has been consistent at this level without breaking through, suggesting ability. Her form shows steady effort that could translate to victory with the right trip.
Secondary Choices
Gray Girl Gone debuts for the Scott E. Young barn with Leandro Goncalves aboard. The 5-1 morning line odds suggest respect for a first-time starter, though the lack of published form creates uncertainty. So Whatro represents Scott Corderman with David Cabrera riding, bringing the 17-24% win jockey to a filly making her fourth career start.
Selections
Win: Eurpurdy
Place: Becky Is Sexy
Show: Ruby’s Posse
The Floyd Wethey Jr. factor with Eurpurdy proves decisive in this maiden claiming sprint. His exceptional 25% win rate at the meet combined with the filly’s recent third-place finish in stronger company creates the winning combination. Becky Is Sexy fits logically for place money despite favoritism, as her post 1 draw could lead to traffic issues in the large field. Ruby’s Posse offers show value based on consistent efforts at this level.
Race 6 – Allowance
Post Time
3:45 PM CST
Pace Analysis
This competitive allowance at six furlongs features nine seasoned geldings with varied running styles. Vale and Vestes bring stalking tendencies, while Guapo has shown an ability to control his own destiny. Expected fractions around :22.0 for the quarter and :45.1 at the half-mile should develop, with multiple horses capable of pressing the pace. The competitive nature creates opportunities for horses positioned properly behind the early speed.
Key Contenders
Guapo stands as the 3-1 morning line favorite following his recent course and distance victory. The Floyd Wethey Jr. mount for trainer Scott E. Young brings the meet’s most potent jockey/trainer combination. With $64,800 in earnings over eight starts and a 38% win rate, Guapo demonstrates consistent ability. His recent winning form at this exact condition makes him formidable. Post 9 on the outside could prove problematic, but Wethey’s skill navigating traffic overcomes that concern. The slower stalker designation suggests he’s versatile enough to adjust to various pace scenarios.
Vale presents the co-second choice at 7-2 morning line odds. Alfredo Triana Jr. takes the mount for trainer F. Dewaine Loy, bringing his 15% win rate to a gelding with $380,505 in career earnings. The fastest stalker designation fits the expected pace scenario, allowing him to track any early pace before launching his rally. Post 1 provides the inside advantage at six furlongs, though his recent below-par effort raises questions about current form.
Vestes offers intrigue at 5-1 morning line odds after winning his last two starts. Richard Eramia rides for trainer M. Brent Davidson, combining for a competent team. The gelding demonstrates improving form with a 26% win rate and 63% ITM percentage over 19 career starts. His mid-pack stalker style fits if positioned properly behind pace pressure. Post 2 maintains inside position advantageous at this distance.
Secondary Choices
Charming Tiger brings Curtis Kimes aboard for trainer Jory Ferrell. With a 23% win rate and $73,640 in earnings, the gelding shows competitive ability. Konawa represents Kirk Ziadie training with Rene Diaz riding, and his recent form suggests capability. Bourbon Life carries substantial earnings of $220,650 but faces form questions after recent disappointing efforts.
Selections
Win: Guapo
Place: Vestes
Show: Vale
Guapo’s recent course and distance victory combined with the Wethey/Young partnership makes him the selection despite the outside post. His winning form carries more weight than any other factor in this allowance. Vestes fits as the place horse given his two-race win streak and improving form trajectory. Vale makes sense for the show position based on his substantial career earnings, though his recent form raises concerns about his current condition.
Race 7 – Claiming
Post Time
4:12 PM CST
Pace Analysis
This nine-horse claiming sprint at five and one-half furlongs creates genuine speed duel potential. Multiple horses possess early speed, with Mcmusic, Big Kitty, and Den’s Dynasty all capable of pressing forward. Expected fractions around :21.3 for the quarter and :43.8 at the half-mile suggest aggressive early pace that could compromise pure front-runners. The short distance emphasizes gate speed and tactical positioning, making the break critical for success.
Key Contenders
Devious Lover emerges as the 3-1 morning line favorite based on recent form and connections. David Cabrera takes the mount, bringing his 17-24% win rate and 52-54% ITM statistics to a gelding trained by Scott Corderman. With $54,360 in earnings over eight starts and a 25% win rate, Devious Lover shows consistent ability. His mid-pack leader designation suggests versatility in running style, allowing him to adjust based on early pace development. Post 8 requires overcoming the outside draw, but Cabrera’s skill and the gelding’s tactical speed overcome that concern.
Big Kitty represents formidable opposition at 7-2 morning line odds. Ronnie Huckaby rides for trainer Tristan Ashford, combining a competent team. The gelding won his last start at Will Rogers Downs at this five and one-half furlong distance, demonstrating affinity for the track and trip. With $127,035 in career earnings and a 15% win rate with 54% ITM statistics, Big Kitty shows consistent ability. The mid-pack leader running style positions him ideally to track any pace pressure before launching his rally. Note that Big Kitty appears on the scratch watch list with veterinarian concerns, creating uncertainty about his participation.
Den’s Dynasty offers value at 6-1 morning line odds with Larren Delorme aboard. The gelding possesses the fastest stalker designation, suggesting his ability to track the early pace effectively. Trainer Boyd Caster maintains a 14% win rate, while Delorme brings 13% win rate and 45% ITM statistics. Post 5 provides adequate positioning for his stalking tactics.
Secondary Choices
Mcmusic represents Curtis Kimes and trainer Miguel Angel Silva from post 1. The inside draw at five and one-half furlongs provides advantage, though his slower leader designation suggests he might not possess the early speed to exploit it. Fastened brings Angel Ortega Stanley aboard for George Blatchford, creating question marks about both connections despite the gelding’s $70,800 in career earnings.
Selections
Win: Devious Lover
Place: Big Kitty
Show: Den’s Dynasty
Devious Lover’s 25% win rate combined with David Cabrera’s exceptional riding makes him the selection despite the outside post draw. His recent form suggests peak condition, and his running style fits the expected pace scenario. Big Kitty makes sense for the place position if he draws into the race, given his winning form at this course, distance, and surface. Den’s Dynasty fits for show money based on his stalking style and competent connections.
Race 8 – Highland Ice Stakes
Post Time
4:44 PM CST
The $50,000 Highland Ice Stakes anchors today’s card as a competitive sprint stakes for three-year-olds and upward. The race was originally scheduled for January 19 but rescheduled due to weather conditions. This six-furlong stakes on dirt features a field of seven with Lasix administration prohibited within 48 hours of race time, adding strategic complexity to the handicapping analysis.
Pace Analysis
The Highland Ice brings together experienced stakes horses with varied running styles. Wildatlanticstorm won a stakes race last time and brings tactical speed, while Mi Saturday possesses pure speed that could establish early command. Expected fractions around :21.4 for the quarter and :44.3 at the half-mile suggest honest pace that rewards horses positioned properly. The six-furlong distance at stakes level typically produces faster fractions than allowance or claiming races, creating advantage for horses with proven ability to handle quality competition.
Key Contenders
Wildatlanticstorm commands favoritism at 2-1 morning line odds following his stakes victory in his most recent start. Elvin Gonzalez takes the mount for trainer Ray Ashford Jr., bringing experienced connections to a horse rated 98. The six-year-old entire has demonstrated consistent stakes-level ability throughout his career. His last race victory came in stronger company, suggesting he’s peaking at the right time. Post 2 provides ideal tactical position at six furlongs, allowing early positioning without excessive energy expenditure. The gelding shows versatility in running style, capable of pressing pace or rating off speed depending on race flow. His proven ability at this level makes him the horse to beat.
Mi Saturday represents formidable opposition at 3-1 morning line odds. Walter De La Cruz rides for Joe S. Offolter, whose 27% win rate and 58% ITM percentage ranks among the meet’s leaders. The four-year-old has won his last two starts, showing improving form trajectory. Rated 95, he possesses competitive ability with the favorite while offering better value. His speed-forward running style could establish command if allowed easy fractions, though Wildatlanticstorm’s presence creates pace pressure. Post 7 on the outside requires overcoming positioning concerns, but his tactical speed allows securing favorable position.
Coalcowboy offers value at 12-1 morning line odds despite a rating of 87. Alberto Pusac takes the mount, bringing his patient closing style and 11-16% win rate. The gelding draws post 3, providing inside advantage for a horse rated significantly lower than the top choices. His form suggests he’s competitive at lower stakes levels, though stepping up to face Wildatlanticstorm and Mi Saturday creates concern.
Secondary Choices
Rexford possesses the highest rating at 105 but draws post 1 on the inside. David Cabrera’s 17-24% win rate makes any mount dangerous, though the gelding’s recent form raises questions. Stage Left represents the Scott E. Young barn with Floyd Wethey Jr. aboard, creating intrigue based purely on connections despite a rating of 95. Spankster and Missin Hollywood round out the field with ratings of 105 and 90 respectively, showing the competitive nature of this stakes race.
Selections
Win: Wildatlanticstorm
Place: Mi Saturday
Show: Stage Left
Wildatlanticstorm’s recent stakes victory in stronger company makes him the selection despite modest 2-1 odds. His rating of 98 combined with proven stakes ability at this distance creates the winning profile. The Lasix prohibition affects all horses equally, neutralizing that handicapping factor. Mi Saturday fits perfectly for the place position given his two-race win streak and improving form, while the value lies with Stage Left for show money based solely on the Wethey/Young combination that has proven so effective throughout the meet.
Race 9 – Claiming
Post Time
5:11 PM CST
Pace Analysis
This 12-horse claiming sprint at five and one-half furlongs for Oklahoma-bred horses creates the most complex pace scenario on the card. The large field size combined with the short distance creates significant potential for traffic problems. Multiple horses possess early speed, with Da Chief, Storms Last, and He’s A Rock all capable of establishing forward position. Expected fractions around :21.2 for the quarter and :43.6 at the half-mile suggest contested early pace. The weight allowances based on recent winning create additional complexity, with several horses carrying less than top weight.
Key Contenders
Bobwhite Bobby stands as the 7-2 morning line co-favorite with substantial credentials. David Cabrera takes the mount for trainer Mark W. Buehrer, combining a 17-24% win jockey with a trainer posting 21% win rate and 47% ITM statistics. The gelding carries $270,430 in career earnings with a 15% win rate and 41% ITM percentage over 34 starts. His fast closer designation positions him ideally if the expected pace battle materializes. Post 3 provides adequate position to avoid early traffic while maintaining striking distance. The gelding’s recent form shows him finishing second in higher grade, suggesting class relief should benefit.
Da Chief represents equal favoritism at 6-1 morning line odds. Alfredo Triana Jr. rides for Guillermo Flores, bringing the meet’s leading jockey to a gelding with improving form. With $97,444 in career earnings and a 25% win rate over 16 starts, Da Chief shows consistent ability. His fast stalker designation fits the expected pace scenario perfectly, allowing him to track the speed before launching his rally. Post 8 requires overcoming outside positioning in the large field, but Triana’s aggressive style typically navigates such concerns effectively.
He’s A Rock offers value at 8-1 morning line odds after winning his last two starts at five and one-half furlongs and six and one-half furlongs. Leandro Goncalves rides for Steve F. Williams, the meet’s leading trainer. The gelding’s winning form carries significant weight, and his fast stalker style fits if positioned behind the expected pace pressure. His $158,261 in career earnings suggests substantial ability, and the 19% win rate demonstrates consistency.
Secondary Choices
John brings intriguing credentials with the fastest stalker designation and 25% win rate with 88% ITM percentage. Isaiah Wiseman rides for Mark W. Buehrer from post 5, providing adequate position. Elusive Power carries substantial earnings and closes from off the pace, creating appeal if the speed collapses. In Bond We Trust represents the Davidson/Eramia combination with moderate credentials. The large 12-horse field creates multiple potential outcomes, with traffic and trip becoming decisive factors.
Selections
Win: He’s A Rock
Place: Bobwhite Bobby
Show: Da Chief
He’s A Rock’s two-race win streak combined with the Williams training makes him the selection despite 8-1 morning line odds. His recent victories demonstrate peak form, and the fast stalker designation positions him perfectly for the expected pace scenario. Bobwhite Bobby fits as the logical place horse given his substantial earnings and recent form in higher grade. Da Chief makes sense for show money with Triana aboard, though the large field and outside post create concerns about navigating traffic.
Jockey Notes and Insights
The jockey colony at Will Rogers Downs demonstrates distinct patterns that inform handicapping decisions across today’s nine-race card.
Floyd Wethey Jr. leads all riders with exceptional statistics posting a 25% win rate and 56% in-the-money percentage at the current meet. His 128+ mounts demonstrate consistency across all race types. Wethey excels with the Scott E. Young training operation, forming a partnership that consistently delivers results. Today he pilots Cool Okie in Race 1, Outlier in Race 2, Eurpurdy in Race 5, Guapo in Race 6, and Stage Left in Race 8. His riding style emphasizes patience and timing, allowing horses to find their best stride before asking for maximum effort. Handicappers should respect any Wethey mount, particularly when paired with Young-trained horses.
Alfredo Triana Jr. ranks among the meet’s most active riders with 145+ mounts, posting a 15% win rate and 53% in-the-money percentage. His aggressive riding style suits horses with tactical speed, and his ability to secure favorable early positioning proves particularly effective in sprint races. Triana excels with trainers Scott Young and Shon Dunlap, forming partnerships that consistently deliver. Today he rides Vale in Race 6, Becky Is Sexy in Race 5, and Da Chief in Race 9. His win percentage might appear modest compared to Wethey, but his volume of mounts creates value opportunities when he pairs with live horses at generous odds.
David Cabrera maintains the highest win rate among regular riders at 17-24% with 52-54% in-the-money statistics over 108-114 mounts. His versatile riding style adapts to various running styles and race scenarios. Cabrera excels in high-pressure situations, demonstrated by his selection for favorites throughout today’s card. He pilots Moneymilitia in Race 1, Bourbon Life in Race 6, Devious Lover in Race 7, Rexford in Race 8, and Bobwhite Bobby in Race 9. His consistency makes him a rider to follow, particularly when aboard horses with tactical speed in sprint races.
Alberto Pusac brings patience and timing to every mount, posting an 11-16% win rate with 34-41% in-the-money statistics over 100-216 mounts. His patient approach suits horses with closing tactical styles, and his ability to rate horses kindly through early fractions preserves energy for sustained stretch rallies. Pusac excels in route races where his tactical patience proves most valuable. Today he rides Uniter in Race 1, Ben Diesel in Race 2, Code Eleven in Race 3, Aunt Lottie in Race 4, Nacho Bar in Race 6, I’m Alive in Race 7, Coalcowboy in Race 8, and Storms Last in Race 9. While his win percentage appears modest, his high mount volume creates value opportunities when paired with horses possessing late-running styles.
Richard Eramia demonstrates consistency with an 11% win rate and 34% in-the-money percentage over 110 mounts. His competent riding style suits a variety of horses and running styles. Today he pilots Passed Promise in Race 1, Little Iris in Race 4, Vestes in Race 6, and In Bond We Trust in Race 9. His experience navigating Will Rogers Downs makes him a reliable option when aboard live contenders.
Curtis Kimes brings solid credentials with consistent in-the-money percentages. His riding style emphasizes security and steady effort rather than spectacular moves. Today he takes Mcmusic in Race 7 and Charming Tiger in Race 6. Kimes performs effectively when aboard horses with tactical speed in sprint races.
Belen Quinonez posts a 17% win rate and 47% in-the-money percentage over 112 mounts. His aggressive style suits forwardly-placed horses. Today he rides L R Superstar in Race 1, Cowboy Cade in Race 3, Hello Chikitita in Race 5, and Missin Hollywood in Race 8. Quinonez creates value opportunities when paired with horses possessing tactical speed.
Trainer Notes and Insights
The trainer standings at Will Rogers Downs reveal distinct patterns that inform wagering decisions throughout today’s card.
Scott E. Young dominates the trainer colony with an 18% win rate and 44% in-the-money percentage. His 55+ horses demonstrate consistent preparation across all race types. Young excels when paired with jockey Floyd Wethey Jr., forming the meet’s most potent trainer/jockey combination. The barn shows particular strength with first-time starters and horses returning from layoffs, suggesting meticulous preparation. Today Young saddles Cool Okie and Maximum Power in Race 1, Outlier in Race 2, Country Rider in Race 3, Guapo in Race 6, and Stage Left in Race 8. Any Young-trained horse merits serious consideration, particularly when Wethey takes the mount.
Joe S. Offolter posts exceptional statistics with a 27% win rate and 58% in-the-money percentage. The smaller stable focuses on quality over quantity, with each runner meticulously prepared. Offolter’s horses typically show readiness to win, making them dangerous in any race type. Today he sends out Passed Promise in Race 1 and Mi Saturday in Race 8. Handicappers should respect any Offolter trainee, particularly in stakes races where his preparation shines.
Steve F. Williams maintains consistent statistics with an 11-12% win rate and 33% in-the-money percentage over 85+ horses. The high-volume stable competes across all race types and class levels. Williams demonstrates effectiveness with claiming horses and demonstrates ability to place runners appropriately. Today he saddles R Doc in Race 2, Gospel Don and Gospel Up in Race 3, Gospel Precious and Gospel Cozy in Race 4, and He’s A Rock in Race 9. The barn’s volume creates value opportunities when horses fit race conditions perfectly.
C.R. Trout demonstrates elite statistics with a 33% win rate and 48% in-the-money percentage. The smaller stable focuses on quality preparation, with runners typically showing readiness. Today Trout sends out Moneymilitia in Race 1, making the barn’s lone starter a logical contender based purely on training statistics.
Mark W. Buehrer posts a 21% win rate and 47% in-the-money percentage. The stable shows consistency across race types, with particular strength in claiming races. Today Buehrer trains Flat Be Judged in Race 3, Bobwhite Bobby and John in Race 9. The barn’s statistics suggest any runner merits consideration at generous odds.
Shon M. Dunlap maintains a 24% win rate and 43% in-the-money percentage. The competent barn places horses effectively, showing strength in sprint races. Today Dunlap saddles Tin Top in Race 1, Nacho Bar in Race 6, and C B’s Flat Out in Race 9.
Boyd Caster demonstrates a 14% win rate with competent statistics. Today he trains Our Dream Rye’d in Race 2 and Den’s Dynasty in Race 7. George Blatchford sends out Ben Diesel in Race 2, Presleys Volley in Race 4, and Fastened in Race 7. Tristan Ashford trains Big Kitty in Race 7 and L R Superstar in Race 1, showing a 15-24% win rate with 40-44% in-the-money statistics.
Best Wagering Strategies and Value Plays
Today’s nine-race card at Will Rogers Downs offers numerous wagering opportunities across various bet types. The competitive nature of most races creates value scenarios where overlays exist on quality horses.
The early Pick 5 spanning Races 1-5 presents a logical sequence to attack. Race 1’s maiden special weight creates uncertainty perfect for spreading, using Cool Okie and Moneymilitia as primary selections while including Passed Promise and Maximum Power as alternate options. Race 2’s starter allowance narrows to Outlier and Big Muckity as single or double. Race 3’s maiden claiming at one mile features Major League as a strong single based on superior speed figures. Race 4’s Oklahoma-bred claiming sprint spreads to Gospel Cozy, Mystical Code, and Little Iris given the competitive nature. Race 5’s maiden claiming concludes with Eurpurdy and Becky Is Sexy as primary options. A 4x2x1x3x2 sequence creates 48 combinations for reasonable cost.
The late Pick 4 covering Races 6-9 offers value potential with shorter fields in Races 6 and 8 bracketed by competitive sprints. Race 6’s allowance focuses on Guapo as a strong single given the Wethey/Young combination and recent winning form. Race 7’s claiming sprint spreads to Devious Lover, Big Kitty, and Den’s Dynasty based on pace scenario analysis. Race 8’s Highland Ice Stakes narrows to Wildatlanticstorm and Mi Saturday as the logical contenders, with Stage Left included for value. Race 9’s large field requires spreading to He’s A Rock, Bobwhite Bobby, Da Chief, and John given the competitive nature. A 1x3x2x4 sequence creates 24 combinations.
Single race exotic wagers offer value in specific races. Race 3’s maiden claiming presents Major League as an exacta and trifecta key horse given his superior speed figures. Keying him on top in exactas with Code Eleven, Cowboy Cade, and Gospel Don creates value combinations. Trifecta boxes using Major League with those same three horses generates reasonable tickets.
Race 6’s allowance features Guapo as a win bet value play at 3-1 morning line odds. The Wethey/Young combination combined with recent course and distance victory creates overlay potential if the public gravitates toward Vale based on earnings. A win wager combined with exacta boxes using Guapo with Vestes and Vale protects downside while maximizing upside.
Race 8’s Highland Ice Stakes offers the day’s best value play with Wildatlanticstorm at 2-1 morning line odds. His stakes victory in stronger company last time combined with proven ability at this level makes him underpriced relative to win probability. A win wager combined with exacta and trifecta boxes using Wildatlanticstorm with Mi Saturday and Stage Left creates value scenarios.
Race 9’s large claiming field creates chaos where longshots emerge. He’s A Rock at 8-1 morning line odds represents significant value given his two-race win streak and trainer Steve F. Williams’s meet-leading statistics. A win wager combined with exacta boxes using He’s A Rock with Bobwhite Bobby and Da Chief protects against favorites while capitalizing on his winning form.
Rolling Pick 3 wagers throughout the card create smaller investment opportunities with significant upside. The Races 1-2-3 sequence uses Cool Okie and Moneymilitia in Race 1, Outlier and Big Muckity in Race 2, and Major League as a single in Race 3 for a 2x2x1 combination. The Races 4-5-6 sequence spreads Race 4 to Gospel Cozy and Mystical Code, Race 5 to Eurpurdy and Becky Is Sexy, and singles Guapo in Race 6 for a 2x2x1 combination.
Daily double wagers linking races create value scenarios. The Race 1-2 double combines Cool Okie with Outlier as the primary play, adding Moneymilitia with Big Muckity as backup. The Race 7-8 double pairs Devious Lover with Wildatlanticstorm as the feature play, representing logical favorites in competitive races.
Aggressive bettors should consider Place and Show wagering in races with short-priced favorites where value exists underneath. Race 1’s Moneymilitia at 8-5 morning line creates value placing Passed Promise and Cool Okie to place and show. Race 3’s Major League at 8-5 allows placing Code Eleven and Cowboy Cade underneath for value.
The feature Highland Ice Stakes in Race 8 offers show wagering value on Stage Left at 5-1 morning line odds. The Wethey/Young combination provides the rationale, as their 25% win rate with 56% in-the-money percentage suggests Stage Left hits the board frequently even if unable to defeat Wildatlanticstorm and Mi Saturday.
Conservative bettors should focus win wagering on logical favorites with demonstrated form advantages. Cool Okie in Race 1, Outlier in Race 2, Major League in Race 3, Gospel Cozy in Race 4, Guapo in Race 6, Wildatlanticstorm in Race 8, and He’s A Rock in Race 9 represent horses with clear advantages based on connections, form, or race conditions.
The card presents opportunities across all wagering types, with value existing both on favorites with form advantages and longshots offering generous payouts. Disciplined handicapping focusing on jockey/trainer combinations, pace scenarios, and recent form creates the foundation for successful wagering throughout the nine-race program.
