oaklawn park Archives - The Conductor's Scroll

Rebel Stakes Saturday Picks — February 25, 2023 | Rebel Stakes Day at Oaklawn Park

on February 24, 2023April 19, 2026 By The Conductor's Scribe

Horses racing at Oaklawn Park with jockeys in colorful silks and starting gate in the background.

Hopefully the rain holds off Saturday at Oaklawn for the 2023 Rebel Stakes. It probably won’t and a great card will be ruined. Skip.

Oaklawn Race 8: 6 Furlongs. OC 50000n2x

#5 Improbable Journey (12/1) – When this gelding clears to the front he can win and his early pace figures give him a chance to here. There looks to be some rain in the forecast and the wet track further improves his chances. It’s more probable that he steals this one on the front end.

Other Contenders: #1 Flap Jack (2/1), #3 Senor Jobim (12/1), #6 Spankster (5/2), #8 Albizu (3/1)

Race 9: 6 Furlongs. OC 50000n2x

#2 Golden Hornet (4/1) – This is another gelding that has an early pace advantage in an Oaklawn sprint. He showed real grit fighting back after being headed in the stretch last time. The Ductor will back him again today if this morning line holds.

Other Contenders: #4 Osbourne (8/5). #9 Life is Hard (3/1), #10 Fore Left (10/1)

Race 10: 1 1/16 Mile. F.G3 Honeybee Stakes

*Gullet Shot of the Day #1 Effortlesslyelgant (20/1) – His morning line can’t be accurate. He’ll still be a good price and he’s a wild card stretching out to a route for the first time. He ran a strong number in the slop sprinting last time and this race does not have a lot of other early pace. He should be able to clear from the rail and there’s no telling how far he wants to go. At the price he’ll be, he needs to be included on any passenger’s tickets.

Other Contenders: #3 Grand Love (3/1), #4 Gambling Girl (12/1), #7 Wet Paint (7/2)

Race 11: 1 1/16 Mile. G2 Rebel Stakes

#3 Red Route Run (10/1) – He’s the price the Ductor likes best in the is race and the one he’ll key around. He ran very well in the Jockey Club Gold Cup last fall where he was shut off in the stretch and never quit. He returned off the bench last time and showed a good closing kick behind the odds on favorite Arabian Night. With a step forward 2nd off the layoff he can win this race and he’ll be finishing best. At worse he’ll inject value into the exacta and trifecta.

Other Contenders: #1 Verifying (2/1), #5 Giant Mischief (5/2), #6 Reincarnate (7/2)

Other Contenders: #1 Verifying (2/1), #5 Giant Mischief (5/2), #6 Reincarnate (7/2)

Race 12: 6 Furlongs. S.Mdn 90k

#7 Midnight Taxes (3/1) – This looks like a chalky finale at Oaklawn to the Ductor. #10 Time Andbeyond (5/2) is a formidable favorite after overcoming serious trouble at the start last time. The Ductor is still going to try and beat him with the early pace advantage Midnight Taxes has over this group. This gelding will be able to get the early lead and moving to the Hartman barn, he wont stop. He’ll make thee Ductor’s 2024’s check to uncle Sam much larger.

Oaklawn Park Friday Picks — February 24, 2023 | Full Card Value Plays

on February 22, 2023April 19, 2026 By The Conductor's Scribe

Horses racing towards the finish line at Oaklawn Park with a large finish sign in view.

The Ductor needs to get back to capping every day, but man it is hard with the state of winter racing. The Ductor wants to save you horse racing, but other than Saturdays, these cards stink. He needs quality turf racing back like he needs air to breathe. The Ductor’s attention has turned to Oaklawn this week with the Rebel this weekend ahead. The late pick 5 Friday is an interesting sequence, it has a chance to pay. Skip.

Race 5: 6 Furlongs. Clm 16000

#9 Espionage (8/1) – This race is wide open and looks like a good spot to get a price. This colt won in a very similar scenario in his season debut at Oaklawn last year. He draws a nice outside post and has early speed in a sprint without much early pace. He can keep a close eye on his inside opposition and pounce.

#5 Big Nick (15/1) – This morning line can’t be accurate. However, he will still be a good price and he has the best early pace figures in the field. This gelding dueled on the inside last time an faltered against a much tougher group. In his race two back, he lost by a neck at this level. It could be argued that the slop moved him up that day, but he’s run similar numbers on a fast dirt track and it could have been the barn switch. The Ductor sees him carrying his speed a lot longer today.

Race 6: 6 Furlongs. F.MC 12500

#5 Bidofhoney (3/1) – This is a terrible field and this filly is working well for Hartman who is a ridiculous 34% at the meet. 45/65 of his runners have hit the board….nothing to see here. Unfortunately for horseplayers, sometimes if you can’t beat them, join them.

Race 7: 1 Mile. F.Clm 25000b

*Gullet Shot of the Day #4 Black Kat Taps (12/1) – Another race to go price shopping, this mare is sneaky stretching out in her 3rd start off the layoff. Throw out her last race in the slop and her numbers fit with this group. She gets major class relief today and her best races come at this distance. She’s be taking on her weakest field in over a year.

Race 8: 1 1/16 Mile. Alw 104000n2L

#2 Film Star (3/1) – This colt’s work tab at Oaklawn for Cox suggests he’s going to run off the screen. With his lone win coming in he slop the Ductor would normally be against this colt at a short price. However, there isn’t a ton to like in here as alternatives. #3 Summer in Malibu (8/1) and #1 Mahammel (5/2) are the logiacal alternatives.

Race 9: 1 Mile. F.Mdn 90k

#3 Star of Tomorrow (20/1) – This filly has a very interesting work tab with a series of slow works followed by a bullet going 5 furlongs. The Ductor likes the look of it and she’s well meant with a 120k purchase price and the top rider aboard. The Ingrid Mason barn is 3% for the meet and that should steer the public away. She hasn’t had a 1st time starter win lately, but she’s 12% for her career. The Ductor has that feeling in his right knee that she’ll be his star today.

#2 Stellar Lily (2/1) – She’s the logical favorite and has an early pace edge over this group in her first time stretching out. Gate to wire would be no surprise.

Arkansas Derby, Florida Derby and Oaklawn Park Picks

on April 2, 2022April 3, 2023 By The Conductor's Scribe

A group of thoroughbred racehorses running on a dirt track during a race with a jockey in pink silks leading.

Recording nightmare so you passengers will have to read like always. A great Saturday of racing is ahead of us with the Florida and Arkansas Derby. Time to make a dent in the couch today. Skip.

Oaklawn Park

Race 9: 1 Mile. G3 Oaklawn Mile Stakes

#10 Law Professor (8/1) – Exiting a Grade 1 on turf, he was up close to a scorching pace and ran well all things considered. His last two dirt efforts could beat this group and he has the speed where the outside post is no problem. Anything 5/1 or better would be delicious

Race 10: 1 1/16 Mile. F.G3 Fantasy Stakes

*2022 Pony a Day Challenge #6 Mariah’s Fortune (10/1) – 2nd off the layoff today, he ran very well off the bench last time dueling going 1 1/16 mile. Shortening in distance today with a race under his belt and Prat aboard, the Ductor sees him running a career best race.

Race 12: 1 1/8 Mile. G1 Arkansas Derby

#6 Secret Oath (5/2) – This isn’t the strongest prep, but the Ductor is very excited for it. This filly has been visually impressive, and the Ductor will be rooting for her to take down the boys. A D Wayne Lukas filly in the Derby would be a treat.

Gulfstream Park: Race 14: 1 1/8 Mile. G1 Curlin Florida Derby

#6 Cherge It (7/2) – This colt dominated to break his maiden last time and now takes a major step up in class. The word on the street is that this colt is the goods and his works have been astounding. The Ductor thinks he separates from this group and stamps himself as a major Derby contender today

#9 O Captain (20/1) – There will be plenty of early pace in this race and this colt will make one run from the back of the pack. He ran 3rd at 87/1 last time without much of a setup and Rosario is the best rider on deep closers in the country. The Ductor sees him hitting the board again at a big number.

Oaklawn Park: Key Horses for Thursday, February 25

on February 25, 2021April 13, 2023 By The Conductor's Scribe

Horses starting a race from the starting gate at Oaklawn Park with spectators in the background.

Oh Oaklawn Park, how the Conductor missed you. No more snow in Arkansas, Skip.

Oaklawn Park Race 5: 1 Mile. Clm 7500

#9 Calculated Risker (20/1) – #7 Hardly a Secret (5/2) looks like a standout in here, but the Conductor can see this gelding lighting up the tri. Dropping in class and stretching out to a route, his dirt route numbers fit with this group. He should be up close to the lead in a race without much early pace as well.

Race 6: 6 Furlongs. MC 20000

#5 Jack Luvs Nova (6/1) – He’s working well off the layoff and putting the blinkers back on today. His efforts at Churchill this fall give him every chance in here.

Race 7: 6 Furlongs. Clm 25000n3L

*Gullet Shot of the Day #6 News Flash (10/1) – Dropping in class 1^st off the claim for a better barn, he’s working well and has an early pace edge over this field. He should be able to clear the field early and will be very dangerous at a big number.

Oaklawn Park Race 8: 6 Furlongs. Alw 88000n1x

*Double Barreled Buckshot #5 Kadri (10/1) – He showed talent in early in his career and ran better than it looks last time with a slow break and a wide trip. 2^nd off the layoff today he looks like he’s sitting on a top effort.

#7 One for Richie (15/1) – He trounced weaker last time and will be stepping up in class today. His last race was by far the fastest last race in the field and anything near this morning line would be a must whack.

Oaklawn Park: Late Pick 5 Key Horses for Friday February 5

on February 5, 2021April 24, 2023 By The Conductor's Scribe

No dice on the Oaklawn #Gullet shot yesterday. Dang slippery neck, but more opportunities today, Let’s Ride.

Oaklawn Race 5: 6 Furlongs. Clm 40000n2L

#5 War Detonator (4/1) – A first time gelding after being moved into an improved barn, his form this fall gives him every chance in here and he should step forward. He looks to get a favorable trip on or near a moderate pace.

Race 6: 6 Furlongs. MC 30000

#6 Appraisal (10/1) – Dropping in class off the layoff and cutting back to a sprint, he’s working faster than Lukas runners typically do. He gets Lasix for the first time today and his race two back was very strong vs tougher.

Race 7: 6 Furlongs. S.Alw 84000n1x

#9 Captain Don (7/2) – He’s coming in off a long layoff, but is working well for a barn that brings them back ready. His form at Oaklawn on a fast track is the best of the bunch.

Race 8: 6 Furlongs. F.Alw 84000n1x

#5 Ocean Breeze (5/2) – Cutting back to a sprint, this filly is a standout in here. She’s failed as the favorite in her last three starts, but she hasn’t run poor races. The Conductor sees her being an overlay in the 3/1 range with the bettors being sick of her.

Oaklawn Race 9: 6 Furlongs. Clm 10000n2L

*Gullet Shot of the Day #1 Critic (8/1) – 2^nd off the claim for a stronger barn and also switching back from synthetic to dirt, his dirt for is as good as any in here. This race has no early pace and the Conductor is hoping he’s sent from the rail.

Oaklawn Park: Key Horses for Sunday, January 30

on January 31, 2021April 24, 2023 By The Conductor's Scribe

Exterior view of the Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort building with a clear sky above.

The Conductor’s prices ran well yesterday, but they couldn’t quite get the job done at Oaklawn. Let’s finish the weekend strong. Skip.

Race 2: 5½ Furlongs. F.MC 20000

#2 Yes I’m Looking (4/1) – Switching back to dirt and dropping in class 1^st off the claim for Maker, she showed talent in her debut and has been well bet against tougher fields. The Conductor sees her taking a big step forward today.

Race 3: 1 1/16 Mile. Clm 7500

#4 Ice Crush (6/1) – He won his first time routing last start and is one of the few in here in current form. Red hot Geroux takes the mount and this gelding is working well.

Race 6: 1 1/16 Mile. Clm 7500

#8 Wagon Boss (9/2) – Stretching out from a sprint on synthetic last time, he gets back to his best distance and surface today. He has multiple dirt routes that give him a chance in here and he looks to get a good trip up close to a moderate pace.

Race 7: 6 Furlongs. Clm 20000n3L

*Gullet Shot of the Day #3 Blacktop Legend (10/1) – She’s been off since the fall and is now making her 2^nd start at Oaklawn in the Diodoro barn. She’s working well and has an early pace edge on this field. She beats them easily on her best day, the Conductor is praying her price stays decent.

Oaklawn Park: Key Horses for Friday, January 29

on January 29, 2021April 24, 2023 By The Conductor's Scribe

A couple of shorties at Gulfstream Thursday, but nothing special. The Conductor can already smell a roasted hog feast after taking down Oaklawn today. Let’s Ride.

Race 2: 6 Furlongs. F.MC 10000

#12 Dixieland Dream (12/1) – In a wide-open race, the Conductor likes this filly at a price. After two poor efforts on synthetic, she switches back to dirt 3^rd off the layoff. Her dirt races at Gulfstream give her every chance here and she’s working well entering today.

Race 4: 6 Furlongs. F.Alw 85000n3L

*Gullet Shot of the Day #2 Casual (4/1) – The Conductor has followed this filly ever since her Oaklawn debut. 3^rd off the layoff today and cutting back to a sprint after making an early move into a hot pace last time, he loves her.

Race 5: 1 1/16 Mile. Clm 10000n2L

#2 Bear Oak (3/1) – The two Maker runners have this race over a barrel. The Conductor prefers this colt because he is making his first start in a much better barn and was already running good enough to beat this field.

Race 7: 1 1/16 Mile. Alw 84000n1x

#3 Totally Jimbo (7/2) – The Conductor thought he ran very well last time at Oaklawn with a tough trip behind a quality runner Blackberry Wine. He’s working like he’s much improved since last time as well.

Oaklawn Park: Late Pick 4 Key Horses for Friday, January 22

on January 22, 2021April 24, 2023 By The Conductor's Scribe

1 for 4 with a 2/1 winner was not the Thursday the Ductor wanted. Monster weekend upcoming with Oaklawn back and the Pegasus. The train needs a lump of coal, Let’s Ride.

Race 6: 1 Mile. Mdn 82k

#9 He’smyhoneybadger (4/1) – This colt had trouble at the start in his debut and showed a thunderous punch down the lane. Working bullets for Cox entering today, he’ll take a big step forward.

Race 7: 6 Furlongs. OC 80000b

*Double Barreled Buckshot #1 K J’s Nobility (15/1) – This old man loves to win and Oaklawn Park. His A race fits with this group and the Conductor liked his race two back behind C Z Rocket. His work tab suggests he’s ready to fire off the layoff.

#2 Mojo Man (8/1) – Another price with a major chance, he has wicked early pace figures. He’ll get back to a fast dirt track today and he likes Oaklawn as well.

Race 8: 1 Mile. Smarty Jones Stakes

#7 Caddo River (5/2) – This cox runner ran off the screen to break his maiden last time. With solid works and a nice outside draw, they won’t beat him.

Race 9: 1 Mile. Alw 10000s

#5 River Echo (3/1) – 1^st off the claim for Broberg, he’s versatile and loves to win. He’ll be tough in here.

#1 Red Again (10/1) – A price the Conductor will include, he was in good form this fall and is working well. He’s tough to pass when he gets the early lead and is 6/11 over this surface.

The Conductor’s Arkansas Derby Day Plays at Oaklawn Park

on April 13, 2019May 1, 2023 By The Conductor's Scribe

Another lock of the day winner for the Conductor was nice, but we need prices. Let’s find a few hogs down in Arkansas. Arkansas Derby Day, Let’s Ride.

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Race 1: 6 Furlongs. F.OC 16000n1x

#1A Ransomed (7/2) – She ran well at this level last time. 3^rd off the layoff, she’ll get the job done today.

Race 2: 1 3/16 Mile. Alw 10000s

#1A The Rouge Diesel (15/1) – He closed into a slow pace for a good 3^rd last start. The Conductor will mainly key him underneath in the exacta and tri.

Race 3: 6 Furlongs. Alw 16000s

#4 Mines Made Up (12/1) – 1^st off the claim for high % connections, he loves to win and his early pace figs make him competitive.

Race 4: 6 furlongs. 500k Grade 3 Count Fleet H.

#4 Whitmore (1/1) – He’s the class of the field.

Race 5: 6 Furlongs. F.Mdn 100k

#3 Unsweet Tea (6/1) – She had a a troubled trip and was cooked in a hot early pace last start. She showed real ability in her debut.

Race 6: 6 Furlongs. OC 75000n1x

#7 Rowayton (9/5) – Cutting back to a sprint, the others don’t stand a chance.

Race 7: 6 Furlongs. Mdn 100k

*Gullet Shot of the Day #4 Rocknroll Rocket (10/1) – 1^st off the claim and a 1^st time gelding, he shortens in distance and the Conductor likes the confidence to step him back up in class.

Race 8: 1 1/16 Mile. OC 50000n2x

#1 Ike (5/1) – 2^nd off the layoff, he’ll be fit today and has run multiple races that give him a big chance in here.

Race 9: 1 1/8 Mile. G2 Oaklawn H.

#7 Quip (4/1) – 2^nd race as a 4-year old and 2^nd off the layoff, he has a major early pace edge over this group.

Race 10: 1 1/16 Mile. OC 16000n1x

#5 Single Gem (6/1) – He was very impressive in his blowout win last start. He set a hot pace and still finished strongly.

Race 11: 1 1/8 Mile. G1 Arkansas Derby Grade I

*Never a Doubt Bob Baffert Lock of the Day #1 Improbable (8/5) – 2^nd off the layoff, he’s working well, and the Conductor sees him putting on a show today. He’ll be your Derby favorite after this race.

Race 12: 1 1/16 Mile. Mdn 95k

#8 Verve’s Humor (7/2) – His last race was the best of the bunch and Mike Smith hops aboard.

The Conductor’s Rebel Stakes Day Plays at Oaklawn Park

on March 16, 2019May 1, 2023 By The Conductor's Scribe

One of the best gambling Saturdays of the year. Huge day at Oaklawn with with the Rebel Stakes and college basketball conference championship games. Buckle your seat belts, only the strong will survive. Let’s Ride.

Race 1: 6 Furlongs. Mdn 100k

#9 Tapizar’s secret (8/1) – He’s just missed at Saratoga and Keeneland. Those maiden fields are always loaded, he has talent.

Race 2: 1½ Mile. Alw 8000s

#6 Tales of War (4/1) – He’s upped his game this year and is a very consistent runner.

Race 3: 1 1/16 Mile. Mdn 100k

#2 Proverb (6/1) – The Conductor is the truth, and so is this boy.

Race 4: 1 1/16 Mile. OC 62500n1x

#5 Dessman (8/5) – The Conductor was impressed with this colt’s effort in the San Vicente.

Race 5: 1 1/16 Mile. Mdn 100k

#6 Incorrigible (7/2) – 2^nd off the layoff, he made a strong move into a hot pace last start. He’ll be more fit today and gets a rider upgrade.

Race 6: 1 Mile. OC 50000n2x

#1 Mercer Island (8/1) – 2^nd off the layoff, this old man romped in the slop last start. He’s a very consistent runner and loves this distance.

Race 7: 1 1/16 Mile. F.Grade 2 Azeri Stakes

*Never a Doubt Arkansas Hog Lock of the Day #5 Elate (8/5) – She’s the most talented mare in training as far as the Conductor in concerned.

Race 8: 1 1/16 Mile. G2 Rebel Stakes

#1 Extra Hope (6/1) – #9 Improbable (3/5) is clearly the one to beat, but the Conductor likes this colt’s steady progression and his win last race. He can take a big step forward as a 3-year-old. The Conductor will hammer the 9/1 and 1/9 exacta.

Race 9: 1 1/16 Mile. EssexHL350K

#7 Snapper Sinclair (9/2) – He showed talent as 3-year-old and is rounding back into form. He’s working like a monster.

Race 10: 1 1/16 Mile. G2 Rebel Stakes

*Gullet Shot of the Day #7 Our Braintrust (6/1) – Splitting Up the Rebel worked out perfectly for Baffert. Shocker. The Conductor will try to beat him in this one. He liked this boy’s fight in the Withers and that he’s shortening 1/16 of a mile today. He’ll get first run on the leaders and #5 Game Winner (4/5) will have to pass him late.

Race 11: 6 Furlongs. Mdn 100k

#4 Josie Boy (8/1) – A little birdie told the Conductor this colt is ready to run.