Oaklawn Park: Bayakoa Reschedule Joins Razorback Stakes Saturday

Last week the Bayakoa got cancelled due to weather. This weekend it has been rescheduled as part of the Razorback card from Oaklawn Park.

Saturday Stakes Analysis

Oaklawn Park Race 8-Bayakoa Stakes

Post: 3:47 PM CT; Purse: $250,000 Bayakoa S., 1 1/16 Miles on Dirt; Entries: 7

• #6 QUEEN GODDESS (3-1) is the top pick in an extremely deep field. This one has the top speed figures in the group and projects to be forward early. While this is often an advantage on dirt, Oaklawn can be a bit quirky depending on the day and at times can bring outside closers into the race which would be bad for this runner.
• #1 MATERA (3-1) has a jockey trainer that combine to win over 50% of their starts. I much prefer the outside posts so the rail is a concern.
• #2 MISS BIGLY (9-2) has run against some of the best competition and should be respected here.
• #7 COACH (5-2) is favored and boasts the top record at the distance never failing to hit the board at 8 1/2 furlongs.

Selections: 6-1-2-7

Oaklawn Park Race 10- Razorback Handicap

Post: 4:56 PM CT; Purse: $600,000 Razorback H., 1 1/16 Miles on Dirt; Entries: 9

• #8 PLAINSMAN (7-2) goes out for solid connections and has the top overall power rating in the group.
• #3 LONE ROCK (3-1) combines top speed figures with really good competition. This one makes sense as the favorite, but certainly has competition in this spot.
• #6 THOMAS SHELBY (6-1) appears to be one that could get a good race setup here. If the track is tiring this one could be a good bet to outlast the rest.
• #4 RATED R SUPERSTAR (8-1) boasts the top record at the distance hitting the board in every start at the distance.

Selections: 8-3-6-4

Saturday Undercard Analysis

Oaklawn Park Race 1

Post: 12:10 PM CT; Purse: $27,000 Claiming, 6 Furlongs on Dirt; Entries: 10

• #1 FIVE DREAMS (7-2) should be near the lead and has the top speed figures in the group. It is a little concerning that this one might have to push from the rail, but if the jock can carve out the right trip this one should be tough.
• #5 SHACKS WAY (3-1) comes into the race in great form and could be ready to spring a big effort.
• #2 INCORRUPTIBLE (6-1) has speed figures on par with the #1 and you’re getting nearly double the price.
• #6 VIOLENT GIGI (10-1) has to be respected based on connections.

Selections: 1-5-2-6

Oaklawn Park Race 2

Post: 12:40 PM CT; Purse: $42,000 Maiden Claiming, 1 Mile on Dirt; Entries: 10

• #6 RESERVE (4-1) will be forward and appears to have the most stamina in the group. I typically like these types in maiden claiming races where reaching the front can be the ticket to winning races against proven losers.
• #2 BEST TIME (6-1) has solid connections and makes some sense here, but the question will be if this one can pass in the lane.
• #7 CRONUS (7-2) has breeding to suggest that this one could eventually be the most productive of this group.
• #8 PORTSMOUTH (3-1) comes into the race in decent enough form and could potentially be sitting on an effort that other’s in this field are incapable of matching.

Selections: 6-2-7-8

Oaklawn Park Race 3

Post: 1:10 PM CT; Purse: $36,000 Claiming, 1 Mile on Dirt; Entries: 9

• #5 SAQEEL (7-2) will look to stalk and pounce from the 2nd flight. This one should get an honest enough pace to get home on top.
• #4 BEACHWALKER (9-2) has been posting solid speed figures against quality runners.
• #1 NOTARY (3-1) will be closer to the front and may just get the right set up to get first jump on the front runners.
• #3 UNEMBELLISHED (8-1) is another runner who could take advantage if the pace is a bit slow. This one will likely sit just behind the leaders and could have the least amount of ground to make up late.

Selections: 5-4-1-3

Oaklawn Park Race 4

Post: 1:40 PM CT; Purse: $84,000 Maiden Special Weight, 6 Furlongs on Dirt; Entries: 14

• #2 YOU VEE CEE (3-1) is a stand out in this field. This runner is the best or tied for best in several key handicapping metrics. Given that the rest of the major players are to the far outside, this one could be a top play on the card.
• #13 FORSAKEN (4-1) is bred to be good at this distance. I don’t mind wide posts at Oaklawn, but 13 might be a stretch.
• #14 TOPF ROAD RULES (5-1) has run some of the best speed figures thus far, but will also have to overcome the post draw.
• #8 KISSOFTHENILE (15-1) is first time starter in a field that looks pretty salty with the experienced runners, but I like the workouts on this one. If a newcomer wins, my money’s on this one.

Selections: 2-13-14-8 (Best Bet: #2 YOU VEE CEE)

Oaklawn Park Race 5

Post: 2:10 PM CT; Purse: $34,000 Claiming, 6 Furlongs on Dirt; Entries: 10

• #1 A REAL JEWEL (5-2) is rightfully favored given the barn and the 6 furlong distance which is somewhat of a specialty for this runner.
• #9 AIRBORNE GAL (9-2) tops the field in both speed and class and that is never a bad combination to have on your side.
• #7 SAPPHIRE ROYALTY (5-1) wouldn’t be a surprise in the winner’s circle, but this one will win because of the run of the race and that can’t always be relied on in this sport.
• #10 LADY SHAMAN (15-1) will likely need to be on the lead and wire the field. From the 10 post they almost have to send this runner which I believe only helps the chances.

Selections: 1-9-7-10

Oaklawn Park Race 6

Post: 2:40 PM CT; Purse: $28,000 Starter Allowance, 6 Furlongs on Dirt; Entries: 11

• #4 SOUIXPER CHARGER (5-1) has the top power rating in the group. I know the Oaklawn morning line has a tendency to be inaccurate, but anything close to 5-1 would be wonderful value.
• #7 BASEBALL POLITICS (4-1) has kept the best company in recent starts and should be a major player in the race.
• #6 RIVERBOAT GAMBLER (3-1) comes into the race with the top speed figures of the lot.
• #3 PLATINUM EQUITY (9-2) seems a cut below the rest of these, but could definitely be around for the minor placings.

Selections: 4-7-6-3

Oaklawn Park Race 7

Post: 3:16 PM CT; Purse: $84,000 Maiden Special Weight, 6 Furlongs on Dirt; Entries: 10

• #10 STRATOFORTRESS (5-2) has run against some solid runners to this point in the career and looks to be formidable in this spot.
• #5 TENTH OF GOLD (9-2) has run the top speed figures in the group to this point.
• #7 QUARANTINE WHISKEY (20-1) has honest enough breeding to at least factor in the vertical exotics. I think this one is more of a 12-1 shot when the gates open.
• #8 KINGMAKER (15-1) has been putting in consistent enough workouts in the morning to be able to spring at first asking. A win may be a bit much, but at 15-1 this one makes sense in the bottom rungs of the gimmicks.

Selections: 10-5-7-8

Oaklawn Park Race 8

Post: 3:47 PM CT; Purse: $250,000 Bayakoa S., 1 1/16 Miles on Dirt; Entries: 7

• Bayakoa Stakes analysis provided above.

Selections: 6-1-2-7

Oaklawn Park Race 9

Post: 4:20 PM CT; Purse: $100,000 Allowance, 6 Furlongs on Dirt; Entries: 14

• #10 PHAROAH'S HEART (5-1) has the class and speed to be in good shape here. The pace scenario before scratches looks blazing and that only helps this runner.
• #2 JOYFUL CADENCE (3-1) could get an ideal trip in this spot saving ground on a hot pace.
• #8 I'M THE BOSS OF ME (12-1) goes out for connections that will likely get bet down. If the pace doesn’t materialize in this race, this one becomes a major factor.
• #5 CONNIE K (5-1) is a versatile type that can be on or near the lead. It’s always nice to have these multi-faceted types on tickets because they are less dependent on the pace.

Selections: 10-2-8-5

Oaklawn Park Race 10

Post: 4:56 PM CT; Purse: $600,000 Razorback H., 1 1/16 Miles on Dirt; Entries: 9

• Razorback Handicap analysis provided above.

Selections: 8-3-6-4

Oaklawn Park Race 11

Post: 5:25 PM CT; Purse: $84,000 Maiden Special Weight, 1 Mile on Dirt; Entries: 11

My big take in this race is that if the top two choice on the morning line win this race, I will lose. I will play against them and look for better value.

• #6 ROME (15-1) looks like an upsetter with a chance to steal this race on the front end.
• #7 CHILENO (8-1) is well bred for this and has the top speed figures in the group to this point.
• #10 FRISCO LINE (5-1) goes out for great connections at Oaklawn Park.
• #5 SWITZER (6-1) has competitive speed figures.

Selections: 6-7-10-5

Betting News Free Handicapping Tools

By the time the races kick off on Saturday, Oaklawn Park will have already completed a day of racing for the weekend. To get help with Friday’s action from Oaklawn don’t forget to check out the Betting News free handicapping tools.