The Fifth Season Stakes is a key early-season test for older horses at Oaklawn Park, serving as a stepping stone for campaigns targeting longer routes and higher purses. This $150,000 event attracts a competitive field of nine routers, many with proven form at the track. With a mix of speedsters, stalkers, and closers, the race could hinge on pace dynamics on the one-mile dirt oval. Expect a tactical affair, especially if front-runners like Speed King dictate terms early.
Venue: Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort, 2705 Central Ave, Hot Springs, Arkansas
Post Time is scheduled for 3:57 PM CT (4:57 PM ET)
Race Details: 1 mile on dirt, open to 4-year-olds and up, purse $150,000. Weights: 122 lbs base, with allowances for non-winners of certain races
Expected Weather Conditions
Based on long-term forecasts for Hot Springs, AR, expect partly cloudy skies with highs around 50°F (10°C) and lows near 35°F (2°C). There’s a 20-30% chance of scattered showers, typical for late January in the region. Winds light at 5-10 mph from the northeast. If rain occurs, it could lead to a wet track, favoring horses with off-track experience
Track Conditions
Oaklawn’s dirt track is expected to be fast under dry conditions, as is standard for the meet. However, if showers hit, it could turn good or sloppy—Oaklawn’s surface drains well but can get sticky with moisture. The rail has been fair in recent weeks, with no notable biases. Monitor updates closer to post time via the track’s app or Equibase
Horse-by-Horse Analysis
The field features a blend of veterans and up-and-comers. Below is a detailed breakdown by post position, including horse, jockey, trainer, age/sex, sire, recent finishes (last three races with position, date, track, distance), and analysis. Recent forms are based on available past performances from 2025 races, as the meet is just underway.
PP 1: Pony Express (5yo Horse, Sire: Gun Runner)
Trainer: John W. Sadler (strong shipper from California, 20% win rate at Oaklawn).
Jockey: Joel Rosario (elite rider, 25% win rate on dirt routes).
Recent Finishes: 1st (12/15/25, Santa Anita, 1m dirt), 2nd (11/20/25, Del Mar, 1 1/16m dirt), 3rd (10/5/25, Santa Anita, 1m dirt).
Analysis: This Gun Runner son has speed to spare and thrives in mid-pack stalking roles. Sadler’s horses often improve shipping east, and Rosario’s tactical riding fits perfectly. Draws the rail, which could help save ground, but he needs to avoid traffic. Strong contender if the pace melts.
PP 2: Seize the Night (7yo Gelding, Sire: Carpe Diem)
Trainer: Cipriano Contreras (Oaklawn specialist, 18% win rate locally).
Jockey: Amir Mendoza (up-and-coming, solid on closers).
Recent Finishes: 4th (1/10/26, Oaklawn, 1m dirt allowance), 1st (12/1/25, Fair Grounds, 1m dirt), 5th (11/15/25, Churchill Downs, 1 1/16m dirt).
Analysis: Veteran closer who loves Oaklawn’s long stretch. Contreras knows how to place him for late kicks, but he needs a hot pace to set up. Recent form shows consistency, but age might catch up in a stakes spot. Value play for exotics.
PP 3: Thoughtthatcounts (5yo Gelding, Sire: Sky Mesa)
Trainer: David Jacobson (claims and spots well, 15% win rate).
Jockey: Cristian A. Torres (local star, 22% at Oaklawn).
Recent Finishes: 2nd (1/5/26, Oaklawn, 7f dirt), 3rd (12/20/25, Aqueduct, 1m dirt), 1st (11/10/25, Belmont, 1m dirt).
Analysis: Versatile type who can press or stalk. Jacobson’s quick turnaround from claims often pays off, and Torres knows the track. Sky Mesa progeny handle dirt well, but he might need more class relief. Live for the board.
PP 4: Komorebino Omoide (JPN) (6yo Horse, Sire: California Chrome)
Trainer: Rob Atras (rising trainer, 19% win rate).
Jockey: Ramon A. Vazquez (aggressive frontrunner rider).
Recent Finishes: 1st (12/28/25, Laurel, 1 1/16m dirt), 4th (11/25/25, Parx, 1m dirt), 2nd (10/15/25, Keeneland, 1m dirt).
Analysis: Imported talent with chrome speed from his sire. Atras has him peaking, and Vazquez will send early. Japanese-breds often adapt well to U.S. dirt, but wide post could force a wide trip. Upset potential if loose on the lead.
PP 5: Woodcourt (5yo Horse, Sire: Ransom the Moon)
Trainer: Cipriano Contreras (see above, doubles up in field).
Jockey: Emmanuel Esquivel (reliable, 16% win rate).
Recent Finishes: 4th (1/15/26, Oaklawn, 1m allowance), 1st (12/5/25, Turfway, 1m synthetic), 3rd (11/1/25, Churchill, 1m dirt).
Analysis: Moon sire gives him stamina for the stretch. Contreras’ second stringer, but Esquivel rides him confidently. Recent speed figures are rising (around 95 Beyer), making him a mid-pack threat. Good for trifectas.
PP 6: American Law (8yo Gelding, Sire: Constitution)
Trainer: Sarah E. Shaffer (consistent with veterans).
Jockey: Francisco Arrieta (powerful finisher, 20% at Oaklawn).
Recent Finishes: 5th (1/1/26, Oaklawn, 1 1/16m dirt), 2nd (12/10/25, Remington, 1m dirt), 1st (11/5/25, Zia Park, 1m dirt).
Analysis: Elder statesman with heart, but age shows in recent fades. Shaffer’s training keeps him honest, and Arrieta can rally. Constitution breeding suits routes, but he needs soft fractions. Longshot appeal.
PP 7: Runaway Again (4yo Gelding, Sire: Hard Spun)
Trainer: David Jacobson (see above).
Jockey: Rafael Bejarano (veteran, 18% win rate).
Recent Finishes: 3rd (12/25/25, Gulfstream, 1m dirt), 1st (11/30/25, Aqueduct, 7f dirt), 4th (10/20/25, Belmont, 1m dirt).
Analysis: Youngest in the field, with Spun speed for early position. Jacobson pair could team up for pace control. Bejarano’s experience helps, but maturity is key against elders. Contender if improved.
PP 8: Will Take It (5yo Horse, Sire: Tapit)
Trainer: Dallas Stewart (stakes expert, 17% in routes).
Jockey: Ricardo Santana, Jr. (Oaklawn king, 24% local wins).
Recent Finishes: 2nd (1/10/26, Oaklawn, 1m allowance), 1st (12/15/25, Fair Grounds, 1 1/16m dirt), 3rd (11/20/25, Churchill, 1m dirt).
Analysis: Tapit son with class—Stewart wins these spots. Santana knows every inch of Oaklawn. Recent forms show closing punch; wide post ok for his style. Top pick if pace sets up.
PP 9: Speed King (4yo Colt, Sire: Volatile)
Trainer: Ron Moquett (Oaklawn mainstay, 19% win rate).
Jockey: Luis Saez (superstar, 26% on dirt).
Recent Finishes: 1st (1/5/26, Oaklawn, 6f sprint), 2nd (12/1/25, Churchill, 1m dirt), 1st (11/10/25, Keeneland, 7f dirt).
Analysis: Volatile sire imparts blazing speed. Moquett preps well for home track, and Saez is a huge upgrade. Stretching out, but recent wins suggest he’s ready. Favorite material.
