Oaklawn Park, Hot Springs, Arkansas –
Race 10: Grade III Razorback Handicap
Venue Location: Oaklawn Park, 2705 Central Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901 (historic Arkansas thoroughbred track known for its fast dirt surface and premier winter/spring meet leading to the Arkansas Derby).
Scheduled Post Time: 5:00 PM CT (10th race on an 11-race card; first post 12:20 PM CT).
Distance/Surface: 1 1/16 miles on the main dirt track.
Purse: $500,000 Guaranteed (for 4-year-olds and upward; weights assigned with high weights preferred).
Track Conditions: Main dirt expected to be fast. Recent Oaklawn dirt races have been consistently fast and fair with no bias; quick times anticipated.
Expected Weather Conditions: Mild and mostly pleasant for late February in Hot Springs. Daytime high near 62-68°F, low around 38-50°F, partly sunny to mostly cloudy skies with a 20-30% chance of isolated showers (weather permitting, the infield will open for the first time this season), light winds (5-10 mph), humidity moderate. Ideal racing conditions with no significant weather bias or track impact expected—perfect for a strong pace and clean trips on fast dirt.
The 66th running of the Grade III Razorback Handicap is a key early-season dirt route for older horses and a major local prep for the $1.25 million Oaklawn Handicap (G2) on April 18. The compact seven-horse field features two millionaires (Magnitude and Sandman), a pair of dominant local front-runners, and live longshots from top barns (Asmussen with two, Casse with two). Pace projects honest to fast with committed speed (Nu What’s New likely to lead or press, Magnitude tactical), setting up well for stalkers and closers on fast dirt. Magnitude (Asmussen/Ortiz) is the narrow morning-line favorite making his 4-year-old debut, but Nu What’s New (DiVito/Bejarano) and Sandman (Casse/Torres) offer strong challenges in a high-quality betting race.
Full Field with Post Positions, Analysis, Jockey/Trainer Notes, and Morning Line Odds
PP 1 – Tap Into This (Tapit – gray or roan 4YO colt)
Jockey: Erik Asmussen
Trainer: Steven M. Asmussen (Hall of Famer with multiple Razorback runners; dominant at Oaklawn)
Morning Line Odds: 4/1
Weight: 117 lbs
Analysis: Seasonal debut winner Jan. 2 in the listed Coach Overnight S. here (first black-type victory; 4 wins from 10 starts). Tapit progeny handle the route and fast dirt well; inside post ideal for a ground-saving trip. Asmussen knows the track perfectly—solid mid-tier contender who could improve and factor underneath in exotics.
PP 2 – Woodcourt (Ransom the Moon – 5YO horse)
Jockey: Abel Cedillo
Trainer: Cipriano Contreras (solid local barn)
Morning Line Odds: 15/1
Weight: 114 lbs
Analysis: Consistent but lower-tier performer with recent allowance/optional efforts showing tactical speed. Needs a career peak to compete with the graded standouts; Cedillo can steal a share with an easy trip. Deep bomb for superfectas and multi-race wagers only.
PP 3 – Echo Again (Gun Runner – 6YO gelding)
Jockey: Francisco Arrieta
Trainer: Norm W. Casse (sharp with older routers)
Morning Line Odds: 15/1
Weight: 114 lbs
Analysis: Veteran with stakes placings but recent form questions after a layoff pattern. Gun Runner stamina suits the trip; Arrieta knows Oaklawn well. Respectable longshot for exotics if he rebounds with a clean trip—best as a superfecta filler.
PP 4 – Nu What’s New (Munnings – bay gelding)
Jockey: Rafael Bejarano
Trainer: James P. DiVito (excellent with front-runners; strong Oaklawn record)
Morning Line Odds: 2/1
Weight: 115 lbs
Analysis: The local speed demon—unbeaten in two dominant Oaklawn starts this season: broke maiden by 7½ lengths in 1:35.52 (one of the fastest miles in track history) on Dec. 26, then crushed an allowance by 12½ lengths at 1 1/16 miles on Feb. 5 (109 ESF). Stakes debut but visually looks like a monster; Bejarano upgrade significant. Likely to set or press a fast pace—major win threat and the one to catch.
PP 5 – Magnitude (Not This Time – gray or roan 4YO colt)
Jockey: Jose L. Ortiz (elite rider)
Trainer: Steven M. Asmussen (multiple graded stakes wins this meet)
Morning Line Odds: 9/5 (narrow favorite)
Weight: 123 lbs (high weight)
Analysis: Millionaire (nearly $1.3M earnings) making 4-year-old debut off a half-length Clark S. (G2) victory at 1 1/8 miles Churchill Nov. 28. Prior: dominant wins in Risen Star (G2) by 9¾ lengths and Iowa Derby by 9¼ lengths; placed in Travers (G1) and Pennsylvania Derby (G1). Missed Saudi Cup due to minor illness (temperature; fully recovered with two sharp works since). Asmussen/Ortiz combo lethal; high cruising speed and class edge make him extremely dangerous—expect a tactical trip and strong finish. The one to beat on paper.
PP 6 – Gould’s Gold (Goldencents – 5YO horse)
Jockey: Emmanuel Esquivel
Trainer: Kenneth G. McPeek (proven with improving older horses)
Morning Line Odds: 8/1
Weight: 116 lbs
Analysis: Consistent placer with recent stakes/allowance form showing closing ability. McPeek can peak them for big days; Esquivel knows the surface. Live at the price as an underneath play who could improve with added distance or pace setup—solid exotic value.
PP 7 – Sandman (Tapit – gray or roan 4YO colt)
Jockey: Cristian A. Torres (reunited; knows the horse well)
Trainer: Mark E. Casse (multiple Arkansas Derby winners; strong with routers)
Morning Line Odds: 5/1
Weight: 120 lbs
Analysis: Millionaire (nearly $1.5M earnings) and last year’s Arkansas Derby (G1) winner here. No wins in five starts since (including 3rd Preakness G1); most recent: even 5th (beaten 2¼ lengths) in a slow-paced 1 1/16-mile allowance Feb. 7 after a cut issue (fully recovered). Casse notes the presence of speed (Nu What’s New/Magnitude) sets up perfectly for his late run; Torres guided him to a prior Oaklawn allowance win. Outside post no issue for a stalker—major threat to upset and a must-use in all tickets.
Summary and Wagering Angles:
A compact, high-quality Grade III with two standouts: Magnitude (5) (Asmussen/Ortiz, elite class off the layoff) and Nu What’s New (4) (dominant local speed). Sandman (7) offers the best value as a proven stakes horse with ideal pace setup, while Tap Into This (1) and Gould’s Gold (6) round out the exotics. The fast pace scenario heavily favors stalkers/closers like Sandman and Magnitude.
