Horse Race Preview: Race 9 – Grade II Azeri Stakes at Oaklawn Park

The Grade II Azeri Stakes is set to take place at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Arkansas. This renowned venue, established in 1904, features a one-mile dirt oval known for its fair surface and often speed-favoring conditions, particularly in routes where tactical positioning is key. The day’s first post time is 12:30 PM CT, with Race 9 expected to go off at 4:44 PM CT.

Expected weather conditions in Hot Springs on race day include cool temperatures with highs around 60°F and lows near 45°F, partly cloudy skies turning to possible showers later in the afternoon. Winds will be light from the south at 5-10 mph, with a 40% chance of precipitation (up to 0.2 inches). Humidity around 70%. These conditions should yield a fast dirt track, but any rain could soften it to good, potentially favoring horses with proven form on off surfaces.

This $400,000 Grade II stakes is for fillies and mares four years old and upward, contested over 1 1/16 miles on the dirt. It offers black-type prestige and serves as a key prep for higher-level distaff routes like the Apple Blossom (G1).

Weights are 124 lbs, with allowances: non-winners of $60,000 twice at a mile or over since November 7, 2025 allowed 3 lbs; $50,000 once at a mile or over since then allowed 5 lbs. The field of 7 features champion Nitrogen as the standout, with strong support from trainers like Mark E. Casse (two entrants) and Steven M. Asmussen.

Horse-by-Horse Analysis

1. Perfect Shot (12/1 ML)
Steven M. Asmussen trains this 5-year-old Gun Runner mare, ridden by his son Erik Asmussen at 121 lbs. Owned by Whisper Hill Farm LLC. She’s a consistent router with stakes experience. Recent finishes: 3rd in the Bayakoa (G3) at Oaklawn on 2/7/26 (1 1/16 miles, fast dirt, fig 103, behind Nitrogen); 1st in a Fair Grounds allowance on 1/10/26 (1 mile, fast dirt); 4th in the Falls City (G3) at Churchill on 11/28/25 (1 1/8 miles, fast dirt). Handles distance well and prefers fast tracks. Asmussen dominates at Oaklawn (25% win rate this meet). Erik is emerging but reliable in family spots. Rail post allows a ground-saving trip; could rally for a minor share if pace collapses.

2. Nitrogen (4/5 ML)
Mark E. Casse conditions this 4-year-old Medaglia d’Oro filly, with Jose L. Ortiz aboard at 121 lbs. Owned by DJ Stable LLC. The reigning Eclipse Award champion 3YO filly from 2025, she’s unbeaten in routes this year. Recent finishes: 1st in the Bayakoa (G3) at Oaklawn on 2/7/26 (1 1/16 miles, fast dirt, fig 124, won by 2 3/4 lengths); 1st in the Alabama (G1) at Saratoga on 8/16/25 (1 1/4 miles, fast dirt); 1st in five other stakes in 2025. Excels on fast dirt and has tactical speed. Casse wins 22% with graded routers. Ortiz is a top closer (28% wins). Post 2 suits stalking; heavy favorite with class edge.

3. Majestic Oops (3/1 ML)
Dan Ward trains this 6-year-old Majestic Harbor mare, ridden by Francisco Arrieta at 119 lbs. Owned by Medallion Racing et al. A graded stakes veteran with versatility. Recent finishes: 2nd in the Molly Pitcher (G3) at Monmouth on 7/19/25 (1 1/16 miles, fast dirt); 1st in a Gulfstream allowance on 1/31/26 (1 mile, fast dirt, fig 124); 3rd in the La Troienne (G1) at Churchill on 5/2/25 (1 1/16 miles, fast dirt). Strong on fast going. Ward targets Oaklawn well (18% wins). Arrieta excels locally (20% strike rate). Post 3 for pressing; main threat to the favorite.

4. Quietside (15/1 ML)
John Alexander Ortiz sends out this 4-year-old Malibu Moon filly, with Ramon A. Vazquez up at 119 lbs. Owned by Shortleaf Stable Inc. Improving type with local affinity. Recent finishes: 4th in the Bayakoa (G3) at Oaklawn on 2/7/26 (1 1/16 miles, fast dirt, fig 112); 1st in a Fair Grounds optional claimer on 12/28/25 (1 1/16 miles, fast dirt); 2nd in a Keeneland allowance on 10/18/25 (1 mile, fast dirt). Prefers fast tracks. Ortiz wins 15% at Oaklawn. Vazquez is tactical (17% wins). Post 4 offers options; longshot for exotics if she closes strongly.

5. Regaled (9/2 ML)
D. Whitworth Beckman trains this 5-year-old Mohaymen mare, ridden by Joseph D. Ramos at 119 lbs. Owned by Ribble Farms and Front Page Equestrian LLC. Stakes-placed and in form. Recent finishes: 4th in a Santa Anita allowance on 1/17/26 (1 mile, fast dirt); 1st in the Pippin Stakes at Oaklawn on 1/3/26 (1 1/16 miles, fast dirt, fig 112); 2nd in the Remington Park Oaks (G3) on 9/28/25 (1 1/16 miles, fast dirt). Handles distance and fast dirt. Beckman emerging with 16% win rate. Ramos reliable. Mid-pack post suits stalking; value alternative to top pair.

6. La Cara (10/1 ML)
Casse’s second entrant, this 4-year-old Street Sense filly carries Cristian A. Torres at 119 lbs. Owned by Tracy Farmer. Stablemate to Nitrogen with upside. Recent finishes: 5th in the Houston Ladies Classic (G3) at Sam Houston on 1/24/26 (1 1/16 miles, fast dirt, fig 96, mid-pack); 2nd in the Traversita at Oaklawn on 2/27/26 (1 mile, fast dirt); 4th in the Gazelle (G3) at Aqueduct on 4/6/25 (1 1/8 miles, fast dirt). Improves second off layoff. Casse strong with pairs. Torres aggressive locally. Post 6 for mid-race move; could hit board at odds.

7. Standoutsensation (12/1 ML)
Thomas M. Amoss conditions this 5-year-old Take Charge Indy mare, with Luis Saez aboard at 121 lbs. Owned by Richard J. Emmett & Joel Politi. Deep closer with back class. Recent finishes: 3rd in the Bayakoa (G3) at Oaklawn on 2/7/26 (1 1/16 miles, fast dirt, fig 103); 1st in a Churchill allowance on 11/22/25 (1 1/16 miles, fast dirt); 2nd in the Locust Grove (G3) at Churchill on 9/14/25 (1 1/16 miles, fast dirt). Thrives on fast tracks. Amoss wins 19% with routers. Saez is elite (25% wins). Wide post 7 may require energy; upset potential if pace melts.