Distance: 6 furlongs (Dirt)
Purse: $250,000 Guaranteed
For: Fillies and Mares, Four Year Olds and Upward (4th Running)
Scheduled Post Time: 4:48 PM CT (First post for the card is 12:30 PM CT; this is the late-card stakes feature on Fantasy Stakes Day)
Venue Location: Oaklawn Park is located at 2705 Central Avenue in Hot Springs, Arkansas (71901). It is Arkansas’s premier Thoroughbred racetrack, featuring a fast, fair main dirt track that often produces strong speed figures in sprints and plays evenly or with a mild inside bias at 6 furlongs during the winter/spring meet.
Expected Weather Conditions: Mild and dry spring conditions. Daytime high around 75°F (24°C), low near 43°F (6°C) overnight. Mostly clear skies with no chance of precipitation. Light winds expected. These conditions mirror typical late-March patterns at Oaklawn and align with the current forecast for Friday.
Track Conditions: Fast dirt (no rain in the extended forecast and recent Oaklawn cards have been consistently fast; the surface should favor speed and tactical runners in this sprint).
Full Field (9 horses – official entries):
PP 1 – Lovin’ On The Run (‘20 M)
Trainer: J. Ortiz
Jockey: J. Torres
Weight: 117 lbs
Recent Form Notes: Modest recent figures (shown as 87 LX in program); limited stakes exposure.
Analysis: Local connections with a tactical style that could benefit from the rail. Ortiz barn is capable, but this mare will need a career-best effort to challenge the top runners in open stakes company. Likely mid-pack or better at a price.
PP 2 – Wondrous (‘22 F)
Trainer: B. Walsh (Brendan P. Walsh)
Jockey: R. Vazquez (Ramon Vazquez)
Weight: 117 lbs
Recent Form Notes: Competitive allowance-level form.
Analysis: Godolphin homebred with upside as a younger runner in the field. Walsh does well with improving fillies; Vazquez is a high-percentage rider at Oaklawn. Expect a stalking trip – live exotic play if the pace heats up early.
PP 3 – Zeitlos (‘20 M)
Trainer: S. Asmussen (Steven M. Asmussen – all-time leading trainer at Oaklawn)
Jockey: I. Ortiz, Jr. (Irad Ortiz Jr. – elite closer)
Weight: 117 lbs
Recent Form Notes: Solid recent efforts (85 in program notes).
Analysis: Asmussen + Ortiz Jr. is one of the strongest combos in the game, especially at Oaklawn. This mare has the experience and class to sit mid-pack and finish strongly. Respect for connections; a major contender who could outrun her odds if the speed duels.
PP 4 – Asternia (‘21 M)
Trainer: R.L. Morse
Jockey: L. Saez (Luis Saez)
Weight: 119 lbs
Recent Form Notes: Coming off a recent win at Oaklawn Park; has three wins at the track overall.
Analysis: Local specialist with proven Oaklawn affinity. Saez is aggressive and fits her forward style perfectly. Morse has her peaking – a dangerous speed/presser who could wire the field or sit just off it. Strong win contender at a square price.
PP 5 – Me And Molly McGee (‘22 F)
Trainer: P. Eurton
Jockey: J. Hernandez
Weight: 117 lbs
Recent Form Notes: Allowance form (84 rating).
Analysis: Younger mare stepping up; Eurton is sharp with lightly raced types. Hernandez knows the track. She’ll likely be mid-pack; could improve with the class drop but faces tougher company here. Exotic filler at best.
PP 6 – Haulin Ice (‘21 M)
Trainer: S. Joseph, Jr. (Saffie A. Joseph Jr.)
Jockey: F. Arrieta
Weight: 124 lbs (top weight)
Recent Form Notes: Dominant recent winner of the Downthedustyroad Breeders’ S. at Oaklawn (1st by wide margin); first Arkansas-bred millionaire with a 7-2-0 record in nine starts at this track. Multiple stakes wins locally.
Analysis: The class horse and clear standout. Arkansas-bred star with explosive speed and a perfect record over this surface/distance. Joseph has her razor-sharp; expect her to press or lead and never look back. The one to beat – likely morning-line favorite.
PP 7 – Jersey Pearl (‘20 M)
Trainer: D. Miller
Jockey: C. Torres (Cristian Torres)
Weight: 124 lbs
Recent Form Notes: Recent stakes placings (82 rating).
Analysis: Consistent older mare with seasoning. Torres is riding well at the meet. Miller gets good efforts from her; she’ll be forwardly placed but may find the top ones too tough unless the pace collapses.
PP 8 – Evanescence (‘22 F)
Trainer: E. Kenneally (Eddie Kenneally)
Jockey: R. Bejarano
Weight: 117 lbs
Recent Form Notes: Last start winner at Fair Grounds (AOC); resuming off a freshening.
Analysis: Sharp comebacker with a recent victory. Kenneally excels with this type; Bejarano knows how to ride her. Versatile enough to stalk – a big threat if she replicates her FG form. Keep an eye on this improving 4YO.
PP 9 – Foie Gras (‘22 F)
Trainer: M. Maker (Michael Maker)
Jockey: F. Prat (Flavien Prat – one of the nation’s top riders)
Weight: 124 lbs
Recent Form Notes: Winner of three straight, including a recent score at Oaklawn; coming off a let-up but in peak form.
Analysis: Maker/Prat is always dangerous, especially in sprints. This filly is on a roll with high speed figures. Outside post is no issue for a closer/stalker. Major win threat and key exotic horse.
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Overall Preview & Handicapping Thoughts:
This is a high-quality sprint stakes featuring a mix of local specialists, improving younger mares, and proven stakes performers. The pace should be honest with several speed types (Asternia, Haulin Ice, possibly Lovin’ On The Run). Oaklawn’s fast 6-furlong dirt sets up perfectly for tactical speed or mid-pack closers. Haulin Ice towers on local form and class, but Foie Gras (hot streak + top jockey) and Evanescence (fresh winner) make this a betting race with value underneath. Asternia adds local win appeal.
