The Grade II Oaklawn Handicap is set to take place on April 19, 2025, at Oaklawn Park, featuring a competitive field of eight horses aged four and up. This 1 1/8-mile dirt race carries a $1.25 million purse, attracting several accomplished graded stakes winners.
Race Details
Race: Oaklawn Handicap (G2)
Date: April 19, 2025
Location: Oaklawn Park, Hot Springs, AR
Distance: 1 1/8 miles (Dirt)
Purse: $1,250,000
Post Time: 6:10 PM CT
Significance: Winner earns a guaranteed spot in the Pimlico Special at Pimlico Race Course.
Field Overview
1. Go West Go (KY)
Pedigree: Twirling Candy – Malibu Breeze, by Distorted Humor
Jockey: Tyler W. Bacon
Trainer: Boyd Caster
Owner: Boyd Caster
Morning Line Odds: 30/1
Analysis: A longshot in the field, Go West Go will need a career-best effort to contend against this deep lineup.
2. Disarm (KY)
Pedigree: Gun Runner – Easy Tap, by Tapit
Jockey: Keith Asmussen
Trainer: Steven M. Asmussen
Owner: Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC
Morning Line Odds: 10/1
Analysis: A graded stakes winner, Disarm has the pedigree and experience to be a factor in the stretch.
3. First Mission (KY)
Pedigree: Street Sense – Elude, by Medaglia d’Oro
Jockey: Flavien Prat
Trainer: Brad H. Cox
Owner: Godolphin LLC
Morning Line Odds: 2/1 (Favorite)
Analysis: The morning-line favorite, First Mission finished third in the Razorback Handicap (G3) earlier this year. He has been working well at Churchill Downs and is expected to be in peak form.
4. Skippylongstocking (KY)
Pedigree: Exaggerator – Twinkling, by War Chant
Jockey: Irad Ortiz Jr.
Trainer: Saffie A. Joseph Jr.
Owner: Daniel Alonso
Morning Line Odds: 5/2
Analysis: The defending Oaklawn Handicap champion, Skippylongstocking posted a career-best 116 Equibase Speed Figure in last year’s race. He enters off a victory in the Challenger Stakes (G3) at Tampa Bay Downs.
5. Alexander Helios (KY)
Pedigree: Cairo Prince – Cashmere, by Cowboy Cal
Jockey: Luis Saez
Trainer: Saffie A. Joseph Jr.
Owner: John and Diane Fradkin
Morning Line Odds: 4/1
Analysis: Alexander Helios won the Razorback Handicap (G3) by a head over Banishing earlier this year. He has hit the board in 11 consecutive starts and won three of his last four races.
6. Tarantino (KY)
Pedigree: Pioneerof the Nile – Without Delay, by Seeking the Gold
Jockey: Edwin A. Maldonado
Trainer: Peter Eurton
Owner: Rockingham Ranch & David A. Bernsen LLC
Morning Line Odds: 20/1
Analysis: A veteran runner, Tarantino finished second in the Essex Handicap (G3) earlier this year. He will need a strong effort to challenge the top contenders.
7. Banishing (KY)
Pedigree: Ghostzapper – Dowager, by A.P. Indy
Jockey: Ricardo Santana Jr.
Trainer: David Jacobson
Owner: Lawrence P. Roman & David Jacobson
Morning Line Odds: 7/2
Analysis: Banishing finished second in the Razorback Handicap (G3) before rebounding with a victory in the Oaklawn Mile Stakes (G3). He has won five of his last seven starts and is in strong form.
8. Red Route One (KY)
Pedigree: Gun Runner – Red House, by Tapit
Jockey: Erik Asmussen
Trainer: Steven M. Asmussen
Owner: Winchell Thoroughbreds LLC
Morning Line Odds: 15/1
Analysis: A graded stakes winner, Red Route One enters off a victory in the Essex Handicap (G3). He has the stamina to handle the distance but will need a strong closing kick.
Race Outlook
The Oaklawn Handicap features a deep and competitive field, headlined by First Mission, Skippylongstocking, and Alexander Helios. First Mission enters as the morning-line favorite, but Skippylongstocking has proven consistency at Oaklawn Park. Alexander Helios’ recent form makes him a strong challenger.
