Oaklawn Park (2705 Central Avenue, Hot Springs, Arkansas) hosts the Grade III Whitmore Stakes on Saturday, March 14, 2026. This $250,000 stakes race for 4-year-olds and upward is contested at 6 furlongs on the main dirt track as Race 10 on the card. The scheduled post time is 5:21 PM CT (6:21 PM ET).
Expected weather conditions in Hot Springs forecast a mild mid-March day with highs in the mid-60s°F (around 64-68°F / 18-20°C), partly cloudy skies, light winds, and negligible precipitation chance. No rain is forecast for race day, so the track condition should be fast—favoring speed and early tactical types on Oaklawn’s quick, fair dirt surface.
A solid field of seven older sprinters (base weight 124 lbs.; allowances for non-winners of graded stakes since a certain date applied to a couple) lines up. No scratches reported. Morning-line odds are from consensus program sources.
Here is the full field with post positions, recent finishes, and in-depth analysis of each horse, jockey, and trainer:
Post Position 1: Wendelssohn (5/H, 124 lbs) – ML 3/1
Jockey: David Cabrera
Trainer: Chris A. Hartman (hot Oaklawn-based barn with strong sprint performers)
Pedigree: Mendelssohn – (strong sprint influence). Recent finishes: 3rd in the 2026 King Cotton Stakes (listed) at Oaklawn; consistent graded-level efforts with solid speed figures.
Analysis: Hartman has this horse sharp for the local stakes, and Cabrera knows the Oaklawn dirt well. Tactical speed from the rail sets up a perfect pressing trip on a fast track. Live every step at 3/1 with proven class and upside.
Post Position 2: Ryvit (6/H, 124 lbs) – ML 4/1
Jockey: Erik Asmussen
Trainer: Steven M. Asmussen (Hall of Famer with multiple Whitmore wins and a powerhouse meet barn)
Pedigree: Competitive Edge – She Is Bedazzling. Recent finishes: 2nd in the 2025 Lake Hamilton Stakes (listed); multiple stakes placings with high figures.
Analysis: The Asmussen barn is rolling, and Erik knows the horse perfectly. Forward speed and durability make him dangerous to press or lead. At 4/1 he’s a prime exacta leg with the connections and local affinity.
Post Position 3: Tough Catch (4/C, 124 lbs) – ML 7/2
Jockey: Ramon A. Vazquez
Trainer: Dallas Stewart (veteran with big-race success at Oaklawn)
Pedigree: Complexity – Try to Catch Her. Recent finishes: Strong winning effort in his last start at Oaklawn (improving figures); sharp recent form.
Analysis: Stewart has him peaking, and Vazquez rides aggressively. Tactical versatility allows him to stalk or close; at 7/2 he offers excellent value as a improving colt who loves the fast dirt and could pounce late.
Post Position 4: Tejano Twist (7/G, 124 lbs) – ML 5/2
Jockey: Francisco Arrieta
Trainer: Chris A. Hartman (double entry with Wendelssohn)
Pedigree: Practical Joke – (proven sprint pedigree). Recent finishes: Romping allowance/optional claiming victory at Oaklawn on March 1, 2026; past Whitmore Stakes winner (2023) with multiple stakes placings.
Analysis: Seeking a second Whitmore win—the class horse with outstanding track record here. Hartman’s second shooter brings elite local form, and Arrieta is a perfect fit. Forwardly placed or stalking style suits the trip; the one to beat at 5/2 with proven stakes firepower.
Post Position 5: Gold Sweep (5/H, 117 lbs) – ML 8/1
Jockey: Walberto De La Cruz
Trainer: John Haran (capable smaller operation)
Pedigree: Not detailed; sprint-oriented. Recent finishes: Competitive allowance/stakes efforts with improving figures. Analysis: Haran spots him for value, and the weight allowance helps. Mid-pack or pressing style; at 8/1 he’s a live longshot who could improve with a clean trip on fast dirt and offer exotic payout.
Post Position 6: Bourbon Bash (6/G, 124 lbs) – ML 10/1
Jockey: Keith J. Asmussen
Trainer: Steven M. Asmussen (second entry)
Pedigree: Not detailed; durable sprinter. Recent finishes: Consistent stakes-level placings with solid recent efforts. Analysis: Asmussen double gives him firepower. Keith rides the meet well. Tactical speed from mid-pack; at 10/1 he’s a reliable underneath play who could hit the board if the pace is hot.
Post Position 7: Spankster (7/H, 117 lbs) – ML 12/1
Jockey: Emmanuel Esquivel
Trainer: S. Jade Cunningham (smaller barn with upset potential)
Pedigree: Not detailed; veteran with local experience. Recent finishes: Allowance form with competitive figures; stepping up. Analysis: Cunningham has him ready, and the weight break helps. Outside post fine on wide turns; at 12/1 he’s a value longshot closer who could surprise in a pace meltdown.
Overall race preview and key angles: This Grade III sprint features multiple stakes winners and a deep pace setup on a fast Oaklawn dirt track. Tejano Twist (PP 4, 5/2) is the class standout seeking a repeat, but Wendelssohn (PP 1, 3/1) and Tough Catch (PP 3, 7/2) bring sharp recent form and big connections. The Asmussen pair (Ryvit and Bourbon Bash) adds depth. Expect an honest pace with early speed involved, setting up tactical types or closers.
