Race Details
PostTime is scheduled for 3:13 PM CT.
Venue Location: Will Rogers Downs, 20900 S 4200 Rd, Claremore, OK 74019. This Cherokee Casino-owned facility, opened in 1987, features a one-mile dirt oval and is known for its spring Thoroughbred season, often drawing regional horses from tracks like Remington Park and Oaklawn. The track has a capacity of around 5,000 and combines racing with gaming, creating a lively atmosphere for mid-level stakes events like this one.
Expected Weather Conditions
Forecasts for Claremore, OK, on January 12, 2026, predict mostly sunny skies with a high of 55°F and lows around 37°F. Winds will be light at 5-10 mph from the south, with no precipitation expected and humidity around 50%. These mild, dry conditions should favor a fast dirt track without any weather-related disruptions.
Track Conditions
The Wilma Mankiller Stakes is a 6-furlong sprint on dirt for fillies and mares aged 3 and up, with a purse of $50,000 guaranteed (plus up to $5,000 for Oklahoma-breds). Will Rogers Downs’ dirt surface is a clay-sand mix that typically plays fair and fast in dry weather, with average winning times around 1:10-1:11 for this distance. Given the sunny forecast and no recent rain, the track is expected to be rated “fast.” Speed often holds well here, with front-runners winning about 40% of sprints, though the rail (set at 0 feet) can sometimes show a slight inside bias.
Field Analysis
A competitive field of seven fillies and mares has entered, featuring a mix of allowance winners and stakes placers with strong regional form. Speed figures (Equibase) range from the mid-90s to low-110s, emphasizing closing ability on a track that can reward tactical speed. Trainers like Patrick E. Swan and F. Dewaine Loy bring experienced runners. Below is a detailed breakdown, including post position, age/sex/breeding, jockey, trainer, and recent finishes (last 5 starts: date/track/race type/distance/finish/speed figure/notes).
Thunders Rocknroll (MN) – Post Position: 1
Age/Sex/Breeding: 6-year-old mare; sired by Maclean’s Music out of Thunder and Honey (by Thunder Gulch).
Jockey: David Cabrera (veteran with 18% win rate at Will Rogers; excels in speed duels).
Trainer: Patrick E. Swan (solid with Midwest sprinters; 15% win rate in stakes).
Recent Finishes:
12/20/25-RP-She’s All In H.-1M 70Y-2nd-103 (strong rally, finished behind winner).
12/10/25-RP-ALW-1 m-1st-98 (wired field).
11/6/25-RP-ALW-7 1/2F-3rd-103 (turf, closed well).
9/6/25-CBY-Bella Notte Minnesota Distaff Sprint Championship S.-6 f-1st-102 (dominant win).
8/13/25-CBY-AOC-5 f-1st-92 (turf sprint win).
Analysis: A consistent stakes performer with three wins in her last five, including a state-bred championship. Her inside post and early speed suit the track; Swan’s prep could have her sharp. Strength: Versatile surfaces; weakness: Older age may show in deep fields. Likely pacesetter.
Antique Silver (KY) – Post Position: 2
Age/Sex/Breeding: 5-year-old mare; sired by Twirling Candy out of Cauy’s Humor (by Distorted Humor).
Jockey: Alberto Pusac (aggressive rider with 14% win rate; good on closers).
Trainer: Alex T. Hartman (emerging with sprinters; 16% win rate).
Recent Finishes:
1/2/26-OP-ALW-6 f-9th-90 (poor effort, possible excuse).
12/14/25-OP-CLM-6 f-1st-107 (impressive claimer win).
11/5/25-CD-STR-6 f-2nd-82 (solid place).
10/10/25-KEE-CLM-6 1/2F-6th-68 (faded late).
9/25/25-CD-CLM-6 1/2F-4th-87 (mid-pack finish).
Analysis: Bounced back with a strong win after some inconsistent runs; Hartman’s claim could unlock potential. Inside draw allows stalking. Strength: Recent sharp speed figure; weakness: Inconsistent against tougher. Value if she repeats her best.
Rose Palace (KY) – Post Position: 3
Age/Sex/Breeding: 7-year-old mare; sired by Palace out of Roses Plus (by Value Plus).
Jockey: Richard E. Eramia (experienced with 20% win rate; patient style).
Trainer: Fernando Bahena (strong with route-to-sprint types; 12% win rate).
Recent Finishes:
9/27/25-CD-AOC-1 1/16M-8th-95 (stretched out, tired).
8/24/25-Ellis Park-Ellis Park Turf (LS)-1 1/16M-3rd-92 (turf place).
6/28/25-Lone Star Park-Wasted Tears S.-1 1/16M-9th-100 (turf, off day).
5/26/25-Lone Star Park-Memorial Day Sprint S.-6 f-8th-115 (sprint flop).
4/26/25-OP-Dig a Diamond (LS)-1 m-4th-106 (competitive place).
Analysis: Veteran with wins at multiple tracks but recent form mixed, favoring routes over sprints. Bahena may have her ready for cutback. Strength: Classy pedigree; weakness: Age and distance questions. Could rally if pace hot.
Stone Cold Lover (OK) – Post Position: 4
Age/Sex/Breeding: 5-year-old mare; sired by Bradester out of Full of Sass (by Borrego).
Jockey: Iram Vargas Diego (reliable with 15% win rate; good on state-breds).
Trainer: Scott Corderman (Oklahoma specialist; 18% win rate).
Recent Finishes:
12/6/25-RP-AOC-6 f-2nd-113 (strong runner-up).
10/11/25-RP-CLM-1 m-1st-96 (easy win).
9/4/25-RP-CLM-5 f-1st-99 (turf sprint win).
7/26/25-PRM-AOC-6 f-4th-104 (competitive).
6/6/25-PRM-Prairie Rose S.-6 f-4th-105 (stakes place effort).
Analysis: Oklahoma-bred with two wins in last five; Corderman targets home-state spots. Mid-pack post ideal for stalking. Strength: Consistent speed; weakness: Steps up in class. Eligible for bonus, adding value.
Demidanu (IA) – Post Position: 5
Age/Sex/Breeding: 7-year-old mare; sired by Formidable out of Soaring Goddess (by Desert God).
Jockey: Floyd Wethey Jr. (veteran with 17% win rate; knows Midwest circuits).
Trainer: F. Dewaine Loy (consistent with allowance types; 14% win rate).
Recent Finishes:
12/19/25-OP-AOC-6 f-9th-102 (off day).
9/27/25-PRM-Iowa Classic Distaff Sprint S.-6 f-2nd-97 (stakes place).
8/23/25-PRM-AOC-6 f-2nd-111 (strong effort).
7/26/25-PRM-AOC-6 f-2nd-107 (consistent place).
6/20/25-PRM-Mamie Eisenhower S.-6 f-4th-101 (stakes try).
Analysis: Iowa-bred placer with three straight seconds before a flop; Loy’s steady hand suits. Post allows flexibility. Strength: High speed figures; weakness: Win drought in stakes. Closer who needs pace.
Gray Lightning (PA) – Post Position: 6
Age/Sex/Breeding: 5-year-old mare; sired by Social Inclusion out of Fairy Gray (by Cat Thief).
Jockey: Alfredo Triana Jr. (up-and-coming with 16% win rate; aggressive).
Trainer: Armando Hernandez (strong with claimers; 13% win rate).
Recent Finishes:
12/21/25-OP-Poinsettia S.-5 1/2F-6th-88 (stakes fade).
11/21/25-DED-AOC-5 f-5th-111 (short trip).
10/30/25-HAW-AOC-5 1/2F-4th-88 (turf place).
10/14/25-TDN-ALW-6 f-2nd-124 (career-best figure).
9/13/25-CD-Open Mind (LS)-6 1/2F-5th-87 (stakes try).
Analysis: Pennsylvania-bred with a peak figure but inconsistent lately; Hernandez may freshen her. Outside post could force wide trip. Strength: Upside speed; weakness: Recent form dips. Longshot potential.
Angel Kiss (OK) – Post Position: 7
Age/Sex/Breeding: 5-year-old mare; sired by Frosted out of Kiawah Cat (by Lemon Drop Kid).
Jockey: Luis S. Quinonez (top rider with 22% win rate; tactical expert).
Trainer: Mike Abney (Oklahoma-focused; 15% win rate).
Recent Finishes:
12/6/25-RP-AOC-6 f-1st-113 (impressive win).
9/12/25-RP-ALW-6 f-3rd-92 (solid place).
8/23/25-RP-ALW-7 1/2F-4th-100 (turf effort).
8/3/25-ELP-SOC-6 1/2F-8th-80 (off form).
7/5/25-ELP-CLM-1 m-7th-78 (route fade).
Analysis: Oklahoma-bred coming off a sharp win; Abney’s local edge helps. Wide post may hinder early. Strength: Recent momentum; weakness: Inconsistent away from home. Contender for bonus.
