Venue and Race Overview
Oaklawn Park is located in Hot Springs, Arkansas, USA, a renowned Thoroughbred racing venue since 1904, famous for its dirt track and key Kentucky Derby prep races. The American Beauty Stakes is set for Friday, February 13, 2026, as Race 8, with a post time of 4:07 PM CT (Central Time). This stakes event is run over 6 furlongs on the dirt surface, restricted to fillies and mares aged 4 years and up, offering a purse of $150,000.
Expected Weather Conditions
The forecast for Hot Springs on February 13, 2026, indicates cool and overcast conditions with a chance of light rain late in the day. High temperatures are expected around 53-55°F (12-13°C), with lows near 46-50°F (8-10°C). Winds from the northeast at 6-11 mph, humidity around 69%, and a 47% chance of precipitation amounting to about 0.14 inches. These conditions could lead to a slightly damp track but are not expected to cause significant disruptions.
Track Conditions
The dirt track at Oaklawn Park is anticipated to be fast, given the minimal expected rainfall. However, if light rain materializes, it could shift to good. Oaklawn’s dirt surface typically favors speed in sprints like this, especially for horses with early pace or tactical versatility.
Field Analysis
The field consists of 6 competitive fillies and mares, with morning line (ML) odds indicating a tight contest among the top contenders. Below is a table summarizing key details, followed by in-depth analysis for each horse, including starting position (post position, or PP), recent finishes (last 5 where available), jockey, trainer, and assessment. Analyses incorporate form on dirt at sprint distances, speed figures (SF, Beyer-style), and connections. Weights range from 115-122 lbs, with allowances for recent wins.
| PP | Horse Name (Age/Sex) | Sire | Trainer | Jockey | ML Odds |
| 1 | Tapit Quick (5/M) | Tapiture | Dallas Stewart | Cristian A. Torres | 4/1 |
| 2 | Asternia (5/M) | Astern (AUS) | Randy L. Morse | Luis Saez | 9/2 |
| 3 | Benedetta (5/M) | City of Light | Steven M. Asmussen | Keith J. Asmussen | 2/1 |
| 4 | Gloriette (5/M) | Munnings | Shea Stuart | Amir Mendoza | 12/1 |
| 5 | Majestic Oops (5/M) | Majestic Harbor | Dan Ward | Francisco Arrieta | 8/5 |
| 6 | Velvet Devil (5/M) | Kantharos | Michael A. Tomlinson | Axel Concepcion | 8/1 |
PP 1: Tapit Quick (Owner: Hunter Valley Farm et al.)
This 5-year-old mare by Tapiture has shown solid sprint form on dirt. Recent finishes: 3rd at Fair Grounds (12/28/25, 6f dirt, SF 108); 1st at Churchill Downs (11/15/25, 5.5f dirt, SF 105); 4th at Keeneland (10/20/25, 6f dirt, SF 102); 2nd at Saratoga (8/10/25, 6f dirt, SF 110); 5th at Belmont (6/15/25, 7f dirt, SF 98).
Trainer Dallas Stewart excels with shippers to Oaklawn. Jockey Cristian A. Torres is a local standout with strong win rates. Tapit Quick’s consistent SF (102-110) and rail draw suit her stalking style—strong contender if she handles the class rise.
PP 2: Asternia (Owner: Joe B. Mulholland Jr. et al.)
A 5-year-old mare by Astern, with tactical speed in mid-level stakes. Recent finishes: 2nd at Oaklawn (1/18/26, 6f dirt allowance, SF 95); 1st at Remington Park (11/25/25, 5.5f dirt, SF 98); 3rd at Lone Star (9/30/25, 6f dirt, SF 92); 4th at Saratoga (8/5/25, 5.5f turf, SF 88); 1st at Churchill (6/20/25, 6f dirt, SF 96).
Trainer Randy L. Morse knows the local circuit well. Jockey Luis Saez is a top rider shipping in for big races. Asternia’s recent Oaklawn placing and SF around 95-98 make her a live player, especially if the pace sets up for her closing kick.
PP 3: Benedetta (Owner: Springhouse Farm & Dromoland Farm)
This 5-year-old mare by City of Light is in peak form, with high-class speed. Recent finishes: 1st at Oaklawn (1/10/26, 6f dirt allowance, SF 111); 2nd at Fair Grounds (12/5/25, 6f dirt stakes, SF 109); 1st at Churchill (10/25/25, 5.5f dirt, SF 112); 3rd at Keeneland (9/15/25, 6f dirt, SF 107); 1st at Saratoga (7/20/25, 6f dirt, SF 110).
Trainer Steven M. Asmussen dominates at Oaklawn with multiple stakes wins. Jockey Keith J. Asmussen (son of the trainer) has good chemistry with the barn. Benedetta’s top SF (107-112) and gate speed position her as a major threat—likely pacesetter and deserved favorite.
PP 4: Gloriette (Owner: Mike Ball & Katherine Ball)
A 5-year-old mare by Munnings, carrying top weight due to recent success. Recent finishes: 1st at Oaklawn (12/20/25, 6f dirt allowance, SF 114); 4th at Fair Grounds (11/10/25, 5.5f dirt, SF 105); 2nd at Remington (10/5/25, 6f dirt, SF 110); 1st at Lone Star (8/25/25, 6f dirt, SF 112); 3rd at Prairie Meadows (7/15/25, 5.5f dirt, SF 108).
Trainer Shea Stuart has a solid strike rate in sprints. Jockey Amir Mendoza is capable but less prominent. Gloriette’s peak SF (114) suggests talent, but the wide draw and weight (122 lbs) could hinder—exotics candidate if she repeats her last.
PP 5: Majestic Oops (Owner: William Dory et al.)
This 5-year-old California-bred mare by Majestic Harbor has been consistent in stakes company. Recent finishes: 1st at Santa Anita (1/5/26, 6f dirt allowance, SF 110); 2nd at Del Mar (11/20/25, 5.5f dirt, SF 108); 1st at Los Alamitos (10/10/25, 6f dirt, SF 112); 3rd at Santa Anita (9/5/25, 6f dirt, SF 105); 4th at Del Mar (7/25/25, 5.5f dirt, SF 102).
Trainer Dan Ward specializes in sprinters. Jockey Francisco Arrieta rides aggressively and wins often at Oaklawn. Majestic Oops’s SF (102-112) and closing ability make her a top pick—value at 8/5 if the pace collapses.
PP 6: Velvet Devil (Owner: Woods Edge Farm et al.)
A 5-year-old mare by Kantharos, showing improvement but facing a class test. Recent finishes: 3rd at Oaklawn (1/25/26, 6f dirt allowance, SF 88); 1st at Fair Grounds (12/15/25, 5.5f dirt, SF 92); 2nd at Churchill (11/5/25, 6f dirt, SF 90); 4th at Keeneland (10/1/25, 6f dirt, SF 85); 1st at Ellis Park (8/20/25, 5.5f dirt, SF 88).
Trainer Michael A. Tomlinson has upset potential. Jockey Axel Concepcion is a rising star. Velvet Devil’s lower SF (85-92) suggest she’s outclassed, but her speed could factor early—longshot for the board.
