Horse Race Preview: Race 8 – Oaklawn Anywhere Overnight Stakes at Oaklawn Park

0
48

Race Overview

The Oaklawn Anywhere Overnight Stakes is a $135,000 stakes race for 3-year-old fillies, run over 6 furlongs on the dirt track. This sprint event is Race 8 on a 10-race card at Oaklawn Park, located at 2705 Central Ave, Hot Springs, AR 71901. The race is set to go off at 3:52 PM CT on Sunday, December 28, 2025, with the first post of the day at 12:30 PM CT.

Oaklawn’s dirt track is a one-mile oval known for its fair surface and ability to handle various weather conditions, though winter racing can sometimes lead to sealed or sloppy tracks if precipitation occurs. Given the forecast, track conditions are expected to be fast, as no significant rainfall is anticipated, and temperatures will remain cool without freezing overnight. However, if any light showers develop, the surface could turn good or muddy, favoring horses with proven wet-track form.

Expected Weather Conditions

The forecast for Hot Springs, AR, on December 28, 2025, indicates cool and mostly dry conditions typical for late December. Expect partly cloudy skies with highs around 48-51°F and lows dipping to 35-37°F. Winds will be light from the south at 5-10 mph, with a 20-30% chance of scattered showers in the afternoon, though accumulation is expected to be minimal (less than 0.1 inches). These conditions should not significantly impact the track, but bettors should monitor updates for any unexpected moisture that could soften the surface. Warm clothing is recommended for attendees, as the wind chill may make it feel closer to 40°F during the later races.

Field Analysis

Ten fillies are entered in this 3YO-only sprint, making for a competitive field with a mix of speed and closers. Below is a detailed breakdown of each entrant, including starting position (post position, or PP), recent finishes (form figures, where the rightmost digit is the most recent race; 1=1st, 2=2nd, etc., 0=10th or worse), jockey, trainer, key strengths/weaknesses, and prospects. Morning line odds (ML) are provided as initial betting guides. Analysis incorporates recent form, official ratings (OR), pedigree, and trainer/jockey stats where applicable. All weights are around 122-124 lbs with allowances.

Caliente Star (PP 1, ML 8/1)

Jockey: Francisco Arrieta (consistent rider with a 15% win rate at Oaklawn; excels on speed horses from inside posts).

Trainer: Tammy Hornsby (mid-level trainer with 12% win rate in sprints; focuses on Arkansas-breds).

Recent Finishes: 204 (2nd three back, 0th two back, 4th last out; suggests inconsistent but capable of contending in allowances).

Analysis: This 3YO filly (OR 84) has shown early speed in recent starts, with a solid pedigree for dirt sprints. Strengths: Rail draw allows ground-saving trip; best efforts when leading. Weaknesses: Faded late in last two; lower OR indicates class test. Prospects: Could press the pace early and hold for a share if uncontested; fair value at mid-odds.

Baytown Butterfly (PP 2, ML 20/1)

Jockey: Ramon Vazquez (versatile with 18% win rate; good at rating horses).

Trainer: Peter Miller (California shipper with 20% win rate in stakes; strong with sprinters).

Recent Finishes: 45 (4th two back, 5th last out; steady but non-threatening in similar company).

Analysis: 3YO filly (OR 80) with sprint pedigree but limited upside. Strengths: Inside post for stalking; ships well. Weaknesses: Lower speed figures; outclassed here. Prospects: Longshot for exotics if pace collapses; unlikely winner.

Decadent (PP 3, ML 5/2)

Jockey: Emmanuel Esquivel (aggressive rider with 14% win rate; suits frontrunners).

Trainer: Kenneth McPeek (top conditioner at 22% wins; excels with developing fillies).

Recent Finishes: 31 (3rd two back, 1st last out; broke maiden impressively, then placed in allowance).

Analysis: 3YO filly (OR 97) with improving form and strong dirt pedigree. Strengths: Tactical speed; high OR suggests class edge. Weaknesses: Limited experience; wide if pressed early. Prospects: Strong contender; could wire if loose on lead.

Foie Gras (PP 4, ML 6/1)

Jockey: Ricardo Santana Jr. (Oaklawn leading rider with 25% win rate; master tactician).

Trainer: Michael Maker (versatile at 19% wins; good with turf-to-dirt switches).

Recent Finishes: 32 (3rd two back, 2nd last out; consistent placer in stakes preps).

Analysis: 3YO filly (OR 98) by Volatile, with stamina for the distance. Strengths: Closing kick; jockey/trainer combo hot. Weaknesses: Needs pace to close into; mid-pack draw. Prospects: Live at fair odds; top pick for upset if speed duels.

Going Steady (PP 5, ML 15/1)

Jockey: Rafael Bejarano (finesse rider with 16% win rate; good on closers).

Trainer: Robert Medina (solid 15% in allowances; develops consistent types).

Recent Finishes: 32 (similar to above; placed in recent sprints).

Analysis: 3YO filly (OR 91) with even running style. Strengths: Reliable for minors; dirt affinity. Weaknesses: Lacks wow factor; higher odds reflect ceiling. Prospects: Exotic filler; could sneak into tri if favorites falter.

Modo (PP 6, ML 8/5)

Jockey: Luis Saez (elite rider with 24% win rate; wins big pots).

Trainer: Thomas Amoss (high-percentage at 21%; stakes specialist).

Recent Finishes: 44 (4th in last two; excuses like traffic; prior wins).

Analysis: 3YO filly (OR 106) standout on figures. Strengths: Class drop; top connections. Weaknesses: Recent form dip; outer post. Prospects: Favorite for good reason; expect rebound to dominate.

Keyana (PP 7, ML 12/1)

Jockey: Cristian Torres (up-and-comer with 17% wins; aggressive).

Trainer: Daniel Leitch (local with 13% in sprints).

Recent Finishes: 53 (5th two back, 3rd last out; improving).

Analysis: 3YO filly (OR 89) with upside. Strengths: Late kick; value odds. Weaknesses: Wide draw; needs luck. Prospects: Upset potential in exotics.

Bachelor Party (PP 8, ML 30/1)

Jockey: Tyler Bacon (apprentice with 10% wins; learning curve).

Trainer: Boyd Caster (claimers specialist at 11%).

Recent Finishes: 24 (2nd two back, 4th last out).

Analysis: 3YO filly (OR 84) longshot. Strengths: Occasional spark. Weaknesses: Class hike; outer post. Prospects: Bomber for supers.

Coaster (PP 9, ML 15/1)

Jockey: Evin Roman (solid 15% wins; west coast ship).

Trainer: Ron Moquett (Oaklawn regular at 14%).

Recent Finishes: 59 (5th two back, 9th last out; form dip).

Analysis: 3YO filly (OR 90) with potential. Strengths: Local barn. Weaknesses: Recent poor; wide. Prospects: Value for underneath.

Anakarina (PP 10, ML 10/1)

Jockey: Julien Leparoux (finesse at 18% wins; good closers).

Trainer: Dallas Stewart (stakes hitter at 16%).

Recent Finishes: 31 (3rd two back, 1st last out; maiden breaker).

Analysis: 3YO filly (OR 90) improving. Strengths: Momentum; pedigree. Weaknesses: Far outside; traffic risk. Prospects: Intriguing mid-price play.