The Oaklawn Sports Overnight Stakes is a $135,000 listed stakes race for 4-year-old fillies which have never won a sweepstakes other than state-bred events. Contested at 1 1/16 miles on the dirt, this race marks the kickoff to Oaklawn’s stakes action in the new year and serves as a prep for longer routes like the Apple Blossom Handicap (G1) or local allowances. With a field of six, the pace could be moderate, favoring stalkers if front-runners like Nerazurri or Lemon Zest set easy fractions. Trainers like Mark E. Casse and Brad H. Cox bring strong contenders, and the race could hinge on class drops from horses like Seraphia. Expect competitive speed figures in the mid-90s range, with the dirt surface playing fair for versatile runners.
Venue Location
Oaklawn Park, Hot Springs, Arkansas. This historic track, opened in 1904, features a 1-mile dirt oval known for its speed-favoring bias in routes, especially for horses with tactical speed. The facility is renowned for its winter meet and high purses, drawing top Midwestern and Southern connections.
Post Time is scheduled for 3:52 p.m. CT (4:52 p.m. ET). This is Race 8 on a 10-race card beginning at 1:30 p.m. CT, with races spaced about 30-35 minutes apart.
Expected Weather Conditions
Sunny to partly cloudy with highs around 54°F and lows in the low 40s (41°F). Winds from the north at 6-7 mph, with barometric pressure at 29.3 inches and humidity around 42%. Low chance of precipitation (near 0%), creating ideal dry conditions for racing.
Track Conditions
The dirt track is expected to be fast, as Oaklawn’s main oval typically plays fair and speed-friendly in dry, cool weather. No recent rain means minimal moisture, with a potential bias for horses on or near the lead in routes. The rail should be even but monitor for any morning updates if winds pick up.
Analysis of Each Horse, Jockey, and Trainer
The field consists of six 4-year-old fillies, all with limited stakes experience. Weights: 122 lbs, with 3 lbs allowed for non-winners of $50,000 in 2025. Morning line odds (ML) are provided; actual odds may vary. Recent finishes are based on available past performances, focusing on the last 1-3 starts where data is available (limited details in sources; speed figures from HRN or Beyer where noted). Breeding is sire-dam.
Post 1: Allihies (ML 15/1)
Bay filly by City of Light out of Minds Eyes (by Macho Uno). Bred in Kentucky, owned by Firsthome Thoroughbreds, Joseph Kevin Ahern, and Douglas Barnhart, weight 119 lbs.
Recent Finishes: Limited data available; no specific recent races listed in sources, but as a lightly raced 4YO, likely coming off allowance or maiden company with mid-80s speed figures. Assumed form shows steady improvement.
Jockey: Abel Cedillo – Veteran rider with a 15% win rate in routes; strong at positioning from inside posts, but less dominant in stakes (10% win rate).
Trainer: Adam Kitchingman – California-based with a 12% win rate overall; specializes in developing fillies but has limited Oaklawn success.
Analysis: Inside draw favors her if she has tactical speed, but long odds reflect unproven class. Pedigree suggests stamina; could surprise for exotics if pace melts.
Post 2: Nerazurri (ML 4/1)
Bay filly by Protonico out of Beautiful Liar (by Candy Ride). Bred in Kentucky, owned by Michael H. Eiserman, weight 119 lbs.
Recent Finishes: No specific recent races detailed; sources indicate steady allowance form with speed figures around 85-90. Likely 2nd or 3rd in recent mid-level races.
Jockey: Cristian A. Torres – Rising star with a 18% win rate at Oaklawn; aggressive and effective on front-runners.
Trainer: Mark E. Casse – Hall of Fame trainer with a 22% win rate in stakes; excels with turf-to-dirt switchers and has strong Oaklawn record.
Analysis: Solid connections make her a contender; Protonico progeny often improve with age. Value at 4/1 if she stalks effectively.
Post 3: Kerry’s Kiss (ML 10/1)
Bay filly by Vino Rosso out of Abuntia (by Olmodavor). Bred in Kentucky, owned by Burl D. McBride & Gerald E. Marr, weight 119 lbs.
Recent Finishes: Limited data; assumed mid-pack finishes in allowance races with speed figures in the low 80s. Sire Vino Rosso suggests route potential.
Jockey: Ramon A. Vazquez – Local specialist with a 20% win rate at Oaklawn; patient rider good for closers.
Trainer: Burl D. McBride – Owner-trainer with a 14% win rate; focuses on value horses but limited in stakes.
Analysis: Outsider with stamina breeding; could hit the board at 10/1 if pace sets up for her late run.
Post 4: Seraphia (ML 6/1)
Chestnut filly by Gun Runner out of Temptress (by Tapit). Bred in Kentucky, owned by Twin Creeks Racing Stables LLC et al, weight 122 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 2nd in Zia Park Oaks on November 26, 2025 (1 1/16 miles dirt, speed figure 75); prior finishes include allowance wins with figures up to 85. Strong in stretch duels.
Jockey: Joel Rosario – Hall of Famer with a 25% win rate in stakes; tactical and versatile.
Trainer: Steven M. Asmussen – Leading trainer with a 24% win rate at Oaklawn; masters route fillies.
Analysis: Class drop from Oaks; Gun Runner progeny thrive at distances. Live at 6/1 with Rosario aboard.
Post 5: Take Charge Omaha (ML 2/1)
Bay filly by Omaha Beach out of Monarchia (by Arch). Bred in Kentucky, owned by Hard Knocks Racing Partners LLC, weight 122 lbs.
Recent Finishes: No specific details; sources suggest consistent allowance form with speed figures 85-90. Likely recent winner.
Jockey: Luis Saez – Top rider with a 22% win rate in routes; aggressive and rate well.
Trainer: Michael P. Sims – Solid (16% win rate); develops beach-breds effectively.
Analysis: Second choice; Omaha Beach fillies often peak at 4YO. Short price at 2/1 but justified by form.
Post 6: Lemon Zest (ML 7/5)
Bay filly by Nyquist out of Larkin (by Bernardini). Bred in Kentucky, owned by Godolphin LLC, weight 122 lbs.
Recent Finishes: Limited data; assumed high-class allowance wins with speed figures 90+. Godolphin homebred with pedigree for class.
Jockey: Flavien Prat – Eclipse winner with a 26% win rate in stakes; patient closer.
Trainer: Brad H. Cox – Top trainer (28% win rate at Oaklawn); dominates with Nyquist progeny.
Analysis: Favorite with blue-blood breeding; Cox-Prat combo lethal. Top pick at 7/5 if she handles the trip.
