Oaklawn Park (2705 Central Avenue, Hot Springs, Arkansas) hosts the 31st running of the Purple Martin Stakes on Saturday, March 14, 2026. This $150,000 Listed stakes race is for 3-year-old fillies and is run at 6 furlongs on the main dirt track as Race 8 on the card. The scheduled post time is 4:12 PM CT.
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 sunny skies, light winds, and a low chance of precipitation (under 20%). No rain is expected during racing hours, so the track condition should be fast—favoring speed and early tactical types on Oaklawn’s quick, fair dirt surface.
A compact field of seven 3-year-old fillies (all carry 119 lbs.) lines up. No scratches reported. Morning-line odds are official.
Here is the full field with post positions, recent finishes, and in-depth analysis of each horse, jockey, and trainer:
Post Position 1: River Wind (3/F, 119 lbs) – ML 2/1
Jockey: Ramon A. Vazquez
Trainer: Norm W. Casse (sharp young conditioner with strong Oaklawn record)
Pedigree: Lexitonian – (strong sprint influence). Recent finishes: Dominant maiden special weight victory at Oaklawn 6 furlongs on Feb. 16, 2026 (1st by 8¼ lengths, HRN fig 120); broke sharply and drew off impressively in her debut. Analysis: The clear program favorite is unbeaten and has already proven she loves Oaklawn’s dirt and the distance. Casse has her razor-sharp, and Vazquez is a perfect fit for tactical speed from the rail. She projects to sit just off the pace or press and is extremely tough to beat fresh off that breakout win.
Post Position 2: Wrong Shoes (3/F, 119 lbs) – ML 8/1
Jockey: Danilo Grisales Rave
Trainer: John Alexander Ortiz (live barn with improving 3-year-olds)
Pedigree: Street Boss – (early sprint pedigree). Recent finishes: Competitive in recent allowance/optional claiming efforts with solid figures; stepping up to stakes off a sharp local prep. Analysis: Ortiz spots her well for this spot, and the jockey knows how to get the most from inside posts. Tactical speed makes her a live longshot who could press the favorite early and hang on at a price; excellent value underneath.
Post Position 3: Front Runnin (3/F, 119 lbs) – ML 15/1
Jockey: Luis S. Quinonez
Trainer: Kyle Deville (smaller barn with local upset potential)
Pedigree: War Front – (versatile speed). Recent finishes: Improving allowance form; consistent placer stretching out to stakes level. Analysis: Deville has her rolling, and Quinonez rides aggressively at Oaklawn. She has the pedigree and style to sit mid-pack or press; at 15/1 she’s a live longshot who could improve with a fast pace meltdown and offers exotic value.
Post Position 4: Goodall (3/F, 119 lbs) – ML 5/2
Jockey: Erik Asmussen
Trainer: Steven M. Asmussen (Hall of Famer with multiple Oaklawn stakes wins)
Pedigree: Yaupon – (explosive sprint blood). Recent finishes: Strong recent efforts in allowance company; Asmussen second-stringer with upside. Analysis: The Asmussen barn is always dangerous in these spots, and Erik knows the filly perfectly. She brings tactical versatility and class; co-second choice who could sit just off the pace and pounce. Major threat to the favorite.
Post Position 5: Not a Lady (3/F, 119 lbs) – ML 12/1
Jockey: Keith J. Asmussen
Trainer: Steven M. Asmussen (double entry)
Pedigree: Into Mischief – (proven sprint pedigree). Recent finishes: Consistent in lower-level allowances; stepping up with the barn’s hot form. Analysis: Second Asmussen runner brings value at 12/1. Keith rides her aggressively, and the Into Mischief speed suits the trip. Mid-pack stalker with closing kick; live underneath play who could hit the board if the pace is honest.
Post Position 6: Our Two Girls (3/F, 119 lbs) – ML 5/1
Jockey: Emmanuel Esquivel
Trainer: Kenneth G. McPeek (multiple graded stakes winner with 3-year-old fillies)
Pedigree: Caravaggio – (international sprint influence). Recent finishes: Sharp recent placings with improving figures; McPeek has her peaking. Analysis: McPeek excels at getting fillies ready for big days, and Esquivel fits the stalking style. Outside post is fine on Oaklawn’s wide turns; at 5/1 she’s a logical contender who could close into a hot pace with strong upside.
Post Position 7: You’re in Heaven (3/F, 119 lbs) – ML 3/1
Jockey: Francisco Arrieta
Trainer: Dallas Stewart (veteran with big-race experience)
Pedigree: Global Campaign – (distance and speed blend). Recent finishes: Winner at Oaklawn earlier this meet with strong figures; consistent stakes-level performer. Analysis: Stewart and Arrieta form a dangerous team. She has proven local form and the ability to rate or press; strong second choice who could sit mid-pack and deliver a powerful late kick. The main danger to River Wind.
Overall race preview and key angles: This 6-furlong sprint for 3-year-old fillies features a high-quality, compact field on a fast Oaklawn dirt track. River Wind (PP 1, 2/1) is the deserving favorite on her explosive maiden win here at the exact trip and distance, but Goodall (PP 4, 5/2) and You’re in Heaven (PP 7, 3/1) bring elite connections and upside. Expect an honest pace with River Wind and Wrong Shoes involved early, setting up tactical types or closers like Our Two Girls.
