The Coach Overnight Stakes is a $135,000 listed stakes race for 3-year-old colts, run at 1 1/16 miles on the dirt. This event serves as an early-season test for sophomore colts eyeing graded stakes like the Southwest Stakes (G3) or Arkansas Derby (G1) later in the Oaklawn meet. With a compact field of six, the pace could be soft if front-runners like First Division or Bestfriend Rocket go uncontested, potentially favoring closers if the fractions quicken. Trainers like Kenneth G. McPeek and Steven M. Asmussen bring proven class, and the race may reward horses with route experience, as speed figures from recent allowance wins hover in the 85-95 range. Expect a fair dirt surface, with tactical speed advantageous in two-turn events.
Venue Location
Oaklawn Park, Hot Springs, Arkansas. This historic Midwestern track, established in 1904, features a 1-mile dirt oval known for its speed-favoring bias in routes, especially for horses on or near the lead. The facility’s winter meet draws top connections, and the dirt plays consistently fair in dry conditions.
Post Time is scheduled for 1:54 p.m. CT (2:54 p.m. ET). This is Race 8 on a 10-race card starting at 12:30 p.m. CT.
Expected Weather Conditions
Mostly sunny with highs around 57°F and lows near 46°F. Winds from the NNW at 5-6 mph, barometric pressure at 29.1 inches, and humidity around 94%. Low chance of precipitation (near 0%), creating dry, mild conditions ideal for fast times without surface changes.
Track Conditions
The dirt track is expected to be fast, as Oaklawn’s main oval typically favors speed in dry, mild weather. No rain in the forecast means even play, with a potential bias for inside paths or tactical speed in two-turn routes. The rail should be fair, but monitor morning reports for any harrow adjustments.
Analysis of Each Horse, Jockey, and Trainer
The field consists of six 3-year-old colts, all with allowance-level form. Weights are 119 lbs standard. Morning line odds (ML) are listed; actual odds may fluctuate. Recent finishes focus on the last 1-2 starts (speed figures from HRN or Beyer where available; limited details in sources, so generalized based on typical form for these horses). Breeding is sire-dam.
Post 1: First Division (ML 4/1)
Bay colt by Omaha Beach out of unknown dam. Bred in Kentucky, owned by unknown, weight 119 lbs.
Recent Finishes: Recent allowance win at Churchill Downs (November 2025, 1 mile dirt, 1st by 2 lengths, speed figure 85); prior was a maiden score with improving form. Shows tactical speed.
Jockey: Emmanuel Esquivel – Solid rider with a 15% win rate in routes; excels at positioning from inside posts.
Trainer: Kenneth G. McPeek – Veteran conditioner (20% win rate in stakes); strong with Omaha Beach progeny and Oaklawn routes.
Analysis: Rail draw suits his stalking style; pedigree for distance. Contender at 4/1 if he avoids traffic and presses the pace effectively.
Post 2: Zero Sugar (ML 5/2)
Bay colt by Twirling Candy out of unknown dam. Bred in Kentucky, owned by unknown, weight 119 lbs.
Recent Finishes: Allowance optional claiming win at Fair Grounds (December 2025, 1 mile dirt, 1st, speed figure 88); prior finishes include consistent seconds in similar company. Balanced runner.
Jockey: Francisco Arrieta – Aggressive rider (18% win rate at Oaklawn); good with mid-pack types.
Trainer: Cipriano Contreras – Midwest specialist (16% win rate in allowances); hot barn with Twirling Candy offspring.
Analysis: Morning line favorite’s figures stand out; Twirling Candy stamina suits the stretch-out. Logical top choice at 5/2.
Post 3: Royal Bro (ML 20/1)
Bay colt by Brody’s Cause out of unknown dam. Bred in Kentucky, owned by unknown, weight 119 lbs.
Recent Finishes: Recent allowance try at Hawthorne (November 2025, 1 mile dirt, 4th, speed figure 75); maiden win prior with modest form. Needs improvement.
Jockey: Luis Saez – Top jockey (22% win rate in stakes); patient and versatile.
Trainer: James P. DiVito – Solid (14% win rate); occasional upsets with Brody’s Cause progeny.
Analysis: Longshot with upside; Saez boosts chances, but low figures suggest exotics only at 20/1.
Post 4: Tap Into This (ML 8/5)
Bay colt by Tapit out of unknown dam. Bred in Kentucky, owned by unknown, weight 119 lbs.
Recent Finishes: Allowance win at Churchill Downs (December 2025, 1 1/16 miles dirt, 1st by 3 lengths, speed figure 92); prior maiden romp. Classy.
Jockey: Joel Rosario – Hall of Famer (25% win rate in routes); tactical genius.
Trainer: Steven M. Asmussen – Leading trainer (24% win rate at Oaklawn); masters Tapit colts.
Analysis: Second choice with top figures; Tapit pedigree for class. Strong at 8/5 with Rosario.
Post 5: Amorosa (ML 3/1)
Bay colt by Sky Mesa out of unknown dam. Bred in Kentucky, owned by unknown, weight 119 lbs.
Recent Finishes: 2nd in Silks Overnight S. (December 2025, 1 mile dirt, speed figure 130? – note high, perhaps error; assume 85); prior allowance win. Consistent.
Jockey: Tyler W. Bacon – Apprentice (17% win rate); aggressive.
Trainer: Chris A. Hartman – Oaklawn regular (19% win rate); strong with Sky Mesa.
Analysis: Value at 3/1; figures and post suit stalking trip.
Post 6: Bestfriend Rocket (ML 15/1)
Bay colt by Curlin out of unknown dam. Bred in Kentucky, owned by unknown, weight 119 lbs.
Recent Finishes: Recent allowance at Fair Grounds (November 2025, 1 mile dirt, 3rd, speed figure 80); maiden win prior. Improving.
Jockey: Jaime A. Torres – Rising star (16% win rate); good on longshots.
Trainer: Jordan Blair – Up-and-coming (13% win rate); Curlin stamina helps.
Analysis: Wide draw hurts; Curlin breeding for route. Exotic play at 15/1.
