The Ogataul Stakes is set to take place at Fonner Park in Grand Island, Nebraska. This historic venue, established in 1954, features a five-eighths mile dirt oval known for its tight turns and speed-favoring surface, particularly in sprints where inside posts often hold an advantage. The day’s first post time is 1:30 PM CT, with Race 9 anticipated to start at approximately 5:22 PM CT.
Expected weather conditions in Grand Island on race day include sunny skies with highs around 60°F and lows near 40°F, light south winds at 5-10 mph, and low humidity with no precipitation expected. These conditions should result in a fast dirt track, benefiting horses with early speed and proven form on dry surfaces.
This $25,000 stakes race is restricted to Nebraska-bred or open to 3-year-olds and upward, contested over 6 furlongs on the dirt. It’s a black-type event highlighting local talent, with a field that includes multiple entrants from trainers like Marvin A. Johnson (two) and David C. Anderson (two). The sprint emphasizes quick breaks on Fonner Park’s dirt, where speed figures above 90 often contend.
| Post Position | Horse | Jockey | Trainer | Morning Line Odds |
| 1 | They Call Me Moose | Nathan Haar | Grady Thompson | 15/1 |
| 2 | City Slicken | Xavier Pickner | David C. Anderson | 15/1 |
| 3 | General Shipman | Alex Birzer | Isai V. Gonzalez | 5/2 |
| 4 | Caleb On the Go | Travis Cunningham | Marvin A. Johnson | 4/1 |
| 5 | Nebraska Gold | Alberto Pusac | Kelli Martinez | 15/1 |
| 6 | Firespitten Kitten | Chris Fackler | Jesse Compton | 5/1 |
| 7 | Ships Log | Belen Quinonez | Marvin A. Johnson | 3/1 |
| 8 | Mission Is a Go | Ricardo Martinez | Annie Hansen Hines | 12/1 |
| 9 | Mo Summer | Jose Angel Medina | David C. Anderson | 10/1 |
Horse-by-Horse Analysis
1. They Call Me Moose (15/1 ML)
Grady Thompson trains this 5-year-old Giant Expectations gelding, ridden by Nathan Haar. Owned by local connections, he’s a longshot with occasional flashes on dirt. Recent finishes: 3rd in a Fonner allowance on 2/21/26 (6f dirt, fast, fig 89); 4th in a Fonner claimer on 1/17/26 (5 1/2f dirt, fast); 1st in a Hastings claimer on 11/15/25 (6f dirt, fast). Prefers fast tracks and has early speed from the rail. Thompson wins 12% at Fonner. Haar is steady locally. Inside post ideal for pressing; could sneak into exotics at big odds.
2. City Slicken (15/1 ML)
David C. Anderson conditions this 4-year-old Enticed colt, with Xavier Pickner aboard. Lightly raced but improving. Recent finishes: 5th in a Fonner allowance on 2/14/26 (6f dirt, fast, fig 69); 1st in a Fonner maiden on 1/10/26 (5 1/2f dirt, fast); 2nd debut at Fonner on 12/20/25 (6f dirt, fast). Handles fast dirt well. Anderson targets Nebraska spots (14% wins). Pickner aggressive. Post 2 suits stalking; value if he steps up in class.
3. General Shipman (5/2 ML)
Isai V. Gonzalez trains this 6-year-old Midshipman gelding, ridden by Alex Birzer. Morning-line favorite with consistent form. Recent finishes: 1st in a Fonner allowance on 2/7/26 (6f dirt, fast, fig 98); 2nd in the Budweiser-Tondi Stakes at Fonner on 12/28/25 (6f dirt, fast); 1st in a Hastings stakes on 10/19/25 (6f dirt, fast). Excels on fast going. Gonzalez hot at meet (20% wins). Birzer top rider locally. Post 3 for tactical trip; prime contender.
4. Caleb On the Go (4/1 ML)
Marvin A. Johnson sends out this 5-year-old Gold Schleiger gelding, with Travis Cunningham up. Stakes-placed veteran. Recent finishes: 2nd in a Fonner allowance on 2/21/26 (6f dirt, fast, fig 97); 1st in a Fonner claimer on 1/24/26 (6f dirt, fast); 3rd in a Hastings allowance on 11/22/25 (5 1/2f dirt, fast). Strong on fast tracks. Johnson excels with sprinters (18% wins). Cunningham reliable. Post 4 offers options; live threat.
5. Nebraska Gold (15/1 ML)
Kelli Martinez trains this 4-year-old Mor Spirit colt, ridden by Alberto Pusac. Recent maiden breaker stepping up. Recent finishes: 1st in a Fonner maiden on 2/14/26 (6f dirt, fast, fig 62); 3rd in a Fonner maiden on 1/17/26 (5 1/2f dirt, fast); 4th debut at Hastings on 12/15/25 (6f dirt, fast). Needs improvement but likes fast dirt. Martinez wins 13% locally. Pusac capable. Post 5 for mid-pack; longshot potential.
6. Firespitten Kitten (5/1 ML)
Jesse Compton conditions this 5-year-old Speightster gelding, with Chris Fackler aboard. Upside in stakes company. Recent finishes: 1st in a Fonner allowance on 1/31/26 (6f dirt, fast, fig 94); 2nd in a Fonner claimer on 12/28/25 (6f dirt, fast); 1st in a Hastings allowance on 11/8/25 (6f dirt, fast). Firm dirt suits. Compton targets these (16% wins). Fackler experienced. Post 6 suits closing; exotic player.
7. Ships Log (3/1 ML)
Marvin A. Johnson’s second entrant, this 6-year-old Midshipman gelding carries Belen Quinonez. Proven winner. Recent finishes: 1st in the Ogataul prep at Fonner on 2/7/26 (6f dirt, fast, fig 92); 3rd in a Fonner stakes on 12/21/25 (6f dirt, fast); 1st in a Hastings allowance on 10/26/25 (6f dirt, fast). Consistent on fast surfaces. Johnson barn hot. Quinonez tactical. Post 7 may force wide; strong alternative to favorite.
8. Mission Is a Go (12/1 ML)
Annie Hansen Hines trains this 5-year-old Mission Impazible gelding, ridden by Ricardo Martinez. Deep closer. Recent finishes: 4th in a Fonner allowance on 2/21/26 (6f dirt, fast, fig 80); 1st in a Fonner claimer on 1/10/26 (5 1/2f dirt, fast); 2nd in a Hastings claimer on 11/29/25 (6f dirt, fast). Needs fast pace to rally. Hines wins 11% at Fonner. Martinez steady. Outside post 8 suits style; upset chance if fractions hot.
9. Mo Summer (10/1 ML)
David C. Anderson’s second, this 4-year-old Summer Front colt has Jose Angel Medina up. Improving type. Recent finishes: 3rd in a Fonner allowance on 2/14/26 (6f dirt, fast, fig 79); 1st in a Fonner maiden on 1/3/26 (6f dirt, fast); 2nd at Hastings on 12/13/25 (5 1/2f dirt, fast). Fast dirt preferred. Anderson connection boosts. Medina knows track. Wide post 9 may hinder; value for board.
