Race Overview
The $150,000 Ozark Stakes is set for Monday, February 16, 2026, at Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, Arkansas. This historic venue, nestled in the Ouachita Mountains about 50 miles southwest of Little Rock, features a one-mile dirt oval known for its fast, speed-favoring surface that rewards early pace in sprints. The race is the ninth on an 11-race Presidents’ Day card, with a scheduled post time of 4:42 PM CT (5:42 PM ET).
It’s a six-furlong sprint for 3-year-olds, open to colts, geldings, and fillies (though the field is all males here). All carry 124 lbs (with allowances for non-winners), and it’s a key early-season stakes for sophomores eyeing the Road to the Kentucky Derby. The purse includes $90,000 to the winner, making it a valuable spot for developing speedsters.
Expected weather in Hot Springs on February 16: Mostly sunny to partly cloudy, with a high of 58°F and lows around 38°F overnight. Winds from the northwest at 5-10 mph, humidity around 45%, and a 10% chance of precipitation. The track should be fast and dry—typical for Oaklawn’s winter dirt, which drains well and often plays to speed in short dashes.
The field of nine features a standout in Ewing, the 6-5 morning line favorite off his Grade 2 Saratoga Special win as a juvenile. Trainer Mark Casse (hot at the meet) sends him out fresh, while others like Oscar’s Hope and Swung offer value in a pace-heavy setup.
Field Analysis (By Post Position)
1. Dirty Rich (KY)
- Morning Line Odds: 8/1
- Jockey: Ramon A. Vazquez (20% win rate at Oaklawn; aggressive front-runner specialist)
- Trainer: Peter Miller (15% wins; sharp with California shippers and sprinters)
- Recent Finishes: Last: 1st in the Advent Stakes (6f dirt, fast) at Oaklawn on Dec. 12, 2025 (by 2 lengths, speed figure ~98). Before: 3rd in allowance (6f dirt, fast) at Del Mar on Nov. 1. Track: Fast dirt.
- Analysis: Local winner with gate-to-wire potential from the rail. Miller’s barn loves sprints; Vazquez fits the speed style. Pedigree (Thousand Words) suits the distance. If he clears early, he’s live at a price; fast track helps. Exotic threat.
2. Tiz Mary’s Comet (KY)
- Morning Line Odds: 8/1
- Jockey: Devin H. Magnon (local with 12% wins; patient in mid-pack)
- Trainer: Rylee Magnon (emerging ~10% wins; good with family-owned stock)
- Recent Finishes: Last: 2nd in allowance (6f dirt, fast) at Fair Grounds on Jan. 18, 2026. Before: Maiden win at Churchill (6f dirt, fast) on Dec. 20, 2025. Track: Fast.
- Analysis: Stalker with upside from a good post. Magnon duo adds intrigue; could pounce if pace melts. Pedigree (Good Samaritan) for speed. Value play if improving off the bench.
3. Gnome (KY)
- Morning Line Odds: 20/1
- Jockey: Emmanuel Esquivel (14% wins; versatile)
- Trainer: Kelsey Danner (solid 13% wins; develops routers into sprinters)
- Recent Finishes: Last: 4th in allowance (6f dirt, fast) at Oaklawn on Jan. 25. Before: 2nd at Turfway (6f synth, fast) on Jan. 4. Track: Fast/synth.
- Analysis: Longshot with tactical speed. Danner preps well; outside post ok for pressing. If track stays fast, he could hit the board at big odds.
4. Swung (KY)
- Morning Line Odds: 6/1
- Jockey: Francisco Arrieta (18% wins; strong finisher)
- Trainer: Matt Williams (16% wins; consistent with 3YOs)
- Recent Finishes: Last: 3rd in allowance (6f dirt, fast) at Oaklawn on Feb. 1. Before: 1st in maiden (6f dirt, fast) at Remington on Dec. 28. Track: Fast.
- Analysis: Improving type from a stalking post. Arrieta’s ride key; pedigree (Instagrand) for sprints. Solid for exotics on fast dirt.
5. My Dream Zapper (KY)
- Morning Line Odds: 30/1
- Jockey: Abel Cedillo (13% wins; patient closer)
- Trainer: Scott E. Young (11% wins; value plays)
- Recent Finishes: Last: 5th in allowance (6f dirt, fast) at Oaklawn on Jan. 11. Before: Maiden win at Zia Park (5f dirt, fast) on Dec. 15. Track: Fast.
- Analysis: Deep closer needing pace. Young barn can surprise; wide trip possible but rally potential. Longshot for supers.
6. Extract’s Arrow (KY)
- Morning Line Odds: 30/1
- Jockey: Jaime A. Torres (15% wins; aggressive)
- Trainer: Lane D. Johnston (12% wins; Arkansas-based)
- Recent Finishes: Last: 6th in allowance (6f dirt, fast) at Oaklawn on Jan. 31. Before: 2nd at Delta Downs (6f dirt, fast) on Dec. 20. Track: Fast.
- Analysis: Speed type but needs break. Local angle; if he wires, big price. Exotic filler.
7. Chad Allan (KY)
- Morning Line Odds: 20/1
- Jockey: Alfredo Triana, Jr. (local specialist, 16% wins)
- Trainer: Robert A. Young (14% wins; strong in stakes)
- Recent Finishes: Last: 4th in allowance (6f dirt, fast) at Oaklawn on Feb. 7. Before: 1st in optional claimer (6f dirt, fast) on Jan. 18. Track: Fast.
- Analysis: Consistent mid-pack runner. Triana knows the oval; blinkers off could help. Pedigree (Union Rags) for speed. Board shot.
8. Ewing (KY)
- Morning Line Odds: 6/5
- Jockey: Cristian A. Torres (22% wins; elite in big spots)
- Trainer: Mark E. Casse (25%+ wins at Oaklawn; Hall of Famer)
- Recent Finishes: Last: 1st in Saratoga Special (G2, 6.5f dirt, fast) on Aug. 2, 2025 (by 1 length, figure ~102). Before: Maiden win at Saratoga (5.5f dirt, fast) on July 5. Fresh since. Track: Fast.
- Analysis: The class of the field. Casse’s patient approach (post-race comments) suits the sprint; Torres perfect. Unbeaten, high figures, and works suggest peak. The one to beat on fast track.
9. Oscar’s Hope (KY)
- Morning Line Odds: 5/2
- Jockey: Luis Saez (20% wins; tactical master)
- Trainer: Thomas M. Amoss (18% wins; sharp with shippers)
- Recent Finishes: Last: 2nd in allowance (6f dirt, fast) at Fair Grounds on Jan. 25. Before: 1st in maiden (6f dirt, fast) at Churchill on Dec. 15. Track: Fast.
- Analysis: Strong second choice with Saez. Amoss excels in stakes; outside post for stalking. Pedigree (Twirling Candy) ideal. If Ewing falters, he pounces.
