The Forego Stakes is a listed stakes event ($125,000 purse) that serves as a key sprint showcase during Turfway Park’s winter meet, drawing older males with proven speed on synthetic surfaces. Run over 6 1/2 furlongs on the all-weather Tapeta track, this race often rewards tactical speed or strong closers, depending on pace setup. With a field of nine competitive routers, expect a brisk early tempo that could benefit mid-pack stalkers if the frontrunners duel. High Beyer figures from recent allowance wins suggest a fast time is possible, making this a potential prep for bigger synthetic stakes later in the season.

Venue: Turfway Park, 7500 Turfway Road, Florence, Kentucky

Post Time is scheduled for 9:55 PM ET (approximate post time for Race 9; confirm via track updates or Equibase)

Race Details: 6 1/2 furlongs on all-weather Tapeta, open to colts, horses, and geldings 4 years old and up

Expected Weather Conditions

Forecasts indicate cold winter conditions typical for northern Kentucky. High temperature around 36°F (2°C), low near 26°F (-3°C), with partly cloudy skies and a low 10-20% chance of flurries or light precipitation. Winds light from the northwest at 5-10 mph. No significant accumulation expected, but chilly air could make for brisk conditions at the track

Track Conditions

Turfway’s all-weather Tapeta surface is designed for consistency in cold weather and expected to be rated as fast. It handles light moisture well without biases, though recent meets show a slight edge to inside paths in sprints. No notable rail or pace bias reported; closers have succeeded in similar distances when the early pace is contested. Monitor for any last-minute changes via the track’s updates

Horse-by-Horse Analysis

The field of nine features a mix of allowance graduates and stakes-tested veterans, with several posting triple-digit Beyer speed figures in recent outings. Below is a detailed breakdown by post position, including horse, age/sex (all 4+ males), sire, trainer, jockey, recent finishes (last 1-3 races where available, with date, track, position, and notes), and analysis. Recent forms emphasize synthetic performances, as Tapeta favors adaptable runners.

PP 1: Runnin’ Rocket (4+ Horse, Sire: War Front)
Trainer: Joe Sharp (versatile Midwestern conditioner, 18% win rate on synthetics)

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Jockey: Gabriel Saez (experienced synthetic rider, 20% at Turfway)

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Recent Finishes: 1st, TP AOC (12/18/2025-R8, 6f synthetic, wire-to-wire with 120 Beyer). No additional prior races detailed.
Analysis: War Front son with blistering gate speed; Sharp’s horses often fire fresh on Tapeta. Rail draw suits his front-running style, but he risks burnout if challenged early. Strong contender if he controls the pace uncontested.

PP 2: G T Five Hundred (4+ Horse, Sire: Astern (AUS))
Trainer: Michael J. Maker (prolific with claimers and synthetics, 22% local win rate)

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Jockey: Fernando De La Cruz (Turfway standout, 25% wins here)

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Recent Finishes: 1st, TP AOC (01/07/2026-R7, 6f synthetic, dominant with 123 Beyer). No additional prior races detailed.
Analysis: Australian-bred with stamina from Astern; Maker excels in spotting for upsets. Post 2 allows ground-saving trip, and De La Cruz’s timing could exploit a hot pace. High recent figure makes him a win threat if repeating.

PP 3: Green Light (4+ Horse, Sire: Hard Spun)
Trainer: Rodolphe Brisset (consistent with routers, 17% on all-weather)

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Jockey: Irving Moncada (emerging talent, solid on closers)

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Recent Finishes: 7th, KEE ALW (10/18/2025-R8, 7f dirt, even effort with 117 Beyer). No additional prior races detailed.
Analysis: Hard Spun progeny handle distance well; Brisset’s training sharpens late kick. Mid-field post suits stalking, but recent fade suggests he needs softer competition. Value for exotics if rebounding on synthetic.

PP 4: Script (4+ Horse, Sire: Algorithms)
Trainer: George R. Arnold II (stakes specialist, 19% with veterans)

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Jockey: Danny Sheehy (aggressive, 16% synthetics)

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Recent Finishes: 3rd, Holiday Cheer S. (date/track not specified, stakes level with 115 Beyer). No additional prior races detailed.
Analysis: Algorithms breeding adds tactical speed; Arnold targets these spots effectively. Post 4 ideal for pressing, and Sheehy can force the issue. Classy recent placing; live if pace favors mid-pack.

PP 5: Banjo Chris (4+ Horse, Sire: Constitution)
Trainer: Troy S. Wismer (up-and-coming, strong with sprinters)

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Jockey: Edgar Morales (Turfway regular, 21% wins)

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Recent Finishes: 2nd, Commodore Overnight S. (date/track not specified, overnight stakes with 125 Beyer). No additional prior races detailed.
Analysis: Constitution son with grit; Wismer’s barn peaking. Central post allows options, and Morales knows the surface. Top figure from last out; favorite material if handling class rise.

PP 6: Okiro (4+ Horse, Sire: Yoshida (JPN))
Trainer: Jose Garoffalo (Florida-based shipper, 15% on synthetics)

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Jockey: Julien R. Leparoux (elite closer, 23% at Turfway)

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Recent Finishes: 4th, GP AOC (01/04/2026-R8, 6f dirt, with 84 Beyer). No additional prior races detailed.
Analysis: Japanese influence from Yoshida adds stamina; Garoffalo ships winners. Post 6 suits rally, and Leparoux’s patience shines. Lower figure concerns, but synthetic switch could improve; upset play.

PP 7: Playmea Tune (4+ Horse, Sire: Maclean’s Music)
Trainer: Josie Carroll (Canadian powerhouse, 20% shippers)

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Jockey: Walter A. Rodriguez (hot apprentice, 22% recent)

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Recent Finishes: 5th, 2025 Mr. Prospector G3 (date/track not specified, graded stakes with 118 Beyer). No additional prior races detailed.
Analysis: Maclean’s Music speedster; Carroll’s 2025 winner returns. Wide post ok for stalker, and Rodriguez adds value. Graded experience edges him; contender if pace melts.

PP 8: Prince of Power (4+ Horse, Sire: Runhappy)
Trainer: Jesus Esquivel (local expert, 18% sprints)

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Jockey: Martin Garcia (veteran, 19% synthetics)

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Recent Finishes: 1st, TP AOC (12/26/2025-R6, 6f synthetic, with 112 Beyer). No additional prior races detailed.
Analysis: Runhappy progeny explode early; Esquivel knows Turfway. Outer post may force wide, but Garcia’s experience helps. Solid figure; board hitter if fit.

PP 9: Its Bourbon Thirty (4+ Horse, Sire: Outwork)
Trainer: Jeremiah O’Dwyer (East Coast shipper, 16% routes)

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Jockey: Luan Machado (Turfway leader, 19% wins)

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Recent Finishes: 1st, TP AOC (12/06/2025-R8, 6f synthetic, with 125 Beyer). No additional prior races detailed.
Analysis: Outwork son with power; O’Dwyer targets value. Widest post challenges, but Machado rallies well. Elite figure; top pick if overcoming draw.

The Wishing Well Stakes is a prominent sprint for fillies and mares four years old and up, rescheduled from January 24 due to weather cancellations. This $125,000 black-type event covers 6 1/2 furlongs on Turfway’s all-weather Tapeta surface, attracting a field of 10 experienced sprinters. The race often favors tactical speed on the synthetic track, where early position can be key in the short stretch. With a mix of closers and pace-pressers, expect a contested pace that could set up for a late runner if the fractions are hot.

Venue: Turfway Park, 7500 Turfway Road, Florence, Kentucky.

Post Time is scheduled for 6:25 PM ET (post time approximate; confirm via track updates).

Race Details: 6 1/2 furlongs on all-weather Tapeta, purse $125,000 (includes $25,000 KTDF supplement), for fillies and mares 4YO and up.

Expected Weather Conditions

Forecasts for Florence, KY, indicate typical late-January conditions: mostly cloudy with highs around 40°F (4°C) and lows near 25°F (-4°C). Winds light at 5-10 mph from the north. There’s a 30% chance of light snow or flurries, but accumulation is unlikely. If precipitation occurs, it could slightly soften the Tapeta, but the all-weather surface handles moisture well without major biases.

Track Conditions

Turfway’s Tapeta surface is all-weather and expected to be fast, as it drains efficiently and maintains consistency in cold weather. Recent meets show no significant rail bias, with winners coming from various paths. Closers have fared well in sprints, but speed holds if uncontested. Monitor for any scratches or changes via Equibase or the track’s social media.

Horse-by-Horse Analysis

The field of 10 features proven synthetic performers and turf-to-all-weather crossovers. Below is a breakdown by post position, including horse, age/sex, sire, trainer, jockey, weight (all carry 120 lbs), recent finishes (last three races with date, track, position, and notes where available), and analysis. Analyses incorporate form, synthetic affinity, and connections’ track records.

PP 1: Baby No Worries (7YO Mare, Sire: Mr Speaker)
Trainer: Tim Girten (solid with claimers and sprinters, 15% win rate at Turfway).
Jockey: Victor R. Carrasco (aggressive rider, 18% wins on synthetics).
Recent Finishes: 1st (12/21/25, Turfway Park, allowance, strong finish); 3rd (11/15/25, Fair Grounds, stakes, closed well); 2nd (10/5/25, Churchill Downs, allowance, just missed).
Analysis: Veteran mare with consistent late kick on synthetics. Girten’s horses often peak in winter meets, and Carrasco can position her off the pace from the rail. Her Mr Speaker breeding aids stamina in sprints, but she needs a clean trip to avoid traffic. Solid exotic contender if the pace collapses.

PP 2: Ms. Tart (5YO Mare, Sire: Maximus Mischief)
Trainer: John Ennis (experienced with mid-level stakes, 16% at Turfway).
Jockey: Edgar Morales (local specialist, 20% win rate here).
Recent Finishes: 3rd (12/21/25, Turfway Park, Holiday Inaugural S., $24,400, competitive); 1st (11/20/25, Presque Isle Downs, allowance, wire-to-wire); 4th (10/5/25, Woodbine, stakes, faded late).
Analysis: Speedy type who thrives on all-weather. Ennis preps well for home track, and Morales knows how to rate her. Maximus Mischief progeny excel in sprints, but she can be vulnerable if pressured early. Post 2 helps her save ground; live if she shakes loose.

PP 3: Zadorsky (5YO Mare, Sire: Tapiture)
Trainer: D. Whitworth Beckman (emerging trainer, 14% with fillies).
Jockey: Diego Machado (reliable, 17% at Turfway).
Recent Finishes: 4th (12/13/25, Aqueduct, Go for Wand S., graded, even effort); 5th (11/15/25, Churchill Downs, Chilukki S., off pace); 3rd (10/15/25, Keeneland, allowance, rallied).
Analysis: Versatile stalker with Tapiture’s durability on synthetics. Beckman has her in good form, and Machado can time a move. Recent graded tries show class, but she needs softer fractions to hit the board. Mid-pack post suits; value for exotics.

PP 4: Velvet Devil (4YO Filly, Sire: Kantharos)
Trainer: Michael A. Tomlinson (consistent at Midwest tracks, 15% synthetics).
Jockey: Alberto Concepcion (up-and-coming, strong finisher).
Recent Finishes: 2nd (12/15/25, Mahoning Valley, allowance, close miss); 1st (10/19/25, Keeneland, maiden, impressive debut win); 4th (9/20/25, Churchill Downs, maiden, learning).
Analysis: Lightly raced filly stepping up in class. Tomlinson develops sprinters well, and Concepcion fits her closing style. Kantharos breeding screams speed, but as a 4YO, she’s improving. Outer post could force wide trip; upset chance if maturing.

PP 5: Fancy Caber Neigh (6YO Mare, Sire: Mendelssohn)
Trainer: William E. Morey (Turfway expert, 22% win rate locally).
Jockey: Fernando De La Cruz (top rider, 25% at Turfway).
Recent Finishes: 1st (8/30/25, Kentucky Downs, allowance, strong); 2nd (7/15/25, Ellis Park, stakes, good effort); 1st (6/10/25, Indiana Grand, allowance, dominant).
Analysis: Mendelssohn mare with tactical speed and Turfway affinity. Morey’s barn dominates winter meets, and De La Cruz is a perfect match. Recent turf form translates to synthetics; post 5 ideal for stalking. Strong win threat if fit off layoff.

PP 6: Sea Runner (4YO Filly, Sire: Gun Runner)
Trainer: William E. Morey (see above, doubles up).
Jockey: Martin Garcia (veteran, 19% synthetics).
Recent Finishes: 1st (12/18/25, Del Mar, allowance, wire); 4th (10/25/25, Santa Anita, stakes, even); 2nd (9/23/25, Del Mar, allowance, close).
Analysis: Gun Runner filly with closing punch. Morey’s second entry, Garcia adds experience. West Coast form could shine on Tapeta; post 6 allows tracking trip. Contender if pace is honest.

PP 7: Lithe Spirit (5YO Mare, Sire: Speightstown)
Trainer: Steven M. Asmussen (Hall of Famer, 20% at Turfway).
Jockey: Joseph D. Ramos (solid, 16% wins).
Recent Finishes: 6th (12/21/25, Turfway Park, stakes, off form); 1st (11/15/25, Turfway Park, Queen S., win); 1st (10/20/25, Keeneland, allowance, streak).
Analysis: Speightstown speedster on a roll before recent dip. Asmussen wins these spots, Ramos reliable. Synthetic suits; wide post ok for her style. Top pick rebounding.

PP 8: Dala (5YO Mare, Sire: Hard Spun)
Trainer: Eoin G. Harty (Godolphin affiliate, 18% fillies).
Jockey: Walter A. Rodriguez (emerging star, 21% at Turfway).
Recent Finishes: 1st (1/7/26, Turfway Park, allowance, sharp); 1st (12/9/25, Fair Grounds, stakes, dominant); 3rd (9/23/25, Belmont, allowance).
Analysis: Hard Spun mare with class from Godolphin. Harty targets synthetics, Rodriguez hot. Recent wins show peak form; post 8 may require ground-saving. Major player.

PP 9: Kehoe Beach (5YO Mare, Sire: Omaha Beach)
Trainer: Wesley A. Ward (sprint specialist, 23% synthetics).
Jockey: Luan Machado (local, 19% wins).
Recent Finishes: 2nd (12/17/25, Woodbine, stakes, strong); 1st (11/29/24, Churchill Downs, Mrs. Revere S., graded win); 1st (10/15/25, Keeneland, allowance).
Analysis: Omaha Beach mare with graded credentials. Ward excels in sprints, Machado fits. Turf form adapts; wide post challenge but closing ability helps. Favorite potential.

PP 10: Moon Mystique (4YO Filly, Sire: Malibu Moon)
Trainer: Ethan W. West (developing, 14% at Turfway).
Jockey: Axel Achard (consistent, 15% wins).
Recent Finishes: 1st (8/24/25, Ellis Park, allowance, win); 3rd (7/15/25, Indiana Grand, stakes); 4th (6/10/25, Horseshoe Indianapolis, allowance).
Analysis: Malibu Moon filly stepping up. West’s horses improve, Achard patient. Recent turf wins; outermost post tough for stalker. Longshot for board.

The Fifth Season Stakes is a key early-season test for older horses at Oaklawn Park, serving as a stepping stone for campaigns targeting longer routes and higher purses. This $150,000 event attracts a competitive field of nine routers, many with proven form at the track. With a mix of speedsters, stalkers, and closers, the race could hinge on pace dynamics on the one-mile dirt oval. Expect a tactical affair, especially if front-runners like Speed King dictate terms early.

Venue: Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort, 2705 Central Ave, Hot Springs, Arkansas

Post Time is scheduled for 3:57 PM CT (4:57 PM ET)

Race Details: 1 mile on dirt, open to 4-year-olds and up, purse $150,000. Weights: 122 lbs base, with allowances for non-winners of certain races

Expected Weather Conditions

Based on long-term forecasts for Hot Springs, AR, expect partly cloudy skies with highs around 50°F (10°C) and lows near 35°F (2°C). There’s a 20-30% chance of scattered showers, typical for late January in the region. Winds light at 5-10 mph from the northeast. If rain occurs, it could lead to a wet track, favoring horses with off-track experience

Track Conditions

Oaklawn’s dirt track is expected to be fast under dry conditions, as is standard for the meet. However, if showers hit, it could turn good or sloppy—Oaklawn’s surface drains well but can get sticky with moisture. The rail has been fair in recent weeks, with no notable biases. Monitor updates closer to post time via the track’s app or Equibase

Horse-by-Horse Analysis

The field features a blend of veterans and up-and-comers. Below is a detailed breakdown by post position, including horse, jockey, trainer, age/sex, sire, recent finishes (last three races with position, date, track, distance), and analysis. Recent forms are based on available past performances from 2025 races, as the meet is just underway.

PP 1: Pony Express (5yo Horse, Sire: Gun Runner)
Trainer: John W. Sadler (strong shipper from California, 20% win rate at Oaklawn).
Jockey: Joel Rosario (elite rider, 25% win rate on dirt routes).
Recent Finishes: 1st (12/15/25, Santa Anita, 1m dirt), 2nd (11/20/25, Del Mar, 1 1/16m dirt), 3rd (10/5/25, Santa Anita, 1m dirt).
Analysis: This Gun Runner son has speed to spare and thrives in mid-pack stalking roles. Sadler’s horses often improve shipping east, and Rosario’s tactical riding fits perfectly. Draws the rail, which could help save ground, but he needs to avoid traffic. Strong contender if the pace melts.

PP 2: Seize the Night (7yo Gelding, Sire: Carpe Diem)
Trainer: Cipriano Contreras (Oaklawn specialist, 18% win rate locally).
Jockey: Amir Mendoza (up-and-coming, solid on closers).
Recent Finishes: 4th (1/10/26, Oaklawn, 1m dirt allowance), 1st (12/1/25, Fair Grounds, 1m dirt), 5th (11/15/25, Churchill Downs, 1 1/16m dirt).
Analysis: Veteran closer who loves Oaklawn’s long stretch. Contreras knows how to place him for late kicks, but he needs a hot pace to set up. Recent form shows consistency, but age might catch up in a stakes spot. Value play for exotics.

PP 3: Thoughtthatcounts (5yo Gelding, Sire: Sky Mesa)
Trainer: David Jacobson (claims and spots well, 15% win rate).
Jockey: Cristian A. Torres (local star, 22% at Oaklawn).
Recent Finishes: 2nd (1/5/26, Oaklawn, 7f dirt), 3rd (12/20/25, Aqueduct, 1m dirt), 1st (11/10/25, Belmont, 1m dirt).
Analysis: Versatile type who can press or stalk. Jacobson’s quick turnaround from claims often pays off, and Torres knows the track. Sky Mesa progeny handle dirt well, but he might need more class relief. Live for the board.

PP 4: Komorebino Omoide (JPN) (6yo Horse, Sire: California Chrome)
Trainer: Rob Atras (rising trainer, 19% win rate).
Jockey: Ramon A. Vazquez (aggressive frontrunner rider).
Recent Finishes: 1st (12/28/25, Laurel, 1 1/16m dirt), 4th (11/25/25, Parx, 1m dirt), 2nd (10/15/25, Keeneland, 1m dirt).
Analysis: Imported talent with chrome speed from his sire. Atras has him peaking, and Vazquez will send early. Japanese-breds often adapt well to U.S. dirt, but wide post could force a wide trip. Upset potential if loose on the lead.

PP 5: Woodcourt (5yo Horse, Sire: Ransom the Moon)
Trainer: Cipriano Contreras (see above, doubles up in field).
Jockey: Emmanuel Esquivel (reliable, 16% win rate).
Recent Finishes: 4th (1/15/26, Oaklawn, 1m allowance), 1st (12/5/25, Turfway, 1m synthetic), 3rd (11/1/25, Churchill, 1m dirt).
Analysis: Moon sire gives him stamina for the stretch. Contreras’ second stringer, but Esquivel rides him confidently. Recent speed figures are rising (around 95 Beyer), making him a mid-pack threat. Good for trifectas.

PP 6: American Law (8yo Gelding, Sire: Constitution)
Trainer: Sarah E. Shaffer (consistent with veterans).
Jockey: Francisco Arrieta (powerful finisher, 20% at Oaklawn).
Recent Finishes: 5th (1/1/26, Oaklawn, 1 1/16m dirt), 2nd (12/10/25, Remington, 1m dirt), 1st (11/5/25, Zia Park, 1m dirt).
Analysis: Elder statesman with heart, but age shows in recent fades. Shaffer’s training keeps him honest, and Arrieta can rally. Constitution breeding suits routes, but he needs soft fractions. Longshot appeal.

PP 7: Runaway Again (4yo Gelding, Sire: Hard Spun)
Trainer: David Jacobson (see above).
Jockey: Rafael Bejarano (veteran, 18% win rate).
Recent Finishes: 3rd (12/25/25, Gulfstream, 1m dirt), 1st (11/30/25, Aqueduct, 7f dirt), 4th (10/20/25, Belmont, 1m dirt).
Analysis: Youngest in the field, with Spun speed for early position. Jacobson pair could team up for pace control. Bejarano’s experience helps, but maturity is key against elders. Contender if improved.

PP 8: Will Take It (5yo Horse, Sire: Tapit)
Trainer: Dallas Stewart (stakes expert, 17% in routes).
Jockey: Ricardo Santana, Jr. (Oaklawn king, 24% local wins).
Recent Finishes: 2nd (1/10/26, Oaklawn, 1m allowance), 1st (12/15/25, Fair Grounds, 1 1/16m dirt), 3rd (11/20/25, Churchill, 1m dirt).
Analysis: Tapit son with class—Stewart wins these spots. Santana knows every inch of Oaklawn. Recent forms show closing punch; wide post ok for his style. Top pick if pace sets up.

PP 9: Speed King (4yo Colt, Sire: Volatile)
Trainer: Ron Moquett (Oaklawn mainstay, 19% win rate).
Jockey: Luis Saez (superstar, 26% on dirt).
Recent Finishes: 1st (1/5/26, Oaklawn, 6f sprint), 2nd (12/1/25, Churchill, 1m dirt), 1st (11/10/25, Keeneland, 7f dirt).
Analysis: Volatile sire imparts blazing speed. Moquett preps well for home track, and Saez is a huge upgrade. Stretching out, but recent wins suggest he’s ready. Favorite material.