By Joe Quillen
Thursday 3/28/24 – Oaklawn Park Race 9
Holy Thursday, Batman! We are heading to Oaklawn Park for the first of three days here in Arkansas in the build up to the Arkansas Derby on Saturday evening. We will take a look at the finale on the Thursday card which is a race for three-year-olds going one mile on the main track. Post time is approximately 5:55 pm Eastern time.
Favored in the race is the 5 Big to Do (2/1 morning line) who won a race that was taken off the turf nicely on the front end. He looks to be gunning for the lead yet again, and note that this race is a short stretch race for the one mile set up here at Oaklawn, so if he is on the lead when they straighten away, he may be hard to pass with the lack of real estate here.
The 1 Maximus Magic (9/2 ML) went gate to wire last time out going slightly longer but did also show some late kick in his starts at Woodbine before coming south for the winter. I think he would be running more like he has at Oaklawn than Woodbine though.
The 2 Count Dracula (3/1 ML) just missed in the Black Gold in the beginning of the month at Fair Grounds and looks like he can be near the leaders as they turn for home. Once again, I don’t think you should be too far back with about a furlong to go when they hit this short stretch.
The 9 Willy D’s (10/1 ML) had trouble in the first turn last time out at Oaklawn, but still only missed by a length and a half last time out. A cleaner trip here might be the difference with a 7-pound apprentice aboard.
I think that in the end here, Count Dracula will be able to wear down the leaders in the stretch and win here. I’ll call this 2-5-1-9, and my play is $20 to win on the 2. Good luck everyone!
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