We take a quick trip over to Oaklawn for today’s race as we have older horses racing a mile and a sixteenth today. A field of eight is entered in this optional claiming race.
Oaklawn Race 9 – Allowance Optional Claiming
Favored in today’s race is the 5 Bendoog (7/5 morning line). He returns to the races for the first time since October when he finished second in an optional claiming race. He has gone for the lead in the past, but he can stalk behind horses.
The 8 Disarm (2/1 ML) returns from an almost six-month layoff today. He was facing Grade 1 and Grade 2 company over the last two years. Last year, he started off his four-year-old campaign going gate to wire in an optional claiming race. He has not won since last May, but he has faced some of the top older horses around the country. Look for him to close here today.
The 1 Horace Mann (5/1 ML) returns after a two-month break where he showed nothing in the Tinsel Stakes here at Oaklawn. He could not get the lead last time out and faded badly. Depending on the pressure on the front end, he could steal this race going gate to wire.
The 4 Catching Freedom (4/1 ML) is second race off of a long layoff. He showed little in the Mineshaft at the Fair Grounds, but he definitely needed that race. He closed well in the past and will need that to win here today.
Joe’s Oaklawn Pick
Horace Mann has the advantage of the rail today and will go for the lead here today. The question is how close the stalkers will be today. Bendoog should be stalking him today. But I think the closers will make a statement here today.
Catching Freedom and Disarm has the best chance to close into the leaders today. I will take Catching Freedom here today as he bounced back from his last race at the Fair Grounds. I am calling this race 4-8-5-1 and my play is $20 to win on the 4. Best of luck everyone and I’ll see you in the winner’s circle!