A couple of weeks ago, Oaklawn ran on a Monday as a makeup day for a cancellation a few days prior. With today being President’s Day, we have regularly scheduled action from Hot Springs today as Oaklawn has a 10-race card on tap. We will look at the ninth race as three-year-old sprinters will go six furlongs in the Ozark Stakes.
Oaklawn Race 9 – Ozark Stakes
Favored in the Ozark Stakes today is the 9 Innova (9/5 morning line). He comes in from the Fair Grounds where he won last month. This colt previously just missed on the turf so there is a potential opportunity to see what he can do in future races on the turf. For being a race off the turf last time out, there weren’t any standout turf horses if that had stayed on the turf, so this race may look better once you dig for some additional information.
The 7 I Got Game (5/2 ML) chased today’s favorite at the Fair Grounds and ran well despite not being able to catch him. He is comfortable stalking the pace and will look to turn the tables on the favorite at Oaklawn where he broke his maiden in December.
The 3 Hola Joey (5/1 ML) has won two races in a row at Oaklawn after breaking his maiden in December and then winning an allowance 16 days ago. If there is a fast pace up front, he is going to pick up the pieces.
The 1 Waco (8/1 ML) won two in a row here at Oaklawn and steps up from optional claiming company to stakes company here today. He draws the rail and will look to close like he did in his previous two races.
Joe’s Pick
There is a possibility that the favorite Innova could be pressured on the lead here by longshots Farley Hall (12/1 ML) and Catamount (15/1 ML) who drew closer to the rail. I’m going with Hola Joey who should be picking up the pieces once they turn for home here.
I’m going 3-1-9-7 here and I have two plays for today. First, I have a $20 win play on the 3. Also, I’ll play a 50-cent superfecta box of 1,3,7 and 9. That superfecta will cost $12 if you play it that way. Best of luck everyone and I’ll see you in the winner’s circle!
