Happy Sunday everyone! We stay at Oaklawn for today’s QPW. Today we have three-year-olds going a mile in the Hot Springs Stakes. Eight horses are entered in today’s race.
Oaklawn Race 7 – Hot Springs Stakes
Favored in today’s race is the 7 Gaming (9/5 morning line). He was last seen here at Oaklawn where he finished off the board in the Southwest Stakes. He is a Grade 1 winner, winning the Del Mar Futurity last September. This colt has faced some of the monsters in Southern California and will look to get back on track here today.
The 5 Clever Again (2/1 ML) broke his maiden here at Oaklawn after a 10-month break. He went gate to wire in this three-year-old debut last month and will look to go gate to wire again today.
He could have company from the rail in the 1 Landing Craft (5/1 ML). Since breaking his maiden in January at Oaklawn, this colt has tired late in the two allowance optional claiming races he ran. Look for him to gun for the lead here but it won’t be alone on the lead.
The 8 Perfect Force (9/2 ML) has won two in a row at Oaklawn sprinting. He gets an opportunity to go two turns today after those wins. Look for him to be around late here with the speed up front early on today.
Joe’s Pick
We might have a replay of the Arkansas Derby today. We have two horses that will go for the lead, but I don’t think they will go insanely fast on the front end like Speed King and Cornucopian did yesterday.
Gaming is the class of this field and he should get back on track here today. He gets a post more on the outside this time and should not have to worry about much in this race. He was not comfortable last time and had to check numerous times along the rail passing under the wire the first time.
Things could get interesting near the end because I think Perfect Force will be there, but this is Gaming’s race to win or lose. I’m calling this race 7-8-5-1 and my play is $20 to win on the 7. Best of luck everyone and I will see you in the winner’s circle!
