For a major track in North America, Oaklawn is somewhat unique in that it does not have a turf course; all races are run on the one-mile dirt oval. Oaklawn’s winter meet features 10 graded stakes in 2015, and it draws many of the top trainers in the Midwest and beyond, with some of the biggest trainers sending runners to Oaklawn in advance of one of the biggest Kentucky Derby preps, the Grade 1, $1 million Arkansas Derby.
Dave Litfin's Aqueduct horses to watch for Jan. 12, 2015.
Trip Notes for Jan. 10: Fort Lauderdale, Sham, San Pasqual, and more by Michael Hammersly.
I'm fascinated by two horses that could wind up as overlays in the win pool. If the betting goes as expected, I will play both to win, and key them in exotics. I'm also slightly interested in a couple of longshots. While my opinion of these horses isn't as strong, I'll lightly stab at them.
If you can beat Tiz Midnight in Sunday’s featured event at Santa Anita, I think there could be some value to be had in the late pick three.
A 50-cent pick four closes out the card at Gulfstream Park on Sunday, and with the modest minimum, the ticket can be played at levels that won’t deplete the wallet.
The main track at Santa Anita was sealed before the first race Saturday as track superintendent Dennis Moore prepared for rain. How that affects the racing program a day later, on Sunday, is a mystery.
Saturday’s card at Gulfstream is loaded with quality late, as one might expect this time of year, but the early portion of the program is surprisingly shaky.
Saturday’s card at Santa Anita features two graded stakes events, and they will be the focus of my plays. I will play each of them individually, as well as have them be the bookends of a pick three play.
