Oaklawn boosts purses for five stakes, brings back Fifth Season

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – “Show me the money!”

In a move that would make Jerry Maguire jealous, Oaklawn is boosting purses for five of its stakes races and resurrecting another on the heels of increasing its overnight purses. The track made the announcement Wednesday.

The Grade 3 Count Fleet Sprint Handicap is the biggest winner, with its purse going from $400,000 to $500,000 for its running on the Arkansas Derby undercard April 13.

Oaklawn boosted four other stakes by $50,000 each, taking the Grade 1 Apple Blossom to $750,000 for April 14, the Essex Handicap to $350,000 for March 16, the Oaklawn Mile to $250,000 for May 3, and the Oaklawn Invitational for 3-year-olds to $300,000 for May 4.

Oaklawn is bringing back the $150,000 Fifth Season for April 14, positioning the race to produce starters for the Oaklawn Mile. The Fifth Season will be for 4-year-olds and up at 1 1/16 miles, according to Oaklawn spokeswoman Jennifer Hoyt.

Oaklawn is conducting an extended meet that wraps May 4 with the Oaklawn Invitational, a race that offers its winner a free berth in the Preakness Stakes.