Oaklawn Park Picks: Joel Rosario in the house Sunday January 16

Celebrated Oaklawn Park is like a college town ... a college town of horse racing, that is ... Hot Springs is celebrating some glorious racing. It should be a crisp, cool Sunday! 

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Most Likely Winner: (Race 1: Aquitania Arrival #6, 3/1):

Even though Joel Rosario is on Steve Asmussen’s Requisition #5, I don’t think he gets the win in this tough Starter Optional Claiming contest. That goes to one of his old adversaries, Florent Geroux and his mount, Aquitania Arrival #6. From the barn of Rene Amescua (formerly Peter Miller’s outfit), this gelding by Carpe Diem was outclassed last time at Oaklawn in an OC80k event. He clearly was not enthusiastic about the distance (6F) or the muddy track. He is going to get a stretch out this time, but a wet course might be in his future. Geroux is a master rider, and I think he will find a solid spot mid-pack … waiting for a proper moment to strike. Odds of 3/1 … that sounds pretty square on this drop.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #6

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 3: Eastside Cool #5, 9/2):

Trainer Joe Sharp got his hands on this one back in November, and promptly readied him for competition in Hot Springs. Back at Churchill it was a tough couple of races … 1st at the ALLW level and then in a Clm30k. Just because he did not hit-the-board in either of those attempts, does not mean that Sharp had little to work with. In an ALLW Co. shot at Oaklawn in mid-December he responded well down the lane—4th. I think that the switch from Luis Contreras to Francisco Arrieta is a shrewd move. The offspring of Frosted are running well, and I like to bet them when I have the opportunity. This one is fit … and dare I say it … ready to win!

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Bankroll, Graduated Wager WPS #5 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 6: Dirt, St. ALLW.50k, 4+):

If you are looking for a true ‘capping challenge, then look no further than this contest. Everyone entered is protected in this situation, so there should not be any worries about getting claimed. I want to like Joel Rosario’s assignment … A C Expressway #1 could be a winner, but the 4-yr-old gelding has not done much of that over 13 starts (1-2-2). Still, the son of Mineshaft could be formidable, if he can handle being stuck down on the rail. I know one horse that is going to take quite a bit of money—Richard Baltas’ Herd Immunity #5. This gelding by Union Rags is a 1st out starter for the barn, and getting Florent Geroux is a plus. His form was not too shabby out in SoCal, where he competed in some tough Clm50k events. Making the switch to running in Hot Springs will not be easy, so you might use caution with what is be such a short price on the tote. My top selection is Mike Maker’s All the Diamonds #7. Here is a gelding by Orb that has a number of nice attributes. Ricardo Santana gets a 2nd crack at riding him (Maker and Santana got a nice win on Fri), but more importantly is that he will be in a condition that is pretty familiar. Maker is a master 2nd off-the-claim, and I think it is worth a shot giving him another chance after a 5th place ending back on 19 Dec. The 2nd half of that race … showed some form/improvement. Let’s use him on top, and roll the others underneath!

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Trifecta Wheel, 7 w 1/5 w 1/5

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Enjoy another fab Sunday trackside! Best of luck on another run at Oaklawn Park!