Oaklawn Park Picks: Summer in Malibu steps up on April 3

Oaklawn Park is nestled in the "university town" of Hot Springs ... a university town of horse racing that is ...

The southern hamlet is playing host to an extended festival with their customary welcome! Betting options are the best in the country! The celebrated home of Arkansas Thoroughbred culture just hosted its own Derby Day ... But the weekend of racing is not over yet! A 9-race card is up, and we are with you for all the great contests on the dirt!

At Horseracing.net/us we have the sport blanketed, including all of the action! It is a good time for some of the best that North American racing has to offer. Stay tuned! If you're looking for picks elsewhere around the country this Sunday be sure to check out our free Horse Racing Picks via the gold button below. Don't forget to follow us on Twitter ... Horseracing_USA !!!

Most Likely Winner: (Race 2: Capture the Glory #7, 9/2):

The rise of Lindsay Schultz at the Hot Springs Meet has been welcome, and fun to watch. Owned by Ten Strike Racing, this 8-yr-old gelding is back in at the lowest level there is. I was very surprised this son of Scat Daddy was not “claimed” in the last “shake” just a few weeks ago. Given the right trip, Schultz’s sprinter has the ability to get to the Larry Snyder Winner’s Circle. Having Francisco Arrieta, one of the leaders from the jockey colony, is just another reason to back this seasoned runner.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #7

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 5: Summer in Malibu #7, 4/1):

Looking for value on this Sunday card, I landed on a class riser from horseman Tom Vance. Last time the colt by Malibu Moon hit the track in Hot Springs, it was against MSW90k Co. He won nicely, after rating well throughout the race. Maybe that qualifies as an “easy trip,” but winning is winning … he did so with Chel-C Bailey aboard. She takes on the piloting duties once again, and I like this one’s chances. Others in this race will take significant money, and that makes me think that the tote will register a much bigger price than 4/1 … the M/L odds. Bet this one across-the-board … what a return this will bring!

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

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 8: Dirt, 1½, Temperence Hill S., $150k, 4+):

A distance contest at Oaklawn … there are some of these throughout the Meet … The highlight horse entered in this spot is Robertino Diodoro’s Lone Rock #1. The 7-yr-old tried stiffer company when his trainer entered him in the Razorback (G3). Plainsman, stablemate Thomas Shelby, and Popular Kid were much the best, and it was clear that the son of Majestic Warrior feels more comfortable “going longer.” With 5 others drawn-in, I certainly think that there are some legitimate threats to be had in here. It is intriguing to see Dallas Stewart’s Last Samurai #2 come back into the fold. The international traveler was recently in Singapore for a Handicap for owner Willis Horton Racing … a turf contest he ended up 3rd … Lest we forget, that this son of Malibu Moon was also in the Razorback (G3), but he ended up 7th. Using both of these runners who are clearly dropping down makes sense, but as far as a top selection, I am pretty pumped to back the “other” Diodoro entry … the class jumping Goalie #5. This “tender” was ultra-impressive just a few weeks ago in a 1½ ALLW106kn3L at Oaklawn. The gelding by Bodemeister just blew away the field that afternoon, with David Cohen aboard. Moving up the ladder will not be easy, but this one has a strong level of fitness. He could be the “player” and the “price” of the day. Here is the wager … with Goalie #5 starting everything off.

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

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Enjoy another fab Sunday trackside! Best of luck on another run at Oaklawn Park! Don’t forget to follow us on Twitter … Horseracing_USA !!!