Oaklawn Picks: Cost a Fortune, long shot play of the day on March 11

Oaklawn Park is housed in a "proto-university town" ... a university town of horse racing to be accurate ...

The southern village of Hot Springs is hosting an extended festival with some superb racing. Betting options are the best in the country! We are facing another 3 days of wonderful racing from the celebrated home of Arkansas Thoroughbred culture! Next week, it will be 4 ... how about that?

In the meantime, let us be your guide ... at Horseracing.net/us we have you covered, including all of the action! It is a good time for some of the best that North American racing has to offer. Stay tuned! 

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Most Likely Winner: (Race 2: Justin’s Quest #9, 7/2):

Trainer Tom Van Berg comes from racing royalty, and he runs a tight ship when it comes to conditioning. In this race, he sends a 7-yr-old gelding back to the starting gate. Last out, this runner dropped down in class from the Clm16kn3L standard, and was certainly competitive against Clm10kn3L Co. Francisco Arrieta tried to get to the wire to arrive in-time, but it did not happen. Even with the outside post position, I think up against this group the seasoned veteran by Justin Philip could give Van Berg his 5th win of the Meet. I wouldn’t leave this one off any tickets!

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #9

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 7: Cost a Fortune #2, 10/1):

I have no idea if Tim Dixon’s charge will be 10/1 when loading commences on Friday … but I sure hope so. This is a filly by Runhappy that is owned by David Rogers, and the 3-yr-old is taking a major class drop. That might be worrisome if it weren’t for the fact that Dixon just went too far up the class ladder off-the-claim. The connections got this one back in late December after dropping a ticket in the hot blinking box down in the Racing Office. Her form for Greg Compton, and before that, Jeremiah O’Dwyer was spotty. But Compton did bring her to Hot Springs, and she won an MC30k against open company. The rider switch from Francisco Arrieta to Luis Contreras isn’t the best news, but I will take it. Like I said, if the price is right, this one is a bet. Her latest works @OP look sharp enough to me.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Bankroll, Graduated Wager WPS #2 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 8: Dirt, 6F, OC62.5kn$y, F&M 4+):

Here is a tough condition that brings together quite an eclectic group of older female runners. What with the weather conditions being up in the air on Friday afternoon, it will be a question of who is in and who is out? If all 6 go, then I am sure no matter how the track sets up, Steve Asmussen’s Joy’s Rocket #1 will be close to the top of the tote. That is probably deserved, since the filly by Anthony’s Cross just missed last time out in a tough “Non-G” @OP. After some smart works, she appears ready to go once again with Joel Rosario getting the call. I am not sure that her form is in question, it is just the fact that she never seems to be the victor. I understand the way that Racing Secretary Pat Pope wrote this one is meant to keep certain winners out, but I want an entry that knows her way to the Larry Snyder Winner’s Circle. In that vein, I am getting behind John Ortiz and the excellent Novel Squall #6. I watched this filly by Violence score in impressive fashion back on 19 Feb. in a challenging OC62.5kn2x. David Cabrera really started some of his hot riding at that point, and this 4-yr-old really helped him elevate his game. I think her form is fabulous, as she continues to maintain a high-level of fitness. Maybe another rail running victory is in her future … Let’s use her on top, and play an ice-cold Exacta with the M/L favorite!

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Exacta Cold, 6 w 1

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