Oaklawn Picks: Diodoro breaks through on March 4

Oaklawn Park is housed in a university town ... a university town of horse racing to be precise ... 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!

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Most Likely Winner: (Race 6: Clancy’s Pistol #3, 5/1):

Here is a “best play” that I think really has a chance to make it 2 wins in-a-row. Formerly trained by Donnie Von Hemel, this gelding was awfully smart last time out in a tough MC30k event @OP … David Cabrera handled him perfectly in that route, and I see why Robertino Diodoro snatched this one up off-the-claim. The Hot Springs-based conditioner is not wasting any time with his new acquisition, entering this son of Lookin At Lucky in an ALLW Co. race. This isn’t going to be an easy one, but I think this is an opportunity to catch one advancing up the class ladder. Diodoro can get hot at any moment, and this looks like one of his classic “claims.” The switch to Ramon Vazquez, who returns after a blockbuster Rebel S., is a welcome addition. A router drawn to the inside, like he was last time, only adds to the argument.

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #3

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 9: Best Bet #2, 8/1):

Trainer Brad Cox has earned his keep this past week … jet-setting to Saudi Arabia, and running simultaneously at both the Fair Grounds and Oaklawn. Don’t forget, he also has a strong string at Turfway. In Hot Springs, he sends this well-bred colt by Uncle Mo back to the oval. This is a great wager because you are getting some major value. Gary and Mary West own this 4-yr-old, that is getting the “Blinks-off.” In Cox’s defense, after getting this runner from Kelly Breen back in August, he only has 1 start with the barn. With works under him now, Cox has done some tinkering. The stretch out and Ricardo Santana make this one formidable in my estimation. I only can dream that he will be 8/1 when they start to load in front of the OP Grandstand.

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

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 8: Dirt, 1 1/16th, St. ALLW40k, 4+):

These “Starter” spots are really tough races because you never know who is going to show up. We have a good field of 8 that are drawn-in, and I am sure many will jump on Mike Maker’s entry, Exulting #3. That is not non-sensical, especially considering this Maker runner routes well at Oaklawn. The 9-yr-old gelding is proving that he still has gas left in the tank. Still, I am looking elsewhere because I found a horse that I really want to back. As I mentioned above, the Diodoro Barn has not reached its normal level of “wins” at the Hot Springs Meet. They can, and will, do much better. At this level, Indimaaj #4 makes a ton of sense to me. Dropping down from one of those very difficult ALLW100k’s, he should enjoy this opportunity to go 2-turns. The last time we saw him was against Fan Club, Palace Coup, and Martini Blu … so, it stands to reason that taking on this 7-horse bunch should be a piece of cake. David Cohen takes the mount, and he can help this outfit get to the Larry Snyder Circle. Along with those 3 sharp works, I see this as a best bet … Diodoro? Back on the winning trail? It is not too late …

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Exacta Cold, 4 w 3

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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 !!!