Oaklawn Picks: Whitmore S. and Essex H. featured on March 19

Oaklawn Park is nestled in a sanctuary of 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 running. Betting options are to the hilt!

The celebrated home of Arkansas Thoroughbred culture is ratcheting up, with a move to 4 days of racing in-a-row; in order to make-up for lost time due to card cancellations last month. Today, there are a pair of stakes races that you will not find anywhere in the country. The Whitmore Stakes and Essex Handicap are both Grade 3s, and they are sure to be great betting races!

As we aim towards the in-state "Derby Day," a KYD148 "Points" race, 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! 

If you're looking for picks elsewhere around the country this Saturday 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 6: Maasai Warrior #1, 2/1):

Trainer Brad Cox continues to exhibit some strong young colts and fillies at the Oaklawn Meet, and I am pleased to see this 3-yr-old by Hard Spun come to town. The Butzows own this one that they bought at the Keeneland September Sale back in 2020 for $100k. He has the ability to get the distance, and should be a square price at 2/1. Even though he did not fire down the lane at the Fair Grounds, I think he should be in a much better position breaking from Post 1. Florent Geroux will get the call once again … Bet this one to the hilt because he is just rounding into form …

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Win, #1

Off-the-Pace Play of the Day: (Race 7: Royal Daaher #6, 10/1):

I know that my pick in the renamed Whitmore Stakes (G3) is an outsider. You can certainly pick Larry Jones’ Bob’s Edge #2 or John Ortiz’s Hollis #9 … no one would try to talk you “off” these types. They have form and the class to win this contest. However, I am looking to double down with Doubledown Stables! The last time that Jimmy DiVito’s 6-yr-old was on-track at Oaklawn, I backed him with all the dollars to “win” that I could borrow from the bank. I still cannot believe that this son of Daaher was bet down to 5/2 … it was both gratifying to cash that nice ticket, but disconcerting that he dropped all the way down from 9/1. Such is the game … I am not about to jump off this early go-er, and I am certain that this time, I will get my price. The spot is a tough one, but lest we forget that DiVito has a speedy one out of the gate. If he breaks well, then I think this veteran has a good shot to take on this classy bunch. I like the look of his latest bullet, and there is a fair amount of relief when I learned that leading rider Francisco Arrieta would be present. Horseplaying is about emotions ... unfortunately ... so, I have a good feeling about his chances … long shot time!

Wagering Recommendation: $100 Bankroll, Graduated Wager WPS #6 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)

Spotlight Race of the Day: (Race 9: Dirt, 1 1/16th, Essex H. (G3), $500k, 4+):

One of the many highlights at the Oaklawn Meet is this tough Grade 3 contest that always draws a well-matched field. Named for a celebrated runner, the group that has assembled this time around looks to be chock full of talent. The Top 3 finishers from the Razorback H. (G3) are on-hand, and ready to contest these 2 turns. They are … Brad Cox’s Plainsman #4 (1st) … Robertino Diodoro’s Thomas Shelby #1 (2nd) … and Shawn Davis’ Popular Kid #5 (3rd). There is no question that any of these horses could win, and if Cox’s entry runs like he did last time, he probably will. Despite such a strong assertion, I am actually keen to bet on his stablemate, Warrior’s Charge #3. This son of Munnings is coming off what is probably the most dominating race of his career (OC80k back on 28 Jan.). He is going to have to raise his game/intensity/professionalism in a tough battle like this one, but Cox is up to the challenge. Ten Strike and Madaket are some of the best ownership groups in the country, and I am sure they are ready to celebrate in the Larry Snyder Winner’s Circle. With Florent Geroux aboard once again, you can wager that this power runner is going to be ready to fly. Let’s use him over the other 3 Razorback alums, and load up with a massive Exacta … should bring us a tidy sum!

Wagering Recommendation: $2 Exacta Wheel, 3 w 1/4/5

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