Remington Park's Oklahoma Derby Day & Betting Analysis for September 26
Oklahoma Derby Day in all of its glory has arrived this Sunday at Remington Park. Nestled just on the outskirts of historic Philadelphia, it is the site for some major "graded" events that are sure to make up your plays.
Here at Horseracing.net/us, we have you covered when it comes to handicapping selections, and targeted analysis of all the big races. It should be a great day that includes a total of 5 "signature" races across both dirt and turf ... sprint and route distances. Looking forward to this one? You should be ...
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.
Race 8: Dirt, 1 1/16th, Remington Park Oaks (G3), $200k, 3F
We find ourselves in the middle of an interesting route for fillies who posses quite a bit of experience at this stage of the year. Of course, Steve Asmussen’s Pauline’s Pearl #1 is the class of this field, and should win with Ricardo Santana in the irons. Even though she missed at Charles Town in their version of the “Oaks,” the daughter of Pulpit is still the only entry in this spot that competed in the KYOaks. She finished 8th that day in April, but most will disregard that result, focusing instead on the company. I have decided to try and beat the Stonestreet homebred. She has not won since the Fantasy (G3) at Oaklawn, and that is a “special” track that really has no equivalent.
When it comes to an alternative play, I am keen on Peter Eurton’s SoCal invader—Lady Mystify #7. The Bernardini filly did not show up for the Torrey Pine (G3) back in August at Del Mar. She was no match for Baffert’s Private Mission, and that disappointed bettors who thought they had an angle. Now, she is 3rd in the cycle, and has the opportunity to get back to business. Flavien Prat comes into town to ride her, and that could be just what she requires. An OBS grad from 2020, let’s not forget that she went for $325k … hope springs eternal.
Wagering Recommendation: $100 Bankroll, Graduated Wager, WPS #7 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)
Race 10: Dirt, 6F, David M. Vance S.$150k, 3+
The “Non-G” Vance is a minor stakes with a field of 9 set to go sprinting along the backstretch. There is a presumptive favorite in here, but we still could see the wealth spread in terms of who finds themselves at the top of the tote. I like the look of Karl Broberg’s Greeley and Ben #8, for the simple fact that he comes from a great barn, and comes in riding a win streak of 8 wins. The question is the class hike, and if Joe Talamo can tap into that speed reservoir, then this race might be his.
I want to use Broberg’s able-bodied runner, but I also like the look of Dallas Stewart’s Long Range Toddy #4. Here is a horse who looks classy enough to take on this competition. Out of Take Charge Indy, he is a homebred that Willis Horton Racing hopes can get back to some winning ways. The last time he visited the winner’s circle, it was way back in the Rebel S. (G2) in 2019. However, this 5-yr-old Derby alum has Stewart in his corner, and that can be a major boost. Veteran rider Jon Court gets the call, and he has the ability to deliver a win.
Wagering Recommendation: $2 Exacta Cold, 4 w 8
Race 11: Dirt, 1 1/8th, Oklahoma Derby (G3), $400k, 3
The focal point on the Remington card this Sunday is the Grade 3 Oklahoma Derby. Nationally-known trainers have shipped in for this event over the past few years in the hopes of making off with a tidy purse. Recently, Brad Cox’s Owendale and Shared Sense were able to get home in fine fashion. The Kentucky-based conditioner is having a banner year, if you had not heard, and once again, he arrives with another strong winning candidate. Warrant #3, a colt out of Constitution, was almost a “co-fave” with Mr. Wireless #7 last time in the West Virginia Derby (G3). The latter got the best of him in the end, but Cox had him ready. A rematch seems in order, and with Joel Rosario aboard (like he was at Lone Star in the TX Derby 300k), it could turn out differently.
As for Bret Calhoun’s impressive gelding out of Dialed In, he lost to Cox’s charge in Texas, then shipped to Indiana and won their Grade 3 “Derby rather easily. Round 2 in the WV Derby (G3) went his way, as he took over on the backside. Dominating the scene, he rolled up the rest of the field … pocketing the win. If you are looking for another alternative, then you might consider Team Asmussen’s Super Stock #1. The colt, who is also out of Dialed In, made headlines when the father-son (owner-trainer) combo got together for a “signature” moment in the Arkansas Derby (G1). Ricardo Santana guided his mount ably, and he is going to continue in that role. Needing a hot pace to run into will be key … if he gets it, it could be a repeat of what happened at Ellis Park last out in their Derby 200k. Should be a fun feature, to say the least …
Wagering Recommendation: $25/$50 WP #1
Race 12: Turf, 1 1/8th, Remington Green S., $100k, 3+
When it comes to the finale on this card, we are facing a tough route event on the Remington grass. Handling this distance will not be easy, and of course, I am looking for a winner that comes from a great barn. When it comes down to it, I really do not see anyone that can best Jason Barkley’s Spooky Channel #3. The gelding out of super sod sire English Channel has the moxie and the class rating to dominate this field. Right now, he is “in form,” and entirely capable of rolling late against this field. Back at Ellis Park, the last time he hit the grass, was in the KD TVG Preview Turf Cup S. Even though he finished 2nd to Bluegrass Parkway, there were some solid other entries in that race, including Family Way, Tide of the Sea, and Hierarchy. Earlier this year, “Spooky,” while under the care of Brian Lynch, worked his magic in the Connally Turf Cup (G3) at Sam Houston. With 23 starts and 9 of those being wins, he should score for his relatively new barn as he heads toward $500k in career earnings. Nice …
Wagering Recommendation: $100 Bankroll, Graduated Wager, WPS #3 ($10-W, $15-P, $75-S)
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Remington Park hosts their Oklahoma Derby Day! It is sure to be a loaded program … enjoy!