OAKLAWN NOTEBOOK
JANUARY 20, 2006
by Mark Weatherton
Oaklawn Park opens a 56-day season Friday. The 2006 meet will bring
more of everything — horses, trainers, jockeys, purse money, wagering
opportunities and, perhaps, attendance and handle. These conditions result from
strong growth over the past two or three years combined with the abbreviated
Fair Grounds meeting, which ends as the Spa opens rather than the usual two-month
overlap.
Two non-racing items are expected to have strong impacts on the racing
programs. Management has increased the number of Instant Racing machines – where you can bet on previously run races on videotape. This program has produced multiple
purse increases over the
past three years and the added machines are expected to keep helping purses. Secondly,
voters have finally approved the installation of
gaming machines, which are expected to provide another boost for purses, but
everything is on hold until a legal
challenge is settled.
Horses are on the grounds earlier than usual and the weather has been
very cooperative. Three of last year’s top three-year-old equine stars are back
this season — the John Servis duo of ROUND POND (Awesome Again) and ROCKPORT
HARBOR (Unbridled’s Song)
and the Bob Holthus-trained GREATER GOOD (Intidab) — and Oaklawn could once
again have a strong influence upon the Triple Crown races. Smarty Jones and
Afleet Alex both prepped over the track before going on to win two legs of the
Triple Crown, and this year’s schedule is highlighted by the Southwest S. on
February 20; Rebel S. (G3) on March 18; and $1 million Arkansas Derby (G2) on
April 15.
Prominent conditioners from recent years like Cole Norman, Steve Asmussen, Tim Ritchey,
Jinks Fires, Steve Hobby and Randy Morse are all back, some with increased
numbers due to the Fair Grounds, and several stables are returning after an absence or wintering at the Spa
for the first time, including D. Wayne Lukas, Neil Howard, Larry Robideaux,
Al Stall Jr., Bret Calhoun and Mike Stidham.
Five of the top six riders in 2005 — Calvin Borel, Luis Quinonez, Roman Chapa, Jamie Theriot
and John McKee — are returning, but last year’s leader, Jeremy Rose, has
relocated to Florida. Tim Doocy is recovering from an injury but should ride
this spring. Robby Albarado, a two-time leading rider at Oaklawn in the
mid-1990s, is back in the fold and Stewart Elliott will ride
full-time after riding only stakes races the last two years. Arkansas native Earlie Fires will
also return to Hot Springs following a
lengthy absence.
The Arkansas Racing Commission has approved the inclusion of the Pick 4,
which will be offered on the last four races of the program, for the first
time. Superfectas
will be available on three selected races rather than a single race as in the
past and the minimum has been lowered to 10 cents.
Five of the stakes will be run for increased money, most significantly two of the
Kentucky Derby (G1) prep races. The Southwest goes from $100,000 to $250,000, and
the Rebel has been increased to $300,000.