Betting With, and Against, Nitrogen in the Apple Blossom Handicap

A total of nine fillies and mares will go postward in the lucrative, $1.25 million Apple Blossom H. (G1) at Oaklawn Park on Saturday. Grade 1 heroine and champion #1 Nitrogen (9-5) is the one to beat from the rail for conditioner Mark Casse. 

Nitrogen – With

• $2 trifecta key 1 with 2,3,7,8 ($24)
• $1 superfecta key 1 with 2,3,7,8 ($24)

Nitrogen – Against

• $1 trifecta 2,7 with 1,2,3,7,8 with 1,2,3,7,8 ($24)
• $1 superfecta 2,7 with 1,2,7 with 1,2,3,7,8 with 1,2,3,7,8 ($24)

The Medaglia d’Oro four-year-old has finished in the top three in each of her 14 career runs to date and could peak in the affair while making her third run off the layoff this season. She is proven on the course, evidenced by her stylish tally in the Bayakoa (G3) here two back, and while she was defeated at 3-10 odds in the Azeri (G2) last time out, the filly will not need much improvement to get back to her winning ways. Regular pilot Jose Ortiz comes in to guide the classy lass. 

There are multiple solid alternatives to the favorite in the field, however, for those searching for value. The Dan Ward-trained #2 Majestic Oops (9-2) might be a bit underrated in general and has put in a pair of very good local runs this campaign, led by a tally in the Azeri in her latest endeavor. The Majestic Harbor six-year-old is four-for-eight at this venue with a pair of seconds and is another who could move forward third off the pine, as well. Francisco Arrieta has the call. 

Grade 2 victress #7 Five G (10-1) will bring pace and class to the cast for George Weaver. The Vekoma four-year-old had a nice tune-up for the Apple Blossom with a facile allowance triumph at Gulfstream Park, and if the filly gets a sensible trip, then she will be right there in the closing stages of the affair. She was second in the 2025 Honeybee (G3) in her prior run on the surface and will have John Velazquez in the stirrups. 

Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1) third #3 Regaled (2-1) was a fast-closing second in the Azeri in her 2026 debut and will be moving best of all in the closing stages of the tilt. The Beckman charge lands in a field with a lot of early pace and will be winding up approaching the turn for home with regular rider Joseph Ramos in the saddle. 

#8 Claret Beret is not especially consistent, but she is a nice middle-distance mare who is capable of big things when she puts in her best run. The Saffie Joseph pupil drew off to a commanding victory in the Royal Delta (G3) at 1 1/16 miles at Gulfstream Park in her latest appearance and will be in the mix with a repeat of that against this cast. Micah Husbands comes in to retain the ride.