Meet the Contenders: 2026 Southwest Stakes
Litmus Test justified 3-5 favoritism in the Los Alamitos Futurity (G2) (Photo by Benoit Photo)
February 4th, 2026
Meet the horses running in the 2026 Southwest (G3) on Friday at Oaklawn Park. For each horse, we're listing a pro, a con, and a rating of potential. The star rating of 1 to 5 represents the opportunity to perform well. Be sure to follow these contenders by adding them to your stable alerts.
Reclamation wins at Oaklawn Park. (Photo by Coady Media)
#1 Reclamation **
Pro: Notable improvement second out, drawing off to win by four lengths.
Con: Like several other recent grads here, has a tall order to repeat.
D'Code wins at Oaklawn Park. (Photo by Coady Media)
#2 D’code ***
Pro: Ran huge to win debut and 98 Brisnet speed rating puts him in the mix here.
Con: That maiden win was over six furlongs; hike in class and distance major hurdles.
Buetane rolled on debut at Del Mar (Photo by Benoit Photos)
#3 Buetane ****
Pro: Distant second in Hopeful (G1) and comeback in San Vicente (G2) was a decent prep.
Con: Bred to stretch out, but perhaps might be more of a one-turn type?
Rancho Santa Fe wins at Ellis Park. (Photo by Coady Media)
#4 Rancho Santa Fe **
Pro: Career got off to a good start, including a key allowance win at Keeneland.
Con: Slow pace may not be the only reason for the Smarty Jones S. flop.
Litmus Test justified 3-5 favoritism in the Los Alamitos Futurity (G2) (Photo by Benoit Photo)
#5 Litmus Test (SCR) *****
Circle Tap wins at Oaklawn Park. (Photo by Coady Media)
#6 Circle Tap *
Pro: Overcame trouble to beat maidens by three, albeit in start number five.
Con: He and stablemate Spirit of Royal look to be in too deep.
Liberty National wins at Churchill Downs. (Photo by Coady Media)
#7 Liberty National ***
Pro: Beaten less than a length in Gun Runner S. at Fair Grounds; remains with upside.
Con: Form of Gun Runner was not flattered recently in Lecomte (G3).
Spirit of Royal wins at Oaklawn Park. (Photo by Coady Media)
#8 Spirit of Royal *
Pro: Earned belated diploma in two-turn debut last time.
Con: Speed ratings do not appear up to snuff; outsider.
Strategic Risk wins the Smarty Jones at Oaklawn Park. (Photo by Coady Media/Kara West)
#9 Strategic Risk ****
Pro: Has won last two stakes attempts by open lengths, including Smarty Jones.
Con: Worked out great trip in latter stalking slow pace; doubt this will be as easy.
#10 Bricklin ***
Pro: Much improved in local debut, showing best speed in four starts.
Con: Lone stakes try was ugly, though he did get off to a bad start there.
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#11 Silent Tactic ****
Pro: Handled dirt just fine in Smarty Jones; should be stronger second off layoff.
Con: Wonder, given pedigree, whether he needs a little longer distance.
Baytown Chatterbox (Photo by Coady Photography)
#12 Baytown Dreamer **
Pro: Nine-start veteran outran 84-1 odds in Smarty Jones.
Con: Fairly well exposed at this point, and the waters are deeper here.
Soldier N Diplomat wins at Churchill Downs. (Photo by Coady Media)
#13 Soldier N Diplomat ***
Pro: Solid effort in Kentucky Jockey Club (G2) after rating close to honest pace.
Con: Has speed, but stamina over this distance is a bit of a question.
Sleepingonfreedom wins at Churchill Downs. (Photo by Coady Media)
#14 Sleepingonfreedom **
Pro: One of several hurt by slow pace in Smarty Jones; perhaps capable of more.
Con: Wide draw likely hurts, and lone win to date was in the slop.
