OAKLWAN OPENS

OAKLWAN OPENS

Oaklawn Park opens its doors for racing on Friday to kick off their ever-important meeting in Hot Springs, Arkansas. This storied venue has grown in popularity in a big way over the past handful of years as it has become a hotbed for some of the finer sophomore runners in training heading into the Triple Crown series. Curlin, Afleet Alex and Super Saver are just a few of the names that have gone on to glory over the past few seasons.

A total of 11 graded events are set for this meeting, with most of the focus on the three-year-old series they have set up here; the $300,000 Southwest S. (G3) on Feb. 18, $600,000 Rebel S. (G2) on March and 16 and on closing-day, the $1 million Arkansas Derby (G1), which runs April 13.

Other major stakes events at Oaklawn include the $500,000 Apple Blossom H. (G1) on April 12, $500,000 Oaklawn H. (G2) on closing day and the $400,000 Fantasy S. (G2) on April 10.

The opening day headliner is the $75,000 Fifth Season S., a 1 1/16 miles tussle for four-year-olds and older.