Southwest might go through Baffert stable

In the last five years, the Southwest (G3) at Oaklawn Park has produced Belmont (G1) winner Essential Quality and Kentucky Derby (G1) Mystik Dan. A good enough reason, perhaps, to keep a sharp eye on Saturday's $1 million renewal over 1 1/16 miles.

Unless declining weather conditions result in its postponement, the Southwest might run through the stable of Bob Baffert, which has happened a record six times before. The Hall of Famer is expected to send Litmus Test, his Los Alamitos Futurity (G2) winner, and Buetane, his Hopeful (G1) and San Vicente (G2) runner-up who stretches out around two turns for the first time.

But a dozen others are in this virtual cavalry. Strategic Risk comfortably won the Jan. 3 Smarty Jones S., albeit with an ideal trip sitting off of a slow pace. Back to oppose are stablemate Silent Tactic, Baytown Dreamer, Sleepingonfreedom, and Rancho Santa Fe.

Liberty National was a rallying second in the Gun Runner S. at Fair Grounds in late December, though his conqueror, Chip Honcho, was only fourth in the Lecomte (G3) two weeks ago. Soldier N Diplomat, meanwhile, might not have the speed to carry himself all the way after weakening to third in the Kentucky Jockey Club (G2).

Of more interest, perhaps, are Bricklin and D'code. Although he flopped in his stakes debut after a poor start in the Street Sense (G3) in late October, Bricklin made a more favorable impression earlier this month when turning back a dueling rival to win a one-mile allowance at Oaklawn by more than three lengths.

D'code debuted on Dec. 14 going six furlongs, showed speed from a wide draw, and blitzed his 10 rivals by 8 1/2 lengths. He earned a strong 98 Brisnet Speed rating, and figures to have a big chance of being on the lead again in the Southwest breaking from post 2.

The Southwest offers Kentucky Derby qualifying points of 20-10-6-4-2 to the respective top five finishers.

The same point allotment for the Kentucky Oaks (G1) is up for grabs in the $300,000 Martha Washington S. at 1 1/16 miles. Although Counting Stars is gunning for her third stakes win of the season in Hot Springs, Untapable S. heroine Hit Parade and recent maiden winners Search Party and Maximum Offer also figure to receive support.