Oaklawn Notebook

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.