• Oaklawn Park 4/23/2026

  Oaklawn Park Free Picks – 04/23/2026

  Best Bet | Race 6 #8 Dreamofyou
  Longshot | Race 1 #6 Ragtime Sizzle
  Vulnerable Favorite | Race 4 #2 Dutch Mills
  Pace Meltdown | Race 5

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  Race 1 | 1 1/16m Dirt

  DRE Selections Top 4
  #6 Ragtime Sizzle | Score: 30.4%
  #1A Hand It Over / #1 Parking Lot Pours | Score: 28.7%
  #2 Evocation | Score: 21.6%
  #3 Carmalieta | Score: 19.3%

  Analysis:
  #6 Ragtime Sizzle is the value play against a short-priced entry and brings a strong Trainer Edge profile that suggests improvement second off the claim. He does not need a perfect setup and offers the best win-price combination.

  The #1 entry (Parking Lot Pours / Hand It Over) is the main threat, led by #1 Parking Lot Pours, who comes in with a Sharp Recent Drill signal and clear class edge. The issue is price — you’re paying full freight in a race with alternatives.

  #2 Evocation fits as the third contender with enough tactical speed to stay in range early. If the entry fails to fire late, this one could inherit the race.

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  Race 2 | 1 1/16m Dirt

  DRE Selections Top 4
  #7 Arkansas Dave | Score: 29.9%
  #1 Irish Guard | Score: 26.5%
  #8 My Russian Harr | Score: 22.3%
  #5 Mandatory Mission | Score: 21.3%

  Analysis:
  #7 Arkansas Dave gets the edge with a balanced profile and steady progression. He fits the race shape well and should get a favorable trip.

  #1 Irish Guard is a logical contender with strong figures and consistency, but may lack a finishing edge if pressured late.

  #8 My Russian Harr offers upside and fits the Top 3 structure well — a contender who can capitalize if the race becomes tactical.

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  Race 3 | 6f Dirt

  DRE Selections Top 4
  #1 Top Gun Tommy | Score: 32.1%
  #4 Fifth Avenue | Score: 26.9%
  #5 Juilliard | Score: 22.0%
  #3 Derby Date | Score: 19.0%

  Analysis:
  #1 Top Gun Tommy is the most likely winner on pure ability, controlling the race from a speed and class standpoint.

  #4 Fifth Avenue is dangerous with both Distance Proven and Track-Proven credentials — a major threat if the favorite stubs his toe.

  #5 Juilliard fits as the third piece with consistent figures and the ability to stay involved throughout.

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  Race 4 | 6f Dirt

  DRE Selections Top 4
  #1 Kunshan Bridge / #1A Classic Cut | Score: 29.3%
  #2 Dutch Mills | Score: 28.5%
  #4 Amundson | Score: 21.8%
  #9 Texas Holdem | Score: 20.4%

  Analysis:
  #2 Dutch Mills will be heavily bet but is vulnerable given the competitive depth of this field.

  The #1 entry offers better overall value and consistency, with both runners capable of winning depending on race shape.

  #4 Amundson is the third key player, with enough tactical ability to sit close and strike if the leaders weaken.

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  Race 5 | 1 1/16m Dirt

  DRE Selections Top 4
  #3 Promissione | Score: 29.8%
  #7 Stoke the Fire | Score: 26.7%
  #6 Na Pali Joe | Score: 22.5%
  #8 Arthur’s Court | Score: 21.0%

  Analysis:
  This is your Pace Meltdown Race, and that dynamic drives the selections.

  #3 Promissione benefits most from that setup, bringing a strong overall profile and the ability to finish.

  #7 Stoke the Fire is a major threat with Trainer Edge and hot connections — very dangerous if the pace collapses fully.

  #6 Na Pali Joe fits as the third contender with the right style to stay involved and pick up pieces late.

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  Race 6 | 1 1/16m Dirt

  DRE Selections Top 4
  #8 Dreamofyou | Score: 33.6%
  #7 Foolish Mortal | Score: 25.9%
  #9 Mor Cheese Please | Score: 21.7%
  #4 Raaq Tansani | Score: 18.8%

  Analysis:
  #8 Dreamofyou is the strongest play on the card, combining Trainer Edge, hot connections, and ideal positioning.

  #7 Foolish Mortal is the main danger with solid form and the ability to stay within striking range.

  #9 Mor Cheese Please rounds out the top tier with enough upside to capitalize if the top two falter.

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  Race 7 | 1 Mile Dirt

  DRE Selections Top 4
  #5 Biloba | Score: 34.1%
  #2 About Face | Score: 26.4%
  #6 Prime Suspect | Score: 21.8%
  #9 Champagne Liberal | Score: 17.7%

  Analysis:
  #5 Biloba is a clear standout with a powerful In-Form Rider/Barn Team signal and class edge.

  #2 About Face is the logical alternative, bringing a strong Trainer Edge and solid foundation.

  #6 Prime Suspect offers upside with strong recent drills and fits as a live third contender.

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  Race 8 | 1 1/16m Dirt

  DRE Selections Top 4
  #5 Pink Ruby | Score: 30.7%
  #10 Mo Sense | Score: 26.9%
  #3 Crushed Ice | Score: 22.3%
  #6 Morning Miracle | Score: 20.1%

  Analysis:
  #5 Pink Ruby gets the nod with a strong Trainer Edge and Sharp Recent Drill signal — a reliable profile at this level.

  #10 Mo Sense is a major threat with a positive trainer move and competitive figures.

  #3 Crushed Ice is Track-Proven and rounds out the top tier with consistent form.

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  Race 9 | 6f Dirt

  DRE Selections Top 4
  #9 Brass Nucks | Score: 35.2%
  #3 Maxxus | Score: 26.8%
  #2 Ripple’s Rocket | Score: 20.7%
  #7 Go Go Ro Ro | Score: 17.3%

  Analysis:
  #9 Brass Nucks is a standout closer with a Sharp Recent Drill signal and clear class advantage.

  #3 Maxxus is the main threat with strong connections and a live workout pattern.

  #2 Ripple’s Rocket fits as the third contender with enough ability to stay competitive throughout.

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  Free Horse Racing Picks by Track

  Mahoning Valley Free Picks
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  Fair Grounds Free Picks
  Gulfstream Park Free Picks
  Oaklawn Park Free Picks

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  Past results don’t guarantee future performance. Bet responsibly.

Fair Grounds Podcast

Oaklawn Current: Low Takeout, High Churn

Oaklawn’s new strategy focuses on churn—keeping your winnings in play by offering some of the most competitive takeout rates in North America. The highlight is a 15% takeout on the “Get Out Pick 3” and the “Late $5 Daily Double,” specifically designed to provide a high-value exit strategy for the final races of the day.

While the “Get Out Pick 3” carries a higher $3 minimum, the 6% reduction in takeout (from the standard 21%) significantly increases the mathematical “edge” for serious handicappers. Similarly, the $5 Late Double offers a streamlined, low-vig path to capitalize on the end of the card.

2025-2026 Wagering Menu & Takeout

Performance & Impact

The move toward lower takeout is already driving massive volume. During the 13-day Holiday meet, total wagering surpassed $93 million—a 27% year-over-year increase.

On-Track Advantage: The “Show Bet Bonus” (10% takeout) provides on-track patrons an average 7% payout increase over off-track bettors. Pick 5 Momentum: The Early Pick 5 averaged $240,812 per pool, while the Late Pick 5 reached $277,455.

How To Bet The Surface Transitions:

The “Sloppy” Track (Standing Water)

The Tip: Bet the Speed. When the track is designated as “Sloppy,” don’t be fooled by the mess. Because the surface material splashes away, horses actually hit the firm clay base underneath. This often makes the times faster than a standard “Fast” track.

• The Bias: Front-runners and “E” (Early) types have a massive advantage.
• The Fade: Deep closers and late runners rarely make up ground in these conditions. If your horse isn’t in the top three at the first call, tear up your ticket.

The “Muddy” Track (Drying Out)

The Tip: Look for the Middle Lanes. As the water evaporates, the track becomes “sticky” and taxing. This is the most grueling surface for a horse to run on.

• The Bias: The rail (stalls 1-2) often becomes “dull” or “heavy,” acting like quicksand. Target horses breaking from stalls 3 through 5 who can tuck into the middle paths where the ground is usually firmer.
• The Strategy: Look for “grinders”—horses with high stamina ratings who can handle a “heavy” surface.

Shippers – Where To Find The Betting Value

The Fair Grounds (New Orleans) Pipeline

This is the most common shipper path. While the weather is similar, the Purse Delta is the story here.

• The Tip: Look for horses that were “knocking on the door” in New Orleans. Trainers ship them to Hot Springs specifically for the higher paydays.
• The Angle: Fair Grounds has a sandier track. Upgrade horses with high-stamina pedigrees; they’ll need that extra lung capacity to handle the deeper, more demanding Oaklawn clay.

The Synthetic-to-Dirt “Stamina” Angle

Keep a sharp eye on horses coming from Turfway Park or Woodbine (Tapeta surfaces).

• The Tip: Don’t automatically “toss” a horse just because it’s been running on synthetic. Tapeta racing requires elite cardiovascular fitness.
• The Angle: Look for trainers like Mike Maker or Cherie DeVaux. They often use synthetic tracks to build a “bottom” (stamina base) before shipping to Oaklawn for a big dirt score. If the horse has a dirt-heavy pedigree, they are a massive threat to outrun their odds.

The New York/Aqueduct Power Play

• The Tip: Aqueduct and Oaklawn share a similar “deep clay” feel.
• The Angle: Horses that handle the winter “Big A” in New York usually transition seamlessly to the Oaklawn red clay. Progeny of New York-based sires are high-value targets here.

Pipeline Quick-Scan Cheat Sheet

The “Money” Indicator

Always check the Purse Increase. If a horse is shipping from a track with $60k purses to an Oaklawn race with $110k purses, the trainer isn’t just “taking a shot”—they think they have enough horse to pay for the shipping and then some.

Explore our full Oakland Park Racing Archive to analyze past performance trends and long-term handicapping results

By Bob Shirilla —
Horse Racing Handicapper & Founder, Daily Racing Edge