Oaklawn Moves Southwest, Bayakoa, Razorback to Feb. 21
Image:
Description:
Photo: Coady Photography
Horses break from the gate at Oaklawn Park
Oaklawn Park has moved the $750,000 Southwest Stakes (G3), the $250,000 Bayakoa Stakes (G3), and the $600,000 Razorback Handicap (G3) from Feb. 20 to Feb. 21 based on an extended weather forecast, the Arkansas track announced on social media Feb. 13.
The $150,000 Dixie Belle Stakes and the $150,000 Downthedustyroad Stakes, slated for Feb. 21, have been moved to Feb. 20.
"Based on the extended forecast, we are flip-flopping next weekend stakes," Oaklawn tweeted.
The Southwest, a Road to the Kentucky Derby prep race, and the Bayakoa were previously pushed back from their original Presidents Day date Feb. 15 to Feb. 20. The Razorback was previously moved from Feb. 13 to Feb. 20.
The Southwest will offer qualifying points on a 10-4-2-1 basis toward a spot in the Kentucky Derby Presented by Woodford Reserve (G1). Probables for the race include the 2020 juvenile male champion Essential Quality, Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes (G2) winner Keepmeinmind, dual grade 1 winner Jackie's Warrior, and Last Samurai.
Essential Quality, Keepmeinmind, and Jackie's Warrior finished first, third, and fourth, respectively, in last fall's TVG Breeders' Cup Juvenile Presented by Thoroughbred Aftercare Alliance (G1) at Keeneland.
Monomoy Girl, the older dirt female champion of 2020 who topped an undefeated season with her second Longines Breeders' Cup Distaff (G1) win, is expected to make her 6-year-old debut in the Bayakoa.