We are coming down the stretch as we approach the biggest day in horse racing and handicapping for the Kentucky Derby. Let ’em Run will be broadcasting live from the Hibernian Club on Saturday May 2nd, with special guests, handicapping jewels and up to the minute info on The Derby. We also would like to thank our sponsor BRISnet.com, and they have some special handicapping packages available.
Oaklawn Park – Saturday 4/18/26 Overview
Oaklawn Park – Saturday 4/18/26
Race 8 – 5:31 EST – 6 Furlongs Dirt OC25K/N1X
The start of the late P5 offers bettors some head scratching options, where some bettors may consider singling the #7 Pokernightatvees 8-5. If you take this option, you may leave yourself an opportunity to go deeper in the upcoming legs. This runner has a slew of consistent BSF’s in the mid 80’s, and the #1 BRISnet.com Prime Power. The rail runner #1 Perfect Magic 5-1, may look to run them off of their feet, with the team of jockey Erik Asmussen and trainer Steven Asmussen.
Race 9 – 6:07 EST – 1 Mile Dirt – The Valley of the Vapors Stakes 200K
Plenty of speed signed on here in this 1 mile stakes event, and we think that sets up well for #4 Miss Call 9-2, with the change to jockey Jose Ortiz. The turn back in distance is a plus, and the highest last race speed figure adds to the appeal. The #6 Sticker Shock 9-5 will likely be on bettors tickets, with trainer Brad Cox and jockey Irad Ortiz Jr. attracting a lot of attention. We think this race is more wide open and could make a valid case for several runners.
Race 10 – 6:40 EST – 6 Furlongs Dirt ALW 40K
The #1 Otto the Conqueror 5-2, is team Asmussen again, however jockey Keith Asmussen gets his turn for father trainer, Steve Asmussen. A statistic often referred to and seen if you are a student of BRISnet.com, is drops off of a win. Trainer Asmussen hits at 56% when applying this angle (5 for 9). We also would consider 2 longshots in this race, #7 Wildatlanticstorm 15-1, who has veteran jockey Rafael Bejarano up for the ride, and dropping in class from some big races. The #9 Top Gun Tommy has some serious early foot, and could give our top choice a run for the money.
Race 11 – 7:20 EST – 1 ⅛ Dirt – The Oaklawn Handicap Gr2 1,250,000K
The Main Event is here, The Oaklawn Handicap. We will be taking a firm stand on #5 Journalism 5-2. This runner always fires, and even in his last race, being beaten by super horse Forever Young, he posted a strong 106 BSF. Has not run since The Breeders Cup Classic, and we think trainer Michael McCarthy had this race on his radar. The workouts are like clockwork since March 8th, this runner is 2 for 2 at the distance, and trainer McCarthy has been interviewing like his horse is sitting on a big one.
Race 12 – 7:52 EST – 1 1/16 Dirt ALW/OC35K
We are looking to close out the sequence with three runners here. The #2 Seraphia is coming out of some strong races, and will relish the drop in class. Our pick on the outside post, #10 Thestral 4-1, will have to work out a trip, and strong Oaklawn jock Francisco Arrieta is the right man for the job. Just missed last out, and 2nd off the short layoff could be the key. Our BRISnet.com #1 Prime Power, #6 Kerry’s Kiss 7-2, would be great value if the M/L holds up. Has the E8 running style, and the best USTimeform Earlypace figure…by a lot. We would not fault any readers who land here.
Suggested Late P5 Ticket
So our ticket looks like this: 1,4,7 / All / 1,7,9 / 5 / 2,6,10 = $108
You can play with this ticket, add or leave off, but we like it.
Final Thoughts and Show Schedule
Be sure to check out our Friday Happy Hour Shows at 3pm every Friday, leading up to the Kentucky Derby on Saturday May 2nd. We will be having a live podcast on Derby Day from The Hibernian Club, with special guests, and analysis of the Derby, and any other key races on the card that day.
Be sure to tune in on this Saturday at 12:30, where myself and partner John Kostin will break down the Late P5 at Oaklawn after any scratches and changes. This can often change our analysis of the race, so be sure to tune in. We can be seen on Sports Talk Media Network, and multiple streaming apps and social channels.
As we always say in closing, “bet smart, cheer hard, fast horses can lead to serious fun and when all is said and done, Let ‘em Run.”
