Big weekend on tap for Let ’em Run at Oaklawn at Gulfstream

When the gates open and the pressure is on, there’s only one philosophy that matters: Let ’em Run. This weekend’s racing calendar delivers the kind of stakes, sequences, and storylines that define the road to the Kentucky Derby, and Oaklawn Park sits right at the center of it all. With prep races stacking up across the country and momentum building toward spring, Friday’s Late Pick 5 at Oaklawn is more than just another wagering opportunity. It’s a chance to read the pace, trust the numbers, and let fast horses do what they do best.

Late Pick 5 Preview at Oaklawn Park – Friday, February 6, 2026

This is shaping up to be a big weekend of horse racing, with potentially four Kentucky Derby Prep races on the calendar. I use the word “potentially” for a reason. Aqueduct is scheduled to run the Withers Stakes on Friday, but cold weather could still put that race in jeopardy.

Scheduled alongside the Withers is the Southwest Stakes from Oaklawn Park. On Saturday, we get the Sam F. Davis at Tampa Bay Downs and the Robert B. Lewis at Santa Anita. When we wake up Sunday morning, there will be some serious shaking going on in the Derby Prep standings.

Live Show Schedule and Coverage

My partner John Kostin and I will be live at a special time, 1:00 PM on Friday, February 6, 2026. We will break down the Late Pick 5 from Oaklawn Park, which runs Friday afternoon.

If Aqueduct does run, we will also take a look at the Withers Stakes. Be sure to tune in again on Saturday at 12:30 PM, when we dive into Gulfstream Park’s Late Pick 5. Several races on that card are part of the popular Coast to Coast P5. We will also review multiple Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks prep races.

You can catch us on Sports Talk Media Network, along with multiple streaming apps and social channels. Make sure to check out the wealth of handicapping information available at our sponsor’s website, BRISnet.com.

Oaklawn Park – Friday, February 6, 2026

Race 8 – 3:58 PM EST

1 ⅛ Miles, Dirt
The General MacArthur Overnight, $135K

Like the other races in this sequence, this opener offers several runners you can build around. We landed on #8 Energize at 8-1, with Luis Saez back aboard. This runner returns to his preferred dirt surface after a synthetic try last time. He should get another stalking trip, and the BRIS Speed Figure from his last dirt race fits well here.

The #3 Super Cruise at 7-2 gets a jockey upgrade with Rafael Bejarano. He owns the #1 Prime Power rating per BRISnet. This is his third start off the layoff, and trainer Ray Ashford wins at a strong 31 percent clip.

For a price underneath, look at #1 American Law at 20-1. He could spice up the exotics with a front-running trip from the rail.

Race 9 – 4:28 PM EST

6 Furlongs, Dirt
ALW125K N1X

I see this race as a possible “free space” in the sequence. The #5 Vital Mind at 8-5 looks tactical and continues to improve. He is by Into Mischief, with Jose Ortiz riding for Steve Asmussen. That combination checks a lot of boxes, especially with this runner holding the #1 Prime Power rating.

If the favorite fails to fire, or if you want coverage, consider the #8 Sharp Swinger at 7-2. Flavian Prat rides him for the first time. He shows an affinity for both the track and the distance, which could move him forward.

Race 10 – 5:04 PM EST

6 Furlongs, Dirt
The Bugler Overnight, $135K

This is my pick of the day. I landed on #7 Ankarina at 10-1. He could be long gone early, with Julian Leparoux intent on clearing the field and controlling the pace. If he can slow things down up front, he should have plenty left turning for home.

His recent form looks a bit dull, but the race four back would win this spot. Second time over the Oaklawn dirt should also help. Another horse that fits perfectly is #4 Hush It Honey at 10-1. She is the definition of a horse for course and distance. Leparoux knows her well, having ridden her in her last three wins. A clean stalking trip puts her right there.

Race 11 – 5:40 PM EST

1 1/16 Miles, Dirt
The Southwest Stakes (G3), $1,000,000

This is a terrific edition of the Southwest Stakes, even with the defection of Litmus Test, who looked like the likely favorite and will reportedly run in the San Felipe. Several high-quality runners remain, but we landed on #2 D’code at 3-1.

This race, and this runner, feel very similar to last year’s edition, when Speed King ran them off their feet. D’code owns a USTimeform Early Pace rating of 137. Speed King posted a 139 last year. The inside draw allows him to use his natural speed, which he could not fully exploit from post 11 last time.

By Speightstown out of a Twirling Candy mare, he brings both speed and stamina to the table. The rail horse, #1 Reclamation at 30-1, does not appear fast enough to keep up early. If you want a price underneath, look to #7 Liberty National at 10-1. He handles the distance, and I have learned the hard way not to leave Ken McPeek and Brian Hernandez Jr. off a ticket in big races.

Race 12 – 6:15 PM EST

1 ⅛ Miles, Dirt
Allowance $12,500

This is the toughest race in the sequence. If you are playing the Pick 5, this is where you should consider going deep. The #2 Bright Spark at 8-1 seeks his fourth straight win and five out of his last six. He clearly loves the Oaklawn surface, and his race at this distance and level three back fits perfectly.

One reason to spread is the morning-line favorite, #12 Money Run at 2-1. He draws a tough outside post again. He overcame it last time, but repeating that effort will not be easy. Rafael Bejarano lands on #10 Eastside Cool at 5-2, with a slightly better post this time. Eight of this runner’s nine wins have come at Oaklawn. Trainer Randy Morse and Bejarano make a strong team.

Take a deep look before punching your ticket, and good luck.

Closing Thoughts

Be sure to follow us on multiple streaming apps and social channels, including Capital Sports Network YouTube. As we always say, “bet smart, cheer hard, fast horses can lead to some serious fun.” Until next time… Let ’em Run.