2022 Top Stakes to Bet On: Two Graded Races and More for the Weekend

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There are just two graded stakes races this weekend. Both races happen at Oaklawn Park in Arkansas. The first is the Grade 3 Whitmore Stakes going 6 furlongs on the dirt. The second is the $500,000 Grade 3 Essex Handicap. Check out top plays and Horse Racing Odds for the Top Stakes Races of the Week from Saturday, Mar. 19th. You can also visit our Online Racebook to place your bets on active racetracks.

Horse Racing Odds & Picks March 14th Edition

Gulfstream Park – Saturday, March 19

Hutcheson Stakes – 6 furlongs dirt – 3 year olds

Saffie Joseph Jr. trained Of A Revolution is the lone runner committed to this Saturday’s Hutcheson Stakes. Of A Revolution won his first couple of races before finishing second in the Limehouse Stakes and then third in the Grade 3 Swale. The Maclean’s Music sired runner figures to go off the chalk no matter what other runners enter.

Any Limit Stakes – 6 furlongs dirt – 3 year olds

No word yet on which 3 year olds will contest the 6 furlongs in the Any Limit Stakes. Based on past runnings, a top sophomore could enter the starting gate. Frank’s Rockette won the Any Limit Stakes in 2020. Last year, Farsighted took top honors while Shop Girl finished second.

Aqueduct Racetrack – Saturday, March 19

Cicada Stakes – 6 furlongs dirt – 3 year olds

The Cicada Stakes should be an excellent race. In 2021, Just Read It took top honors over Exogen and Save. This year, the best 3 year old sprinting fillies in New York will step into the gate for a crack at the winner’s share of $100,000.

Santa Anita Park – Saturday, March 19

Irish O’Brien Stakes – 6 ½ furlongs turf – 4 year olds and up

Top 4 year old fillies and mares at the Great Race Place will contest the 6 ½ furlongs Irish O’Brien over the turf. Leggs Galore, last year’s winner, should show up to defend her title. The Phil D’Amato trainee has won her last couple of races and loves Santa Anita’s turf. Alice Marble, Eddie’s New Dream, Closing Remarks, and Going To Vegas also figure to run.

Oaklawn Park – Saturday, March 19

Grade 3 Whitmore Stakes – 6 furlongs dirt – 4 year olds and up

9 runners are confirmed for the Grade 3 Whitmore. No Shirt No Shoes, Bob’s Edge, Greeley And Ben, Kneedeepinsnow, Atoka, Royal Daaher, Tulane Tryst, Heart Rhythm, and Hollis. You’ll need your handicapping hat to find the winner. Of the 9, not a single equine has much of an edge over the other 8.

Grade 3 Essex Handicap – 1 1/16 miles dirt – 4 year olds and up

Grade 3 Razorback first place finisher Plainsman leads a strong field in the 2022 Grade 3 Essex Handicap. From the Brad Cox barn, Plainsman has killer speed. Thomas Shelby, which finished second to Plainsman in the Razorback will also run. So will Title Ready, the Pegasus World Cup’s 8th place finisher, Popular Kid, third in the Razorback, fifth place Razorback finisher R Rated Superstar, Beau Luminaire from the Rodolphe Brissett barn, and Mike Maker trained Hanalei’s Houdini.

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