Top Stakes to Bet On: Essex Handicap, Whitmore Stakes, Just to Start With

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Major Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks preps are on hold this weekend but that doesn’t mean there’s no good stakes races on Saturday and Sunday. At Oaklawn Park on Saturday, 4 year olds and up run in the Grade 3 Whitmore and the Grade 3 Essex Handicap. Then on Sunday, 3 year olds run in the six furlong Damon Runyon Stakes at Aqueduct.

Check horse racing odds and more information for those three stakes races and three more happening this weekend.

Top Stakes Races for the Week

Top Stakes Races of the Week: March 18 – Sunday, March 19

Cicada Stakes

Track: Aqueduct Racetrack
When: Saturday, March 18
Distance: 6 furlongs dirt – 3 year old fillies

At least six runners will go in the Cicada Stakes. New York based trainer Linda Rice saddles a couple, Downtown Mischief and Fancy Azteca.

Like Rice, trainer Rodolphe Brissett will saddle two runners. Hot Little Thing could end up the chalk. Parody will offer decent odds. The other two probables are Fabulously Funny and Tappin Josie.

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Hutcheson Stakes

Track: Gulfstream Park
When: Saturday, March 18
Distance: 6 furlongs dirt – 3 year olds

Jorge Delgado trained Super Chow could go off at less than even money odds. Super Chow lost his last race, but it came against Gentleman Jim, a legit Derby contender.

Super Chow rival Two of a Kind will get some play. The Brian Lynch trained runner was part of the pace in the Swale. This is a much easier field. Mooncapture and Diamond Field should also attract betting dollars. 

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Grade 3 Essex Handicap

Track: Oaklawn Park
When: Saturday, March 18
Distance: 1 1/16 miles dirt – 4 year olds & up

Only two runners have confirmed for the Grade 3 Essex on Saturday. D. Wayne Lukas trained Last Samurai hopes to make it two straight graded victories.

Last Samurai won the Grade 3 Razorback in the last. The other confirmed runner is R Rated Superstar. The 10 year old gelding won the 2019 Essex Handicap and then repeated the winning effort in this last year. 

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Grade 3 Whitmore Stakes

Track: Oaklawn Park
When: Saturday, March 18
Distance: 6 furlongs dirt – 4 year olds & up

The Whitmore Stakes will attract four runners, but if the four that have confirmed are the only ones that go, the race should still be great.

It’s difficult to separate Tejano Twist, Cogburn, Flash of Mischief, and Spankster. Any of the four can win. Steve Asmussen trained Cogburn projects a the favorite. Don’t accept low odds on any runner to win the Whitmore.  

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China Doll Stakes

Track: Santa Anita Park
When: Saturday, March 18
Distance: 1 mile turf – 3 year old fillies

Connections for eleven runners are pointing to the China Doll Stakes. Comanche Country, trained by Phil D’Amato, finished seventh in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile Fillies in the last.

No doubt, Comanche Country will fight for favoritism. Princess Bettina, Tea N Conversation, and AG Bullet all ran in the Lady Shamrock in the last.

AG Bullet won the Lady Shamrock and figures to attract some action. Nyvan, Paris Secret, The Wild Grazer, Cast Member, Broadway Girls, Havana Angel, and Pleasant Wave should also run.   

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Damon Runyon Stakes

Track: Aqueduct Racetrack
When: Sunday, March 19
Distance: 6 furlongs dirt – 3 year olds

Kelly Breen trained Andiamo A Firenze should go off the chalk. The likely favorite finished fourth in the Grade 3 Withers in the last.

D’ont Lose Cruz, Bobby Ride, East Coast Girl, What’s Up Bro, and Looms Boldly should also run. Brad Cox trains Looms Boldly. Keep an eye on the action that lands on the Cox runner.

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