Oaklawn, Fair Grounds & Gulfstream Picks: Stogie’s Race Selections & Best Bets – February 13, 2026

Oaklawn Park Race 4

3 Normandy Coast returned from a 6 month layoff and tried to take a salty group of horses gate to wire. Colt faltered in the stretch finishing third by 2-lengths. He faces a much easier group of horses today and should be much more fit as he makes his second start off the bench. I believe this Colt can carry his speed today versus this group. Win Contender 

6 Henro hasn’t seen the winners circle in 2 years but his work tab looks tight and with no world beaters in here today, this Gelding has a good shot to back to his winning ways. His last victory came right here at Oaklawn. He likes to come from off the pace and with a lot of speed signed on , he should be motoring down the stretch drive. Win Contender 

4 Ninja Warrior has 5 wins and 3 placing in 13 starts here at Oaklawn Park. Don’t Ignore

Selections 3-6-4-5

Fair Grounds Race 5

4 Awesomesauce has been knocking on the door to break her Maiden. She ran second by a neck in her debut on the turf here at the Fair Grounds, then ran a fast closing third by just neck in her next start. Gal was able to close despite some pedestrian fractions upfront. Hopefully she’ll give a better set up today. Filly also gets a huge upgrade in the jockey department to Jose’ Ortiz. Top Pick

1 Buckeye Bombshell was game as they come last out when making her first start off a 4-month hiatus, finishing second by just neck while being pressured throughout the race. Gal should be tighter second off the layoff today. If no one goes with this Filly, she could take the gate-to-wire. Win Contender 

2 Starwood must be considered as she makes her first start in the very good barn of Brad Cox. Cox hits at 29% winners with newbies making their first start for his stable. Major Threat

Selections 4-1-2-7

Gulfstream Park Race 8

4 Heir to the Roar has raced on the synthetic surface throughout her career and compiled a nice resume, winning 9 of 30 starts with 4 placing and 5 thirds, most at this distance. Mare tries the blades for the first time today and she does have some turf pedigree deep in her bloodlines. I feel she’ll offer the best value here and with the red hot Javier Castellano hoping on board, this is a must play for me. Top Pick

8 Wildly Speedy has been sidelined for over 6-months but this Filly’s work tab has been sharp. Gal broke her maiden over this turf course a year ago. Win Contender 

7 Baby Blocks has a bit of seconditis, finishing second 4 straight times for trainer Blake Kelly. Can this Mare win this race?, absolutely but I hate to take a horse who hasn’t been able to finish in the final strides. Use Underneath 

Selections 4-8-7-3

Gulfstream Park Race 9

1 Contrary is a lightly raced daughter of Medaglia doors with plenty of upside. She was an impressive winner here a month ago, defeating Allowance/Optional 25kN1 foes with a late pace figure of 104. She faces the acid test today as there are much more accomplished runners in here, but I believe she’s could be up to the task. The likely favorite in here Five G will be pounded at the windows and this gal could offer a very sweet value. Top Pick

4 Five G is your deserving morning line favorite. She’s a perfect 2-2 here at Gulfstream and a Grade 2 winner. She laid an egg last out when taking on G1 competition on the West Coast. Filly is back where she does her best running. Win Contender 

3 Fede has sharp early speed and has won 2 of 3 at this distance. If Five G doesn’t fire today, this 15-1 shot might have something to say on the front end. Live Longshot

Selections 1-4-3-6

STOGIE PLAYS FOR TODAY 

Fair Grounds Race 4

$20 Win/Place #4 AWESOMESAUCE 

$1 Trifecta Box 1-2-4 =$46

Oaklawn Park Race 4

$10 WPS #3 Normandy Coast 

$5 Exacta Box 3-6

$1 Trifecta Box 3-4-6 = $46

TODAY’S BANKROLL $92