Stogie's Horse Racing Picks for Friday, March 14, 2025

Oaklawn Park Race 7

8 Passion Rules is unbeaten in 2 Career starts. Colt was able to close into some very slow early paces in both those races. He likely gets a better pace scenario today and should be mowing them down in the stretch drive. Colt enters here off a sharp 5/117 bullet. Win Contender
5 Hymn faces winners for the first time off an impressive debut victory. Colt was a 4-length winner sprinting here at Oaklawn while earning a 94 Bris number. He routes for the first time today which shouldn’t pose a problem based on this one’s pedigree. Win Contender
7 Heavenville has good early speed and appears to be the likely pacesetter. If somehow this Colt can set a moderate pace, he can take this group gate-to-wire. Major Threat

2 Nolita exits from a good third-place finish at this level despite not getting a clean trip. I like the switch to the aggressive Jockey Kendrick Carmouche today. I believe this Billy Mott trainee can move forward off his last start and can win this at a price. Win Contender
5 La Banquera is the even-money morning line favorite after 2 dominating wins versus a bit softer. Any repeat of those 2 efforts likely gets the W here but he should face some early pressure here. He was unchallenged early in both of those dominating wins. He might not have it so easy on the front end today. Win Contender
3 Jackson’s Dixie makes its first start in a new barn today. Mare enters here off a 1/112 gate bullet. Don’t Ignore

3 Classic Car Wash was a winner here 2 months ago for trainer Marc Casse. I can’t understand the 20-1 morning line on this son of Noble Bird. He sports the fastest dirt speed figures amongst this group and has been a consistent performer, 9 of 15 in the money, throughout his career. Live Longshot
4 Catching Freedom disappointed last out at the Fair Grounds finishing a dismal 7th in the Grade 3 Mineshaft. Connections were a bit ambitious by trying this Colt in a Grade 3 off a 7-month layoff. Colt finds a much softer spot here today. He has two solid works and should be a player second off the bench today. Win Contender
5 Bendoog is training lights out for his return from a 5-month hiatus. The gelding has run well off this type of layoff and appears to be sitting on a big effort. Major Threat
8 Disarm is another who is coming in here off an extended layoff. This classy Gun Runner Colt faced and competed well against Grade 1 competition. I’m just not sure we’ll see his best today. He might need a race. Use With Caution

6 The Thor has run 2 solid races since coming to the States via Chile. He finished 3rd by just 2- lengths in his most recent at this level. I love the switch to Junior Alvardo today after some questionable rides in this one’s 2 starts here at Gulfstream. Win Contender
2 Catalytic has a case of seconditis, finishing second 5 times in his last 6 starts. The trainer adds the blinkers today, hopefully, that equipment change can get this Colt back to the winner’s circle. Win Contender
1 Upstanding was overmatched in a Grade 3 last out after breaking Maiden by 9 lengths. This is a much better spot for this 400k purchase. Major Player