Oaklawn Park 🏇🏾// Sat., Jan. 3, 2026
- Fink
- 5 minutes ago
- 4 min read
Happy Saturday & National Buffet Day!
Welcome to 2026, where the Lundin Line will see some changes, as noted in our recent posts. We hope the first week of the year is treating you well and that you’ll join us here all year long as we look to grow our audience and continue helping our loyal followers cash tickets with the ponies.
One change you’ll see in these write-ups is a recap of how we did on our last post. The criteria we’re using are wins by our top two selections in each race. We’ll show you the number of winners from each, the total payout based on a hypothetical $2 win bet on each, and the return on investment (ROI—the total amount won or lost based on the amount wagered, i.e., the profit or loss).
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Today, we head south to play the ponies in Hot Springs, Arkansas, at Oaklawn Park. Just like most weeks at this time of year, we’re on the Kentucky Derby trail, and today is no different. Today’s card features 11 races, three stakes races, and the aforementioned Kentucky Derby prep.
We’re still in the early stages of prep season, so they’re still handing out 10-5-3-2-1 points. In two weeks, the next phase begins, and more points will be awarded.
Today’s feature is the Smarty Jones (more on that below). It is for three-year-olds only, will be run at 1 1/16 miles, and has a purse of $250K. This is a non-graded stakes race, so we don’t often see horses who win this go on to the Derby or have major success in other big races. However, last year’s winner, Coal Battle, drew plenty of attention because of his trainer’s long journey to finally earn a spot in the Derby, so we’ll see if history can repeat itself this year.
The only horse in today’s field to have earned any points so far is the one horse, Universe, who currently sits fifth overall. While Universe cannot catch Ted Noffey for first, a win today would give him 23 total points, as this is his fourth prep race in this cycle. His previous prep results are a third and two seconds. The other starters’ connections shouldn’t fret, though—a win for their horse would vault them into a tie for seventh.
Today’s weather looks great, with highs in the mid-50s and some clouds. Oaklawn has only a dirt track, which will be rated fast to start the day. With no rain in the forecast, we should see that rating hold all day, meaning our featured race could be very fast-paced. We’re hoping for a great finish!
🏇Road to the KY Derby and KY Oaks 🏇
"Each year 20 horses have the once in a lifetime chance to run in the Kentucky Derby. To earn a spot in the starting gate, they must travel along the Road to the Kentucky Derby, a series of designated races at tracks across the country and around the world. Points are awarded to the top five finishers in each race. The 20 horses with the most points will earn a spot in the starting gate on the first Saturday in May."
-From our friends @ kentuckyderby.com
Need help picking winners? We've got you covered! Our (Always Free) Lundin Line's top picks and best bets are below. We use them to help narrow the field while putting our tickets together. The first post will be here soon, so don't be late - It's time to get #InTheMoney! 💰💰💰
Oaklawn Park 🏇🏾 // Sat., Jan. 3rd 2026
First Post @ 12:00 CT / 10:00 PT R1: 9-2-6-8
R2: 2-3-1-12
R3: 7-10-5-6
R4Ⓢ: 6-1-4
R5: 6-11-8-13
R6: 8⭑-7-1-10
R7: 8-12-11-10
R8: 6-8-13-4
R9Ⓢ: 3-5-8-2
🏇R10Ⓢ/DP:
Fink: 1-4-3-7
Mr. W: 6-1-3-4
R11: 11-1-6-7
⭑Best Bet(s)
R6: Anthonian (#8)
Ⓢtakes Races:
R4: 150K Renaissance S.
6 Furlongs on Dirt for 3 Yr. Olds
R9: 135K Commodore Overnight S
6 Furlongs on Dirt for 4 Yr. Olds & Up
R10: 250K Smarty Jones S. / DP
1 1/16 Miles on Dirt for 3 Yr. Olds
Derby Prep: Pts = 10-5-3-2-1
Smarty Jones was an undefeated American Thoroughbred who captured the public’s imagination in 2004 with a dominant run through the Triple Crown series. Foaled in Pennsylvania and owned by Pat and Roy Chapman, he rose from regional races to national stardom by winning the Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes in front-running fashion, earning comparisons to racing legends. Smarty Jones fell just short of immortality when he finished second in the Belmont Stakes, but he retired with an 8-for-8 record, becoming a symbol of hope and pride for Pennsylvania-bred horses and one of the most popular champions of the modern era.
Photo from our friends at National Day Calendar
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/ As always, please forgive any typos and grammatical errors