Francisco Arrieta points his right index finger to the sky following each victory. The jockey said it’s not about finishing No. 1, but acknowledging the heavens.

Mr. Jagermeister was in a hurry to complete major preparations for the $200,000 Hot Springs Stakes for older sprinters March 13 at Oaklawn.

Grade 2 winner Keepmeinmind completed major preparations for the $1 million Rebel Stakes (G2) for 3-year-olds March 13 at Oaklawn with a 5-furlong workout over a fast track Friday morning for trainer Robertino Diodoro.

HOT SPRINGS, AR (Friday, March 5, 2021) – Oaklawn’s road to the Kentucky Oaks continues Saturday with the $300,000 Honeybee Stakes (G3) at 1 1/16 miles.

It’s all about the girls the next two weekends at Oaklawn for trainer Kenny McPeek, who is scheduled to send out Tabor Hall and Oliviaofthedesert in Saturday’s $300,000 Honeybee Stakes (G3) for 3-year-old fillies and Envoutante in the $350,000 Azeri Stakes (G2) for older fillies and mares March 13.

Two-time champion Monomoy Girl, making her 6-year-old debut for new connections Spendthrift Farm LLC, MyRacehorse Stable, and Madaket Stables LLC, picked up where she left off 2020 with an impressive victory in Sunday’s $250,000 Bayakoa Stakes (G3). It was her first start since winning the Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1) last November en route to earning Champion Older Mare honors. She had also been named the 2018 Champion 3-Year-Old Filly.

Champion Essential Quality emerged in good order from his victory in the $750,000 Southwest Stakes (G3) for 3-year-olds Saturday at Oaklawn, the unbeaten colt’s trainer, Brad Cox, said Sunday morning.

Godolphin, LLC’s Mystic Guide, making his 4-year-old debut, made a sweeping move around the turn and drew away to a sixth-length victory in Saturday’s $600,000 Razorback Handicap (G3), the first of three stakes on the card.

Reigning Two-Year-Old Champion Essential Quality capped a huge day for owner Godolphin, LLC with an impressive victory in Saturday’s $750,000 Southwest Stakes (G3), his 3-year-old debut. Earlier on the card, Godolphin’s Mystic Guide won the $600,000 Razorback Handicap (G3).

In the early spring of 2016, Livia Frazar was asked where she saw her husband’s training career in five years. That trainer, then an up and comer obsessed with horses, was Brad Cox.