2026.07.30 Oaklawn Racing Update

Racing Updates
Compiled by Robert Yates

Contact: Chris Ho Vice President of Marketing

cho@oaklawn.com, 501-623-4411 ext. 4201

Thursday, July 30, 2026

Oaklawn’s two leading 2026 Kentucky Derby candidates are scheduled to return to action Saturday at Saratoga in the $500,000 G2-Jim Dandy Stakes.

The 1 1/8-mile Jim Dandy, a major local prep for the $1.25 million Travers Stakes (G1) Aug. 29, is the 10th of 12 races, with probable post time 4:44 p.m. CDT.

Five horses are entered in the Jim Dandy, including Renegade and Silent Tactic, first and second, respectively, in the $1.5 million G1-Arkansas Derby March 28. After a four-length last-to-first victory in the Arkansas Derby, Renegade finished second, beaten a neck, in the Kentucky Derby – the first leg of the Triple Crown – May 2 at Churchill Downs.

Renegade exits a third-place finish in the Belmont Stakes, the final leg of the Triple Crown, June 6 at Saratoga. Irad Ortiz Jr. retains the mount on Renegade, who is the 7-5 second choice in the program.

Silent Tactic (6-1) is unraced since the Arkansas Derby after being scratched from the Kentucky Derby because of a foot bruise.

Silent Tactic was the only horse to go through Oaklawn’s four-race Kentucky Derby qualifying series in 2026. In addition to the Arkansas Derby, Silent Tactic finished second in the $250,000 Smarty Jones Stakes Jan. 3, won the $1 million G3-Southwest Stakes Feb. 6 and finished second, beaten a nose, in the $1 million G2-Rebel Stakes March 1 for dual Hall of Fame trainer Mark Casse.

Casse (23 victories) was Oaklawn’s third-leading trainer in 2025-2026.

Three Oaklawn-raced horses, including millionaire Majestic Oops, a multiple stakes winner in Hot Springs, are entered in the $400,000 G1-Clement L. Hirsch Stakes for fillies and mares Saturday at Del Mar.

The 1 1/16-mile Hirsch is a “Win and You’re In” for the $2 million G1-Breeders’ Cup Distaff Oct. 31 at Keeneland.

Majestic Oops returns to Southern California for the first time since a ninth-place finish in the 2025 Breeders’ Cup Distaff at Del Mar.

Majestic Oops is a three-time Oaklawn stakes winner, taking the $200,000 Dig a Diamond in April 2025, $150,000 American Beauty Feb. 13 and the $400,000 G2-Azeri March 7. Nitrogen, third in the 1 1/16-mile Azeri, was North America’s champion 3-year-old filly of 2025. Majestic Oops also finished third in the $1.25 million G1-Apple Blossom Handicap April 11 at Oaklawn.

Majestic Oops hasn’t started since finishing third in the $300,000 G2-Shawnee Stakes May 30 at Churchill Downs.

The Hirsch also drew Oaklawn-raced Om N Joy and Simply Joking. Om N Joy ran fifth in the Apple Blossom.

Simply Joking finished second in the $750,000 G2-Fantasy Stakes n 2025 at Oaklawn.

Finish Lines

Millionaire Oaklawn stakes winner Obliteration is the 7-5 program favorite for Friday’s $250,000 G2-Amsterdam Stakes for 3-year-olds at 6 ½ furlongs at Saratoga. Oaklawn debut winner American Man is also entered. … Oaklawn-raced Rojo Rita and multiple Oaklawn allowance winner Itzel are entered in the $250,000 Hummingbird Stakes for fillies and mare at 5 ½ furlongs on the turf Saturday at Ellis Park. … Multiple Oaklawn stakes winner G W’s Girl is entered in the $150,000 Andy Guest Stakes for fillies and mares at 5 ½ furlongs on the turf Saturday at Colonial Downs. … Oaklawn allowance winner and 2026 Arkansas Derby starter Exosome is entered in the $100,000 Petramalo Mile Stakes for 3-year-olds Saturday at Colonial Downs. … Oaklawn-raced Carolyncaroline and Wrong Shoes are entered in the seven-furlong $100,000 Tyson Gilpin Stakes for 3-year-old fillies Saturday at Colonial Downs. … Oaklawn stakes winner Lambeth and Oaklawn-raced Tapit Shoes are entered in Ellis Park’s $300,000 Green River Island Stakes for 3-year-olds and up at 1 1/16 miles on the turf Sunday. … Oaklawn-raced Blackout Time is entered in Saratoga’s rescheduled $150,000 Curlin Stakes for 3-year-olds at 1 1/8 miles Sunday. The race was originally scheduled to be run Wednesday before racing was canceled because of heavy rain.