Oaklawn’s February Racing Forward

Posted On 03 Feb 2026

RACING FORWARD | FEBRUARY 2026

CLASSIC MEET STARTS THIS WEEKEND

After Mother Nature turned our three-week break into a four-week hiatus, we are even more excited to begin our 2025-2026 Classic Season, now beginning on Thursday, Feb. 5 and going through Saturday, May 2.

The good news is that affected race days and associated events are being rescheduled. Racing resumes Thursday, Feb. 5, with the card originally planned for Friday, Jan. 30, including the $150,000 Fifth Season Stakes. The rich Southwest Stakes day card will be run Friday, Feb. 6, and the races originally scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 1, will take place on the added race day of Sunday, Feb. 8.

Schedule Adjustments:

Thursday, Feb. 5 (Post Time 12:30 p.m.): 10 races, including the $150,000 Fifth Season Stakes

Friday, Feb. 6 (Post Time 11:30 a.m.): 12 races, including:

$1 Million Southwest Stakes (G3) – A key event on the Road to the Kentucky Derby, the $1 million Southwest Stakes (G3) offers a total of 42 points (20-10-6-4-2) to the first five finishers. This will be the second of four Kentucky Derby points races at Oaklawn and a chance for local horses to make a significant impact on the Derby trail. Runners entered in the Southwest Stakes include Smarty Jones Stakes winner Strategic Risk and runner-up Silent Tactic, and impressive maiden allowance winner D’Code,
$300,000 Martha Washington Stakes – Kicking off the Kentucky Oaks trail at Oaklawn, the $300,000 Martha Washington Stakes is a 1 1/16-mile race for three-year-old fillies, offering valuable Kentucky Oaks points (20-10-6-4-2). This race is crucial for any filly looking to make a mark on the path to Churchill Downs. Among those entered is Astral Spa and Year’s End stakes winner Counting Stars and Hit Parade, who won the $100,00 Untapable Stakes at the Fair Grounds.

Saturday, Feb. 7 (Post Time 12:00 p.m.): 11 races, including:

$250,000 Bayakoa Stakes (G3) – A standout race for fillies and mares and a key local prep for the $1.25 million Apple Blossom Handicap (G1) in April, this 1 1/16-mile race offers a competitive field and a prestigious Grade 3 title. The Bayakoa has become one of the highlights of the winter meet, and we anticipate another exciting edition this year, with last year’s Champion 3-Year-Old Filly Nitrogen making the first start of her 4-year-old season.
$150,000 American Beauty Stakes – A six-furlong sprint for 4-year-olds and up, fillies and mares.

Sunday, Feb. 8 (Post Time 12:00 p.m.): 10 races, including the $150,000 King Cotton Stakes.

With these exciting stakes races and others throughout the period, including the $500,000 Razorback Handicap (G3) on Saturday, Feb. 28, we expect plenty of action and drama as the season unfolds.

Opening Weekend Important Times:

Thursday 2/5 – Doors open at 11 am – First Post – 12:30 pm

Oaklawn Today Show starts at 11:10 am

Friday 2/6 – Doors open at 10 am – First Post at 11:30 am

Oaklawn Today Show starts at 10:10 am

Saturday 2/7 – Doors open at 10:30 am – First Post at 12:00 pm

Oaklawn Today Show starts at 10:40 am

Sunday 2/8 – Doors open at 10:30 am – First Post at 12:00 pm

Oaklawn Today Show starts at 10:40

IMPORTANT HORSEMEN INFORMATION

Important Dates:

Classic Meet: Thursday, February 5 – Saturday, May 2

Training Hours:

Dark Days, 6:50 am – 11:45 am, breaks at 8:15 am and 10:15 am
Workers only 6:50 am – 7:00 am and 8:45 am – 9:00 am
Race Days, 6:50 am – 10:30 am, break 8:15 am
Workers only 6:50 am – 7:00 am and 8:45 am – 9:00 am

Racing Office Hours:

Race Days 8:00 am – Last Race
Dark Days 8:00 am – 2:00 pm

Horsemen’s Bookkeeper Hours:

Closed: Tuesday and Wednesday
Racing Days 10:00 am – Last Race
Dark Days 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Racing Commission / Licensing / Stewards Hours:

Thursday – Monday – 8:30 am – 2:30 pm

Contact the Racing Office at 501-363-4302. You will need to include your cell phone number and phone carrier.

Horsemen Directory:

Racing Office: 501-363-4300
Horsemen Bookkeeper Office: 501-363-4380 | Online: Click Here
Horsemen Bookkeeper: 501-363-4382
Horse Identifier / Papers: 501-363-4314
Beverly Fowler – Integrity Supervisor: 501-762-3864
Chris Lemke – Stall Superintendent: 501-620-9626
Clockers: 501-363-4361
Stewards: 501-363-4370
Licensing, Arkansas Racing Commission: 501-363-4580
State Veterinarian, Dr. Joe Lokanc: 630-632-1601
Horsemen Services, Heath Shaffett: 225-287-0451
Stable Gate: 501-363-4390
H.B.P.A.: 501-623-7641
Arkansas Breeders’ Office / Terri Hoffrogge: 501-624-6328
Track Photographer, Coady Photography: 501-363-4296

FEBRUARY STAKES NOMINATIONS DEADLINES

Saturday, Feb. 7:

$150,000 Downthedustyroad Breeders’– 3yos & up, fillies & mares (AR) – 6 furlongs – Runs Friday, Feb. 20

$150,000 Nodouble Breeders’ – 3yos & up (AR) – 6 furlongs – Runs Saturday, Feb. 21

Saturday, Feb. 14:

$135,000 Trivista Overnight – 4yos & up, fillies & mares – 1 1/16 miles – Runs Friday, Feb. 27

$500,000 Razorback Handicap (G3) – 4yos & up – 1 1/16 miles – Runs Saturday, Feb. 28

$150,000 Carousel – 4yos & up, fillies & mares – 6 furlongs – Runs Saturday, Feb. 28

Sunday, Feb. 15:

$1 million Rebel Stakes (G2) – 3yos – 1 1/16 miles – Runs Sunday, March 1

$750,000 Honeybee Stakes (G3) – 3yos, fillies & mares – 1 1/16 miles – Runs Sunday, March 1

$135,000 Byerley Turk Overnight – 4yos & up – 6 furlongs – Runs Sunday, March 1

$135,000 Pig Trail Overnight – 4yos & up – 1 ½ miles – Runs Sunday, March 1

Saturday, Feb. 21:

$400,000 Azeri Stakes – 4yos & up, fillies & mares – 1 1/16 miles – Runs Saturday, March 7

Saturday, Feb. 28:

$250,000 Whitmore Stakes (G3) – 4yos & up – 6 furlongs – Runs Saturday, March 14

Four-Day Race Weeks Begin in February

With four-day racing weeks kicking off in February, horsemen are reminded of the schedule for entries below:

Race Day Entry Day

Thursday – Thursday

Friday – Friday

Saturday – Sunday

Sunday – Monday
SECOND CONDITION BOOK

The second condition book for Oaklawn’s 2025-2026 racing season has been printed and mailed. Horsemen can also download the book from Oaklawn’s website.

Download Condition Book Here or via Equibase.

Horsemen may also come by Oaklawn’s racing office to pick up a copy of the book.