Oaklawn Names 14-Horse Field for Feb. 6 G3 Southwest Stakes Derby Points Race

Oaklawn Park has named a deep, 14-horse field for the Feb. 6 running of the G3 Southwest Stakes, a 1 1/16-mile Road to the Kentucky Derby points race that awards 42 points to the top five finishers (20-10-6-4-2). The race was moved from its original Feb. 3 date after severe winter weather forced a one-week postponement, and entries will be taken with post positions drawn Sunday, Oaklawn media materials state.

The field blends proven two-turn performers, accomplished juveniles stretching out, and speed horses that can set a hot tempo. Bob Baffert will be represented by Litmus Test and Buetane. Litmus Test has national form, finishing a close fourth in the FanDuel Breeders’ Cup Juvenile before winning the Los Alamitos Futurity in fast time, and AmericasBestRacing lists him as its top pick. Buetane, Baffert’s other starter, chased a quick pace to finish second in the San Vicente and remains a talent to watch with Joel Rosario named to ride. D’code, ridden by Luis Saez for trainer Ray Ashford Jr., arrives off a dominant Oaklawn debut victory at six furlongs on Dec. 14 and brings speed that could force the issue early.

Oaklawn’s midwest-southwest prep lane also includes Reclamation with Ramon Vazquez aboard for trainer Christopher Davis, Rancho Santa Fe with Flavien Prat for Brad Cox after a disappointing fifth in the Smarty Jones, and Soldier N Diplomat with Jose Ortiz for Steve Asmussen, who showed speed in the Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes before fading to third. Sleepingonfreedom drew an outside post after an even fourth in the Smarty Jones, and Silent Tactic is listed as a live longshot. AmericasBestRacing’s suggested superfecta for the contest is 5-11-9-2, with Litmus Test the model pick.

Beyond the race itself, Oaklawn is positioning the Southwest as a consequential early-season Derby points event. Thepressbox noted that “Hall of Fame trainer Bob Baffert is scheduled to be represented in the Southwest, which he has won a record six times.” Oaklawn also underlined the operational disruption, writing, “Entries will be taken, and post positions drawn Sunday for the Southwest, which was postponed one week because of severe winter weather. The Southwest will offer 42 Kentucky Derby qualifying points to the top five finishers (20-10-6-4-2, respectively).”

The card is part of a broader Oaklawn Derby trail that includes the Rebel Stakes on Feb. 24, a $1.25 million G2, and the Arkansas Derby on March 30, a $1.5 million G1. Oaklawn is also leaning into horseplayer engagement with hybrid on-site and online contests offering prize entries to national tournaments and cash payouts, reflecting the track’s commercial push to grow handle and attract national bettors.

Barn notes supplied extra color, including trainer Rodolphe Brisset on new colt Olivier, who Brisset said jokingly about media attention, “I needed somebody to call me to get this out of the way. TDN did it.” Olivier’s Tapit pedigree and sale history were detailed, adding industry texture even if the colt’s Southwest status is not confirmed.

Discrepancies remain in public snapshots of the entry process: Oaklawn at one point listed 12 horses under consideration, Horse Racing Nation’s entries table shows a slightly different slate, and AmericasBestRacing and other outlets differ on the trainer of Liberty National. Final post positions and the official overnight sheet will settle those issues and set the betting lines, but for now Litmus Test, D’code and Baffert’s duo shape up as the early focal points for bettors and Triple Crown scouts.