Oaklawn draws full fields for Friday's opening day

Oaklawn opens Friday with 10 races on the program, which would equal an opening-day record for a track that conducted its first meeting in 1905.

Oaklawn has opened with nine-race cards every year since 1956, with the exception of 2003 when 10 races were run for the first time. That 10-race card attracted 114 entrants and 109 starters after scratches.

Friday’s card drew 109 entrants, including also-eligibles, in an era when foal crops are declining and much lower than 20 years ago. Entries were taken and post positions drawn last Friday.

“You saw entries went very well,” Oaklawn racing secretary Pat Pope said. “Look at the type of races we’re making. I mean, three special weights and you’re splitting allowance races.”

At least 10 horses were entered in eight races, including a full field of 12 in the featured $150,000 Advent Stakes for 2-year-olds. Oaklawn raised the purse of maiden special weight races to $115,000 and allowance events to at least $140,000 in 2023-24. Both are  record levels to open a season.