by Eddie Olczyk
December 31, 2021
December 31, 2022 | By Eddie Olczyk
1/ST and NBC handicapper Eddie Olczyk rings in the New Year with a trio of spotlighted key plays on Saturday’s card at Oaklawn. Follow Edzo’s plays each week – only with 1/ST and Xpressbet!
Oaklawn Park
Race 7 // 4:19 pm ET // claiming // 6 furlongs
#1 Nuclear Option (6-1 ML)
Veteran drops into easiest spot he’s seen in quite some time. Has continued with his customary fast morning workouts, so the class relief could be enough to get him over the hump. Win bet. Daily Double 1-6 with next spot play.
//
Oaklawn Park
Race 8 // 4:46 pm ET // allowance // 6 furlongs
#6 Macron (3-1 ML)
Seven furlongs was a bit long for him last time when second-best, but the return to six furlongs today should keep him finishing strong. Win bet. Daily Double 6-1 with next spot play.
//
Oaklawn Park
Race 9 // 5:13 pm ET // $250,000 Smarty Jones Stakes // 1 mile
#1 Dash Attack (12-1 ML)
McPeek’s potential Derby crop has been strong for 2022 and this could be his next. Win over the track and distance already to this one’s benefit. Win-place bet.