Papa Dudes Free Picks For Oaklawn Park 4/16/21

After the exciting Arkansas Derby (G1) last week, we hop right back in with another great weekend of racing at beautiful Oaklawn Park. To make it extra special this week, yours truly will be trackside so I’m pumped up and ready to try my luck. Let’s dive into Friday and see if we can win some cash.

Race 1: Claiming

Lynn Chleborad sends out the #3 Rock Ridge who is coming off 2 straight wins over the local track. He was vanned off after an incident in an early February race but returned 6 weeks later and won by almost 12 lengths. Then in his first against winners he won by an easy 4 lengths. Chleborad claimed him herself for $20,000 which means she likes him a lot. If he runs to his previous 2 races he should win.

The Bet: $5 across the board on #3

Race 2: Claiming

This maiden claimer is headed by the #8 Kid Shelleen trained by one of the hottest trainers on the grounds in Cipriano Contreras. He’s coming off a solid 2nd place finish in a Maiden Special Weight and is dropping to a $50,000 tag. The race was run on a muddy track and the weather forecast for Friday is rain, rain, and more rain. I’m going to play a .50 cent pick 3, starting in race 2 as well.

The Bet: $5 across the board on #8

The Bet: .50 Cent Pick 3: 7,8 / 1,4,7,9 / 1,3

Race 8: Allowance

I really like the #3 Saffa’s Day trained by Steve Asmussen. The problem is everyone else will like him too. If he stays around even money I’m betting him. He has ran 3 solid races at the current meet and should be ready to go in this one. His last outing was a close 2nd in a similar race.

The Bet: $20 to win on #3

Race 9: Stakes

This is a tough race but the #7 Dolly Dimple is trained by Brad Cox and the morning line has her at 9/2. We probably won’t get those odds at post time but this race looks wide open and I’ll take Mr. Cox all day long at those promising odds.

The Bet: $20 to win on #7

Papa Dudes Sports Plays of the Day

Since the college basketball season has ended I’ve been focusing on the NHL and watching a lot of hockey. So let’s look at all 6 games on the Friday schedule.

Game 1 Pick: Montreal over Calgary

Two teams with very similar records and this in the 2nd game of a 2 game series. Calgary won the first one and it is difficult to come back and win the second one especially on the road.

Game 2 Pick: Boston over New York Islanders

Very difficult game to gauge. The Isles are very good and are solidly in 2nd place in their division. The Bruins are in the playoffs as of now but they have very little cushion. They need this game more than the Islanders and the Islanders are 9-9-2 on the road.

Game 3: Minnesota over San Jose

Minnesota should win this one if they are focused and ready to play. The Sharks are too inconsistent.

Game 4: Colorado over Los Angeles

Pretty much a no-brainer here. The Avalanche are arguably the best team in hockey and are on a roll. The Kings are playing out the string. The only hesitation I have in this one is sometimes these types of games are overlooked by the superior team. But the game is in Denver so the Avalanche is the pick.

Game 5: Edmonton over Vancouver

I wanted to pick Vancouver in this one but the Canucks have been out because of Covid for the last 5 scheduled games and should be very rusty. Edmonton is solid and plays well away from home.

Game 6: Vegas over Anaheim

One of the best against one of the worst. Vegas should win with ease.

Have a great day everyone and enjoy the day! Let’s hope we hit on some winners.