Horse Racing Odds: Saudi Crown “The Headliner”

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Saudi Crown Headlines Oaklawn Mile Stakes After Class Drop from Pegasus

While racing fans continue to follow the twists and turns of the Kentucky Derby Prep Races, Saturday’s $500,000 Oaklawn Mile Stakes (G3) offers a chance to watch some top older horses take the spotlight. 

Though this one-turn mile event doesn’t directly impact Kentucky Derby odds or Kentucky Derby betting, it’s an excellent wagering opportunity on a card filled with top-level racing at Oaklawn Park.

The clear headliner in the Oaklawn Mile is Saudi Crown, a multiple graded stakes winner and earner of over $3.2 million. Owned by FMQ Stables and trained by Brad Cox, the 4-year-old son of Always Dreaming cuts back in both class and distance after finishing fifth in the 1 1/8-mile Pegasus World Cup (G1) at Gulfstream Park. 

That race featured some of the best older horses in the country, including winner White Abarrio, who went on to dominate the Pegasus by open lengths.

In the Pegasus, Saudi Crown set the pace for over six furlongs and still held second with a furlong to go before fading late. The race’s quality was later reinforced when runner-up Locked captured the Santa Anita Handicap (G1), and third-place finisher Skippylongstocking returned to win the Challenger Stakes (G3) for a third straight time.

Speed and Class Make the Saudi Crown Dangerous

The Saudi Crown’s turn of foot makes him a serious contender at the one-mile distance. He enters the Oaklawn Mile as the 7-5 morning-line favorite and will be ridden by Florent Geroux, aboard when the colt won the Tenacious Stakes at Fair Grounds last time out. That front-running victory was recorded in an intense time and showed that the colt still has plenty left in the tank.

His biggest career win came as a 3-year-old in the 2023 Pennsylvania Derby (G1), where he bested a deep field and stamped himself as one of the top sophomores of that season. Since then, he’s alternated between off-the-board finishes and powerful stakes wins, but the class drop and distance cutback make him a strong candidate to rebound on Saturday.

Challengers Include The Wine Steward and Banishing

The Wine Steward, winner of the Fifth Season Stakes at Oaklawn earlier this year, is looking to upset the favorite. The son of Vino Rosso continues to improve with every start and has shown he can finish with authority when the pace collapses.

Another top contender is Banishing, who finished second in the Razorback Handicap (G3) in his most recent outing. Trained by Brendan Walsh, the Godolphin homebred looks to be finding his best stride and could benefit from any pace pressure up front.

A Key Race for Older Horse Division

With eight runners set to contest the Oaklawn Mile, this race could significantly shape the older male division as the season progresses. For Saudi Crown, it’s an important test to prove he remains elite following a strong 3-year-old campaign and a mixed start to 2025.

The Oaklawn Mile provides a competitive and rewarding betting option this Saturday, whether backing the class-dropping favorite or eyeing value with a closing longshot. For complete odds, expert insights, and the rest of the weekend’s action, be sure to visit our racebook today.