Favourite backers can get off to a good start when Tiago's Song wins the first race (13.15 CDT) at Will Rogers Downs in the United States at +110 with Bovada. Okie Queen has the form and ratings to win the richest race on the card at 17.15, while Imperial Temple was a beaten favourite last time out but can win the maiden at 2.15.
In normal circumstances, many online bookmakers would not issue prices for a minor meeting of this nature. However, with most racing around the world cancelled due to the coronavirus, there is an appetite for early prices. The brave bookies have gone out on a limb, but we can expect price fluctuations and limited stakes. Risk managers will be avidly following the money and you can expect betting changes. There is also a 12-race card at Fonner Park, but prices are due later.
Will Rogers Downs is a Cherokee Nation-owned track in Oklahoma. The one-mile oval circuit stages quarter-horse racing in the autumn and thoroughbred meetings from March to May. Racing takes place on dirt and there is no draw advantage. Most of the 10 races on the card are claiming races and maidens with first prizes ranging from $5,198 to $16,632.
A small group of trainers dominate the meeting and the ones to follow are Scott Young, Roger Engel and Kari Craddock, who all have a good record for preparing horses for their first run. The leading jockeys at Will Rogers Downs are Bryan McNeil, Curtis Kimis and Quincy Hamilton. Speed is a key attribute on this track and horses that lead or race prominently have a good record in sprints or middle-distance races.
The opener is a claiming maiden race over five furlongs and 110 yards. Tell Me Boo Boo is dropping in class and has run well at this level in the past. Olive County finished fifth in his only start over the same trip 57 days ago and has room for improvement. Oh No Wata finished second on debut, but that run was followed by five unplaced efforts in subsequent races. Tiago's Song has made the frame in his last three races and can win for the first time in seven starts.
An Allowance race sees previous winners penalised with extra weight, so it is akin to a handicap in Europe. There are 12 horses declared to run in the only Allowance on the card at Will Rogers Downs on Monday. The race is for horses aged three and older over six furlongs. Okie Queen has two wins in three starts, has won over the distance and is ridden by Kimis, so she ticks some of the key boxes.
Imperial Temple offers some value in the maiden special-weight race over six furlongs. Past Visions is running at a lower grade than before so should not be dismissed. Jimmy Winner ran well on his only start and a gelding operation could see an improvement in his form. Corky has the most experience having run six times and finished second in three races. However, Imperial Temple has finished second in his last two races and can go one better in the third race at Will Rogers Downs.