BetAmerica’s horse racing pick of the day: March 26, Oaklawn Park

Weekday picks and plays for Thoroughbred racing.

Thursday, March 26

Oaklawn Park, Race 8: Allowance optional claiming (6 furlongs, 5:51 p.m. ET)

Oaklawn’s leading trainer, Robertino Diodoro, has been on fire this winter (30% win rate) and holds a strong hand in this 6-furlong dash, with #4 Silver Ride (4-1 on the morning line) and #8 Candy Cornell (3-1). The former is a stretch-running, Grade 1-placed veteran of 30 starts, while the latter — a speedy former Californian — has thrived under Diodoro’s care at Oaklawn this winter and cruised to an easy, four-length allowance win March 15.

Both Silver Ride and Candy Cornell bring strong Brisnet Speed ratings to the equation, and their contrasting running styles will ensure they don’t compromise each other’s chances. We’ll play them both in the exacta and add the consistent #9 Seven Nation Army (6-1) underneath.

$5 exacta: 4,8 with 4,8,9 ($20)

Good luck!