How to bet with, and against, Fearless in the 2022 Oaklawn Handicap

An accomplished field of eight will go postward in Saturday’s lucrative $1 million Oaklawn H. (G2). The Todd Pletcher-trained #8 Fearless (9-5) drew the outside post for the 1 1/8-mile event, and the six-year-old rates as the one to beat in the talented group.

Fearless, who was a close runner-up in the contest in 2021, comes in with fine form that he displayed at Gulfstream Park this season. The son of Ghostzapper earned wins in the Harlan’s Holiday S. (G3) and Ghostzapper S. (G3), while finishing second to the white-hot Speaker’s Corner in both the Gulfstream Mile S. (G2) and Fred Hooper S. (G3).

The six-year-old bay has run quite well in each of his two local assignments, he possesses the right running style for his post slot, and he fired a bullet half-mile in advance of Saturday. The Repole color bearer will track the pace from the opening bell with Jose Ortiz in the silks.

2021 Santa Anita H. (G1) star #4 Idol (6-1) will make his five-year-old debut here for conditioner Richard Baltas. The lightly raced son of Curlin has appeared just once in 13 months, with an unplaced finish in the Awesome Again S. (G1) to his credit. However, he hasn’t missed a morning drill since February, and I love the aggressive placement from his talented conditioner. Idol might lay a bit closer early on than he usually does while coming in fresh, and his best effort will make him dangerous under Ramon Vazquez.

#2 Thomas Shelby (8-1) is the inside speed of the field who can be a major exotics player, if not more, with a clean break under David Cohen. The Curlin chestnut has run four straight good races at the meeting, and I believe that he wants the stretch out in distance on Saturday. The Robertino Diodoro pupil sports a 3-2-1-0 mark at nine furlongs in his lifetime, and I expect him to be at his best against this cast. The six-year-old will be tough to pass late if left alone on the front end without pressure.

Fearless – With

• $3 trifecta 8 with 2, 4 with all ($36)
• $2 trifecta 8 with all with 2, 4 ($24)

Fearless – Against

• $1 trifecta 2, 4 with 2, 4, 8 with all ($24)
• $1 exacta 2, 4 with all ($14)