Nitrogen entered for the Azeri Stakes
At 0h02, on March 3, 2026 • By Robert Yates, Oaklawn Park
Champion Nitrogen was among seven older fillies and mares entered Sunday morning for the $400,000 Azeri Stakes (G2) March 7 at Oaklawn Park.
The 1 1/16-mile Azeri headlines an 11-race card that begins at 13:30. Probable post time for the Azeri, the ninth race, is 5:44 p.m.
Trained by dual Hall of Famer Mark Casse, Nitrogen collected an Eclipse Award as North America’s champion 3-year-old filly of 2025 after winning six stakes races, including the Alabama (G1) at 1 ¼ miles Aug. 16 at Saratoga. Nitrogen opened 2026 with a 2 ¾-length victory in the $250,000 Bayakoa Stakes (G3) at 1 1/16 miles Feb. 7 at Oaklawn.
The Azeri field from the rail out: Perfect Shot, Erik Asmussen to ride, 121 pounds; Nitrogen, Jose Ortiz, 121; Majestic Oops, Francisco Arrieta, 119; Quietside, Ramon Vazquez, 119; Regaled, Joe Ramos, 119; La Cara, Cristian Torres, 119; and Standoutsensation, Luis Saez, 121.
Majestic Oops returns to two turns after launching her 2026 campaign with a sharp 3 ¼-length victory in the $150,000 American Beauty Stakes for older fillies and mares at six furlongs Feb. 13.
Trainer Dan Ward was originally targeting the $250,000 Matron Stakes at six furlongs March 27. But co-owner Agave Racing (Mark Martinez) also has an interest in Arkansas-bred star Haulin Ice, who is scheduled to make her next start in the Matron.
“The Matron is not graded and their goal is to win a graded stake with her and increase her value,” Ward said Sunday morning. “The Azeri is a Grade 2 and she’s won a couple of races around two turns at this track. She’s on top of her game now. Now is the time to try it.”
The Azeri is the final major local prep for the $1.25 million Apple Blossom Handicap (G1) at 1 1/16 miles April 11.
