Champion Nitrogen is favorite for the $1.25 million Apple Blossom Handicap
At 0h02, on April 7, 2026 • By Robert Yates, Oaklawn Park
Champion Nitrogen was installed the 9-5 program favorite for the $1.25 million Apple Blossom Handicap (G1) for older fillies and mares April 11 at Oaklawn.
The 1 1/16-mile Apple Blossom headlines a 12-race card that begins at 1:45 p.m. CDT. Probable post time for the Apple Blossom, the 10th race, is 6:47 p.m.
The projected nine-horse Apple Blossom field from the rail out: Nitrogen, Jose Ortiz to ride, 122 pounds, 9-5 on the morning line; Majestic Oops, Francisco Arrieta, 121, 9-2; Regaled, Joe Ramos, 119, 3-1; Dazzling Move, Edwin Gonzalez, 116, 15-1; Om N Joy, Kent Desormeaux, 118, 15-1; Nerazurri, Cristian Torres, 120, 6-1; Five G, John Velazquez, 119, 10-1; Claret Beret, Micah Husbands, 120, 8-1; and Blue Fire, Florent Geroux, 116, 15-1.
The Apple Blossom brings back Majestic Oops, Regaled and Nitrogen, 1-2-3, respectively, in the $400,000 Azeri Stakes (G2) March 7. The 1 1/16-mile Azeri, run over a sloppy, sealed surface, was the final major local prep for the Apple Blossom.
Nitrogen, North America’s champion 3-year-old filly of 2025, opened her 2026 campaign with a 2 ¾-length victory over Nerazurri in the $250,000 Bayakoa Stakes (G3) at 1 1/16 miles Feb. 7.
The Apple Blossom is a “Win and You’re In” for the $2 million Breeders’ Cup Distaff (G1) Oct. 31 at Keeneland.
The April 11 card also features the $500,000 Count Fleet Sprint Handicap (G3) for older horses at six furlongs.
Defending champion Booth is one of eight horses entered in the Count Fleet, a race that his Hall of Fame trainer, Steve Asmussen, has won four consecutive years and a record seven times overall.
The Count Fleet also drew Maximum Bourbon, Tough Catch, Mad House, Roll On Big Joe, Wendelssohn, Tejano Twist and Dreaminblue.
Millionaire Tejano Twist and Tough Catch finished 1-2, respectively, in the six-fulrong $250,000 Whitmore Stakes (G3) for older horses March 14. The Whitmore was the final major local prep for the Count Fleet. Booth won the 2025 Whitmore. Roll On Big Joe is seeking his fourth consecutive stakes victory and third stakes victory at the meeting.
The Count Fleet goes as the eighth race, with probable post time 5:36 p.m.
