2017 STAKES SCHEDULE.

Grade II $ 900,000 Rebel Stakes ( 1 1/ 16 miles for 3- year- olds) and the Grade II $ 350,000 Azeri Stakes ( 1 1/ 16 miles for older fillies and mares).

In addition, purses for 10 other stakes races have been increased by at least $ 10,000 each. The Grade III Bayakoa for older fillies and mares on Feb. 18 had its purse increased from $ 100,000 to $ 150,000. Also, the Grade III Honeybee for 3- year- old fillies on March 11 went from $ 150,000 to $ 200,000.

Oaklawn’s live season again will close with the Racing Festival of the South on April 13- 15. The Festival opens Thursday with the $ 150,000 Bachelor Stakes for 3- yearolds. It continues Friday with

the Grade I $ 600,000 Apple Blossom Handicap for older fillies and mares, and the Grade III $ 400,000 Fantasy Stakes for 3- year- old fillies.

On Saturday, there will be the $ 150,000 Northern Spur Stakes for 3- year- olds, the Grade III $ 400,000 Count Fleet Handicap for 4- yearolds and up, the Grade II $ 750,000 Oaklawn Handicap for 4- year- olds and up, and the Grade I $ 1 million Arkansas Derby for 3- year- olds.

“Multi- stakes days have proven successful here over the past several years,” Longinotti said. “By combining our biggest races on select days, we heighten the racing excitement for our fans. It also makes it more convenient for horsemen shipping to Hot Springs from all over the country.”

Oaklawn’s live racing season opens Jan. 13.