I agree with Danzig as it's an issue of competition and field size. In March, especially later, the trainers and horses start to move. Oaklawn has become popular in the last 10 years because of giving horsemen an alternative, especially for 3YO's. Smarty and John Servis was one of the first to make it popular and Larry Jones also. Those dates fit in a niche and the could shift dates but not get the 3YO's and other fuller fields the get now. Most likely many out of town operations would just bypass OP and go to FL or NO.
The key to 3YO races now is points. They have the Southwest and the Ak Derby which provide a strong path to the starting gate of the Derby.
Also a big factor is Keenland and when the open which would take many of their horses and horsemen away.
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