They say the early bird gets the worm. Whether or not the early trainer gets the winner’s circle photos has yet to be determined, but Austin Gustafson hopes there is some validity to that second axiom.

The Remington Park barn area is starting to buzz in anticipation of the upcoming 2024 Thoroughbred race meeting that runs from Friday, Aug. 16 through Friday, Dec. 13. Trainers and horsemen are already on the backside, prepping stalls as they will be allowed to bring horses on...

Doudoudouwanadance, shown winning the Oklahoma Classics Lassie in 2022, is the morning-line favorite for the Oklahoma Classics Distaff Handicap at Remington Park on Friday, Oct. 20, 2023. © Dustin Orona Photography/Remington Park

That’s Something, shown winning the Oklahoma Classics Cup in 2022 at Remington Park, will attempt to become the first horse to post a repeat victory in the race since 2019 when he goes in the main event of Oklahoma Classics Night on Oct. 20, 2023. © Dustin...

Red River Witch, shown winning the fillies division of the Oklahoma Stallion Stakes on Sept. 8 at Remington Park, is one of the top nominees for the Oklahoma Classics Distaff Handicap on Friday, Oct. 20, 2023 © Dustin Orona Photography/Remington Park

That’s Something, winner of the 2022 Oklahoma Classics Cup at Remington Park, has been nominated to the race again this year. The Classics Cup is the headline event on the Oklahoma Classics Night of racing for Oklahoma-bred Thoroughbreds on Friday, Oct. 20, 2023. © Dustin Orona Photography/Remington...

Kwontro (inside, white blinkers) holds off Kodaline to win the featured allowance event on Thursday, October 5, 2023 at Remington Park. © Dustin Orona Photography/Remington Park

Sunlit Song (gray) won his second Remington Green Stakes on September 24, 2023 for trainer Mindy Willis. © Dustin Orona Photography/Remington Park

Stockpiler, ridden by Luis Fuentes, wins the fifth race on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023 at Remington Park. Stockpiler is trained by Ronnie Cravens, III and was the conditioner’s sixth win in the last three race nights at Remington Park. © Dustin Orona Photography/Remington Park

Star Sailor (6) comes home in front in the seventh race on Friday, Sept. 20, 2023 at Remington Park. The season’s leading rider, Stewart Elliott, was up for the win for trainer J.R. Caldwell. It was the second win of the night for both Elliott and Caldwell....