Oaklawn: Laurie's Rocket shortens up to take Bachelor

HOT SPRINGS, Ark.- Laurie’s Rocket overtook pacesetter Apprehender in the late stages for a one-length win in the $75,000 Bachelor for 3-year-olds at Oaklawn Park on Saturday. It was another three lengths back in third to Top Cat Boogie.

Laurie’s Rocket ($8.40) raced about four lengths behind Apprehender, who set fractions of 21.64 seconds for the opening quarter and 44.73 for the half-mile of the six-furlong race while under pressure from Top Cat Boogie. Laurie’s Rocket moved to the lead past the sixteenth pole, and went on to cover the distance on a track rated fast in 1:10.01.

Calvin Borel rode the winner for Willis D. Horton and trainer Dallas Stewart.

Laurie’s Rocket, a son of Bluegrass Cat, was winning for the third time in 10 starts. He was turning back to a sprint distance for the first time since December, when he finished second by a nose in the $58,000 Sugar Bowl.

Oaklawn will not race Sunday in observance of Easter. The track will begin its final week of racing on Wednesday. The Grade 2, $300,000 Fantasy for 3-year-old fillies is the feature, opening the track’s annual Racing Festival of the South.