Agent Di Nozzo, Stachys look for fair shake

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Agent Di Nozzo and Stachys would benefit if Thursday’s eighth race at Oaklawn Park has more pace than the race they both exit. Both were recently left chasing a gate-to-wire winner in Joy Boy.

“Good horses like that, it’s hard to make up ground on them when they’re going on a leisurely pace,” said Steve Margolis, who trains Agent Di Nozzo.

Things could be different Thursday in the optional $50,000 claiming race that highlights a nine-race card. Texas Air, Evan’s Calling, and perhaps Hattaash could all contribute to the early pace in the 1 1/16-mile race.

KEY CONTENDERS

Agent Di Nozzo (Last 3 Beyers: 87-79-89)

He comes into Thursday’s race off a third-place finish in an optional $62,500 claimer at a mile at Oaklawn on Jan. 25.

“He ran a good race,” Margolis said.” He just couldn’t make up any ground on the winner. This looks like a really good spot. The mile and a sixteenth – a sixteenth of a mile more – and I think there’s some pace in the race. We’ve got a real chance to get there this time.”

Agent Di Nozzo is part of a 12-horse division Margolis has at Oaklawn. He said it’s the first time he’s had a stable based here.

Agent Di Nozzo is a two-time stakes winner who in November was second to the millionaire Sunbean in the $250,000 Delta Downs Mile.

Shaun Bridgmohan has the mount for owners Robert and Lawana Low.

Stachys (Last 3 Beyers: 82-90-91)

He’s a multiple stakes winner and the highest earner in the field ($645,667).

He managed to close to finish fifth Jan. 25 in his first start since August.

Stachys was claimed out of the race for $62,500, and will be making his first start for the meet’s leading owner, Danny R. Caldwell, and its leading trainer, Federico Villafranco.

Ramon Vazquez has the mount on Stachys.

Evan’s Calling (Last 3 Beyers: 89-88-93)

He will be making his first start since a May runner-up finish in the Jim Rasmussen Memorial at Prairie Meadows.

Evan’s Calling is 3 for 3 at Oaklawn, with all of those wins coming in 2014. He captured a $30,000 starter allowance last January, a first-level allowance last February, and an optional $40,000 claimer last March.

Jon Court has the mount on Evan’s Calling for trainer Brad Cox.