All West's bell-ringer speed can add to Hartman's big meet
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HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Trainer Chris Hartman has won 36 races this meet at Oaklawn Park and after every single victory his owners have donated funds to the care of retired Thoroughbreds. He’s hoping there’s reason to do so again on Sunday with All West.
All West is a chief contender in the featured eighth race, a first-level allowance for 3-year-olds and up over 1 1/8 miles. He faces eight others, including Mystic Night, who is cutting back in distance from 1 1/2 miles, and Mamzooj, who is bred to appreciate Sunday’s added distance.
Hartman’s clients are donating to the Arkansas Thoroughbred Retirement and Rehabilitation Foundation through the Ring the Bell program established late last season. Following a victory, owners can ring a bell in the winner’s circle indicating a donation of $100 or more will be made to the organization. Trainer Ron Moquett was behind the idea for the bell, said Oaklawn president Lou Cella.
“He came with a good idea,” Hartman said. “We ring the bell every time. We’re all for the aftercare. We rehome a lot of horses. My wife does. We think it’s great, Oaklawn and the horsemen supporting it.”
The Ring the Bell program has raised $43,000 this meet from owners transferring money after winning a race, said Jeanette Milligan, executive director of the Arkansas Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association. There also have been large-sum donations from the Arkansas HBPA, Oaklawn, Keene Thoroughbreds, Ten Strike Racing, and Dave Portnoy.
“This money is being used to care for the 15 horses we currently have in the program,” Milligan said. “I am sure there will be more before the end of the meet. The money pays for their care, feed, hay, farrier, vet, and any other item needed.”
Milligan said the young organization has facilitated a number of successful adoptions. Cella said the first person to ring the bell was Barbara Banke of Stonestreet Stables.
All West enters Sunday’s race off a third-place finish at this level and distance April 1 at Oaklawn. Jockey Mitchell Murrill has the mount from post 6 for JD Thoroughbreds and Joey Keith Davis.
“We’re expecting a good performance,” Hartman said. “He’s training well. We like the distance for him, so hopefully, he’ll deliver. I think that’s in his wheelhouse.”
All West has more natural speed than a number of his rivals and there is a chance he could wire the field Sunday.
Hartman is the meet’s third-leading trainer and is winning races at a 27 percent clip here.
Mystic Night is returning to the overnight ranks after finishing fifth in the $150,000 Temperence Hill on April 2 at Oaklawn. He is a winner at 1 1/8 miles. Martin Garcia has the mount from post 3 for Cella and trainer Riley Mott.
Mamzooj is racing beyond a mile for the first time but has stamina influences in his pedigree as he is by a son of Awesome Again and out of a daughter of Malibu Moon. He will start from post 2 under Francisco Arrieta.
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