Bayerd could be the speed of sprint

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Oaklawn has an abundant collection of quality sprinters on the grounds led by Whitmore, and the division’s embarrassment of riches will be on display Thursday. Racing secretary Pat Pope split an optional $55,000 claiming race for 4-year-olds and up at six furlongs into two divisions, to be run as the sixth and eighth races. The purse for each is $84,000.

The races both have eight-horse fields, with the Grade 1-placed Jazzy Times meeting Black Bear and Candy Ruby in the sixth race, and multiple stakes winner Bayerd squaring off with Wilbo, W. B. Smudge, and Rocket Time in the eighth.

The races could produce starters for the Grade 3, $400,000 Count Fleet Sprint Handicap next month at Oaklawn. The Count Fleet remains the goal of Hot Springs Stakes winner Whitmore, trainer Ron Moquett said Sunday.

Race 8

KEY CONTENDERS

Bayerd, by Speightstown

Last 3 Beyers: 93-79-75

◗ He has tactical speed and looks like a candidate to wire the field. Most of his rivals are either closing sprinters, like Wilbo, or are turning back in distance, like Rocket Time.

◗ Bayerd exits a second, beaten a half-length, in an optional $62,500 claiming sprint at Oaklawn that went in a quick 1:09.22 for six furlongs. He was overtaken in the late stages by Yockey’s Warrior, who was coming off a win in the Thanksgiving Handicap at Fair Grounds and is under consideration for the Count Fleet.

◗ Bayerd, trained by Steve Asmussen, will break from post 8 under Luis Contreras. The post should give Contreras options, being situated outside of perhaps the main pace threat, W. B. Smudge.

Wilbo, by Candy Ride

Last 3 Beyers: 90-82-98

◗ He came running for third in the same race as Bayerd, finishing 1 3/4 lengths behind Yockey’s Warrior.

◗ Channing Hill has the mount for trainer Chris Hartman.

Rocket Time, by Tiz Wonderful

Last 3 Beyers: 89-93-84

◗ He is making a rare start around one turn. The last time he raced at one turn, he won an optional $100,000 claiming race at a mile last May at Churchill Downs.

◗ Rocket Time finished third sprinting in the Grade 3 Commonwealth at Keeneland in 2015.

◗ Jon Court has the mount for Arkansas-based owner Frank Fletcher and trainer Al Stall Jr.