Big World stands out in Thursday feature

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – A gem from Louisiana has invaded Arkansas for the featured eighth race Thursday at Oaklawn Park.

Big World stands out in the optional $40,000 claiming route for fillies and mares as a four-time stakes winner. She will face seven others in the 1 1/16-mile race. Her rivals include Taxable, the runner-up in last year’s Grade 3 Fantasy at Oaklawn, and Untouchable U, an allowance winner who launched her career at Santa Anita.

Big World got her start in New York, winning her maiden at Saratoga in 2015, then taking the Grade 3 Tempted at Aqueduct. She has since moved to her native Louisiana, where she has won three statebred stakes, including the $100,000 Premier Night Distaff at Delta and the $100,000 Louisiana Champions Day Ladies at Fair Grounds. Big World will be going for her third straight win Thursday when she starts from post 3.

“I think she’ll be in a stalking position, something she does very easily,” trainer Tom Amoss said. “She’s a big mare with a big stride.”

Big World is a daughter of Custom for Carlos. Ricardo Santana Jr. has the mount for Maggi Moss.