Cash Back goes turf to dirt in Instant Racing

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – The undefeated Cash Back will attempt to conquer a new surface on Saturday when she makes her dirt debut in the $150,000 Instant Racing at Oaklawn Park. The turf specialist takes on a strong group of 3-year-old fillies, including Just Wicked, the winner of last year’s Grade 2 Adirondack at Saratoga, and Durango, who won a first-level allowance in March.

“We’re excited about her,” trainer Brad Cox said of Cash Back. “She has two siblings that won at Oaklawn, Good Deed and Country Day. Hopefully, she can as well.”

The Instant Racing, at six furlongs, is the first of four stakes on the card.

Instant Racing (Race 7)

KEY CONTENDERS

Cash Back, by Congrats

Last 3 Beyers: 78-83-78

◗ Cash Back has registered all three of her wins in turf sprints, taking a maiden special weight and a first-level allowance this winter at Fair Grounds, then winning the $75,000 Melody of Colors in her last start Feb. 20 at Gulfstream Park.

“She’s going to be a question mark with the dirt,” Cox said. “She wintered at Fair Grounds, worked well there, and has worked twice at Oaklawn and worked really well. You never really know if they transfer.”

◗ Cox is hopeful that Cash Back will make the surface transition in part because of pedigree. In addition to Good Deed and Country Day winning on dirt, so have her other stakes-winning siblings, Due Date and Cash Control.

◗ Irad Ortiz Jr. has the mount for owners Richard and Bertram Klein.

Durango, by First Samurai

Last 3 Beyers: 86-75-64

◗ She defeated older rivals in a March 25 allowance at Oaklawn. She tracked the pace and was up for a head win in 1:10.66 for six furlongs.

“I liked the way she ran,” said trainer Randy Morse. “She’s got a lot of talent, that filly. She’s still learning.”

◗ Corey Lanerie has the mount for owner Tom Durant.

Just Wicked, by Tapit

Last 3 Beyers: 73-65-64

◗ She exits the allowance won by Durango. Just Wicked closed from next to last for fourth in what was her first start since Oct. 2, when she was sixth as the favorite in the Grade 1 Alcibiades at Keeneland.

“Hopefully, she’ll be a little sharper,” said trainer Steve Asmussen. “We were kind of in a tweener with her as far as a race not going when we wanted, and I think she was flat the other day.”

◗ Joe Bravo has the mount for owner Winchell Thoroughbreds.