Contention runs deep in Oaklawn Handicap

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – The winners of the Santa Anita Handicap, Clark Handicap, and Gulfstream Park Handicap have converged on Arkansas to make for a bang-up renewal of the Grade 2, $750,000 Oaklawn Handicap on Saturday.

Melatonin, Effinex, and Blofeld are part of an eight-horse field that also includes Upstart, who launched his 4-year-old season with a sweeping win in last month’s Razorback Handicap at Oaklawn; Financial Modeling, who has been purchased privately since running in the Donn Handicap; and Point Piper, who invades from Southern California.

The Oaklawn Handicap, at 1 1/8 miles, is one of four stakes on the closing-day program. The main event is the Grade 1, $1 million Arkansas Derby.

But there will be a good deal of focus on the Oaklawn Handicap, which received a $150,000 purse boost for 2016. Effinex is ranked fifth among older dirt males in North America by Daily Racing Form national handicapper Mike Watchmaker, and Melatonin is ninth after putting up the year’s best dirt Beyer Speed Figure in the Santa Anita Handicap.

Oaklawn Handicap, Race 9

KEY CONTENDERS

Melatonin, by Kodiak Kowboy

Last 3 Beyers: 107-97-87

◗ He is seeking his third consecutive win in a streak that began at Santa Anita in February in an optional $62,500 claiming race in which he covered 1 1/16 miles in a sharp 1:41.80. Melatonin proceeded to capture the Grade 1 Santa Anita Handicap on March 12, with both wins coming under jockey Joe Talamo.

“Things really came together after his Feb. 5 race at Santa Anita,” said David Hofmans, who trains Melatonin for Tarabilla Farms. “That was a monster race. He just kept getting better and better, and Joe Talamo kept bugging me about running in the [Santa Anita] Handicap.”

Hofmans said that after he learned that California Chrome was headed to Dubai, the decision was made to point for the Santa Anita Handicap. Melatonin dominated on the front end, setting a quick pace and pulling clear by 4 1/4 lengths. He will be shortening up from 1 1/4 miles Saturday.

“This race sets up a little different,” Hofmans said. “It looks like there’s a little more speed in it, plus when you cut back even an eighth of a mile, it tends to be a little faster earlier. Depending on the break, he may have to stalk because a couple of horses might be quicker than he is, but that will be up to Joe.”

Effinex, by Mineshaft

Last 3 Beyers: 100-104-112

◗ His crowning moment came two races back, when he won the Grade 1 Clark Handicap at Churchill Downs. That start followed his runner-up finish at 33-1 in the Breeders’ Cup Classic.

“It was great he came right back and won a Grade 1,” said trainer Jimmy Jerkens. “It looked like the [Breeders’ Cup effort] wasn’t a fluke. That was a really satisfying, big deal.”

◗ Effinex opened his 5-year-old season in the Santa Anita Handicap and finished third in his first race since November. The horse, based in New York, had a case of hives while in Southern California.

“He didn’t act like it was hurting him, as far as his energy level and eating,” said Jerkens. “He ran a decent race. He didn’t run one of his best races. I really don’t know if that had a lot to do with it. I’d be surprised if it happened [again in Arkansas].”

◗ Mike Smith has the mount for Tri-Bone Stables.

“I would say going a mile and an eighth, he wouldn’t be too close,” Jerkens said. “He’ll probably be about five lengths off of it, I would say.”

Point Piper, by Giant’s Causeway

Last 3 Beyers: 97-97-93

◗ He closed for fifth in the Santa Anita Handicap and is one of the best-bred horses in the field as his dam, Imagine, was a Group 1 winner and has produced a Group 1 winner in Horatio Nelson.

“He’s run good against good competition, and we feel on any certain day he could put it all together and pull out the win,” said trainer Jerry Hollendorfer. “That’s why we’re bringing him.”