Cosmic Burst carries on Stockseth tradition in Martha Washington

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – The late Wayne Stockseth raced some quality fillies through the years, and on Saturday at Oaklawn his wife, Norma Lee, continues the tradition with Cosmic Burst, who will be seeking her fourth straight win when she starts in the $125,000 Martha Washington.

Kentucky Oaks points will be up for grabs in the mile race, which ends at what is usually the sixteenth pole, with the first four finishers earning them on a scale of 10-4-2-1. A field of six 3-year-old fillies has signed on, including Sassy Sienna from the barn of Oaklawn leading trainer Brad Cox and the promising Doug O’Neill trainee Tyfosha.

Donnie Von Hemel trains Cosmic Burst, who comes off a win in the $100,000 Trapeze in December at Remington Park. She is part of a list of Stockseth-owned stakes-winning fillies that stretches from the 1980s with Picture Perfect to recent times with Now I Know, a Grade 3 winner of more than $450,000.

Martha Washington (Race 8)

KEY CONTENDERS

Cosmic Burst, by Violence

(Last 3 Beyers: 80-72-64)

◗ She began her win streak Oct. 25, when she made her two-turn debut in a maiden special weight at 1 1/16 miles at Keeneland. Cosmic Burst proceeded to defeat first-level allowance foes a month later in a one-turn mile race in November at Churchill. She then closed powerfully for a 5 1/4-length win in the Trapeze.

“I thought it was a great effort from her – moved a little early to take advantage of the rail, but it didn’t seem to make any difference,” Von Hemel said. “You can watch her races and she’s progressively gotten more savvy in her races, and I think has improved physically in her races, too.”

◗ Cosmic Burst has shown versatility as well, winning from both on and off the pace.

“She’s pretty cool about everything,” Von Hemel said. “I think she’s just been a very willing participant. Whether you want to go out and get a good work or an easy work, she’s good to do whatever you tell her to do.”

◗ Richard Eramia has the mount from post 5. Cosmic Burst is co-owned by Todd Dunn.

Sassy Sienna, by Midshipman

(Last 3 Beyers: 77-57-68)

◗ Her breakout race came Jan. 15 at Oaklawn, a 9 1/2-length win in a mile allowance. Gary Stevens was aboard and has the mount again from post 2.

“It was a fantastic race,” Cox said. “Gary came back and was very happy with how she performed.”

Tyfosha, by Flatter

(Last 3 Beyers: 81-81-76)

◗ Tyfosha in August ran second to eventual Grade 1 winner Moonshine Memories in a maiden special weight at Del Mar, and she won in her first start since that effort last month at Oaklawn. She cruised to a 4 1/4-length win a maiden special weight sprint under Alex Canchari.

“I thought Alex rode a really smart race,” O’Neill said. “He was very confident in her, knew her from breezing her going into it, and won in a manner that saved a lot of energy in the tank. I really appreciated his ride.”

◗ Tyfosha will make her two-turn debut Saturday, and there are reasons to believe she will be effective as a route horse.

“She’s built like it and she has a stride like it,” O’Neill said. “Hopefully, she’ll reserve herself and finish up strong. We’re very optimistic and real excited about her.”

◗ Tyfosha and Canchari will start from post 6.