Cosmic clashes with Ez Dreamer

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. - Ez Dreamer and Cosmic used contrasting running styles to achieve the same results in their last starts - a stakes win with a triple-digit Beyer Figure. With their sharp form, the two should vie for favoritism Saturday in the $60,000 Hot Springs at Oaklawn Park.

The six-furlong race is the final local prep for the Grade 3, $150,000 Count Fleet Sprint here April 9.

Ez Dreamer, a front-runner, has shipped in from Turf Paradise with an eye to the Count Fleet. In his most recent start, he won the $75,000 Phoenix Gold Cup, earning a Beyer of 100. Ez Dreamer shipped to Oaklawn after that Feb. 13 race, and has had a chance to breeze over the local strip, going a half-mile in 49 seconds March 12.

"He had a decent little work," said Kory Owens, who trains Ez Dreamer. "He handled the track pretty good."

Ez Dreamer is a multiple stakes winner of $469,765. He is coming off a season in which he won the $125,000 Iowa Sprint Handicap at Prairie Meadows in June, the $100,000 Premiere Handicap at Zia Park in September, and the $50,000 Cactus Wren at home at Turf Paradise in December.

He made his first start of the year in the Phoenix Gold Cup, and covered six furlongs in a rapid 1:08.60. Ez Dreamer showed speed that day, and has a chance to steal away in the Hot Springs. However, he does have some versatility to call on if Country Day makes a strong bid for the lead Saturday.

"He can come off of it a little bit himself, depending on how fast the pace is," said Owens.

Glenn Corbett has the mount on Ez Dreamer.

Cosmic closed from last to catch Chief of Affairs in the $50,000 King Cotton last month at Oaklawn. He earned a career-best Beyer Figure of 101. And, he has been flattered since, with Chief of Affairs coming back in his next start to win an allowance with a Beyer of 107. Calvin Borel has the mount on Cosmic for trainer Cecil Borel.

The Hot Springs will be a comeback race for Native Ruler, who is 3 for 3 at Oaklawn. He has not raced since finishing second to Ez Dreamer in the Premiere last fall. Chris Emigh has the mount for trainer Chris Richard.