Cox has two leading contenders in feature race
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Eclipse Award-winning trainer Brad Cox will attack the Friday allowance feature at Oaklawn Park. He is sending out a stakes winner in Caddo River and a win-streaking runner in Fan Club.
“Both are doing well,” Cox said.
The allowance, which drew a field of nine and will be run over 1 1/16 miles, is for 3-year-olds and up who have never won three races. There also is a $62,500 claiming option that is being utilized by three-time winner Allege and eight-time winner You’re to Blame.
Caddo River has run some of his best races at Oaklawn. Last year, he won the Smarty Jones with a career-best Beyer Speed Figure of 92 and later in the meet was second in the Grade 1, $1 million Arkansas Derby.
Caddo River returned to Oaklawn in December and in his first start in more than six months finished first in an allowance but was disqualified for interference. In more recent times, Caddo River was third in another allowance Feb. 19 at Oaklawn, with a Beyer of 87.
“He ran a big race last time,” Cox said. “I thought he moved forward.
“He is running back a little quick, but he’s doing good.”
Ricardo Santana Jr. has the mount from post 5 for Shortleaf Stable.
Fan Club, who races for Gary and Mary West, will start from post 2 under Florent Geroux. He’s won back-to-back races at Friday’s distance during this Oaklawn meet.
“He broke his maiden here and I wheeled him back quick in an allowance and he was able to get it done,” Cox said. “It’s been about two months since he’s run, and I feel like he’s training well. This is a logical spot.”
Fan Club has won his races from stalking positions, while Caddo River is a runner who can dictate the pace.
“They’re both horses that break and put themselves in the race,” Cox said.
Harvard exits the same allowance as Caddo River, finishing second in what was his first start since July. Harvard earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 92, which is the best last-race number in Friday’s race.
Harvard is a full brother to champion Classic Empire, a past winner of the Arkansas Derby who earned $2.5 million. Francisco Arrieta has the mount on Harvard for trainer Rodolphe Brisset.
WinStar Farm races the son of Pioneerof the Nile with his breeder, China Horse Club. Harvard, who has natural speed, will break from post 7.