Decelerator eyes rebound in Instant Racing

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. - Westrock Stables and trainer D. Wayne Lukas are not light on 3-year-old fillies. Tidal Pool is headed to the Kentucky Oaks, while Decelerator brings the best credentials into Saturday's $75,000 Instant Racing at Oaklawn Park.

The Instant Racing, a one-mile race for 3-year-old fillies, supports the Grade 1, $1 million Arkansas Derby. Its annual counterpart has been the $75,000 Northern Spur for 3-year-olds at a mile, but that race did not fill for Saturday after drawing four entries. The Instant Racing went with eight fillies, including California shipper Washington Bridge.

Decelerator won the Grade 3 Debutante last year at Churchill Downs, which makes her the most accomplished starter in the field. In February she rallied from off the pace to win the $75,000 Martha Washington at this meet. Decelerator has raced once since then, finishing fourth in the Grade 3 Honeybee, a 1 1/16-mile race run here March 13.

She bobbled at the start of that race and then moved up quickly to set the pace.

"We didn't get a very good trip last time," Lukas said. "We didn't do what we were supposed to do.

"This is a good spot. I think the distance is good for her."

Decelerator won the one-mile Martha Washington from the rail, which is the same post she drew for the Instant Racing. The stakes will begin and end at the sixteenth pole as with all races at the distance at Oaklawn. Leading rider Terry Thompson has the mount on Decelerator.

Tiz Miz Sue, who last year was second to future champion She Be Wild in the Grade 3 Arlington-Washington Lassie, was fourth in the Martha Washington and fifth in the Honeybee in her last two starts. Abel Castellano Jr. has the mount for trainer Steve Hobby.

Washington Bridge flew into Oaklawn last week with stablemate Blind Luck, who won the Grade 3, $300,000 Fantasy over Tidal Pool here April 2. Washington Bridge was an allowance winner at Golden Gate in February. Trainer Jerry Hollendorfer has given the mount to Aaron Gryder.

Another filly of interest is Jill Marie, who won a first-level allowance at Sam Houston in February with a Beyer Speed Figure of 90.