Oaklawn Park

Departing to skip Essex Handicap, go to Fair Grounds

Mary Rampellini|Feb 08, 2016

Churchill Downs/Reed Palmer Photography The millionaire Departing will make his first start since November in the Fifth Season.

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – The multiple Grade 2 winner Departing has been highweighted at 122 pounds for the $100,000 Essex Handicap on Saturday at Oaklawn, but he instead will run on turf at Fair Grounds, trainer Al Stall Jr. said Monday.

“He breezed here at Fair Grounds on Sunday,” said Stall.

Stall said Departing is being pointed for the Grade 3, $125,000 Fair Grounds Handicap on Feb. 20. The horse won the Grade 2 Firecracker on the grass in June at Churchill Downs. Earlier at this Oaklawn meet, Departing was second by a head in the $100,000 Fifth Season.

◗ Oaklawn will race Thursday through Monday this week, with three stakes over the holiday weekend. The Essex on Saturday will be followed by the $100,000 Bayakoa for fillies and mares on Sunday and the Southwest on Monday.

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