Diodoro gearing up for title defense

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Trainer Robertino Diodoro, who won his first Oaklawn title in 2020, is settled in for the new meet, which started Friday. He knows it will be a battle to defend his title in Hot Springs.

“It’s not going to be easy,” he said. “If I said it wasn’t on my mind or my team’s mind, I’d be lying. We’re all competitive. Again, it’s not going to be easy, but we’re going to try our best to have a good, solid meet. I think we’re light in a couple of spots, but at the same time we’re solid.”

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Diodoro is not light on 3-year-old power, with the barn led by Grade 2 Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes winner Keepmeinmind. He is a candidate for the Grade 3, $750,000 Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn.

Diodoro has a number of top clients for the meet, including M and M Racing, which won the owner title at Oaklawn in 2020.

◗ The Arkansas Racing Commission on Friday morning approved both a wagering format and new staff members for Oaklawn.

◗ Racing resumes Friday at Oaklawn.