Hollywood Park: Freakin Rocket headed for Oceanside at Del Mar

INGLEWOOD, Calif. - Freakin Rocket, unbeaten after two starts following a victory in an optional claimer for sprinters Thursday, will start on turf in the $100,000 Oceanside Stakes at Del Mar on July 17.

The Oceanside Stakes is run over a mile on turf for 3-year-olds and will be Freakin Rocket’s first start beyond 6 1/2 furlongs.

“We’re thinking of stretching him out,” trainer Tim Yakteen said after Thursday’s race. “He moves like a turf horse and relaxed like a turf horse.”

Owned by Mercedes Stable, Freakin Rocket is by Rock Hard Ten out of Freakin Streakin, who was second or third in seven stakes in Southern California. Freakin Rocket won his debut in a $75,000 claiming race for maidens over 6 1/2 furlongs May 18.

In Thursday’s race over six furlongs, Freakin Rocket ($4) stalked pacesetter Strong Wind for the first half-mile and rallied three wide to take the lead in the final furlong. Freakin Rocket pulled away late under jockey Mike Smith to win by 5 1/2 lengths in 1:09.92, earning a Beyer Speed Figure of 90.

“He ran a flawless race the other day and was very good today,” Yakteen said after Thursday’s race. “He relaxed well and made a nice move. He’s been push-button in the morning. It set up well for us.”

The colt has a fan in Smith.

“I think he wants to go long eventually,” he said.