Ibaka to risk streak on Oklahoma Classics Day

Ibaka, who has won his last four races, runs next on the Oklahoma Classics program Oct. 21 at Remington Park, said trainer Bret Calhoun. Ibaka won the $50,000 Red Earth on the Oklahoma Derby card in his most recent start Sept. 25.

“He’s a very honest horse,” Calhoun said. “He brings it every time.”

Ibaka, who has won stakes on dirt and turf during his streak, will be nominated to the $175,000 Oklahoma Classics Classic at 1 1/16 miles on the main track as well as the $130,000 Turf and $130,000 Sprint.

“We feel like his best race is on the turf, and I’m sure that’s where we’ll end up, but we’ll keep our options open,” said Calhoun, who trains the horse for breeder Doug Wall.

Ibaka is one of two Remington-based runners Calhoun has on long win streaks. Artistic License won her sixth consecutive race in the $75,000 River Cities on the undercard of the Super Derby at Louisiana Downs. Calhoun said she has since returned to Remington, with plans for her next start to be determined. She is owned by Carl Moore.

◗ The Downs at Albuquerque announced that average daily handle during its mixed meet, which closed Sept. 25, was up 1 percent at $211,772 a program. The Thoroughbred title winners were owner Judge Lanier Racing, trainer Justin Evans, and jockey J. Martin Bourdieu.

◗ Boyd Gaming, the parent company of Evangeline Downs and Delta Downs, announced that it has acquired its 22nd casino property, the Aliante in Las Vegas. Evangeline, which opened for a Quarter Horse meet last Wednesday, and Delta, which starts its Thoroughbred meet Oct. 19, are both located in Louisiana.