Idol eyes Oaklawn Handicap, Hollywood Gold Cup

Idol, winner of the Grade 1 Santa Anita Handicap on March 6, is likely to have a two-race campaign this spring in Arkansas and California.

Trainer Richard Baltas said Friday that Idol will be strongly considered for the Grade 2 Oaklawn Handicap on April 17 at Oaklawn Park. The $1 million Oaklawn Handicap is run at 1 1/8 miles and would be followed by an appearance in the Grade 1 Hollywood Gold Cup at 1 1/4 miles on May 31 at Santa Anita.

“I think those are the two races,” Baltas said. “Physically, he’s been doing great.”

Owned by Calvin Nguyen, Idol won his first stakes in the Big Cap at 1 1/4 miles, his third victory in six career starts.

The $300,000 Hollywood Gold Cup is the second in a three-race series that began with the Big Cap and concludes with the Grade 1 Pacific Classic at Del Mar in August. Idol is eligible for a $1 million bonus if he can sweep those three leading races.

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Baltas said the Gold Cup has appeal because of Idol’s success at the distance, but that the 12-week gap following the Big Cap is longer than he would prefer. The Oaklawn Handicap is six weeks after the Big Cap.