Knockitdownhard merits slight edge in Oak Hall

OPELOUSAS, La. – Early-season sprint supremacy is on the line Saturday night at Evangeline Downs, as five of the fastest horses on the grounds line up to contest the Oak Hall Stakes at six furlongs. The $60,000 feature will be the 10th of 11 races at 9:43 p.m. Central.

Knockitdownhard could rule a slight choice in the Oak Hall off a second-place finish to the crack Louisiana-bred sprinter Heitai in the Premier Sprint at Delta Downs in February. The connections of Heitai elected to skip the Oak Hall to run in the Grade 3 Count Fleet Sprint Handicap at Oaklawn Park.

Trainer Joey Foster claimed Knockitdownhard for owners William Harris and Donald Guinn for $20,000 in December. The 4-year-old Knockitdownhard, who is cross-entered in a second-level allowance on Saturday’s undercard, has won 5 of 12 starts. Joe Patin has been given the call.

Mico Margarita also rates highly in the Oak Hall off a pair of fourth-place finishes in the King Cotton and Hot Springs stakes at Oaklawn this spring. As a 3-year-old last season, Mico Margarita won the Grade 3 Carry Back at Calder and was a close second in the Grade 2 Amsterdam at Saratoga. Steve Asmussen has given the call to Diego Saenz.

M Dication could be the controlling speed. A near-miss against optional $35,000 claiming Louisiana-breds in late March at Fair Grounds ended a five-race win streak for the 5-year-old M Dication, who is 4 for 4 at Evangeline. Regular rider Gerard Melancon once again has the call.