Leofric, Dazzling Gem both being considered for Essex Handicap

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Arkansas businessman Steve Landers and Oaklawn leading trainer Brad Cox have some decisions to make with a couple of older horses who ran big races on the same card here Feb. 19.

Leofric was second in the Grade 3, $500,000 Razorback Handicap, won by Hawaakom. Leofric was making his graded stakes debut one start after a neck win in a third-level allowance Jan. 14 at Oaklawn. He earned a career-high Beyer Speed Figure of 96 in the Razorback.

“He performed really well, came out of it in great shape,” Cox said Monday. “We’ll nominate to the Essex. He’s had two hard races over this track already, so it’s possible we’ll wait for the Oaklawn Handicap. We’ll lean on him to make the decision.”

The $300,000 Essex Handicap will be run March 17 at Oaklawn. The Grade 2, $750,000 Oaklawn Handicap is April 14.

Dazzling Gem won an allowance three starts earlier on the Razorback card. He stalked the pace, overtook the leaders, and sailed home, earning a Beyer Speed Figure of 99. Dazzling Gem is now 3 for 6 at Oaklawn.

“He’s possible for the Essex, as well,” Cox said. “We’re probably leaning more toward running him as opposed to Leofric. But we’ll see as the time gets closer.”

Dazzling Gem is by Misremembered, and Leofric is a son of Candy Ride. Both are 5.

Landers, who owns both horses, operates car dealerships in Arkansas and Oklahoma.

Cox has won 17 races this meet at Oaklawn and enters Thursday’s card with a two-win advantage in the trainer standings. He has had 49 starts and is winning races at a 35 percent rate at Oaklawn.