Martini Glass possible for Apple Blossom Handicap

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Martini Glass invaded Oaklawn from Tampa Bay Downs and defeated a strong group of fillies and mares in the Grade 2, $350,000 Azeri on Saturday. It was her second straight stakes victory behind the Grade 3 Royal Delta in February at Gulfstream.

Martini Glass earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 94 in the Azeri, a point off her career-high number of 95.

“She’s mentally getting better,” said Keith Nations, who co-owns and trains Martini Glass. “She didn’t used to handle these trips very well when we first started shipping her around. You could see it took its toll on her. Now, she wants to jump in the van and go to the next race. She’s just getting bigger, stronger, and each race seems to get a little better.”

Nations said Martini Glass could make her next start in either the Grade 1, $700,000 Apple Blossom Handicap here on April 13 or the La Troienne at Churchill Downs on May 4.

“The Apple Blossom is probably the obvious race,” Nations said.

Paco Lopez rode Martini Glass, who also races for Vince Campanella.

Martini Glass is back home at Tampa, Nations said.