Math Wizard headed back to Florida after return run in Razorback

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. - Math Wizard, who was the lone Grade 1 winner on the Monday card at Oaklawn, was to head back home to Gulfstream Park on Wednesday following his eighth-place finish in the Grade 3, $500,000 Razorback Handicap, said trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. Math Wizard was making his first start since closing for fifth in the Breeders’ Cup Classic. He was beaten six and three-quarter lengths by wire-to-wire winner Warrior’s Charge in the Razorback.

“He came out of it good,” Joseph said. “He just needed that race. We had him fit enough to run, but we didn’t have him fully cranked.”

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Joseph said he felt the effort was a decent comeback considering Math Wizard was wide most of the 1 1/16-mile race and was beaten about two lengths for third. He said plans going forward will be made when Math Wizard gets home and he sees how he bounces out of the Razorback. Math Wizard earned a Beyer Figure of 87.

Last year, Math Wizard earned more than $1 million, with his signature win coming in the Grade 1 Pennsylvania Derby. He was a $25,000 claim in January 2019.

“He doesn’t owe us anything,” said Joseph.

◗ Night Ops is being pointed for the $350,000 Essex Handicap on March 14 at Oaklawn, trainer Brad Cox said Tuesday. Night Ops is coming off an allowance route win Feb. 9 at Oaklawn in which he overcame a wide trip from post 11. He earned a Beyer of 89. Night Ops races for Arkansas resident Steve Landers.