McPeek sends Envoutante for Azeri Stakes; Swiss Skydiver possible

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Envoutante on Wednesday was traveling to Oaklawn Park for an intended start in the track’s Grade 2, $350,000 Azeri Stakes on March 13, trainer Ken McPeek said. The start will be Envoutante’s first since her six-length victory in the Grade 2 Falls City in November at Churchill Downs.

McPeek also has nominated champion Swiss Skydiver for the Azeri and said she remains under consideration for the 1 1/16-mile race as well as the Grade 1, $300,000 Beholder Mile the same day at Santa Anita.

“We’re not ruling out the Azeri,” McPeek said Wednesday.

McPeek said Swiss Skydiver is scheduled to work Saturday at Gulfstream Park.

As for Envoutante, she is scheduled to work Saturday at Oaklawn. McPeek said Brian Hernandez Jr. has the mount in the Azeri.

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McPeek on Wednesday was sending five horses from Florida to Arkansas for various races. Oliviaofthedesert and Tabor Hall are entered in the Grade 3, $300,000 Honeybee on Saturday at Oaklawn. The 1 1/16-mile race will reward its winner with 50 points for the Kentucky Oaks.

The Honeybee field of eight includes Will’s Secret, who won the $200,000 Martha Washington in January at Oaklawn. Jon Court has the mount for Arkansas-based owner Willis Horton and trainer Dallas Stewart.

David Cabrera has the mount on Oliviaofthedesert, winner of the Trapeze Stakes at a mile in her last start Dec. 18 at Remington Park. David Cohen will be aboard Tabor Hall, who was a maiden special weight winner at 1 1/16 miles in January at Gulfstream Park.