Midnight Storm tops field of seven in Oaklawn Handicap

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Midnight Storm drew post 3 in a field of seven for the Grade 2, $750,000 Oaklawn Handicap on Saturday. Entries were drawn Wednesday.

The field from the rail is: Texas Chrome, Domain’s Rap, Midnight Storm, Madefromlucky, Inside Straight, Cutacorner, and Goats Town.

Accelerate was intended for the Oaklawn Handicap upon his Tuesday arrival from Southern California, but he spiked a fever Wednesday morning and was withdrawn from the race, according to trainer John Sadler. Sadler said Accelerate will return home to Santa Anita.

The Oaklawn Handicap, at 1 1/8 miles, will go as the ninth race Saturday. Mike Smith has the mount on Midnight Storm for trainer Phil D’Amato. The horse was one of eight from Southern California who flew into Little Rock, Ark., on Tuesday and made the one-hour van ride to Oaklawn.

Others making the flight included Rockin Rudy and Sonneteer for the Arkansas Derby; Moe Candy for the Grade 3, $400,000 Count Fleet Sprint Handicap on Saturday; Cistron for the $150,000 Northern Spur on Saturday; and Spooky Woods, who goes Friday in the Grade 3, $400,000 Fantasy. Stellar Wind, the champion 3-year-old filly of 2015, was also on the flight and runs Friday in the Grade 1 Apple Blossom.

The Count Fleet drew nine horses, with probable favorite Whitmore to break from post 8. The Northern Spur, for 3-year-olds at 1 1/16 miles, goes with seven, including Balandeen.