Midshipman's Dance scoots up rail to take inaugural Mockingbird Stakes

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Midshipman’s Dance lifted jockey Cristian Torres to a four-win day at Oaklawn Park when she shuttled up the rail to win the inaugural running of the $150,000 Mockingbird Stakes on Saturday.

Midshipman’s Dance remained unbeaten in two starts with the win, which came by a half-length over Tanya Showers. It was another two lengths back in third to favorite and pacesetter Sharp Tune.

The Mockingbird was for 3-year-old fillies at six furlongs. The race is named for the state bird of Arkansas.

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Midshipman’s Dance ($12.20) settled off the pace after breaking from the rail, as Sharp Tune jumped out in front and put a clear margin of advantage on her rivals. She ran the opening quarter in 21.61 seconds and continued to lead through a half-mile in 45.32.

Midshipman’s Dance, who started a serious bid coming to the quarter pole, continued to advance up the rail and dug in to overtake Sharp Tune and get to the wire ahead of a charging Tanya Showers. The winner covered the distance on a fast track in 1:10.81.

Midshipman’s Dance came into to the race off a maiden special weight victory on Dec. 16 at Oaklawn.

“A good racehorse has got to have a good mind and she’s a good minded filly,” said Robertino Diodoro, who trains Midshipman’s Dance. “She’s beautiful-looking, too, and I think the best part is she’s still green. She really doesn’t like to be between horses and stuff and I thought she made a move forward today staying on the rail. Hopefully, she’ll still keep getting better with more experience.

"It wasn’t the ideal situation to run her in this after one start. She worked so well [back], it was a last minute decision. So, I really think there’s still a lot of room for improvement, with more time and more seasoning.”

Midshipman’s Dance is a daughter of Midshipman and Sticks Wondergirl, a past winner of the Remington Park Oaks. Midshipman’s Girl races for John Holleman and Randy Howg.

Torres registered his first three wins in the third through fifth races, with Play the Trumpet ($5.20), Jackman ($4.20), and Common Defense ($5.20).

Oaklawn opened the card with a track rated good and it was upgraded to fast for the fifth race. Temperatures reached 50 degrees after a morning in which freezing temperatures forced the cancellation of training. During the card, Oaklawn announced racing would be canceled on Sunday because of the forecast, which calls for a winter weather storm system. Racing is scheduled to resume Friday.

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