Natural State draws mixed bag of Arkansas-breds
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HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Oaklawn Park moves into the final three dates of its meet Thursday with an excellent betting race, the $150,000 Natural State Breeders’ Stakes.
The field of 14 fillies and mares bred in Arkansas is a mix of stakes winners, route winners, and accomplished sprinters moving to two turns for the first time.
“Some of these girls can run,” said trainer Randy Morse, who has entered stakes winner Connie K and the undefeated Kantex. “The race is much deeper than typical.”
Kantex and Summer Shoes are serious new members of the division and Kaboom Baby enters in peak form. The talented sprinters figure to vie for favoritism in a race that also drew proven route horses Too Pretty and supplemental entry Courtney Fay.
“Hopefully, the speed will set it up for a closer,” said Danele Durham, who trains the late-running Courtney Fay.
Connie K enters the Natural State off a runner-up finish to Kaboom Baby in a six-furlong allowance at Oaklawn that went in 1:09.93. Connie K is making a rare two-turn appearance in the Natural State.
“She was second in this race last year to a really good filly for Shortleaf,” Morse said of nine-length winner The Mary Rose. “We’ll try again and see what happens.”
Kantex will be making her two-turn debut, if she runs Thursday. She is coming off a win against open company in a first-level allowance April 22 at Oaklawn.
“I’m not sure we’ll even run her,” Morse said. “It’s real quick back.
“I think she’ll go two turns – probably even more so than Connie K. I don’t think that should be a problem. It’s just the quick back.”
Martin Garcia is on Connie K from post 4, while Colby Hernandez has been named on Kantex from post 9.
Courtney Fay was second by a half-length in a first-level allowance for Arkansas-bred fillies and mares at 1 1/16 miles in her last start April 14.
“She got caught right at the wire,” Durham said. “I don’t think she saw that horse coming up the rail, We’ve been real excited about her. She’s really coming along, giving us everything she has. We’re praying for her to do her little thing.”
Ramsey Zimmerman has the mount from post 5.
“She’s definitely a two-turn horse,” Durham said. “All of her wins have come at a mile.”
Summer Shoes will get good support as the winner of the Downthedustyroad Stakes over Kaboom Baby and Connie K on March 4. Summer Shoes is making her two-turn debut but gets pedigree support for the distance from her dam’s sire, Summer Squall. Chel-c Bailey has the mount from post 11 for trainer Tom Swearingen.
◗ Mrs. Beans has been named the Arkansas-bred of the year for 2022, said Deana Echols, executive director of the Arkansas Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Horsemen’s Association. He’s entered Thursday in race 6, and will be seeking to win his second straight starter allowance. Isaac Castillo has the mount for Danny Caldwell and trainer Martin Villafranco.
◗ Abeliefinthislivin makes his two-turn debut in the seventh race, a first-level allowance for 3-year-olds at 1 1/16 miles. Last summer, the son of Arrogate was third in a maiden special weight at Del Mar, behind Cave Rock and Practical Move.
◗ Last Samurai is to make his next start in the Alysheba at Churchill Downs, said owner Kevin Horton.
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