Oaklawn: Absinthe Minded repeats in Bayakoa

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. - Absinthe Minded exerted her dominance over Oaklawn Park's filly and mares ranks Saturday in the $100,000 Bayakoa, when she powered to a four-length win over Tiz Miz Sue in the 1 1/16-mile race. It was Absinthe Minded second straight win in the race, and the fourth Bayakoa score for her jockey, Terry Thompson.

"She was just tremendous today," said Thompson.

Absinthe Minded ($5) broke well and raced along the rail as Dawn Lane moved to the lead at the start. Absinthe Minded tracked Dawn Lane through an opening quarter in 24.07 seconds, then joined her through a half-mile in 48.22 seconds. Absinthe Minded began to assert her dominance into the stretch, and went on to win in 1:44.14, in the fastest time for the distance this meet at Oaklawn.

"I really believe that was the best race she's ever run," said D. Wayne Lukas, who trains Absinthe Minded for Briland Farm.

She's All In finished third in the Bayakoa, a neck behind Tiz Miz Sue. Last month, Absinthe Minded, Tiz Miz Sue, and She's All In finished a respective one-two-three in the $75,000 Pippin at Oaklawn.

The Pippin and Bayakoa are part of a local filly and mare series that continues next month with the Grade 3, $150,000 Azeri, a race that could lure Horse of the Year Havre de Grace. It is March 17.

Absinthe Minded's win Saturday was her fifth at Oaklawn from nine starts over the local track. Overall, she has now won 6 of 28 starts and $473,161. She is a 5-year-old mare by Quiet American.

Thompson won his first Bayakoa in 2007, aboard Gasia. His other wins in the race came in 2010 with Payton d'Oro, and last year with Absinthe Minded.

* Attendance ontrack Saturday was 20,432.