Oaklawn: Azeri the target for Call Pat

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Call Pat emerged from her last-to-first effort in the Grade 3, $100,000 Bayakoa on Sunday at Oaklawn Park in good order, Cox said Monday. She won her second stakes race, following the Grade 3 Groupie Doll last August at Ellis Park, and earned one of her best Beyer Speed Figures, an 89.

“She’s come out of the race really well,” Cox said. “The Azeri will be what we’ll point for.”

The Grade 2, $300,000 Azeri will be run March 19 at Oaklawn. Call Pat was a half-length winner of the Bayakoa under a well-timed ride by Joe Rocco Jr.

“It was exciting,” Cox said. “She ran her race. That’s how she likes to run. If ever a jock fit a horse, it’s Rocco on her.”

Cox on Saturday sent out Triple Crown nominee Dazzling Gem to win a first-level allowance for 3-year-olds at 1 1/16 miles. It was the second two-turn win at the meet for the horse, who in his debut captured a one-mile maiden special weight race in January. For his effort Saturday, Dazzling Gem earned an 83 Beyer.

“He came out of his race really well,” Cox said Monday. “We’ll get back to the track in a few days, kind of see where we are, and if all is well, we’ll nominate to the Rebel and Louisiana Derby. We’ll let him tell us. After you win a race like that, the water gets deeper. We’ll see if he swims.”

Dazzling Gem races for the Arkansas-based Steve Landers.