Oaklawn boosts purses for several stakes

Oaklawn on Friday announced a second purse increase, with overnight races to be boosted approximately $10,000 a program. The track has also kicked up the value of four of its stakes races. The increase, which comes on the heels of a $10,000 a day boost to overnight purses Feb. 5, is due to strong ontrack handle and increased gaming business, said Oaklawn official David Longinotti.

Oaklawn has increased the value of the Grade 3 Azeri on March 19 from $100,000 to $150,000. The 1 1/16-mile race for fillies and mares is the scheduled comeback race for Havre de Grace, the winner of last year’s Grade 2 Fitz Dixon Cotillion.

Oaklawn has also kicked up the purses of three $60,000 stakes to $75,000 each. They are the Hot Springs on March 20, the Prima Donna on March 26, and the Carousel on March 27. As for the overnight races, purses will be increased a minimum of $500 for claiming races and a minimum of $2,000 for non-claiming races. Earlier in the meet, eight programs were lost to inclement weather at Oaklawn.

◗ The Ole Gen, who won an entry-level allowance last month with a Beyer Figure of 85, will be considered for a start in the Grade 2, $300,000 Rebel on March 19, said his trainer, Larry Jones.

◗ Sherriff Cogburn breezed three furlongs in 38.60 seconds on Friday in his first published work since winning the Prairie Meadows Juvenile Mile in August.

◗ Arienza, a 3-year-old daughter of Horse of the Year and two-time Apple Blossom Handicap winner Azeri, will make her career debut Sunday in the 10th race at Oaklawn. The six-furlong maiden special weight is for 3, 4, and 5-year-olds. Michael Baze has the mount for trainer Dan Peitz.
◗ Bobby Kelly on Wednesday became the agent for jockey Jon Court.