Oaklawn Handicap now the plan for Tax

Tax, unraced since a ninth-place finish as the second choice in the Grade 1 Pegasus Cup Invitational on Jan. 25, is now targeting the Grade 2, $600,000 Oaklawn Handicap, rescheduled for May 2 at Oaklawn Park, trainer Danny Gargan said Friday.

Like most trainers with stakes horses, Gargan has had to constantly reshuffle plans for Tax due to the impact the coronavirus pandemic has had on racetracks.

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On Thursday, Tax worked a half-mile in 48 seconds, the fastest of 10 moves at the distance at the Palm Meadows training center.

“He worked by himself,” Gargan said. “If I had put him in company, he’d have gone really fast. He’s doing really good right now.”

Though Tax may be headed out of town, Gargan did say he is appreciative of The Stronach Group, led by Belinda Stronach, for keeping Gulfstream Park open while most tracks are shutting down.

“She could save horse racing,” Gargan said. “If we don’t race for three months there’s going to be a lot of people who go out of business. She deserves all the support she can get at this track.”