Oaklawn invaders look strong in Will Rogers Stakes

Oaklawn invaders Half Ours to Keep and Dobbins G could start as the top choices in the $55,000 Will Rogers Stakes for 3-year-olds on Tuesday at Will Rogers Downs.

The one-mile race for Oklahoma-breds drew a field of five. Others set to start include recent maiden winners Fearless Will, who is a threat to wire the field, and Dak Da Man.

Half Ours to Keep and Dobbins G both exit strong optional-claiming route races at Oaklawn.

Will Rogers Stakes (Race 9)

KEY CONTENDERS

Half Ours to Keep, by Beggarthyneighbor

Last 3 Beyers: 61-62-56

◗ He closed for fifth in an optional $62,500 claiming race over 1 1/16 miles on March 16 at Oaklawn in his last start. The winner, Last Judgment, invaded from South Florida and defeated a field that included Dessman, who was coming off a Grade 2 placing in Southern California.

◗ Half Ours to Keep had won his maiden on the front end by 14 3/4 lengths one start prior. The score came in a $40,000 maiden-claiming route Feb. 23 at Oaklawn.

◗ Half Ours to Keep will be making his first start against Oklahoma-breds after having raced exclusively in Arkansas.

◗ Luis Quinonez, who has been riding regularly at both Oaklawn and Will Rogers, has the mount for Carl Turnbow and trainer Donnie Von Hemel.

Dobbins G, by Jimmy Creed

Last 3 Beyers: 69-67-30

◗ He comes off a sixth-place finish in an optional $75,000 claiming race over 1 1/16 miles April 12. Warrior’s Charge won the race by 6 1/2 lengths on the front end, earning a Beyer Speed Figure of 97.

◗ Dobbins G is returning to the Oklahoma-bred ranks for the first since Nov. 24, when he ran third in the $75,000 Don C. McNeill at a mile at Remington Park.

◗ Walter De La Cruz has the mount for trainer Austin Gustafson.

Fearless Will, by Girolamo

Beyers: 64-55

◗ He is stretching out to two turns off a maiden special weight win over 5 1/2 furlongs on April 2 at Will Rogers. He led throughout in the race, which was for 3-year-olds and up bred in Oklahoma.

◗ Fearless Will has been flattered since the start, with two runners he defeated coming back to win maiden races at Will Rogers. They include El Chihuas, who was second and returned to win a maiden special weight with a Beyer of 63.

◗ Adrian Ramos has the mount for trainer Francisco Bravo.