Oaklawn Park: Laurie's Rocket keeps owner's big meet rolling

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. - Laurie’s Rocket on Saturday added to the outstanding Oaklawn meet his owner, Willis D. Horton, is having by giving the Arkansas resident his third stakes win of the season in the $75,000 Hot Springs. Horton also owns Will Take Charge, winner of the Grade 2, $600,000 Rebel and $150,000 Smarty Jones this meet at Oaklawn.

Laurie’s Rocket on Saturday picked off his third win at the meet after darting home by a length over Flashpoint. It was another two lengths back in third to Shrill, who was followed by Picko’s Pride and Apprehender.

Laurie’s Rocket ($10.60) pressed even-money favorite Apprenhender through fractions of 22.67 seconds for the opening quarter and 46.60 for the half-mile, then moved clear to cover six furlongs on a sloppy track in 1:11.14.

“He broke well and put me in a good position,” said Victor Lebron, who rode the winner. “I just played along from there. I didn’t want to make the lead too soon. When I pushed the button, I had plenty of horse to get the job done.”

D. Wayne Lukas trains Laurie’s Rocket, as well as Will Take Charge. He said Laurie’s Rocket is a candidate for the Grade 3, $250,000 Count Fleet Sprint Handicap at Oaklawn on April 13. The horse’s other wins at the meet came in allowances, on Jan. 17 and Feb. 16.

Laurie’s Rocket is a 4-year-old by Bluegrass Cat who has now won 6 of 22 starts and $373,938.

*Attendance on track was 15,834.