Oaklawn Park notes: On Fire Baby pointed for Apple Blossom

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. - On Fire Baby is to launch her 4-year-old season in the Grade 1, $500,000 Apple Blossom Handicap next month at Oaklawn, trainer Gary Hartlage said Wednesday. The 1 1/16-mile race for fillies and mares is April 12.

“The next step is the Apple Blossom,” Hartlage said.

On Fire Baby, a multiple Grade 2 winner who last raced in May, has been working sharply for her return and was entered in an allowance for Friday’s card, Hartlage said. But the race did not fill, and while it was again offered for Saturday, Hartlage said a joint decision with owner Anita Cauley was made to just await the Apple Blossom.

On Fire Baby, who was given time off because of inflammation in one of her stifles, resumed training Jan. 1. She is to breeze Friday at Oaklawn, Hartlage said, under regular rider Joe Johnson.

** Oaklawn is bringing back its participation bonus, with overnight races that have more than eight wagering interests to receive a purse boost. The bonus will begin with the April 4 card and continue through closing day, April 13. Oaklawn will add $1,000 to the purse for every horse that gives a race more than eight separate wagering interests.