Oaklawn Park: Pearl Turn a possibility for Apple Blossom Handicap

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Pearl Turn, who gave Will Van Meter his first win as a trainer when she captured an allowance March 14 at Oaklawn, also could be his first graded stakes starter. On Monday, Van Meter was debating whether to run Pearl Turn in the Grade 1, $600,000 Apple Blossom Handicap on Friday.

Van Meter, 30, is an Army veteran who holds a degree in equine business administration from the University of Louisville. He also is the son of Dr. Tom Van Meter, a veterinarian and prominent owner and consignor who co-bred 2005 Kentucky Oaks winner Summerly.

Will Van Meter worked as an assistant to Hall of Famer D. Wayne Lukas before launching his own training career in January. He brought a four-horse stable to Oaklawn, he said, because it was familiar territory after spending three winters at the track for Lukas. Van Meter said that following the meet, he will set up shop at Keeneland, where his stable size will double with the addition of a number of 2-year-olds.

Pearl Turn is a 4-year-old daughter of Bernardini who began her career in Ireland. She races for Tom Van Meter and Brady Grady, a new client for Will Van Meter.

◗ Trainer Bob Baffert said Monday that in addition to Racing Festival starters Bayern (Arkansas Derby) and Secret Circle (Count Fleet), he is considering starters for the $100,000 Bachelor Stakes and $100,000 Instant Racing Stakes, both of which are for 3-year-olds.

◗ Taptowne, who had been under consideration for the Oaklawn Handicap, will run next in the Grade 3 Texas Mile at Lone Star Park, said trainer Tim Glyshaw.