Oaklawn Park: Valid Commander completes rapid ascent from $7,500 claimer to Nodouble Stakes winner

HOT SPRINGS, Ark.- Valid Commander, who was racing for a $7,500 claiming price in January, became a stakes winner Saturday at Oaklawn Park, where he rallied for a length win over Goods Gone West in the $75,000 Nodouble. It was another two lengths back in third to Humble Smarty.

The Nodouble, at six furlongs, was restricted to 3-year-olds and up bred in Arkansas.

Valid Commander ($18.20) started his year with a third-place finish in a $7,500 claiming sprint at Oaklawn on Jan. 10. But he jumped up in class one start later and handled statebreds in a first-level allowance in February, then became a stakes winner on Saturday.

Valid Commander settled in fourth behind Mallet and Humble Smarty, who dueled through an opening quarter in 21.57 seconds. The eventual winner put in a determined bid through the stretch to cover six furlongs on a fast track in 1:10.96.

Alex Canchari rode the winner for trainer Doug Anderson. Valid Commander, a 4-year-old by Hesabull, races for the partnership of Roustabout Racing Stables and Dwight Fugate.

“He got a perfect trip today,” Anderson said. “The horse showed a lot of patience and Alex did a super job.”

Valid Commander earned $45,000 for the win. He was bred by James H. Shields and R. H. Udouj.

Attendance on track was 13,229.