Oaklawn: Spadra, Primetime Dreamer win Rainbow divisions

Mary Rampellini

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. - Jockey Alex Birzer swept both divisions of the Rainbow Stakes at Oaklawn Park on Saturday, when he took the fillies division with Spadra and the colts and geldings side with Primetime Dreamer. Each race was for 3-year-olds bred in Arkansas, and each had a purse of $60,000.

Spadra ($7.80) picked off the second stakes win of her four-race career when she wired the field in the Rainbow Miss. She broke on top and dueled with K J and a Half through an opening quarter in 21.60 seconds. Spadra shook clear of that rival around the turn then held off a strong bid from Sunday Grace to win by a half-length for owner Keith Jacobs and trainer Lynn Whiting.

"Lynn thought we'd be vying for the lead," said Birzer. "We broke, and she drug me to the lead. It was a perfect trip. It was my first time on her, she rated nice and everything went well. Lynn told me a lot about this filly, and they just did a wonderful job getting her ready."

Spadra won the $50,000 Lady Razorback for Arkansas-breds at Louisiana Downs in her career debut in September 2011. She is a daughter of Wildcat Shoes, and was also bred by Jacobs.

In the Rainbow, Primetime Dreamer ($5.80) was a 2 1/2-length winner over Brassy and Proud. It was the horse's third win at the meet behind a maiden special weight win Jan. 20 and a first-level allowance March 9. Primetime Dancer was part of a team of five horses in the six-horse field who raced around the final turn together, through a half-mile in 45.87. Primetime Dancer broke free of the pack and went on to cover the distance on a fast track in 1:11.48.

"We were more forwardly placed than we thought and it was a big race for him," said Birzer, aboard for trainer Stanley Roberts. "Stanley did a wonderful job with him. He's a nice colt.

"To come back and win another stakes race, it's absolutely wonderful and it's a lot of fun."

Patti Turner, who owns Primetime Dreamer, a son of Primary Suspect and the stakes-winning mare Timeless Dreamer, said the horse is headed next to Louisiana Downs. Primetime Dreamer was bred by Jack and Christine Henry.

* Attendance ontrack Saturday was 16,108.