Opening-day card averages 10.9 horses per race, not counting also-eligibles
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Pat Pope has the easiest job in racing. At least that was the case on Friday.
Oaklawn Park’s longtime racing secretary had owners, trainers, assistant trainers, and jockey agents beating down the doors and lighting up phone lines with entries for the 10-race season opener on Dec. 12.
That’s what happens when purses are projected to average more than $900,000 a card for the 64-date meet that runs through May 2.
There were 123 horses entered in the 10 races, with 14 of those landing on also-eligible lists. That averages out to 10.9 runners in the body of each race. Pope said for last year’s 10-race opener, 112 horses were entered, with seven on also-eligible lists. The average in the body of each race was 10.6.
“I think the card went extremely well,” Pope said of the first draw of the season. “You’re happy when you see your special weights go. I was happy we saw the A-other-than go, and happy with the $50,000 starter, all solid races.
“And the forecast, there’s no uncertainty about us racing at all. It’s showing it’s supposed to be in the high 40s, low 50s.”
First post next Friday is 12:30 p.m. Central.
The $150,000 Advent for 2-year-olds at 5 1/2 furlongs is the opening-day feature. The field of seven includes horses who last raced in California, Illinois, Kentucky, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. Walter the Mason won the Zia Park Juvenile last month in New Mexico, while Dirty Rich was a maiden winner at Del Mar in July.
Jockey Luis Saez, who is new to the meet, has the mount on Spun D M C, the runner-up in the Bowman Mill in October at Keeneland. Ganaas exits a fifth-place finish in the Street Sense at Churchill Downs.
“It’s a solid group of 2-year-olds,” said Pope.
The Advent is expected to be part of a $1 pick six that is being brought back after a hiatus. The pick six, and some other new wagers, are subject to approval by the Arkansas Racing Commission. A representative of the commission said Oaklawn’s wagering format is on the agenda for approval at a meeting Tuesday.
Oaklawn had 1,200 horses on the grounds as of Friday morning, said Pope. He looks to have more than 1,400 in place for the season. There also will be horses regularly shipping into Oaklawn from area training centers and tracks across the region.
“I’m looking for horses at all times,” quipped Pope.
On Friday, the horses - and purses - made his job easy.
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