Pirate's Punch targets Oaklawn Handicap

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Pirate’s Punch was a knockout winner in his Oaklawn debut earlier this month, and he could return for the track’s signature race for older horses. Trainer Grant Forster said Pirate’s Punch is a candidate for the Grade 2, $600,000 Oaklawn Handicap on May 2.

Pirate’s Punch was a five-length winner of an optional $100,000 claiming race April 3 at Oaklawn. He dueled for the lead and jetted clear, covering the 1 1/16 miles in a sharp 1:42.48. The performance was good for a Beyer Speed Figure of 97.

Forster said Pirate’s Punch has since returned to Fair Grounds.

“We’ll take stock of how he comes back,” Forster said last week. “He looks fabulous so far. We definitely have the Oaklawn Handicap as kind of a goal. We’ll just kind of let him tell us whether that’s a reasonable goal or not.

“I have a feeling the Oaklawn Handicap may be the new Dubai World Cup. It’s the richest race in the country for older horses the next few months.”

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The Dubai World Cup was among a number of major races canceled this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. The virus also has caused the suspension and postponement of other notable races in North America, including the Grade 2, $1 million Charles Town Classic on April 18. The race had been a consideration for Pirate’s Punch, Forster said.

◗ Southern California-based trainer Peter Eurton has a division of horses at Oaklawn for the first time this meet and has made an impact, running first, second, or third with 10 of his 14 starters. His three winners include Shooters Shoot, who put himself in the Arkansas Derby conversation with an April 11 allowance score for which he earned a Beyer of 89. Eurton said he would again like to have a division at Oaklawn next season.

◗ Oaklawn president Lou Cella said the track will race spectator-free through the close of its meet May 2, which this year is Arkansas Derby Day.

◗ Oaklawn has set up its Post Parade room as separate jockeys’ quarters for riders shipping in from other jurisdictions, according to a track official.