Recount faces loaded field in King Cotton Stakes

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Recount looks like a horse poised to have a memorable year, and on Saturday, he takes up the chase for his first stakes win of the season in the $125,000 King Cotton at Oaklawn Park. Recount is part of an eight-horse field comprised solely of stakes winners, including Ivan Fallunovalot, who with a first-place finish will surpass $1 million in earnings.

The King Cotton, at six furlongs, starts the local march to the Grade 3, $400,000 Count Fleet Sprint Handicap. The field also includes Grade 2 winner St. Joe Bay, Grade 3 winner Guns Loaded, and regional newcomer Prime Engine.

Also on the card, Shotgun Kowboy can become a millionaire in the third race, an allowance to which he brings a bankroll of $996,359. The fourth race has drawn a half-brother to champion Classic Empire named Exclamation Point. The colt by Concord Point makes his debut with works dating to August.

King Cotton (Race 8)

KEY CONTENDERS

Recount, by Limehouse
Last 3 Beyers: 92-78-98

◗ He began his year with a third-place finish in an optional $62,500 claiming sprint Jan. 14 at Oaklawn, attending quick fractions and finishing 1 1/4 lengths behind winner Wilbo, who also returns in the King Cotton.

“I thought it was a very strong race,” said Jimmy DiVito, who trains Recount. “Between him and Ivan, they ran together most of the way around the racetrack. Wilbo – that’s a nice horse – caught” Recount.

◗ Recount has a reason to move forward Saturday as the King Cotton will be his second start since June.

“He needed a little rest,” DiVito said. “We gave him a little break. He’s been a good horse. We figured we’d give him a little time off for the Oaklawn meet because he’s done well at Oaklawn.”

◗ Recount ran second in last year’s King Cotton and was a memorable allowance winner here last season. Overall, the horse is an eight-time stakes winner who has earned $561,801.

◗ Recount will break from post 7, with all of his pace rivals tucked to his inside. Alex Canchari has the mount for Doubledown Stables.

“He likes to run close to the pace,” DiVito said.

Ivan Fallunovalot, by Valid Expectations
Last 3 Beyers: 93-98-99

◗ He brings earnings of $961,403 into the King Cotton after running second in his 8-year-old debut Jan. 14 at Oaklawn. He set quick fractions and was beaten a length, and following that race, trainer Tom Howard said he felt the horse got a little tired while making his first start since September.

◗ Ivan Fallunovalot is seeking a third win in the King Cotton and in preparation for the race worked a bullet three-eighths in 34.40 seconds Tuesday at Oaklawn. The meet has been an objective for the horse, according to owner Lewis Matthews Jr., a resident of Arkansas.

◗ Ivan Fallunovalot has run some of his best races at Oaklawn, where he is 5 for 10.