Risetotheoccasion poised for big run

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Risetotheoccasion appears to have some key factors working in his favor Thursday in the featured eighth race at Oaklawn Park. He is making his second start off a layoff and will be moving back to the straight 3-year-old ranks for the optional $62,500 claiming race, which carries first-level allowance conditions. The field of seven will travel six furlongs.

Risetotheoccasion will vie for favoritism in a competitive race that also drew Triple Crown nominee Distant Kingdom, Grade 1 Champagne alumnus Holy Boss, and impressive debut winner Tappin Vegas. The race is one of two high-end offerings on the card. An optional $40,000 claiming route for fillies and mares goes as the fourth race, with Pretty Fancy a chief contender.

Race 8

KEY CONTENDERS

Risetotheoccasion (Last 3 Beyers: 83-76-67)

◗ He finished second in a quick first-level allowance for 3-year-olds and up Feb. 20 at Oaklawn. The six-furlong race went in 1:09.80. Risetotheoccassion rallied and ended up 2 3/4 lengths behind the winner. He earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 83, which is the best last-race number in the field Thursday.

◗ Risetotheoccasion has reason to move forward in the feature, as the start will be his second since November.

◗ There is speed signed on Thursday, and Risetotheoccasion might get a tracking trip behind Holy Boss and Tappin Vegas.

◗ Channing Hill has the mount for owner Jack Smith III Thoroughbreds and trainer Kellyn Gorder.

Distant Kingdom (Last 3 Beyers: 78-70-76)

◗ He is cutting back to a sprint for the first time since his debut, when he won a maiden special weight at six furlongs at Fair Grounds by seven lengths Nov. 23.

◗ Distant Kingdom has routed against quality rivals at this meet, finishing fourth to Instant Replay in an optional $75,000 claimer Jan. 19, then third to the stakes-bound Hillbilly Royalty in an optional $62,500 claimer Feb. 6.

◗ Alex Canchari has the mount on Distant Kingdom for owner Robert E. Orth and trainer Wes Hawley.

Holy Boss (Last 3 Beyers: 78-74-64)

◗ He was second against similar in his most recent out Jan. 23 at Oaklawn.

◗ Holy Boss finished fifth in the Champagne, run in the slop in October at Belmont.

◗ Holy Boss was a 10 1/4-length debut winner in a maiden special weight at six furlongs last September at Churchill Downs.

◗ Ricardo Santana Jr. has the mount for owner Jerry Durant and trainer Steve Asmussen.