Scratch of Tax could leave Green Light Go alone on lead in Essex Handicap

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – The complexion of the $500,000 Essex Handicap on Saturday at Oaklawn Park changed dramatically Friday morning with the scratch of Tax.

Tax not only was a candidate to control the pace, but also was the 120-pound highweight and probable favorite. Tax’s defection makes for a field of six older horses for the 1 1/16-mile race that shares a card with the Grade 2, $1 million Rebel.

Green Light Go, who is stretching out to two turns for the first time, could find himself on the lead, while another horse with natural speed is Silver State. The new starting highweight at 119 pounds is Grade 3 Pimlico Special winner Harpers First Ride.

Tax sustained a small puncture wound on one of his hind legs, trainer Danny Gargan said. He was injured following a training session Friday morning, when leaving the wash rack. Tax went through a metal grate surrounding the area and staples were required to address the wound that is about an inch in length.

“It’s just a freak accident,” Gargan said. “Probably 1,000 horses have walked over that thing and nothing happened.

“He’ll be healed up in two weeks and he’ll be back in training.”

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The field for the Essex includes Rated R Superstar and Night Ops, who are past winners of the race.

Green Light Go, winner of the Grade 2 Saratoga Special in 2019, is stretching out off a close fourth-place finish in an allowance over six furlongs Feb. 6 at Oaklawn. The race was his first start since last May, and it went in a sharp 1:09.95. Green Light Go will be racing beyond seven furlongs for the first time Saturday. Francisco Arrieta has the mount on the son of Hard Spun for Stronach Stables and trainer Jerry Hollendorfer.

Silver State moved back to two turns for his last start and won the $150,000 Fifth Season by a nose Jan. 23 at Oaklawn. He settled just off the pace in the mile race and edged pacesetter Hunka Burning Love on the wire. It was Silver State’s third straight victory. His streak started in October, with a first-level allowance win at seven furlongs at Keeneland. He then won an allowance at the same distance in November at Churchill Downs. Ricardo Santana Jr. has the mount for the partnership of Winchell Thoroughbreds and Willis Horton. Steve Asmussen trains Silver State, who like Green Light Go is by Hard Spun.

Harpers First Ride makes his Oaklawn debut after being based in Maryland. He won last year’s Pimlico Special with a career-high Beyer Speed Figure of 101. David Cohen has the mount for trainer Robertino Diodoro.

Also on the card for older males is the $150,000 Temperence Hill over 1 1/2 miles. The field of 10 includes Grade 2 winner Tenfold and Grade 3 winners Campaign, Plainsman, and You’re to Blame.

You’re to Blame has moved into this region after being purchased by Staton Flurry, who said the plan was to target the Temperence Hill, which was introduced in 2020.

“We know this is his thing, he wants to be a marathon type of horse,” trainer Ron Moquett said. “I’m wanting to see that big, long, staying stride. I’m very happy Oaklawn has the race as a way for marathon horses to showcase their abilities.

“The card Saturday, top to bottom – what a fun card.”

Joel Rosario has the mount from post 2.

Plainsman runs for John Ed Anthony, who raced Temperence Hill.