Softer spot for Hamazing Destiny
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. - The last time Hamazing Destiny was seen in the overnight ranks he was a dazzling debut winner at Oaklawn Park. Friday, he runs in a $62,500 optional claiming race that carries first-level allowance conditions. The 1 1/16-mile race for 3-year-olds, carded as the eighth race, also drew impressive maiden winner Good Sermon.
But much of the focus will be on Hamazing Destiny, who on Feb. 7 rolled to a 10 1/2-length win in a six-furlong maiden special weight. He covered the distance on a fast track in 1:10.40, and earned a powerful Beyer Figure of 96. The win came under trainer Mac Robertson. Soon after the race a majority interest in Hamazing Destiny was sold to Westrock Stables and the horse was transferred to trainer D. Wayne Lukas.
Next up, Hamazing Destiny took his first crack at routing in the Grade 2, $300,000 Rebel Stakes here March 14. He stalked the pace on a track rated good before fading to eighth, and Lukas feels the wet track condition compromised Hamazing Destiny.
"He ran over that glue the other day and he didn't handle it all," he said.
"I don't think any less of him."
Hamazing Destiny has since worked sharply, going five furlongs in bullet 59.20 seconds at Oaklawn on March 22. Israel Ocampo has the mount on the horse, who will break from post 6.
Hamazing Destiny is not the only Rebel runner in the eighth race on Friday. The Rebel sixth-place finisher Pointing Home also has been entered. Before the Rebel, Pointing Home had won a one-mile maiden special weight at Oaklawn. Quincy Hamilton has the mount for Oxbow Racing and trainer Scooter Dickey.
Good Sermon earned a Beyer Figure of 90 for his 2 3/4-length win in a one-mile maiden special weight at Oaklawn in his last start March 5. Jon Court has the mount on Good Sermon, who races for Patricia Blass and is trained by Jinks Fires.
Good Sermon wired the field in his maiden win and figures to be prominent Friday from post 3. To his outside, Hamazing Destiny could get a decent stalking trip, as could Pointing Home.
The race Friday also drew Moscow Adventure, who in his last start was third at this level to a promising colt in Wise Kid.