Starship Zeus has better post in second start over the track

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Starship Zeus will get some post position relief in Friday’s ninth race at Oaklawn Park.

The first-level allowance is for 4-year-olds and up over a mile and a sixteenth. It drew a field of 12.

Starship Zeus will break from post 3, one race after he started from the 11-hole at this same level, going a mile at Oaklawn. He managed to finish second, beaten 2 3/4 lengths. Jockey David Cohen was aboard, and again has the mount Friday.

“I think even though Cohen did a good job getting him over last time, the inside post definitely helps on Friday,” said Robertino Diodoro, who trains Starship Zeus.

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The race is one of two high-end offerings on the card. There is an optional $50,000 claiming route for fillies and mares over a mile and a sixteenth that goes as the eighth. The field of 10 includes Calf Moon Bay and Blue Moonrise, both stakes-placed in recent times, and Getridofwhatailsu, who comes off a 4 1/4-length allowance win for The Elkstone Group, trainer Brad Cox, and jockey Joe Talamo.

KEY CONTENDERS

Starship Zeus, by Bluegrass Cat

Last 3 Beyers: 86-75-79

◗ The Beyer Speed Figure of 86 that he earned for his runner-up finish in his last start Feb. 17 is the best last-race number in Friday’s field. The effort came in his first start at Oaklawn.

“He ran a good race,” Diodoro said. “Second time over the track, I think, hopefully, he’ll improve just a bit, enough where he can get the money.”

◗ Diodoro trains Starship Zeus for M and M Racing. The trainer and owner lead their divisions in the standings at Oaklawn. Cohen entered the week tied atop the rider standings with Ricardo Santana Jr. Diodoro has gone 25 for 76 with his starters through Sunday.

“We’ve got a good group of horses and we’ve got a good crew put together,” Diodoro said. “I think things are really clicking right now. It’s a team effort.”

Sonny Smack, by Successful Appeal

Last 3 Beyers: 85-75-70

◗ He must overcome post 12, but enters off one of the best races of his career. He powered home by 8 1/4 lengths in a $50,000 starter allowance Feb. 13 at Oaklawn.

◗ Walter De La Cruz was aboard and again has the mount on the Dream Walkin’ Farms homebred for trainer Don Von Hemel.

Proverb, by Flatter

Last 3 Beyers: 77-87-86

◗ He’s back at Oaklawn, where last meet he ran third in the $300,000 Oaklawn Invitational.

◗ Proverb has placed in one other stakes, finishing third in last year’s Grade 3 Matt Winn at Churchill Downs.