Terra Promessa risks perfect local mark in Bayakoa

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Terra Promessa has never lost at Oaklawn and will attempt to improve her local record to 5 for 5 on Saturday in the Grade 3, $150,000 Bayakoa. The race for fillies and mares is part of the road to the Grade 1, $600,000 Apple Blossom Handicap.

Terra Promessa has had a love affair with Oaklawn since last year, when she won an allowance and a pair of Grade 3 races, the Honeybee and Fantasy. She returned to Oaklawn in January and captured the $125,000 Pippin.

“She goes over this track beautifully,” said trainer Steve Asmussen.

Terra Promessa is part of a nine-horse field that includes Ready to Confess and Streamline, second and third in the Pippin, and Super Saks, a multiple stakes winner looking to stretch her speed around two turns. The Bayakoa, at 1 1/16 miles, kicks off a weekend of holiday stakes that culminates with the Southwest Stakes and Razorback Handicap on Monday.

Bayakoa (Race 9)

KEY CONTENDERS

Terra Promessa, by Curlin

Last 3 Beyers: 95-70-81

◗ Terra Promessa started her 4-year-old season with a bang in the Pippin on Jan. 14. She rolled home by 2 1/4 lengths and earned a career-high Beyer Speed Figure of 95. Her performance thrilled Asmussen and carried sentimental value for him since he trained her sire, Curlin, a two-time Horse of the Year who won the Arkansas Derby for Stonestreet Stables.

“A filly by Curlin in those silks at Oaklawn makes me happy as heck,” Asmussen said. “I get to relive the memories.

“I thought she beat a nice group of older mares. I have nothing but respect for Streamline. For her to run that well against older mares is a great sign.”

◗ Ricardo Santana Jr. has the mount from post 2.

Ready to Confess, by More than Ready

Last 3 Beyers: 92-81-88

◗ She launched her 4-year-old season in the Pippin and popped a career-high 92 Beyer for her charging second.

“I thought she held up well against Streamline, who has been a pretty good older mare, and, of course, [Terra Promessa],” said trainer Donnie Von Hemel. “She likes Oaklawn pretty well.”

◗ Joe Rocco Jr. has the mount from post 7 for Pin Oak Stable.

Streamline, by Straight Line

Last 3 Beyers: 87-80-78

◗ She has fired some strong races over the local strip, including a runner-up finish in last year’s Apple Blossom Handicap.

Super Saks, by Sky Mesa

Last 3 Beyers: 63-74-70

◗ She’s a multiple stakes winner making a rare start around two turns.

“We just thought she’s relaxing better now, we’ll try her,” said trainer D. Wayne Lukas.