Thirstforlife heads field in return to Oaklawn

Thirstforlife, who was scratched from last month’s $300,000 Essex Handicap, returns in Thursday’s eighth race at Oaklawn. He goes in an optional $65,000 claiming route over a mile, and figures to start as the favorite in a field of seven that includes Grade 3 winner Sticksstatelydude.

Thirstforlife finished second to The Player in the Grade 3 Mineshaft at Fair Grounds in his last start. Trainer Wes Hawley decided to target the Essex with Thirstforlife, but said he had to scratch the horse when he got hurt shipping from New Orleans to Oaklawn.

Thirstforlife has since worked back at Fair Grounds, going five-eighths in 1:01.60. Jon Court has the mount from post 3.

Gary Stevens will ride Stickstatelydude, who won the Discovery at Aqueduct in 2016.

◗ Dorodansa, who earned a career-high Beyer Speed Figure of 89 for a 5 3/4-length allowance win March 24 at Oaklawn, is targeting the Grade 3, $100,000 Doubledogdare on April 20 at Keeneland, said her trainer, Kellyn Gorder.