Tom's d'Etat targets Churchill stakes after Oaklawn Mile win

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Tom’s d’Etat emerged from his Saturday win in the $150,000 Oaklawn Mile in good order, trainer Al Stall Jr. said Monday.

“He seems fine,” Stall said. “He survived the race and the storm.”

The area was hit with heavy rains, high winds, and lightning on Easter Sunday.

Tom’s d’Etat will likely make his next start at Churchill, Stall said. Churchill has delayed the opening of its stable area because of the coronavirus pandemic.

“Hopefully, Churchill is running in May, and we’ll find something there,” Stall said. “Possibly the Blame Stakes on May 30, if that comes to pass.”

The Blame is a prep for the Tom’s d’Etat’s next major goal, the Grade 2, $700,000 Stephen Foster, scheduled for June 27 at Churchill.

Tom’s d’Etat was saddled by trainer Chelsea Coady on Saturday because Stall and members of his Louisiana-based staff were restricted by Oaklawn from being on the grounds because of the coronavirus pandemic. Irvin Harrison, a groom with Stall’s division at Oaklawn, handled Tom’s d’Etat for regular groom Omar Bahena. Bahena was the groom of Blame, winner of the Breeders’ Cup Classic for Stall.

:: To stay up to date, follow us on: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

“We appreciate Oaklawn Park running,” Stall said. “It’s very difficult to set up protocols of that type, and we know they’re going the extra mile. A lot of people are benefiting from them racing.”

Coady and Harrison will be back in action for Stall on Saturday, when he sends out Bobby’s Wicked One in the Grade 3, $350,000 Count Fleet. Miguel Mena has the mount, Stall said. The race will share a card with the Grade 1, $600,000 Apple Blossom.