Vazquez, Torres battling atop jockey standings

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Jockeys Ramon Vazquez and Cristian Torres continue to battle atop the local standings at Oaklawn. Through Thursday Vazquez had 55 wins to lead the standings, while Torres ranked second with 52.

Torres leads all riders in mount earnings, with his 324 mounts earning more than $5 million. Vazquez’s 302 mounts have earned a collective $2.9 million.

Francisco Arrieta ranked third in the standings through Thursday with 48 wins from 284 starts. His mounts have earned $4.4 million and have included Grade 2 Azeri winner Majestic Oops, Grade 2 Fantasy winner Counting Stars, and top Arkansas-bred runner Haulin Ice.

Torres won the Grade 3, $1 million Southwest Stakes with Silent Tactic, who will be his mount in the Kentucky Derby, according to trainer Mark Casse. Casse said earlier this week that Silent Tactic, as well as Kentucky Oaks candidates Counting Stars – who will be ridden by Arrieta – and Search Party, will all have works at Oaklawn soon before departing for Churchill.

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Meanwhile, the draw for the Grade 2, $1.25 million Oaklawn Handicap, which is expected to lure Horse of the Year Sovereignty, is scheduled for Sunday. It will be broadcast before the first race, at approximately 12:20 p.m. Central, according to Zack Gillham, vice president of racing and wagering for Oaklawn.

Gillham said the draw will be on the FOX program “America’s Day at the Races.” It will also be shown on the simulcast feed from Oaklawn.

Oaklawn has done a number of ceremonial draws on the FOX telecast this meet, including the Arkansas Derby. First post for the Sunday card is 12:45 p.m. Central.

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