Welder runs win streak to four in TRAO Classic Sprint

Welder was bet like a sure thing in the $55,000 TRAO Classic Sprint Stakes on Tuesday at Will Rogers Down, and he ran like one, too, drawing away to a four-length victory, his fourth win in a row.

Under Travis Cunningham, Welder ($2.10) went straight to the front and ran six furlongs in 1:09, returning his backers a mere five cents on the dollar. Johnny Whip finished second, 6 1/2 lengths in front of Bad Humor.

Welder, a 4-year-old gelding owned by Ra-Max Farms and trained by Theresa Luneack, won his final start last year at age 3 and now is 3 for 3 in 2016. By The Visualiser and out of the Tiznow mare Dance Softly, Welder’s career record now stands at an excellent 8-2-1 from 12 starts. As long as he continues finding Oklahoma-bred sprint stakes, that record will continue to glitter.

* Makin the Dough lasted by a neck over odds-on favorite Curmit in the $55,000 Will Rogers Handicap for Oklahoma-bred 3-year-olds. Roger Engel trains Makin the Dough, a son of Service Stripe, for owner Rick Engel, and the gelding was ridden to victory by Bryan McNeil.