Willy D's fends off Coal Battle for Lake Ouachita victory

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Willy D’s won his second straight stakes race on Saturday, when he fought off Coal Battle for a neck win in the $200,000 Lake Ouachita at Oaklawn Park. It was another 7 3/4 lengths back in third to Mackman.

The Lake Ouachita was one of two stakes on the closing day card run under ideal conditions in the 70s. Hess won the $200,000 Arkansas Breeders’ Championship.

Willy D’s ($5) came into the Lake Ouachita for 4-year-olds and up at 1 1/16 miles off a win in the Grade 3 Kentucky Cup Classic at Turfway Park. He set the pace Saturday, taking the field through fractions of 23.81 seconds for the opening quarter, 47.23 for the half-mile and 1:11.41 for six furlongs. Willy D’s had more in the lane when confronted by Coal Battle, and covered the distance on a fast track in a quick 1:41.56.

Francisco Arrieta was aboard for trainer Mike Maker.

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Willy D’s is a son of Lookin At Lucky who races for Paradise Farms and Case Chambers. He has now won seven of 27 starts for earnings of $874,008.

Hess ($45.40) closed through the lane to catch Rock Solo in the late stages for a neck win in the Arkansas Breeders’ Championship. It was another 1 1/4 lengths back to Honey’s to Blame.

The Arkansas Breeders’ Championship was a 1 1/16 mile-race restricted to 3-year-olds and up bred in Arkansas.

Hess covered the distance on a fast track in 1:43.59. Keith Asmussen was aboard for trainer Ron Westermann.

Hess is a son of Moonshine Mullin who races for Keith Ploumen.

Racing is scheduled to return on Black Friday in November, pending approval from the Arkansas Racing Commission.

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