Witt has strong hand with statebreds on Thursday card

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – The breeder and owner Ernie Witt has long been turning out winning Arkansas-breds and on Thursday his imprint is prominent on the card at Oaklawn Park.

There are three races for Arkansas-breds, including the featured eighth, a money allowance sprint for fillies and mares in which Witt co-owns leading contender Tiddly and bred and owns another capable starter in Flora Grove. In the second race, Witt is the breeder and owner of leading contender Cinnafrijole and also is the breeder of first-time starter Shadyngray.

“Every year we’ve got a crop of eight to 10 brand new babies,” said Witt’s son and trainer, Ernie Witt II.

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Witt’s farm is in Ozark, Ark. He stood the late Cinnamon Creek, who was an influential stallion in the state. For this breeding season, the farm has brought on Laurie’s Rocket, a recent purchase who as a racehorse won two Oaklawn stakes and earned more than $500,000.

“Everything coming from him seems to have speed, which you’ve got to have at Oaklawn,” said Ernie Witt II.

KEY CONTENDERS

Tiddly, by Primary Suspect
Last 3 Beyers: 57-59-49

◗ She started her season at this same level, finishing second by a head in a six-furlong race Feb. 1 at Oaklawn. It was her first start since May. Tiddly broke from the outside post 10.

“We lost a lot of ground,” said Witt II. “Being wide then getting hung out wide, that hurts a lot.”

◗ Tiddly will break from post 5 in the field of 11 on Thursday. Jockey Luis Quinonez has the mount on the mare, who also races for Robert L. Tucker.

Flora Grove, by Shady Grove
Beyers: 53-34

◗ This marks her first start since April of her 3-year-old season, when she won her maiden by 5 1/4 lengths against older rivals at Oaklawn.

“I think she’s grown a lot,” Witt II said. “She’s coming along really good. Her works have kind of led me to this race.”

◗ Jareth Loveberry has the mount from post 2.

Flatoutandfoxy, by Flat Out
Last 3 Beyers: 50-71-67

◗ She exits the same race as Tiddly, finishing fifth as the favorite, 3 3/4 lengths behind the winner.

◗ Flatoutandfoxy defeated open company in a conditioned claiming race Nov. 6 at Churchill Downs.

◗ Calvin Borel has the mount from the rail for trainer Cecil Borel.

Bettyann, by Sky Mesa
Last 3 Beyers: 34-67-57

◗ She missed the break in same race as Tiddly last out and ended up ninth. In her only other start against Arkansas-breds, she won a maiden race last January at Oaklawn.

◗ Bettyann went on to defeat open company in a conditioned claiming race in November at Laurel Park.

◗ Alex Birzer has the mount for trainer Kenny Smith.