HOT SPRINGS, Ark. - Tiger Hunt has been withdrawn from consideration for Saturday's Grade 2, $500,000 Illinois Derby because it would be too much of a push to make a race of that caliber, said his trainer, Ralph Nicks. The earliest comeback races Tiger Hunt will be considered for are the $75,000 Northern Spur Breeders' Cup at Oaklawn on April 10, or the Grade 2, $325,000 Coolmore Lexington Stakes at Keeneland on April 17.

The deadline for Fair Grounds to file a reorganization plan in bankruptcy court was moved late last week from Monday to April 15.

Fair Grounds declared bankruptcy last spring to shelter itself from the effects of a lawsuit filed and won by the Louisiana Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association. A year ago, the Louisiana Supreme Court ruled in favor of the LHBPA, and on

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. - Trainer Kenny Smith was arrested in the Oaklawn Park racing office on Friday afternoon on a felony charge of theft over $2,500, according to a report in the Arkansas Democrat Gazette. Smith, who was released on $20,000 bond, allegedly sold an interest in a horse that did not exist.

The police said on Saturday morning that records in the case would not be opened until Monday afternoon.

The more she wins, the funnier Placid Star's career debut looks. A Louisiana-bred 3-year-old filly by Placid Fund, Placid Star cost only $5,000 at auction. She had no breathtaking morning workouts - why not start her in a $15,000 statebred maiden claimer?

Angela's Love was at her best in the $50,000 Fairway Fun Stakes at Turfway Park, making the early lead under virtually no early pressure and rolling to an 8 1/4-length victory.

How good is Water Cannon? That was the question at Laurel Park in Maryland after Water Cannon toyed with five foes, winning the $60,000 for 3-year-olds by 3 3/4 lengths under a hand ride.

Trained by Linda Albert and ridden with supreme confidence by Ramon Dominquez, Water Cannon won his fourth consecutive start and did it without being asked for anything close to his best.

A gelded son of Waquoit, Water Cannon ran the 1 1/16 miles in 1:45.42 and paid $3.80.

Handpainted won her first two-turn stakes Friday night, when she rolled to a 2 3/4-length win over Salty Farma in the $75,000 Goddess Stakes at Delta Downs in Vinton, La. Blue Guru finished third, four lengths behind Salty Farma.

Handpainted ($3.60), a 4-year-old daughter of A.P. Indy, showed speed from the start, pushing pacesetter Miss Confusion through a half-mile in 47.04 seconds. Handpainted then took over and drew clear through the stretch, covering the mile for fillies and mares in 1:38.25.

ARCADIA, Calif. - When the most consistent sprinter in California throws in a clunker, what happens next? That is one of the questions Sunday at Santa Anita, where will be favored to rebound off a seventh-place finish that trainer Ted H. West admits "is still a mystery."

ARCADIA, Calif. - Lion Heart is the horse to catch Saturday in the Santa Anita Derby, which is expected to attract eight or nine runners and is widely considered the strongest 3-year-old stakes of the season.

In addition to Lion Heart, who won the Hollywood Futurity, the principal contenders for the 1 1/8-mile derby include Louisiana Derby winner Wimbledon; Rock Hard Ten, who is 2 for 2; two-time graded stakes winner Imperialism; and graded stakes winner St Averil.

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. - Island Fashion may join Azeri and Wild Spirit in the starting gate for the Grade 1, $500,000 Apple Blossom Handicap at Oaklawn Park on Saturday. A 1 1/16-mile race for fillies and mares, the Apple Blossom will share a card with the Grade 2, $500,000 Oaklawn Handicap, and together the stakes will ring in the 31st Racing Festival of the South.