Oaklawn Report #5

Three Stars of the Week

– 1st Star: Golden Lad (KY) – This one should just buy a house in Hot Springs and stay for the entire year!  Golden Lad ran a huge 102 beyer speed figure when winning the Essex Handicap on Saturday, defeating Ride On Curlin who ran a solid second.  It was Golden Lad’s best race since dominating the Razorback Handicap here last year, and you’d have to think he’s now a candidate for that race once again this year.

– 2nd Star: Z Rockstar (OK) – In a tough allowance race on Saturday that featured the return of Gentleman’s Bet and the classy Unbridled’s Note, it was Z Rockstar who stole the show winning a close duel down to the wire.  He was able sit just off the speedy Gentleman’s Bet for most of the way, and out finished both him and the fast closing Unbridled’s Note to the wire.  This race may have been one of his best yet, and sets him up for a possible stakes try next time out.

– 3rd Star: Mufajaah (KY) – The plan was to retire this horse after the Bayakoa Stakes on Sunday, but she’s simply running too good for them to that now.  After dominating the Pippin Stakes, Mufajaah was back to here winning way in the Bayakoa, as she was able to pass the tough Gold Medal Dancer late, while holding off Flashy American as well.  Mufajaah will now be pointed towards the Azeri Stakes, and if she wins there it’s on the Apple Blossom.

Flop of the Week

– The Weather – It got bad Sunday and Monday, after a promising start on Saturday.  Monday’s live racing was cancelled, and training is yet to resume as of Tuesday morning.  Here is hoping for warmer temperatures soon, as the weekends get big from here on out.