Oaklawn Report #7: Weast Hill Impressive Once Again

Three Stars of the Week

– 1st Star: FAR RIGHT – On a week where the Arkansas Breds were supposed to be the ones getting all the recognition Far Right was actually the horse that stole the show. Using a Thursday allowance race as a prep for the Razorback Handicap, Far Right found the winners circle for the first time since the Southwest Stakes at Oaklawn Park last year. After trailing early in the race like always he swung wide at the top of the stretch, and caught Abraham late down the lane as the 4 year old had to close into a very moderate pace. It was a perfect prep race for Far Right who was not asked for his best, and now he’s set up for a big run against tougher in the Razorback on March 19th.

– 2nd Star: WEAST HILL – Arkansas Bred horses have never been known for amazing talent, but Weast Hill is not your normal Arkansas Bred! Sunday’s Nodouble Breeders Stakes win was his second of the meet, and also makes him four for four overall at Oaklawn Park in his career. Unlike most Arkansas Breds Weast Hill has also had success against open company, winning twice and finishing second once when running outside of his breed. The four year gelding in now five for seven lifetimes, and according to trainer Brad Cox he may be trying two turns next time out. We’ll see if he can carry is class going longer if indeed that is where he is spotted next.

– 3rd Star: EASTER INDY – As previously stated last weekend the Arkansas Breds took center stage, and on Saturday Easter Indy was able to capture the featured Downthedustyroad Breeders Stakes by over five lengths at great odds of 9-2! The win gives her two nice victories in a row at Oaklawn Park, and makes her three for six overall. Last year she won on debut before disappointing somewhat later in the meet, but this year she has put that in the past. The win sets her up for a few more possibilities to close out the meet, including the Arkansas Breeders Open Division near the end of the season.

Flop of the Week

– CARSON’S SUSPECT – It’s not that Carson’s Suspect was supposed to be a great horse, but basically he’s one of the only favorites on the week that flopped. He was bet down heavily in an Arkansas Bred allowance race, and just basically failed to show up. Not much his connections can do besides regroup and try that level once again.

Trainer Standings	Jockey Standings
1. Ron Moquett – 16	1. Ricardo Santana Jr. – 37
2. Steve Asmussen – 15	2. Roman Vazquez – 20
3. Chris Hartman – 12	3. Corey Nakatani – 19
3. Brad Cox – 12	4. Alex Birzer- 18
5. Frederico Villafranco – 11	5. Jon Court – 17
6. Jack Van Berg – 9	6. Channing Hill – 14
7. Randy Morse – 8	6. Walter De La Cruz – 14
7. Jinks Fires – 8	8. Chris Landeros- 11
9. 4 others tied at 7	9. 3 others tied at 8