HANDICAP AND FANTASY THE TOP DRAWS AT OAKLAWN
The $350,000 Oaklawn H. (G2) is the Saturday feature at Oaklawn Park and is likely to attract West Coast invader Misremembered for Bob Baffert. The Grade 1-winning five-year-old won the Santa Mile is his much anticipated 2011 debut and has been very good when running on dirt in his career. Calvin Borel has been tabbed to ride.
The top pair from the Razorback H. (G3), It Happened Again and Thiskyhasnolimit, are also expected to give this oval another try, as is Grade 2 victor Winslow Homer, who disappointed when sixth in that same race. Razorback third Win Willy and graded winner Mission Impazible are also likely to run in this spot.
All eyes will be on budding star Joyful Victory in Sunday’s $300,000 Fantasy S. (G2), who romped home in most impressive fashion in the prep for this, the Honeybee S. (G3). The daughter of Tapit had a productive juvenile campaign and seems to have blossomed under the care of Larry Jones. The long-striding filly has virtually no distance limitations and will be tough to run with if she fires her best shot.
The blue-blooded Arienza could be her stiffest challenge in here for Dan Peitz. Produced by Giant’s Causeway out of Horse of the Year Azeri, the unbeaten filly has won well against two fields and seems poised for stakes success after putting to rest an allowance field last out.