On Saturday March 19, The Factor, the 3-year-old colt owned by George Bolton and Fog City Stable, rolled to a 6 ¼-length victory in the $300,000 Rebel Stakes in front of 34,698 fans at Oaklawn Park.
Also on the program, Fox Hill Farms’ Havre de Grace started her 2011 campaign with a powerful win in the $150,000 Azeri Stakes, besting her rival Blind Luck, last year’s 3-year-old champion filly, by 3¼ lengths in their tune-up for next month’s $500,000 Apple Blossom Handicap.
The California horse, The Factor, was making his first start around two turns after winning the San Vicente Stakes at his homebase of Santa Anita Park last month. The son of War Front had blitzed to sprinting wins, including a track record-setting performance at six furlongs there, but trainer Bob Baffert confidently shipped the roan colt east and was rewarded with a cruising and crushing win under jockey Martin Garcia in 1:42.19 over a fast track.
The Azeri was billed as the latest showdown between Havre de Grace and Blind Luck after the two raced against each other four times last year. Jockey Ramon Dominguez confidently guided the 4-year-old daughter of Saint Liam from just off the pace before scooting clear at the top of the stretch. Blind Luck and jockey Garrett Gomez raced in last until the far turn before starting her rally, but with a furlong left, it was clear Havre de Grace had too big an edge.
Oaklawn Park in Hot Springs, AR is at the height of racing season, which runs January 14 through April 16. The season culminates with the Arkansas Derby on April 16, a prep race for the Kentucky Derby.
For more information about Oaklawn Racing and the latest news from the barn, visit: www.oaklawn.com
