Fearless favored in Oaklawn Handicap
At 0h03, on April 23, 2022 • By OAKLAWN PARK
After narrowly missing in last year’s edition, Fearless has been installed the 5-2 program favorite for the $1 million Oaklawn Handicap (G2) for older horses Saturday at Oaklawn.
Probable post time for the 1 1/8-mile Oaklawn Handicap, which goes as the 11th of 12 races, is 5:41 p.m. (Central). Racing begins at 12:10 p.m. The infield will be open because of expected pleasant weather. Saturday’s card also features the $1 million Apple Blossom Handicap (G1) for older fillies and mares at 1 1/16 miles and the $150,000 Oaklawn Stakes for 3-year-olds at 1 1/8 miles.
The projected eight-horse Oaklawn Handicap field from the rail out: Beau Luminarie, Florent Geroux to ride, 117 pounds, 12-1 on the morning line; Thomas Shelby, David Cohen, 117, 8-1; Last Samurai, Jon Court, 117, 8-1; Idol, Ramon Vazquez, 119, 6-1; Rated R Superstar, Ricardo Santana Jr., 120, 5-1; Plainsman, Joel Rosario, 121, 5-2; Super Stock, Isaac Castillo, 118, 10-1; and Fearless, Jose Ortiz, 121, 9-5.
Trained by Todd Pletcher, Fearless exits a six-length victory in the $100,000 Ghostzapper Stakes (G3) at 1 1/8 miles April 2 at Gulfstream Park. Fearless finished second, beaten a half-length by future Grade 1 winner Silver State, in last year’s Oaklawn Handicap.
Pletcher is seeking his third Oaklawn victory after winning in 2007 with future Eclipse Award winner Lawyer Ron and 2015 with Race Day.
