Weekend Plays: Endorsed poised to rebound at Oaklawn Park

As Oaklawn Park closes out its spring meet, it bows out with a fantastic Arkansas Derby (G1) undercard with plenty of full fields. One of the most interesting races is the fifth, an allowance optional claimer which could qualify as a low-level stakes race with names such as Pirate’s Punch, Endorsed and Bankit headlining the field.

Endorsed, now a member of the Bill Mott barn, makes his third start of the year after a fifth-place finish in the Santa Anita Handicap (G1) in his final start for Kiaran McLaughlin. He leads off five selections for Saturday.  

Oaklawn Race 5: Allowance Optional Claiming, 4 and up

Compared to most past runnings of the Santa Anita Handicap, this year’s renewal did not appear strong in terms of competition, at least at first glance. But the last-place Two Thirty Five came back to win an Oaklawn allowance against a nice group of horses including Shang, Lone Sailor and Guest Suite.

Perhaps the Big 'Cap was a decent field after all.

According to TimeformUS' Pace Projector, Endorsed will receive a legitimate pace for his closing bid as it projects a fast tempo with Pirate’s Punch and Treasure Trove contesting the lead. Lombo, Mick’s Star and Kershaw may get in the mix as well.

While that kind of pace may set up for Bankit as well, Bankit has been a money burner on top with six straight losses.

In contrast, Endorsed won his first start of the year and offers more upside. At 7/2, Endorsed is a fair price to pick up his second 2020 win.

Oaklawn Race 6: Maidens, 3-year-olds

Friar’s Road finished a solid second to Shooters Shoot in a March 15 maiden race at Santa Anita, losing by 3 ¼ lengths. On April 11, Shooters Shoot returned to win an Oaklawn optional claimer over the talented Blackberry Wine.

For the March 15 runner-up effort, Friar’s Road received a 112 TimeformUS Speed Figure, which is significantly higher than almost every horse in this field.

The only exception is Divine Armor, who also picked up a 112 when second in a Feb. 22 maiden race at Santa Anita. But Divine Armor is on the also-eligible list.

As long as Divine Armor does not draw in, Friar’s Road could take this race in a hand ride with only a repeat of his last performance. But if Divine Armor does draw in, then consider using both California horses at short prices.  

Oaklawn Race 7: Allowance Optional Claiming, 3-year-old fillies

Ain’t No Elmers is on the also-eligible list. But this undefeated filly has shown enough promise in her lone two starts to warrant consideration.

In her career debut on Feb. 15 at Fair Grounds, she won by 6 ½ lengths with some mild urging. Then on March 18, she took an allowance optional claimer by nine lengths on the same course, again with only some mild encouragement.

For the two wins, she earned TimeformUS Speed Figures of 99 and 97. Speech shows a 108 figure in her history, but keep in mind that Speech is a more experienced runner with four starts. Gamine earned her 104 in a maiden sprint and now stretches out.

Ain’t No Elmers’ two wins came at six furlongs, and now she lengths as well to 1 1/16 miles, which is one concern. But her damside pedigree is credible, as Voussoir is a half-sister to Drogue, who won the 2014 Fifth Season Stakes at the same distance.

As the third choice at 5/2, Ain’t No Elmers is a fair price.

Oaklawn Race 8: Allowance, 3 and up

Wild Popit disappointed in a local April 18 allowance race, fading to fourth after setting the pace. But he gets one more chance to redeem himself. here.

For one, Wild Popit lost to some decent horses in Dessman, Everfast and Locally Owned. On his best day, Everfast is capable of competing in graded stakes races, as he had run second in the 2019 Preakness Stakes and Holy Bull (G2).  

For the fourth-place finish, Wild Popit still earned a career-high 106 TimeformUS Speed Figure, which is tied for the second-highest last-out figure.

Also, there is a chance jockey Stewart Elliot goes for more conservative tactics. Wild Popit won his maiden race from off the pace.

Wild Popit is 10-1 on the morning line, and that is a good value.

Oaklawn Race 10: Allowance Optional Claiming, 3-year-olds

Rushie finished a distant second to Charlatan in a March 14 allowance optional claimer at Santa Anita, losing by 10 ¼ lengths. Despite that huge margin, he still earned a 110 TimeformUS Speed Figure.

Ginobili earned a 117 after finishing second to Nadal in the San Vicente Stakes (G2), but it is unclear whether he can duplicate that number, or if he wants to route.

Chalk Rushie’s loss up to losing to a special horse. Against normal horses such as these, he gets a chance to make amends with Joel Rosario aboard.

Rushie can use his speed to clear, and he can secure a good position whether he sets the pace, presses the leader or stalks the pace.

Expect 8/5 on Rushie, which is still fair given his speed figure and tactical advantage.