Absinthe Minded wires Bayakoa rivals

Absinthe Minded indicated her intent to be a player in the filly and mare ranks this year at Oaklawn Park, when she won her second straight race at the meet in the $100,000 Bayakoa on Saturday. The 1 1/16-mile stakes is one of the local preps leading up to the Grade 1, $500,000 Apple Blossom Handicap on April 15.

Absinthe Minded ($18) came into the Bayakoa off a victory by more than four lengths in a $35,000 optional claiming allowance at Oaklawn on Jan. 23. She led wire to wire that afternoon, and used the same tactics in the Bayakoa.

Absinthe Minded broke well and was clear by a length through fractions of 23.58 for the opening quarter, 47.36 for the half-mile and 1:11.84 for six furlongs. She spurted home to win by four lengths, covering the distance on a fast track in 1:43.62.