Takeoff, Arklow work out for Risen Star
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John C. Oxley’s Takeoff returned to the tab for the first time since finishing a game third in the Grade III $200,000 Lecomte Stakes on Jan. 21. The son of Arch worked five furlongs in a sharp 1:01 flat at Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots for trainer Mark Casse, with assistant David Carroll looking on.
“It was a first work back from the race and was a maintenance move,” Carroll said. “He went fine and I’m happy with it. We weren’t asking for anything special. He’s fit, he looks well and came out of his effort well, so all’s well in that regard. Right now, we’re planning on the (Grade II $400,000) Risen Star (on Feb. 25). After that, we’ll decide what will happen with him as far as the (Kentucky) Derby trail, but right now we’re very happy with him.”
In four career starts the now graded stakes-placed dark bay has a victory and two thirds and $53,500 in earnings. Third, 3½ lengths off a swift pace in the Lecomte, the talented colt was game when finishing less than two lengths from victory in the mile and 70-yard event. He earned a sharp 98 Equibase speed figure for his effort — two points above his impressive maiden-breaking effort four weeks prior at the same trip.
Second in said maiden heat and a game fourth — just a head astern Takeoff — in the Lecomte, Donegal Racing’s Arklow was also on the tab on Saturday morning. The Brad Cox-trained, highly regarded maiden worked a half-mile in 49.20, which was his first move since said effort. Cox confirmed last week that the fellow Arch offspring will aim to the Risen Star over a mile and a sixteenth of Fair Grounds’ main course.
Source: Fair Grounds Race Course & Slots
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