Allowance a key test for Navistar

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – South Florida invader Navistar will meet talented local Tenfold in the eighth race Sunday at Oaklawn.

The first-level allowance for 3-year-olds carries a $75,000 claiming option. It will be run over 1 1/16 miles and could produce starters for the Grade 1, $1 million Arkansas Derby on April 14.

Navistar arrived Tuesday at Oaklawn aboard a flight that carried stablemate Magnum Moon to town for the Grade 2, $900,000 Rebel that was to be run here Saturday. Tenfold is coming off a 5 3/4-length debut win over 1 1/16 miles at his base of Oaklawn.

KEY CONTENDERS

Navistar, by Union Rags Last 3 Beyers: 42-79-81

Navistar has shown talent in his young career. In his debut he was second to nextout stakes winner Mask in a maiden special weight sprint Oct. 20 at Belmont Park. He won his maiden in a one-turn mile race at Gulfstream next out on Dec. 16.

Navistar opened his 3-yearold season in a first-level allowance Feb. 4 at Gulfstream, finishing an uncharacteristic sixth in his first try around two turns. He will add blinkers Sunday.

“We were puzzled by what he did in his last race,” said Todd Pletcher, who trains Navistar for Robert LaPenta. “He bolted on the far turn. He’s come back with some good breezes. We put blinkers on him to try to keep him focused.”

Pletcher said Navistar passed a physical exam following the allowance and has trained well for Sunday.

“He’s come back with three good works since then, all straight and true,” he said.

Pletcher said the right kind of performance Sunday could position Navistar to advance to a prep for the Kentucky Derby.

John Velazquez has the mount from post 6.

Tenfold, by Curlin Beyer: 87

He debuted Feb. 9 at Oaklawn and won a 1 1/16-mile maiden special weight on the front end. The Beyer Figure of 87 that he earned for that 5 3/4-length victory is the best career number in the field Sunday.

Tenfold is from the female family of Possibly Perfect.

Ricardo Santana Jr. has the mount for Winchell Thoroughbreds and trainer Steve Asmussen.

Bode’s Maker, by Bodemeister Last 3 Beyers: 74-38-45

He was entered in the Rebel, but trainer Allen Milligan said Friday morning the horse would run in the allowance Sunday.

Bode’s Maker, who is stakesplaced, was second in another local allowance March 3, behind the undefeated Exclamation Point.

Milligan said he looks for Bode’s Maker to bid from off the pace Sunday. He has given the mount to Jareth Loveberry.

Pryor, by Paynter Last 3 Beyers: 81-66-43

He, too, is entered in the Rebel and trainer Ron Moquett said as of Friday morning the first preference was to run in the Rebel.

Pryor won a maiden special weight at a mile Feb. 19 at Oaklawn, earning a careerhigh Beyer Speed Figure of 81.