Southern Grayce can keep Cox rolling

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Trainer Brad Cox will attempt to win Oaklawn Park’s feature for the third consecutive race day when he starts Southern Grayce in the eighth on Thursday.

The first-level allowance for 3-year-old fillies is at six furlongs and carries an optional claiming price of $62,500. The field of seven includes Ava’s Grace, who makes her first start since running third in the Grade 2 Adirondack last summer at Saratoga.

Cox’s streak in the local feature races started Saturday, when champion Essential Quality solidified his status as the early Kentucky Derby favorite by winning the Grade 3, $750,000 Southwest. The next day, champion Monomoy Girl knocked out the Grade 3, $250,000 Bayakoa in her first start at 6.

Southern Grayce could go favored Thursday off a runnerup finish in a first-level allowance sprint Jan. 24 at Oaklawn. The Beyer Speed Figure of 81 that she earned is the best career number in the field.

“She ran big her first race here,” Cox said. “Obviously, we’ve missed some training since then. She did breeze here [Friday].”

Southern Grayce, like her fellow horses based at Oaklawn, had been unable to get on the track for training from Feb. 12-21 due to an extended winter storm system. Her last race came at the same six-furlong distance over which she won her debut in a November maiden special weight at Churchill Downs.

Regular rider Fernando De La Cruz has the mount on Southern Grayce, who figures to be prominent from post 2.

“She’s been forward every start,” said Cox.

Southern Grayce is a daughter of Liam’s Map and owned by the partnership of 4 G Racing, Lance Gasaway, and Clint Gasaway. The filly’s dam, She Be Keene, is a half-sister to champion She Be Wild.

Ava’s Grace launches her 3-year-old season with a series of works at Oaklawn. She won her debut last July at Ellis Park, then shipped to Saratoga and set the pace in the Adirondack on Aug. 12. David Cohen has the mount on the daughter of Laoban for Cypress Creek and trainer Robertino Diodoro.

Exotic West is another contender. She has moved into the region from Southern California and will be first Lasix.

Infield opens Saturday

Oaklawn, which has had limited attendance to start the meet, will begin expanding options for patrons. The track is scheduled to open its infield on Saturday, weather permitting, said Oaklawn president Lou Cella.

A general admission ticket will allow a patron access to the infield alone. Cella said there will be tents, concessions, and tellers to serve the public. Patrons will be admitted to the infield through a special tent and security setup on the north end of the grandstand, said Oaklawn spokeswoman Jennifer Hoyt.

Oaklawn intends to open its infield every Saturday.