Hartman brings Kavod back quick

Kavod, part of a strong contingent of sprinters trainer Chris Hartman has this meet at Oaklawn Park, will see action at the Hot Springs, Ark., track on Friday.

Kavod’s appearance in the eighth race comes on the heels of Hartman trainees Tejano Twist and Edge to Edge running a respective first and third in the Grade 3, $200,000 Whitmore last Saturday. Kavod, who is a stakes winner at Oaklawn, could go favored in Friday’s allowance for 4-year-olds and up who have not won a race since Sept. 24, 2022. The six-furlong sprint carries a claiming option of $40,000.

Kavod enters off a thirdplace finish to Heart Rhythm in a March 9 allowance at Oaklawn. Kavod set a quick pace in the slop and was beaten two lengths in a race that went in 1:09.80.

“He’s coming into this race really good,” Hartman said. “I know he’s back on short rest. He came out of his last race in good shape. I don’t really think he has an affinity for the mud. I’m rooting for a fast track.”

Heart Rhythm is now under consideration for the Commonwealth at Keeneland, according to his trainer, John Ortiz.

Kavod and jockey David Cabrera will start from post 5 in the field of eight. Kavod has drawn outside of one of his primary pace rivals in Jackman, who will start from post 2 off a runner-up finish in a $35,000 starter allowance at Oaklawn. Fore Left also could contribute to the pace. The scenario could develop favorably for Kavod.

“He was always a horse that liked to stalk another horse,” Hartman said of Kavod. “He’s been forward his last couple of races, out on the lead. I think I’d like to see him stalk.”

Hartman trains Kavod for Black Hawk Stable and Mach 1 Racing.

Hartman said Tejano Twist and Edge to Edge likely will run back next month at Oaklawn.

“We’re shooting for the Count Fleet for both of them,” he said. “Everything points that direction. They both came out of the race good. That’s the most logical spot.”

The Grade 3, $500,000 Count Fleet Sprint Handicap is April 15.

Other sprinters of note in Hartman’s barn include Klassy Bridgette, who will run in the Purple Martin Stakes on Saturday.

Hartman’s barn also houses an Arkansas Derby prospect in recent allowance winner Two Eagles River, who worked six furlongs in 1:13 on Tuesday.

“He had another beautiful work,” Hartman said. “All is on schedule. He’s doing well.”

Nik Juarez has the mount in the Arkansas Derby, which along with the Fantasy will be drawn Sunday. The remaining races for the Arkansas Derby Day card on April 1 will be drawn Monday. The Arkansas Derby and Fantasy are points races for the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks.

◗ The card Friday at Oaklawn also includes a first-level allowance sprint for fillies and mares. Pistol could be sitting on a peak race while making her third start since November.