Daily Racing Form National Digital Edition
Where’s Randy possesses upset chance for Morse
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Where’s Randy will attempt to keep trainer Randy Morse’s highly productive group of Arkansas-breds on a roll Friday, when he seeks to spring a mild upset in the ninth race at Oaklawn Park.
The first-level allowance is for 3-year-olds and up bred in Arkansas, and the six-furlong race carries an optional claiming price of $30,000. Mahomey, who defeated a number of these rivals last out, is the probable favorite in search of his third straight win.
Where’s Randy was a close fourth to Mahomey at this level March 28 at Oaklawn. He was cutting back from 1 1/16 miles to six furlongs and closed from more than 10 lengths back to finish 2 1/2 lengths behind Mahomey. Where’s Randy is 10-1 on the morning line in the full field of 12.
“I think he’s got a big chance,” Morse said. “He didn’t have a very good trip last time. He was kind of pinned inside of horses.”
Morse has won 11 races with Arkansas-bred runners this meet, led by Kantex in the $150,000 Downthedustyroad and Hush It Honey in the $150,000 Rainbow Miss. Kantex is bound for the $150,000 Natural State Breeders’ here May 3, Morse said. Plans are to be determined for Hush It Honey, a three-time winner at the meet who earned a Beyer Speed Figure of 83 in the Rainbow Miss.
Where’s Randy is a son of Flashback who races for Morse and Randy Patterson. The men also bred the horse and are partners on a number of the Arkansas-bred winners Morse has saddled this meet. Where’s Randy is named for Patterson and Morse.
“Randy’s daughter and my girlfriend, they thought it was real comical because they’re always getting asked, ‘Where’s Randy? Which Randy?’ ”
Morse said Where’s Randy might better appreciate seven furlongs, which is not offered at Oaklawn. The horse could still be racing closer to the pace than he found himself last time.
Ramon Vazquez has the mount from post 4.
“I hope he’s sitting real close about the sixteenth pole,” said Morse.
Mahomey was a winner at this level last time, and the Beyer of 76 that he earned is the best last-race number in the field. He will break from post 3. Al’s Romeo and Peace Dog finished a respective third and fifth to Mahomey in the race run March 28.
Bettys Cash is cutting back to one turn after finishing a good fourth in a $50,000 starter allowance won by Black Apple. It was a rare two-turn start for Bettys Cash, whose three career wins have come at six furlongs at Oaklawn.
Hit Scene is a rare Arkansas-bred for Triple AAA Ranch, which is known for its success with Arizona-breds. Hit Scene is by Top Hit and out of the stakes-winning mare Bar Scene. He won his maiden at this distance in January at Oaklawn. Ramsey Zimmerman has the mount from post 11 for trainer Kory Owens.