At Oaklawn Park, impressive newcomer D’code impressed again with a half-mile workout in 51.20 seconds under trainer H. Ray Ashford Jr. Ashford revealed that D’code’s usual exercise partner, Bethany Taylor, was riding to gauge the breeze on the fast track. Among 18 published workouts from various locations, D’code ranked 16th for the time. Jockey Ashford noted the work was intentionally slow at first, then accelerated, indicating the horse feels strong and the team is achieving their desired progress. If all goes well, D’code is set to debut in stakes competition and make a two-turn start in the $1 Million Southwest (G3) on January 31, which is a Kentucky Derby qualifying race offering points toward the Triple Crown. D’code, a son of sprint champion Speightstown, won his only prior race at Oaklawn by over eight lengths with a record-setting time and a notable Beyer speed figure of 99. The colt is bred and owned by Texas car dealer Tom Durant.
Jockey Cristian Torres celebrated his 300th Oaklawn win on Friday in the fifth race aboard Tiz in Sight, owned by trainer Mark Kass. Torres expressed gratitude for achieving this milestone at a track he considers home after being brought to Oaklawn in 2021 by agent Ruben Muñoz. The Puerto Rico native had a record-setting 2022-2023 season with 100 wins and over $6 million in earnings, joining the ranks of legends like Hall of Famer Pat Day. Torres remains a leading rider with strong support from trainer Cody Autry, who currently leads with 15 wins in the season. Ricardo Santana Jr., fourth on the all-time Oaklawn wins list, will begin Saturday aiming to add to his 799 wins, while Day holds the top spot at 1,264.
At Tampa Bay Downs, trainer Kathleen O’Connell matched the record for most winners on a single race card at Oldsmar Oval by saddling four winners on Friday—a feat she initially set in 2003. O’Connell, with a career total of 2,601 winners, saw victories including Full Moon Magic and Princess Britni, and placed just outside the top spots with several other horses. On Saturday, Juan Carlos Avila extended his lead in the trainers’ race by capturing three wins, including races won by Midnight Onyx, Homer Jones, and Gianluca Be Lucky. Sunday marks the return of horse racing at Tampa Bay Downs with a nine-race card featuring three one-mile turf races, bringing back a popular tradition despite a past legal challenge that upheld a Sunday racing ban. The track will hold races every Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday during the meet, except Easter Sunday. Family-friendly events like “Mouse’s Kids & Family Days” are planned, enhancing the sport’s community engagement.
Fan Take: This roundup highlights emerging talent and seasoned champions making headlines, underscoring the rich depth of horse racing today. These stories not only inspire fans but also signal a vibrant future for the sport, blending tradition with exciting new prospects that keep horse racing thrilling and relevant.
