1st place winner Maracuja scheduled to debut at the age of 4 in Oaklawn Parkof the eighth race featured on April 1, a race that claims a $108,000 support option is available to older bitches and mares at 1/16 mile.
Trained by New York-based Rob Atras, Maracuja hasn’t started since finishing fourth in the Cotillion Stakes (G1) for 3-year-olds at 1 1/16 miles on September 25 at Racing Parx. Maracuja scored her biggest career win to date in the American Oaks Coaching Club (G1) for 3-year-olds at 1 1/8 mile on July 24 at Racecourse Saratogasadly, among others, the ultimate Eclipse Award winner Malathaat .
“She’s doing great down there,” Atras said earlier this week. “We had some weather disruptions and everything. Style chose to play it safe and wait until the track is dry and fast here. We hope to campaign her all year. , so we don’t want to rush anything. But we’re happy to help her get started.”
Maracuja arrives on New Year’s Day and headlines a small Atlas series that will be in Oaklawn for the first time in 2021-2022. His Oaklawn division is overseen by his assistant Jesse Sauder, who frequently gallops and enjoys the Maracuja.
Maracuja has seven workouts published as of February 1 ahead of its 2022 launch, which Atras says could be an audition for the $1 million Apple Blossom Handicap (G1) in Oaklawn at 1/16 miles on April 23.
Beach Haven Thoroughbreds, Medallion Racings, Parkland Thoroughbreds, and Barry Fowler own Maracuja, a 4-year-old daughter of Honor code .
Atras said in January that he is targeting a return in March for Maracuja and then “hopefully” one day in Apple Blossom.
“She went a little behind, but we made up for it and then — timing is everything,” Atras said. “Once we get her right, there won’t be any races for her for a few more weeks. It’s the way it is. We’re happy to help her get started again and if everything goes well. , we’ll still be looking at Apple Blossom. If not, she’ll probably look for something in Kentucky or come back to New York, which is the long-term goal anyway.”
Eight-time Oaklawn Riding Champion, Ricardo Santana Jr. is named to ride Maracuja, the most beloved 2-1 show in the slated six-horse race. Probable posting time for Friday’s race is 4:39 p.m. CT
Cotillion and American Oaks Coaching Club winners come in third Clairiere is on the basis of preparing for the Apple Blossom for Hall of Fame event, coach Steve Asmussen. Apple Blossom 2020 Champion and Winner Ce Ce Coach Michael McCarthy says it’s still being considered for Apple Blossom, March 30. Southern California-based Ce Cesland has won $350,000 Azeri Stakes (G2), the last major local prep tournament together for Apple Blossom, in Oaklawn March 12.
Shed mosthedevil and the defending champion Letruska are other horses being considered for Apple Blossom at this initial time.
