Campaigned for the likes of many 1st grade winners Tepin and 3rd grade champion sheet , it looks like it’s time for a new face to join Robert Masterson’s roster. 3 year old girl south lawn prove she’s right for the job.
After Agent Deuce Greathouse spent $290,000 securing the owner’s dirty money from Denali Stud’s shipment for Keeneland’s September 2021 Annual Sale, Masterson finally sent Southlawn to the barn. Norm Casse’s horse, where the daughter of Pioneer of the Nile Had a teen year 1 to 5 somewhat challenging.
Despite past contradictions, the chubby guy entered 2023 strong and ready to go, showing that form with an optional grant declaring victory on February 17 at Fair Grounds Racecourse & Slots. She returned to the oval stadium in New Orleans on March 25, using that preparation as a stimulant for the $376,000 Fair Grounds Oaks (G2).
Weathering the storm, it was clear the fire was burning inside Southlawn as she rallied from the start of her final game on the field for a spot in the May 5 Kentucky Oaks (G1) with a 3rd win. 1/4.
“I was extremely nervous. I was worried when she was in the yard, she was extremely hot. It was very, very hot today,” Casse told the Fair Grounds public. “I thought, ‘Gosh, I definitely hope this chubby girl doesn’t have a bad reaction to the heat.’ After the parade was a bit longer than we thought. When she left and wasn’t fast enough to be brought to the front, I got worried.
“You could say that when she got on the track, she started to get her rhythm back and really engaged. I was just proud, mission accomplished. We thought we were going to win the race. This race was a month ago and it’s great to see the plans come together.”
Get to the finish line in a 1 1/16 mile race behind the leaders Christian d’Oro and 6-5 favorites Hoosier Philly , Reylu Gutierrez sat quietly as a quarter of a mile passed at : 23.65. On horseback in: 47.20, the dog begins to evaporate and gradually moves up the middle of the five-horse yard. On the final turn at 1:11.99 and stuck in traffic on the tracks, Gutierrez leaned out where she found a gap in the middle of the fast track and dashed forward, passing Quite mischievous with a mile in 1:37.86. At the wire, that’s all Southlawn, who finished 1/16 miles in 1:44.38.
With the win, Southlawn ($17.40) earns 100 points for the Kentucky Oaks. Pretty Mischievous runner-up earns 40, Alys’s look won 30 points for third place and Hoosier Philly got 20 points.
Christian d’Oro has been pulled up for a long time. After a cool shower, she stepped off the track.
Casse, son of Hall of Famer Mark Casse, says he’s prepared for the Kentucky Oaks.
“Obviously it was a lot of fun, to handle it; we were there, did it,” said the younger Casse. “I worked for my father for a long time, there are many beautiful horses, we know what to do.”
Bred in Kentucky by WinStar Farm, Southlawn is one of two winners among many beginners among the 3rd place bet winners Mo d’Amour, via Uncle Mo .
“I was with my dad in Ocala and I said, ‘Wouldn’t it be nice if we had two of the favorites for the Kentucky Oaks?'” Casse said. “He has magic wheel, I had Southlawn. We’ll tackle it on the track.”
Videotapes: Fair Grounds Oaks presented by Fasig-Tipton (G2)
