Horse Racing Capsules: Attendance, wagers up at Oaklawn Park this season
HOT SPRINGS, Ark. (AP) — Oaklawn Park is increasing its purses this season, thanks to warmer weather that has drawn more people to visit the track and place bets.
The racetrack says purses will go up $5,000 per day beginning Thursday. Oaklawn says it will increase purses by $200 for claiming races, $1,000 for maiden special weight and starter allowance races and $1,500 to all allowance races.
The racetrack has seen a 42 percent increase in attendance compared with a year ago, as well as a 40 percent increase in on-track wagers. Oaklawn has raced 16 days so far this season. At the same point last year, the track had only raced 10 days.
The track is gearing up for the $250,000 Southwest Stakes on Feb. 20.
Star of New York takes Big A feature
NEW YORK (AP) — Star of New York, the 2-1 favorite, rallied for a three-length victory over Cribnote on Wednesday in the $67,000 allowance feature at Aqueduct.
Winning both races since being claimed for $20,000 by trainer Rick Dutrow in December, Star of New York ran the mile in 1:39.08 with Junior Alvarado aboard. The 6-year-old gelding improved to 6 for 31, paying $6.60, $4.30 and $3.20. Cribnote returned $4.40 and $3.20 while Cosmic King paid $4.50 to show.
