The spring racing calendar is constantly shifting, with the latest switch landing Grandview Equine, Cheyenne Stables LLC and LNJ Foxwoods’ Shoplifted in Saturday’s $200,000 The Oaklawn S.
Shoplifted was going to run in the Sunland Derby (G3) three weeks ago, but that race meet was canceled, forcing his connections to alter plans. The 3-year-old colt was entered in Saturday’s 1 1/8-mile contest, which offers an automatic berth into the Arkansas Derby (G1), on May 2, to the top three finishers.
Because of the canceled race at Sunland, Shoplifted hasn’t run since he finished fourth in Oaklawn’s Southwest S. (G3) on Feb. 17. The Into Mischief colt, who was second in last year’s Hopeful S. (G1), is seeking his second stakes win. Based at Oaklawn Park with trainer Steve Asmussen, Shoplifted hasn’t missed any training time since the Southwest.
Shoplifted drew post six in the full field of 13. He’ll be ridden by Rafael Santana, Jr., who has been aboard for both of his victories to date. The Oaklawn is race 11, with a post time of 5:48 CT.