HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Haulin Ice put in a powerful performance against open company in the $250,000 Matron at Oaklawn Park on Saturday, a day after being crowned the 2024 Arkansas-bred of the Year.
She jumped out to the lead in the six-furlong race for fillies and mares and proceeded to set fractions of 21.98 seconds for the opening quarter and 44.98 for the half-mile before going on to cover the distance on a muddy, sealed track in 1:09.31 and getting a 101 Beyer Speed Figure.
“I was expecting more speed in the race, but they opened the door and she just went really quick,” winning rider Francisco Arrieta said in an interview conducted by Oaklawn. “When she was by herself, she relaxed, but I see the pace. She went pretty quick.”
Haulin Ice ($8.80) won by five lengths over 3-5 favorite Almostgone Rocket. It was another two lengths back in third to Benedetta.
Saffie Joseph Jr. trains Haulin Ice for C2 Racing Stable, Paul Braverman, Miller Racing, and Timothy Pinch.
Haulin Ice was honored during the Arkansas Thoroughbred Breeders’ and Horsemen’s Association annual banquet Friday night at the Event Center at the hotel at Oaklawn. The daughter of Coal Front has now won 7 of 13 starts for earnings of $688,100.
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