Sandman, a talented 3-year-old racehorse, is gaining attention after a commanding win at Oaklawn Park. This highly anticipated victory has set him on a path to compete in one of Oaklawn’s premier races, the Grade 3, $1 million Southwest Stakes, scheduled for January 25. Below, we’ll explore Sandman’s journey, what makes him stand out, and what lies ahead for this rising star.
Sandman’s Journey to the Spotlight
Sandman, a stunning gray son of the renowned sire Tapit, was purchased for a whopping $1.2 million as a 2-year-old. With such a high price tag and elite pedigree, expectations have always been high. Sandman is also a half-brother to She Can’t Sing, a Grade 3 winner who earned over $883,000 during her career.
This promising colt had a mixed start, with fifth-place finishes in his first two outings. However, he found his stride in August 2023, breaking his maiden with a win at Saratoga in a seven-furlong race. Since then, he has been gradually improving, with notable performances in tougher competition.
A Standout Performance at Oaklawn
On December 15, Sandman delivered a career-best performance, winning an optional-claiming allowance race at Oaklawn Park. Guided by jockey Cristian Torres, Sandman covered one mile in a meet-best time of 1:38.71, securing a 1 3/4-length victory and earning a career-high Equibase Speed Figure of 97. Trainer Mark Casse was thrilled, noting that Sandman handled the two turns well and showed glimpses of his full potential.
“He’s always impressed me,” Casse said. “This race felt like the first time he really showed what he’s capable of. Now, he just needs to build on that.”
Eyes on the Southwest Stakes
Sandman’s next big challenge is the Grade 3 Southwest Stakes, a prestigious race that is also a key step on the road to the Kentucky Derby. For the first time, the Southwest boasts a $1 million purse, offering Kentucky Derby qualifying points to the top five finishers (20-10-6-4-2). Sandman has already collected four points from his performances in the Iroquois Stakes and Street Sense Stakes.
This race will test his endurance and ability to compete at the highest level. If Sandman continues to improve, he could become a serious contender not just at Oaklawn but also in the broader Derby trail.
What Makes Sandman Special?
Sandman’s pedigree, athleticism, and attitude set him apart. According to Casse, he is a “beautiful horse” with a smooth, effortless way of moving. Despite initial setbacks, Sandman has consistently shown growth and resilience. His ability to adapt to two-turn races has been a key turning point, and his latest win suggests he’s just getting started.
Sandman’s journey highlights the ups and downs of thoroughbred racing, where raw talent and training come together to create champions. As he gears up for the Southwest Stakes, fans and industry insiders alike are eager to see if he can take another step forward. With a solid foundation and growing confidence, Sandman is well on his way to becoming a name to remember.
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