$15,000 Claim Hawaakom Wins $500,000 Razorback Handicap
Hawaakom draws off to win the $500,000 Razorback Handicap by 3 1/4 lengths under Corey Lanerie
Hawaakom had already proven to be a highly lucrative claim for owner-trainer Wesley Hawley, with total earnings of $625,405 going into Monday's $500,000 Razorback Handicap at Oaklawn Park. After emerging victorious from the Grade 3 race with an exciting ride up the rails under Corey Lanerie, the 8-year-old gelding by Jazil is approaching millionaire status, thanks to the race's $300,000 first prize.
Not bad for a horse Hawley claimed for $15,000 on Nov. 27, 2014, at Churchill Downs. He now races for Hawley and Stephan H. Smoot.
Hawaakom covered 1 1/16 miles on a muddy Oaklawn Park surface in 1:45.14, rallying from last early and squeezing through a narrow gap along the fence to snatch the 3 1/4-length victory from runner-up Leofric, who was bidding to give trainer Brad Cox his fourth win on the afternoon. Rocking the Boat finished third, with favorite Untrapped fourth in the field of 11 older runners. A claim of foul by the rider of Untrapped against Leofric was dismissed by the stewards.
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“I had a great trip you know," said Lanerie. "The horse fits the trip really well. He loves the inside, a couple times I came to a couple holes I was a little scared of but my horse showed me all the courage and never hesitated and he did all the work. Thanks to the owners and trainers for giving me this opportunity.”
“Lanerie up the rail! I couldn’t believe it," said Hawley. "What a great ride. We’ll probably wait and come back for the Oaklawn Handicap.”
Second to Horse of the Year Gun Runner in the 2017 Razorback, Hawaakom has now won nine of 40 starts. The win in this year's Razorback was the first in graded stakes company for Hawaakom and his trainer, Hawley. Hawaakom was bred in Kentucky by Shadwell Farm.
Hawaakom carried 114 pounds under the handicap conditions of the race, three fewer than high-weight Untrapped.
