Mr. Z and Far Right Rematch in Grade 3 $300,000 Southwest

Far Right (3/1) emerged from the Smarty Jones victorious and is the morning line favorite for trainer Ron Moquett.  The son of Notional has won two of seven career starts and finished with authority in the January 19 Smarty Jones after a troubled trip likely cost the colt a better placing in the $1 million Delta Jackpot Stakes in November.  Mike Smith, who was aboard for the Smarty Jones win, returns to Oaklawn for the mount.  

Mr. Z (7/2) looked to be an easy winner in the Smarty Jones, but veered sharply to the right in the stretch. The D. Wayne Lukas trainee could do no better than third after losing significant ground, and will receive a new rider in the Southwest with Corey Nakatani replacing Jon Court.  Mr. Z is multiple graded-stakes placed, but has just one win in nine career starts – a debut maiden victory in June at Churchill Downs.

War Story (4/1) figured to be a top contender in the Southwest, but the colt is expected to scratch after drawing post 11 with trainer Tom Amoss citing a “strong statistical negative” for that starting position at Oaklawn.  JS Bach (4/1) has just a maiden victory to his credit, but looks live for trainer Todd Pletcher breaking from post one.