HOT SPRINGS - Jockey Joe Bravo got explicit instructions from Upstart trainer Richard Violette in advance of Saturday's 57th running of Grade III The Razorback Handicap.
"He said, 'Don't mess up, jock,' " Bravo said.
Bravo didn't.
Upstart, the 5-2 post-time favorite, grabbed the lead at the head of the stretch and held on for a 1-length victory over veteran runner Domain's Rap in the $350,000 race for 4-year-olds and up.
Upstart, making his first start at Oaklawn and his first start at any track in six months, ended a six-race losing streak dating back to last year's Holy Bull Stakes at Gulfstream Park in Hallandale, Fla.
Bravo placed Upstart in the middle of the pack until the field headed into the final turn, when Upstart made his winning move.
No more than one length separated the next six finishers in the 1 1/16th-mile race.
Upstart was disqualified from a 2¾-length victory in the Feb. 21 Fountain of Youth before running second in last year's Florida Derby and an 18th- place finish in the 2015 Kentucky Derby.
The last time Upstart raced was a fifth-place finish in the Grade II Pennsylvania Derby on Sept. 19. Bravo said Violette's team deserves credit for having the son of Flatter ready for the race.
"When you're off that long, it's tough to get a horse ready to run," Bravo said. "He left there really nicely and he relaxed really good the first turn. (He was) probably a little farther back than Rick wanted, but he was so comfortable and relaxed. I was really happy the way he was going."
Upstart earned $210,000 for owner Ralph Evans and WinStar Farm.
Upstart paid $7.20, $4.80 and $4.40. Domain's Rap paid $8.20 and $5.80. Idolo Porteno -- an entrant from Argentina who was making his first start in eight months, his first start in the United States and his first start around two turns -- paid $9.40 to show.
Shotgun Kowboy, who won three consecutive races at Remington Park last year, held the lead for the first 6 furlongs, run in 1:12.94, but Upstart made his move on the far outside at the head of the stretch, passing five horses to take control.
Domain's Rap, an 8-year-old gelding who was claimed for $10,000 last November, held second by a half a length.
"This horse has been running so good," trainer Federico Villafranco said of Domain's Rap, the oldest horse in the race. "We tried to get him an easier spot, but we couldn't. We decided to give him a chance to prove himself. If he's still doing good, we'll have to think about the Oaklawn Handicap."
Florent Geroux, who was aboard Idolo Porteno, said his horse may have been "a little rusty."
"He still put in a great effort," Geroux said. "It looks like the longer the race for him the better."
Sports on 03/20/2016