Turf War Set in $300,000 Muniz Handicap

Coalport (3/1) is likely the controlling speed in the field of seven, but the Michael Maker trainee could feel the presence of Fair Grounds Handicap winner Chocolate Ride (5/1), who wired the field February 21 in his last start to earn the first stakes victory of his career.  Coalport also won his last start in gate-to-wire fashion winning the Grade 3 Connally Cup January 24 at Sam Houston.  The victory followed a nine week layoff for Coalport who shipped to Texas from Gulfstream Park and will follow the same routine shipping to New Orleans for the Muniz.  Miguel Mena, who rode Coalport for the first time in the Connally, retains the mount with pair set to break from post seven. 

Divine Oath in strong position 

Divine Oath (5/2) returned from nearly a two month layoff to finish fifth in the Grade 2 Mac Diarmida Stakes February 21 at Gulfstream.  Trainer Todd Pletcher connects at a stellar 26% clip with runners making their second start following a layoff of 45-180 days, and shows a steady work tab at Palm Beach Downs.  Divine Oath has won 5 of 10 career starts and will be ridden by Florent Geroux breaking from post four. 

Slumber tries to capture graded win 

Slumber (7/2) has been unlucky not to have recorded a graded stakes win, losing by a nose in his last start - the Grade 2 Gulfstream Park Handicap – and suffering a few close defeats against top company in 2014.  Trained by Chad Brown, Slumber has won 4 of 18 career starts and shows a fast workout March 22 at Gulfstream in preparation for the Muniz.