Bayakoa Beats Goodbye Halo by Four Lengths, Ends Whittingham’s Streak

Trainer Charlie Whittingham is no longer batting 1.000 at Oaklawn Park. Bayakoa, ridden by Laffit Pincay, took care of that streak Wednesday in the $250,000 Apple Blossom Handicap.

Three times Whittingham has shipped a horse from California to Oaklawn and three times he has gone home with the winner’s check. But this time, Bayakoa took the early lead, opened up on the field going into the far turn and came home four lengths in front of Whittingham-trained Goodbye Halo.

The result was a carbon copy of the Santa Margarita Handicap at Santa Anita Feb. 19, but Goodbye Halo was much closer in the early going this time.

Owned by Mr. and Mrs. Frank Whitman and trained by Ron McAnally, Bayakoa paid $4.20, $2.20 and $2.20 as the second choice in the wagering. Goodbye Halo, who has been the favorite in 10 of her last 11 starts, returned $2.20 and $2.20 as the 3-5 favorite. Invited Guest, another nine lengths back, paid $2.20.

Bayakoa completed the 1 1/16 miles in 1:41 4/5.