Pirate's Punch ($5.40) was always prominent for a clear win in the featured eighth race Friday at Oaklawn Park. He covered a mile and a sixteenth on a fast track in 1:42.48. 

Pirate's Punch broke sharply and raced with Mick's Star through fractions of 23.22 seconds for the opening quarter, 46.64 for the half-mile and 1:10.74 for six furlongs. Pirate's Punch shook that rival near the quarter pole and darted home under Tyler Baze. 

Rated R Superstar closed for second, while Mick's Star held for third. 

The race, an optional $100,000 claiming allowance, could produce starters for the Grade 2, $600,000 Oaklawn Handicap that has been moved to a later date of May 2. Grant Forster, who trains Pirate's Punch, said earlier this week that with the right kind of performance, the Oaklawn Handicap could become an option for Pirate's Punch.