Carve scores in Fifth Season

Michael Langford's Carve (First Samurai) kicked off his five-year-old season in

fine style, winning Friday's $100,000

Fifth Season

S. by 3 1/2 lengths over

Code West (Lemon Drop Kid) at Oaklawn Park.

"This is the one we wanted to start our season off with," Langford said. "The

horse has trained unbelievable."

Ridden confidently by jockey Jesus Castanon, Carve raced

within striking distance of Zee Bros (Brother Derek) as he took the field through early

fractions of :23 4/5 and :47 for the first half mile. The dark bay gelding collared the

leader past the furlong marker and drew off to win comfortably in 1:42 2/5 for 1

1/16 miles over the fast track.

"I just made sure he broke good and got into a good

position," Castanon said. "From there, I knew I was on the best horse and rode

him with a lot of confidence."

Carve paid $4.80 for the win as the 7-5 favorite with Grade 3 scorer Code

West the third pick at 9-2. Zee Bros held on for third to round out the betting

public's top choices as the 2-1 second favorite.