Stakes Saturday at Oaklawn

On this beautiful Spring Saturday we take a look at one of the two remaining premiere Kentucky Derby preps, The Arkansas Derby.

Oaklawn Park Race 10 {Arkansas Derby~G1~1 1/8 mile~3 year old~Stakes}
An inspiring group of ten will make their start seeking derby points to land a spot in the 2013 Kentucky Derby.  This race is filled with speedy types which may provide a strong opportunity for those coming from off the pace.  Only two have previously gone this distance.  It should be all what it has been billed as, a premiere top flight contest.

#9 Overanalyze (Bejarano / Pletcher) currently is sitting with ten (10) Derby points and needs to score here to gain entry into KD 139.  He holds the highest speed number at the distance (a triple digit) and posted a respectable last out speed number.  This son of Dixie Union has posted four superb workouts and appear ready to use his tactical speed to great advantage.
$2 WIN / $3 PLACE / $4 SHOW.

#2 War Academy (Smith / Baffert) comes in from sunny California to battle this talented group.  He holds the second highest last out speed number, a two race progression, and three strengthening workouts. As his pedigree would suggest, a son of Giant's Causeway, distance and surface should not be a problem.  It seems like he may run mid-pack and make a go for it heading into the turn with an awesome late kick.
$2 SHOW.

#1 Carve (Santana / Asmussen) may surprise with a couple of good last out speed numbers and two robust, peaking workouts.  This son of First Samurai has two wins over this track in three tries.  Should the pace be frothy, he will utilize a strong kick to score well.  Surprisingly, he is the only one not Triple Crown nominated.
$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#10 Oxbow (Stevens / Lukas) may go off as the favorite with the highest last out speed number, a four race progression, and two hearty workouts.  He should be the speed of the race and needs to tamp down on it to secure his birth into KD 139.  This son of Awesome Again has a group high of thirty (30) derby points.

#4 Falling Sky (M. Garcia / Terranova) has secured twenty (20) derby points and will need to perform well to insure a gate position in KD 139.  He has posted a couple of very good last out speed numbers, a four race progression, and three sensational, peaking workouts.  This son of  Lion Heart should be forwardly placed and back off a little if the pace heats up.

10 CENT Superfecta

#9 Overanalyze / #2 War Academy / #1 Carve / #10 Oxbow, #4 Falling Sky.



Friday's Results
Keeneland R8.  Allowance.  Our first pick, Reload, won (1st) for win money of $2.10 and show money of $1.10. Our second pick, Casino Dan, finished 2nd for show money of $1.60.  Our third pick, Fairy Cat, finished 9th.
Superfecta went 7-12-8-10.
Bankroll gains a few cents to settle at $14.65.