A Great Stakes Saturday

Today we look in on one of the best Derby preps along the Kentucky Derby trail,  The Arkansas Derby

Oaklawn Park Race 11 {Arkansas Derby~G1~1 1/8 mile~3 year old~Stakes}
A smashing field of eight will go to the gate.  There is plenty of speed to keep a swift pace throughout.  All but one will be stretching out to this distance for the first time.  The speed numbers registered by these fellas are closely comparable.  It should be a fantastic running of the Arkansas Derby.

#3 Tapiture (Rosario / Asmussen) has the edge with the highest last out speed number, a five race progression, and two superb peaking workouts.  This son of Tapit is 100% in the money in six career starts.  He should stay close to the pace, ready to strike going into the stretch.
$2 WIN  / $3 PLACE  / $4 SHOW.

#6 Commissioner (Smith / Pletcher) will challenge as the only entrant who has gone this distance and acquitted himself nobly. He holds a couple of decent last out speed numbers, is working a two race progression, and two sincere peaking workouts.  Bear in mind this son of A.P. Indy is 100% in the money at this distance.  He should be able to close quickly when the pace heats up.
$2 PLACE / $3 SHOW.

#7 Conquest Titan (Borel / Casse) could surprise with a couple of decent last out speed numbers, a four race progression, and three sensational peaking workouts.  This son of Birdstone should not have any problem getting this distance.  Stepping out to another improvement for this lad and his tracking / closing running style.
$2 SHOW.

Other Wagering Interests

#8 Bayern (Stevens / Baffert) will contend with the second highest (tie) last out speed number, a two race progression, and four endurance producing workouts.  He should be motoring on the front end and could control the pace to victory.  This son of Offlee Wild has two wins from two career starts.

#9 Strong Mandate (Saez / Lukas) should be in the mix with the third highest last out speed number, a four race progression, and three excellent peaking workouts.  This son of Tiznow, has a versatile running style which should fit this race like a glove.



Friday's Results
Oaklawn Park R10.  Apple Blossom--G1.  Our first pick, Close Hatches, won (1st) for nothing wagered , nothing gained.  Our second pick, Stanwyck, finished 3rd for show money of $3.00.  Our third pick, Let Faith Arise, finished 4th.
Bankroll drops a buck to $13.64.  We will supplement with another Hamilton for today's race.