36-1 bomb Crowned King nails Great Notion

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. - Crowned King, a 36-1 longshot, ran down 3-5 favorite Great Notion late to win the at Oaklawn Park by 1 1/4 lengths on Saturday. It was another two lengths back in third to Comic Truth.

Great Notion broke out at the start of the 1 1/16-mile race for 3-year-olds, and raced wide on the first turn before getting the lead through an opening quarter-mile in 23 seconds. He set the pace until deep stretch before being passed by Crowned King.

Crowned King ($75.60), who had one horse beat early, advanced along the rail down the backside, then angled out in the stretch and wore down Great Notion.

Chandra Rennie rode the winner, who covered the distance over a fast track in 1:44. The Rebel is the final local prep for the Grade 2, $500,000 Arkansas Derby on April 12.

Crowned King earned $75,000 for the win, his second in a stakes and his third overall from 10 career starts. His earnings now stand at $130,700. Crowned King races for McKeever Racing Stable and is trained by Billy McKeever, Jr.

Ontrack attendance was 23,397.