Arkansas Derby could draw field of 11

Post positions for the Grade 1, $1 million Arkansas Derby will be drawn on Wednesday, and Oaklawn racing secretary Pat Pope was working with a potential list of 11 runners as of Friday. The Arkansas Derby will be run next Saturday.

Pope said the horses on the grounds that he expects to enter in the Arkansas Derby are Whitmore, Luna de Loco, Creator, Gray Sky, Suddenbreakingnews, and Discreetness. Others on the grounds he considers possible are American Pioneer and Dazzling Gem.

Pope said horses off the grounds whose connections are showing interest in the race are Cupid, Unbridled Outlaw, and Gettysburg.

American Pioneer worked Friday morning at Oaklawn, and a few hours after the move his trainer, Wayne Catalano, said the horse will target the Arkansas Derby. American Pioneer went seven-eighths in 1:28.40, with Oaklawn clockers carrying him galloping out a mile in 1:41.40.

“He worked good this morning,” Catalano said. “The track obviously was not real fast. He worked well and we’re going to run in the Arkansas Derby.”

Catalano said American Pioneer will be ridden by Rafael Bejarano.