Arkansas Derby means a lot to Horton

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Willis Horton had long made a point of attending the Arkansas Derby each April at his home track of Oaklawn Park. But this year is particularly special.

Horton will be represented in the Grade 1, $1 million Arkansas Derby with his homebred Long Range Toddy, who drew post 11 for the 1 1/8-mile race on Wednesday. Long Range Toddy enters with a big chance, as he comes off a win in the first division of the Grade 2, $750,000 Rebel last month at Oaklawn.

“It would mean everything to me to win the Arkansas Derby,” said Horton, a native of Marshall, Ark., who next week turns 79. “And then win the Kentucky Derby? I’d say my goal would be fulfilled.”

Horton knows the first order of business comes Saturday with Long Range Toddy, who ranks 11th on the Kentucky Derby points leaderboard with 53 1/2. Horton’s objective in the business is to have top 3-year-olds like his Lemons Forever, who won the 1996 Kentucky Oaks.

Horton is active at auctions, and in 2011 went to $425,000 for a yearling son of Unbridled’s Song at Keeneland. The horse, who became champion Will Take Charge, gave Horton a Rebel win in 2013 at Oaklawn.

Will Take Charge and his success was the reason Horton chose to breed the since-sold mare Pleasant Song to Take Charge Indy, with the resulting foal Long Range Toddy. Horton noted Take Charge Indy is a half-brother to Will Take Charge, with both out of the champion racemare Take Charge Lady.

Long Range Toddy, who is based at Oaklawn with trainer Steve Asmussen, has won four of seven starts and earned $851,125. He’s won three stakes, the $100,000 Clever Trevor in November at Remington Park and then that track’s $400,000 Springboard Mile in December. Long Range Toddy proceeded to record his biggest win in the Rebel, closing for a neck win over Grade 1 winner Improbable and earning a career-high Beyer Speed Figure of 95.

“I thought Jon Court rode him perfect,” said Horton. “I thought he ran his race and when he finished he had plenty left, so we’re ready for the Arkansas Derby.

“His demeanor is real good. He relaxes himself. A jockey doesn’t have to take a hold of him to get him to relax, and whenever you ask him to go, he’s got a spurt. I think the longer the races, the better he’s going to be.”

Court will again be aboard Long Range Toddy on Saturday. Following the Rebel, they were met by a jubilant Horton and his wife, Glenda, as well as an enthusiastic crowd of family and friends in the infield winner’s circle at Oaklawn.

“The caliber of competition, the stage that it was here in Arkansas – with a homebred – it was a really cool experience,” said Asmussen. “The Hortons have a great amount of passion and respect for good horses. They’re a lovely couple who are a pleasure to work for and to watch them – how much they enjoy and respect their horses – is really special.”

Willis Horton said he’s “liable” to have about 40 people with him at the races Saturday, with the crowd to include close family friend Todd, an expert marksman and the inspiration for the name Long Range Toddy.

The target Saturday is clear: the Arkansas Derby.

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