Arkansas Derby: Ride On Curlin sharpens by going seven furlongs

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. - Ride On Curlin completed his major preparations for the Grade 1, $1 million Arkansas Derby on Sunday morning, when he breezed seven furlongs in 1:26.80 at Oaklawn Park. He will come into the 1 1/8-mile race off a third-place finish in the Grade 2 Rebel at Oaklawn. The Arkansas Derby closes out the Oaklawn meet Saturday.

[ROAD TO THE KENTUCKY DERBY: Prep races, point standings, replays]

Ride On Curlin worked in the second set after the renovation break Sunday, on an overcast, 48-degree morning. The track was sealed, and rated fast.

Ride On Curlin eased into his drill at the six-furlong pole and worked past the wire to the seven-eighths pole, under regular exercise rider Brian Beccia. Oaklawn head clocker Jim Hamilton carried Ride On Curlin through fractions of 13.20 seconds for the opening eighth of a mile; 26.20 for the first quarter; 38.80 for three furlongs; 51.40 for the half-mile; 1:03.40 for five furlongs; and 1:14.80 for six furlongs; He galloped out a mile in 1:40.80.

Jon Court has the mount on Ride On Curlin for trainer Billy Gowan. The horse, who last year was third in the Grade 1 Champagne at Belmont Park, races for Daniel Dougherty.

Others expected for the Arkansas Derby include Bayern, Commissioner, Conquest Titan, Strong Mandate, Tapiture, and Thundergram. Danza is being considered for the race, according to his trainer, Todd Pletcher.

Entries for the Arkansas Derby will be taken on Wednesday. There will be a ceremonial draw, beginning on the first floor of the grandstand at 12:30 p.m. Central. The proceedings are open to the public.