Arkansas Derby: Thundergram adding blinkers, works sharply

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Thundergram will add blinkers for the Grade 1, $1 million Arkansas Derby after turning in an impressive work in the equipment Saturday at Oaklawn Park. He was one of several horses tuning up for the $3.3 million Racing Festival of the South, which features nine stakes over the final week of the meet. The series closes with the Arkansas Derby on April 12.

Oaklawn’s track was rated “fast” for works Saturday on a clear, 45-degree morning.

Thundergram worked in the first set and covered five furlongs in 1:00.40, with a final quarter-mile in a sparkling 22.20 seconds, according to the clocking staff at Oaklawn. Jockey Norberto Arroyo Jr. was aboard and will have the mount in the Arkansas Derby, said trainer Mark Casse.

“Norberto said he worked as good as a horse can work,” Casse said. “All systems go.”

Oaklawn clockers caught Thundergram in fractions of 12.80 seconds for the opening furlong, 25.60 for the first quarter, and 38.20 for three furlongs. He galloped out six furlongs in 1:13.60.

Following the work, Casse said Thundergram would race in blinkers in the Arkansas Derby.

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Thundergram, who races for John Oxley, has made two starts at Oaklawn, winning a maiden special weight race at 1 1/16 miles on Jan. 10, then finishing second by a head in a first-level allowance at the same distance March 16.

Casse also is pointing Swynford Stakes winner Conquest Titan for the Arkansas Derby. The horse, who in his last start was fourth in the Grade 2 Tampa Bay Derby, is scheduled to have his final breeze for the race Monday at Churchill Downs, Casse said. Calvin Borel has the mount for Conquest Stable.