Arkansas Derby's top three moving on to Kentucky Derby

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Creator, Suddenbreakingnews, and Whitmore, the first three finishers in the Arkansas Derby here at Oaklawn Park on Saturday, all emerged from the race in good order and, with sufficient points for all safely tucked away, will take up three of the 20 spots in the Kentucky Derby field at Churchill Downs on May 7.

Creator got a Beyer Speed Figure of 96 for his victory in the Arkansas Derby. He was one of three sons of Tapit in the race – the others being Cupid and Gray Sky – but while the other two grew anxious in the minutes before the race, Creator composed himself well, and trainer Steve Asmussen said that was due to the on-site care of his assistant, Darren Fleming.

“Darren has done a wonderful job with him,” Asmussen said. “He brought him over for schooling. It showed. He was focused, very confident.”

Fleming was based all winter and spring at Oaklawn, which closed Saturday. Prior to arriving here, Creator had spent the winter at Fair Grounds, where Scott Blasi is Asmussen’s assistant.

“Very proud of the whole team,” Asmussen said Sunday.

Creator flew to Kentucky on Sunday and went directly to Churchill Downs.

Suddenbreakingnews is scheduled to be sent by van to Churchill Downs on Tuesday, his trainer, Donnie Von Hemel, said at his Oaklawn barn Sunday morning.

“He’s good,” Von Hemel said. “He ran a good race. He was a little late to get going, but he made a good run.

“The mile and a quarter,” Von Hemel said, referring to the Derby distance, “is certainly something he can do.”

Whitmore, who finished third, is scheduled to fly to Kentucky on Monday. His trainer, Ron Moquett, said Whitmore likely would go to Kesmarc – an equine rehab facility in Lexington, Ky. – “to receive oxygen,” Moquett said, in a hyperbaric chamber before heading over to Churchill Downs on Wednesday.

Those who use hyperbaric chambers believe it helps a horse recover faster. All the Arkansas Derby horses will be running back in the Kentucky Derby in 21 days.