Calhoun could have a couple favorites on Arkansas Derby undercard

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Trainer Bret Calhoun could have the favorites in two of the three undercard stakes supporting the Arkansas Derby. He said Promise Me Silver, who is undefeated in six starts, is being pointed for the $100,000 Instant Racing for 3-year-old fillies at six furlongs. She will be seeking her sixth career stakes win.

Supermason, a 14-length winner of a seven-furlong division of the Texas Stallion Stakes in February at Sam Houston, is targeting the $100,000 Northern Spur for 3-year-olds at a mile, according to Calhoun. Supermason will bring a last-race Beyer Speed Figure of 91 into the Northern Spur following his Feb. 14 romp at Sam Houston.

◗ The Arkansas Racing Commission on Saturday granted Oaklawn’s request for a 57-date meet in 2016. The season will open Jan. 15 and run through April 16.

◗ Bourbon Warfare, a promising filly by Colonel John, will take on a more experienced Flattering Touch in the eighth race Thursday at Oaklawn. The optional $20,000 claiming route for fillies and mares will be run over 1 1/16 miles. Bourbon Warfare has run third at this level in each of her last two starts, while Flattering Touch is seeking her third straight win.

◗ Fantasy Stakes nominee Super Saks breezed five furlongs in company in 58.20 seconds Monday. Oaklawn clocker Ronnie Morse had her final quarter in 23.80 seconds and had her galloping out six furlongs in 1:11.60.

◗ Gentlemen’s Bet, the winner of the $100,000 Hot Springs on March 7 at Oaklawn with a Beyer of 108, emerged from a recent work in good order and remains on deck for the Grade 3, $300,000 Count Fleet Sprint Handicap on April 9, said trainer Ron Moquett.

◗ Champion Work All Week had his second work since winning the Breeders’ Cup Sprint, going a half-mile in a bullet 47.80 seconds on Tuesday at Oaklawn.

◗ Hillbilly Style, a sharp maiden special weight route winner for Willis Horton, is a candidate for the Northern Spur, trainer D. Wayne Lukas said Monday.