Chasing Time confirmed for Arkansas Derby; Lezcano has mount

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Chasing Time has punched his ticket to the Arkansas Derby.

He worked five furlongs in a bullet 1:00 on Monday at Oaklawn Park and on Tuesday trainer Steve Asmussen said the horse is being pointed for the Grade 1, $1.25 million race on April 2.

Chasing Time was a more than seven-length allowance winner in his two-turn debut Jan. 14 at Oaklawn. He returned to run a close fifth in the Grade 2, $1 million Rebel on Feb. 26.

“He worked very well yesterday and came out of it in great shape,” Asmussen said. “We need him to step forward, but feel he’s capable of doing so.”

Asmussen said Jose Lezcano has the mount in the Arkansas Derby.

Entries for the Kentucky Derby points race – and four other stakes on the same card – will be taken Sunday. The races include the Grade 3, $600,000 Fantasy, which is a points race for the Kentucky Oaks, and the Grade 3, $400,000 Oaklawn Mile.

Asmussen trains Chasing Time for MyRacehorse.

:: KENTUCKY DERBY 2022: Derby Watch, point standings, prep schedule, news, and more

Secret Oath, a filly who has won two stakes at the meet, is scheduled to work Friday for the Arkansas Derby, trainer D. Wayne Lukas said Tuesday.

“If the weather breaks and everything looks good, we’ll go Friday,” he said.

Lukas said Luis Contreras has the mount in the Arkansas Derby.

Auction includes Secret Oath painting

A painting of Secret Oath will be among a dozen items offered during a live auction at the Oaklawn Chaplaincy Benefit Bash on Friday night at the Event Center at Oaklawn.

Chaplain Robi Heffington said the painting is by Renee Torbit. Heffington said the fundraiser will feature upscale dining stations, live music from Jacob Flores, and other activities. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $50.

Other items at the auction include a Havapoo puppy; a Secretariat print signed by Ron Turcotte and artist Fred Stone; a quilt made of saddle towels; a one-night hotel stay at Oaklawn’s new resort that includes dinner for two at The Bugler; and tickets to a concert by Garth Brooks.

A silent auction will feature more than 70 items, including racing memorabilia. It can be accessed online at arkansasracetrackchaplaincy.com.