The Factor completes work for Arkansas Derby

ARCADIA, Calif. – The Factor, who will be favored in the Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park on Saturday, worked six furlongs in 1:12.20 at Santa Anita on Sunday, his final major exercise before the key Kentucky Derby prep.

The Factor worked alone under jockey Martin Garcia and galloped out a mile in 1:38.20, according to trainer Bob Baffert.

“He needed it,” Baffert said. “We got a good work into him. That’s all that he needs.”

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The Factor has won 3 of 4 starts, two stakes, and has earned $304,680. He set a six-furlong track record of 1:06.98 at Santa Anita in his second career start against maidens on Dec. 26, won the Grade 2 San Vicente Stakes over seven furlongs at Santa Anita on Feb. 20, and won his first start around two turns in the Grade 2 Rebel Stakes over 1 1/16 miles at Oaklawn Park by 6 1/4 lengths on March 19.

Garcia has ridden The Factor in his last two starts. The Arkansas Derby will be The Factor’s first start at 1 1/8 miles.

“The main thing was to make the horse relax,” Garcia said of the workout. “That’s what happened. He’s very fast. If he’s in rhythm, he’s okay.”