Mary Rampellini's top 3-year-olds at Oaklawn Park on April 8
AMERICAN PHAROAH, last year’s champion 2-year-old, could meet seven others in the Grade 1, $1 million Arkansas Derby. He will be a strong favorite off his dominant win in the track’s Grade 2, $750,000 Rebel. Trainer Bob Baffert said American Pharoah is scheduled to fly to town Wednesday.
Top 3-year-old males
Trainer: Bob Baffert
Pedigree: Pioneerof the Nile-Littleprincessemma, by Yankee Gentleman
Last race: 1st in Rebel on March 14 at Oaklawn
Last Beyer/Best Beyer: 100/101
Target race: Arkansas Derby on April 11 at Oaklawn
Comment: The favorite in the latest Kentucky Derby Future Wager pool, he started his 3-year-old season in the Rebel and rolled by more than six lengths. One of his weapons on full display was his efficient stride, as he motored on the front end in his first out since September. Since the start he’s thrived, according to Baffert. “That race, he came out of it really well,” the trainer said. “He’s doing very well.”
:: ROAD TO THE KENTUCKY DERBY: Prep races, point standings, replays
Trainer: Ron Moquett
Pedigree: Notional-Zindi, by Vindication
Last race: 1st in Southwest on Feb. 22 at Oaklawn
Last Beyer/Best Beyer: 91/91
Target race: Arkansas Derby on April 11 at Oaklawn
Comment: His fitness level was on display in his final breeze for the Arkansas Derby, which will be his first race since capturing the Southwest. He went a half-mile in 48.80 seconds last Saturday and galloped out five-eighths in 1:00.80. Far Right continued on strongly down the backside and back to the half-mile pole, where he was picked up by his pony.
Trainer: Todd Pletcher
Pedigree: Lookin At Lucky-Home From Oz, Pulpit
Last race: 2nd in Rebel on March 14 at Oaklawn
Last Beyer/Best Beyer: 89/89
Target race: Arkansas Derby on April 11 at Oaklawn
Comment: He was scheduled to fly into Arkansas from his South Florida base Tuesday for the Arkansas Derby, according to Pletcher. The trainer said John Velazquez has the mount on Saturday. Madefromlucky is proven at the mile and an eighth distance of the Arkansas Derby by virtue of a first-level allowance win at Gulfstream one start prior to his runner-up finish to American Pharoah in the Rebel.
Trainer: Steve Asmussen
Pedigree: Curlin-One for Jim, Distorted Humor
Last race: 3rd in Rebel on March 14 at Oaklawn
Last Beyer/Best Beyer: 85/85
Target race: Arkansas Derby on April 11 at Oaklawn
Comment: He appears to be thriving heading into the Arkansas Derby. In his final prep, he breezed a half-mile in 48.60 seconds Monday. Oaklawn head clocker Jim Hamilton had Bold Conquest's opening eighth of a mile in 12.20 seconds, his first quarter in 24.60 seconds and his final quarter in 24 seconds. Hamilton had the horse galloping out five furlongs in 1:01.80. Ricardo Santana Jr. has the mount, said Asmussen.
Trainer: D. Wayne Lukas
Pedigree: Malibu Moon-Stormy Bear, by Storm Cat
Last race: 3rd in Southwest on Feb. 22 at Oaklawn
Last Beyer/Best Beyer: 90/91
Target race: Possibly Arkansas Derby on April 11 at Oaklawn
Comment: He prepared for a possible start in the Arkansas Derby with a half-mile breeze Monday. Lukas said the horse’s status is still being discussed with Zayat Stables. Mr. Z removed blinkers for his last start, but worked in the equipment when breezing in 48.20 seconds. He went in company, situated outside of his mate and finishing a half-length best at the wire. Lukas said Ramon Vazquez worked the horse and would have the mount if he goes in the Arkansas Derby.
Honorable mention: Bridget’s Big Luvy, The Truth Or Else, I Spent It, Hillbilly Royalty, Phenomenal Phoenix, Holiday Man, Conquest Curlinate, Poseidon’s Way, Instant Replay
:: DERBY WATCH: Top 20 from Jay Privman and Mike Watchmaker
Top 3-year-old fillies
1. TAKE CHARGE BRANDI
Trainer: D. Wayne Lukas
Pedigree: Giant’s Causeway-Charming, Seeking the Gold
Last race: 1st in Martha Washington on Jan. 31 at Oaklawn
Last Beyer/Best Beyer: 77/87
Target race: Unknown
Comment: She had been rehabbing from a non-displaced bone chip in her right knee at Oaklawn, but has now been shipped to Churchill Downs, said Lukas. He said she remains on target to resume training May 15.
2. INCLUDE BETTY
Trainer: Tom Proctor
Pedigree: Include-Betty’s Solutions, Eltish
Last race: 1st in Fantasy on April 4 at Oaklawn
Last Beyer/Best Beyer: 89/89
Target race: Kentucky Oaks on May 1 at Churchill Downs
Comment: She has been moved to Keeneland, where she will prepare for the Oaks, according to her co-owner Brereton C. Jones. Include Betty put in a powerful, sustained run to win the Fantasy.
3. SARAH SIS
Trainer: Ingrid Mason
Pedigree: Sharp Humor-Emerald Gal, Gilded Time
Last race: 5th in Fantasy on April 4 at Oaklawn
Last Beyer/Best Beyer: 81/82
Target race: Possible for Kentucky Oaks on May 1 at Churchill Downs
Comment: She won the Fantasy prep in March when she captured the Grade 3, $150,000 Honeybee by a clear margin. She defeated Oceanwave, who came back and fired a big race in the Fantasy, missing by a neck while earning a career high Beyer Speed Figure of 89.
Honorable mention: Oceanwave, Pangburn, Promise Me Silver, Indian Annie, Treasure Box, Purr, Super Saks, Bootsy’s Girl