Oaklawn Park: Devil and a Half holds off challenge in Arkansas Breeders

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Devil and a Half held off the late charge of The Mallard Man for a one-length win Sunday in the $60,000 Arkansas Breeders at Oaklawn Park. The Mallard Man finished 1 1/2 lengths clear of third-place finisher Doin Big Badness.

The 1 1/16-mile race was for 3-year-olds and up bred in Arkansas.

Devil and a Half ($4.80) settled in fourth along the rail as Destinare and Ran the Man dueled through an opening quarter in 23.55 seconds. The leaders continued through a half-mile in 47.10, joined for a while by Our Brother Steve. Devil and a Half, meanwhile, began his bid into the final turn, came three wide into the stretch, and overtook the leaders to cover the distance on a fast track in 1:45.59.

Carlos Marquez Jr. rode the winner for owner-breeder Millsap Stable and trainer Steve Hobby. Last year, Devil and a Half finished second in the Arkansas Breeders won by The Mallard Man.