Post 11 fine for Smarty

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. - The undefeated Smarty Jones drew the outside post in a field of 11 for the Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn Park, to be run Saturday. Entries for the Grade 2, 1 1/8-mile race were taken Wednesday.

Smarty Jones has won all five of his career starts, and with his win last out in the $200,000 Rebel Stakes became the lone 3-year-old eligible to win a $5 million bonus from Oaklawn. Smarty Jones will win the bonus if he goes on to capture the Arkansas Derby and the Kentucky Derby.

John Servis, who trains Smarty Jones for Someday Farm, said the wide draw was acceptable for the Smarty Jones, who galloped 1 1/2 miles on Wednesday.

"The post is fine," said Servis. "I don't have a problem with the post at all. We've got a nice long run to the first turn, and he's certainly got enough tactical speed. I'd rather be there, than in the first three or four" positions.

The complete Arkansas Derby field from the rail with riders: Borrego, Victor Espinoza; Mambo Train, Emile Ramsammy; Shadowland, Pat Day; Every Advantage, Calvin Borel; Purge, Cornelio Velasquez; Tricky Taboo, Tony D'Amico; Mr. Jester, Roman Chapa; Hasslefree, Tim Doocy; Harvard Avenue, Jon Court; Pro Prado, John McKee; and Smarty Jones, Stewart Elliott.

Purge will race with blinkers off.

The Arkansas Derby is the final leg of a national pick three linking the Wood Memorial at Aqueduct and the Blue Grass at Keeneland. The Arkansas Derby will be televised on NBC.

Charles Cella, president of Oaklawn, increased the purse of the Arkansas Derby from $500,000 to $1 million this year in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the track.

The forecast for Saturday is possible showers and highs in the low 60's.

Tiger Hunt in Northern Spur

Tiger Hunt was one of six horses entered in the $75,000 Northern Spur Breeders' Cup, also for 3-year-olds, on Saturday. The one-mile race also drew Foxtrot Oscar, who was originally expected to go in the Arkansas Derby.

Tiger Hunt has not raced since finishing fourth in the Breeders' Cup last October. Pat Day will ride the horse on Saturday. Others in the race include Proper Prado and Two Down Automatic, who was second to Smarty Jones in the $100,000 Southwest Stakes.

Arkansas Derby, Sat. April 10

Grade 2, $1,000,000
Oaklawn Park, 1 1/8 miles