Romans thinks Unbridled Outlaw can steal Arkansas Derby

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – Trainer Dale Romans threw some fighting words into the Arkansas Derby mix on Monday when he confirmed the front-running Unbridled Outlaw for the Grade 1, $1 million race Saturday at Oaklawn Park.

“Cupid’s arrow will not be able to reach him,” said Romans.

Cupid is the probable favorite for the Arkansas Derby following his win in last month’s Grade 2, $900,000 Rebel at Oaklawn. The field for Saturday’s race is projected to have 11 or 12 starters, according to Oaklawn racing secretary Pat Pope. Entries will be taken Wednesday, with a ceremonial draw to be held on the first floor of the grandstand starting at noon Central.

Dazzling Gem, the third-place finisher in the Louisiana Derby, will enter and is to be ridden by Joe Talamo, trainer Brad Cox said Sunday. Other candidates for the Arkansas Derby include Whitmore, Suddenbreakingnews, Discreetness, Gettysburg, Gray Sky, Luna de Loco, Creator, and American Pioneer. Luna de Loco is to be ridden by Joe Bravo, trainer Steve Asmussen said Sunday. Creator breezed on Monday for the 1 1/8-mile race, going a half-mile in 50.40 seconds.

Unbridled Outlaw was to fly in from Gulfstream Park on Tuesday, said Romans. The horse was third in last year’s Grade 3 Iroquois at Churchill Downs, then pressed the pace in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile before finishing nine lengths behind the winner, Nyquist. Unbridled Outlaw has made one start since, finishing second in an optional-claiming allowance on the Rebel Stakes card March 19 at Oaklawn.

“It was a good race,” Romans said. “It was 3 and up. I’d rather not done that, but it was timing, and we got a trip over the track. It was a good race. He’s ready for the big boys.”

Romans said Corey Lanerie has the mount Saturday.

The Arkansas Derby will dole out Kentucky Derby eligibility points to its first four finishers on a sliding scale of 100-40-20-10. It is the final 170-point race for the May 7 classic at Churchill Downs.

Oaklawn has scheduled the Arkansas Derby as the 11th of 12 races at 6:18 p.m.