Super Stock, Caddo River, Keepmeinmind target Arkansas Derby

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – The Grade 1, $1 million Arkansas Derby next month at Oaklawn Park has picked up a trio of new probables in Super Stock, Caddo River, and Keepmeinmind.

The horses finished a respective fourth through sixth in the Rebel Stakes last Saturday at Oaklawn. The 1 1/16-mile Rebel serves as the final stepping-stone to the Arkansas Derby. The 1 1/8-mile fixture is set for April 10.

Super Stock was making his first start since October in the Rebel, and he rallied from next-to-last for fourth behind winner Concert Tour. Super Stock earned a career-high Beyer Speed Figure of 83 – and five points for the Kentucky Derby.

“He came out of the race perfect,” trainer Steve Asmussen said. “He’ll probably run back in the [Arkansas] Derby. He needed the race. He continued on nicely – looks like a mile and an eighth won’t get in his way.”

:: KENTUCKY DERBY 2021: Derby Watch, point standings, prep schedule, news, and more

Super Stock was a stakes winner last year at Lone Star Park and proceeded to run third in both the Grade 3 Iroquois in September at Churchill Downs and the Grade 1 Breeders’ Futurity in October at Keeneland. The latter race was won by eventual champion Essential Quality.

Super Stock is a son of Dialed In who races for Asmussen’s father, Keith, and Erv Woolsey. The horse has a total of nine points for the Kentucky Derby.

Caddo River, the Rebel favorite who finished fifth after pushing the pace set by Concert Tour, is now a candidate for the Arkansas Derby, trainer Brad Cox said on a National Thoroughbred Racing Association teleconference on Tuesday. Caddo River has 10 points for the Kentucky Derby by virtue of his win in the $150,000 Smarty Jones at Oaklawn.

Keepmeinmind, who closed for sixth in the Rebel, will likely make his next start in the Arkansas Derby, trainer Robertino Diodoro said Wednesday. The horse is based at Oaklawn. Keepmeinmind also remains under consideration for the Blue Grass at Keeneland, where last year he was second in the Breeders’ Futurity and third in the Breeders’ Cup Juvenile.

:: Bet horse racing on DRF Bets. Double Your First Deposit Up to $250. Join Now.

“We’re leaning toward the Arkansas Derby,” Diodoro said. “We’ll take it one day at a time. I think that’s the plan. Things could change, to the Blue Grass, but right now we’re leaning toward the Arkansas Derby.”

The Rebel was Keepmeinmind’s first start of the year, following his win in the Grade 2 Kentucky Jockey Club Stakes in November at Churchill. He ranks 14th on the Kentucky Derby leaderboard list with 18 points. The Arkansas Derby will reward its first four finishers with points on a scale of 100-40-20-10.

– additional reporting by Jay Privman