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A Loaded Weekend of Racing Action Leading Up to Kentucky Derby
Plenty of action this weekend, and it starts late Friday night in Hot Springs, Arkansas with the Fantasy Stakes, a Grade 2, million dollar race for fillies looking to earn a spot in the Kentucky Oaks on the first Friday in May. We will be covering all the Kentucky Derby prep races this weekend and breaking down the Late Pick 5 at Gulfstream Park. Be sure to tune in Friday at 3 PM for our Happy Hour Show, and don’t miss Saturday at 12:30 when we dig deeper into the races after scratches and changes.
Friday, March 27 at Oaklawn Park: The Fantasy Stakes
Race 11 — 6:54 EST | Grade 2 Fantasy Stakes | 1 1/16 Miles Dirt | $1 Million
The scratch of heavy favorite #6 Explora at 1-1 opens this race up significantly. We turn to #1 Search Party at 6-1, who inherits the BRISnet.com top Prime Power rating in a very evenly matched field.
The rail draw provides an advantage, and jockey Cristian Torres should secure a strong tracking trip. This filly looks primed to punch her ticket to the first Friday in May.
Saturday, March 28 at Oaklawn Park: The Arkansas Derby
Race 13 — 7:48 EST | Grade 1 Arkansas Derby | 1 1/8 Miles Dirt | $1.5 Million
Another strong edition of the Arkansas Derby is set, though the absence of #7 Napoleon Solo changes the complexion of the race.
We are focused on #9 Litmus Test at 5-1, who benefits from an outside post and should get a clean look at the race flow. Jockey Francisco Arrieta will have options.
Keep an eye on #1 Redland Rebels at 15-1. Trainer Patrick Biancone opted for this spot, and with the scratch of Solo, this runner could control the pace longer than expected.
Gulfstream Park Late Pick 5 Breakdown
Race 10 — 4:06 EST | Sanibel Island Stakes | 7 1/2 Furlongs Turf | $175K
The Pick 5 begins with a race that sets up well for a closer. #6 Connect the Stars at 15-1, trained by Mark Casse, fits the profile and offers value.
Do not ignore #8 Laigina at 8-1, with Flavien Prat aboard and holding the top Prime Power rating.
Race 11 — 4:40 EST | The Army Mule | 7 Furlongs Dirt | $175K
This race calls for spreading, as the field is tightly grouped. #4 Concrete Glory at 8-1 and #9 Macho Music at 3-1 both bring speed.
#3 Scotland at 9-2 is also a strong contender, combining jockey Junior Alvarado and trainer William Mott, a pairing that always demands respect.
Race 12 — 5:15 EST | Sand Springs Stakes | 1 1/16 Miles Turf | $175K
#10 Candy Quest at 7-2 stands out as the class of the field. Coming off five straight graded stakes appearances, she looks well positioned here for trainer Mark Casse.
Race 13 — 5:58 EST | Pan American Stakes | 1 1/2 Miles Turf | Grade 3 | $225K
Favorites #6 Dashman and #7 Far Bridge will draw attention, but this race has upset potential.
Look to #1 Corruption at 7-2, with John Velazquez aboard, to control the pace. #8 Echo Lane at 8-1 is an intriguing longshot with jockey Edwin Gonzalez.
Race 14 — 6:42 EST | Florida Derby | 1 1/8 Miles Dirt | Grade 1 | $1 Million
The Florida Derby headlines the card, and #6 Nearly at 3-1 is the focus.
Fresh off a 57 day break since winning the Holy Bull, this runner has been a top Derby prospect. With John Velazquez in the saddle, expect a strong trip and a serious push toward the first Saturday in May.
