BAFFERT HOLDS STRONG HAND IN ARKANSAS DERBY

BAFFERT HOLDS STRONG HAND IN ARKANSAS DERBY

A strong group of three-year-old Derby hopefuls will put in their final piece of work this Saturday in the $1 million Arkansas Derby (G1) at Oaklawn Park. Secret Circle has won the two local preps for this, the Rebel S. (G2) and Southwest S. (G3), and should be very tough to cope with if he improves like expected for trainer Bob Baffert.
Bodemeister has reportedly been training up a storm and gives Baffert a strong one-two punch in this event. The late-blooming sophomore was super impressive in a maiden win two back, and exits a game second in the San Felipe S. (G2). Optimizer was a closing second in the Rebel and looks to be the main Derby hopeful for D. Wayne Lukas. Rebel fourth Jake Mo, Tampa Bay Derby (G2) third Cozzetti, Sunland Derby (G3) runner-up Isn't He Clever, Gulfstream allowance hero Stat, Spiral S. (G3) third and fourth, Heavy Breathing and Handsome Mike, as well as Grade 3 victor Sabercat, are also likely for this lucrative event.
Also on the closing-day undercard is the $400,000 Oaklawn H. (G2), $250,000 Count Fleet Sprint H. (G3) and the $100,000 Northern Spur S.
Friday will play host to the $500,000 Apple Blossom S. (G1) for fillies and mares. This race lost two big names in Havre de Grace and It's Tricky this past week, but still lures reigning Kentucky Oaks (G1) victress Plum Pretty. The Bob Baffert-trained daughter of Medaglia d'Oro has not raced since finishing fifth in the Breeders' Cup Ladies' Classic (G1), but has trained swiftly and looms as the one to catch in here.
Recent Azeri (G3) winner Tiz Miz Sue, She's All In, who was second in the Azeri and Absinthe Minded, fourth in that same event, are also expected back for this run.