HOT SPRINGS, Ark. - Afleet Alex was made an early 2-1
favorite Wednesday for the $1 million Arkansas Derby at Oaklawn
Park.
When Rockport Harbor withdrew from the race to recover from a
blood clot, the dynamics of the race changed. Ten horses will go to
the gate in the 1 1/8-mile race.
"This was a different race a month ago," said Bob Holthus, the
trainer of Greater Good. "When Rockport Harbor dropped out, so
many horses are looking for graded stakes money that they felt it
was worth taking a shot."
Greater Good, a winner in five of seven starts, including this
year's Southwest Stakes and Rebel Stakes, was the second-favorite
at 5-2. The colt has won four times at distances of a mile or more.
Rockport Harbor, who finished second in the Rebel on March 19,
pulled out of the race because of blood clots that developed since
his recovery from leg and foot injuries. The Smarty Jones
stablemate will run at the Lexington Stakes on April 23, with the
target to be ready in time for the May 7 Kentucky Derby.
Afleet Alex fared poorly in the Rebel while fighting a lung
infection, finishing last after fighting Rockport Harbor until the
top of the stretch. He won the six-furlong Mountain Valley at
Oaklawn on March 5, but has yet to win at a mile or longer.
"If he can't win the Arkansas Derby, I don't think you'll see
him in three weeks (at the Kentucky Derby)," Holthus said.
Bill Callis brought Cat Shaker -- one of only 10 horses in his
stable -- to Oaklawn and paid the Arkansas Derby's $50,000 entry fee
at his son's suggestion after Rockport Harbor dropped out. With
Kentucky Derby entries determined by earnings in stakes races,
Callis will need a good showing to propel his horse to Churchill
Downs.
"People asked, 'Why would you spend $50,000 to do this?"' said
Callis, who spent only $2,300 for the horse. "I'm 65 years old,
and sometimes you get only one chance in life. This is everybody's
dream."
The Kentucky Derby field is limited to 20 starters. If more are
entered, the field will consist of the top 20 graded-stakes money
earners. The winner of the Arkansas Derby earns $600,000, with
$200,000 for second and $100,000 for third.
Greater Good, strong off the pace, will start from the outside,
next to Cat Shaker, in the No. 9 post. Batson Challenge, who
finished third in the Rebel and won a 1 1/16-mile allowance race in
a February, will start on the rail.
Trainer Todd Pletcher sent Flower Alley to Oaklawn after his
surprising victory in the Lane's End Stakes at Turfway Park three
weeks ago. In the mud, Flower Alley edged Wild Desert, who also is
set to run in the Arkansas Derby.
Wild Desert finished third to Greater Good and Rush Bay last
November in the Jockey Club Stakes on closing day at Churchill
Downs. Rush Bay, owned by Phoebe Ann Mueller of Fort Smith, is also
is in Saturday's race.
Andromeda's Hero, Canteen and Real Dandy are also entered.
Afleet Alex, Andromeda's Hero, Cat Shaker, Flower Alley and
Greater Good will carry top weight of 122 pounds. Batson Challenge,
Canteen, Real Dandy, Rush Bay and Wild Desert will carry 118.
Afleet Alex will start from the No. 6 post position. Andromeda's
Hero will start in the No. 2 slot, then Canteen, Rush Bay, Flower
Alley and, outside of Afleet Alex, are Wild Desert in the No. 7
post and Real Dandy next to him.